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Best Walking Shoes for Women, Plus the Features You’ll Want That’ll Make Your Feet Extra Comfortable
Expert-approved and customer-loved walking shoes for older women!
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Summer is finally here! With the longer days and warmer weather, Zappos is encouraging folks to step outside. Doesn’t matter if you’re out for a run or just laying out in the sun, it’s all about getting some movement and Vitamin D. But another easy way to get outside is to go for a walk. All you need are the best pair of walking shoes for women!
While most people think that you have to do strenuous exercise to be healthy, walking has tremendous health benefits and is perfect for all fitness levels. It’s low impact, strengthens the heart, lowers blood sugar, promotes mobility and much more! Below, find out what to look for when it comes to the most comfortable walking shoes, plus the walking sneakers Jewels Busenberg, Senior Running/Cycling Footwear Buyer, recommends for women over 50!
How to shop for the best walking shoes
As you look to start walking, there are a few things to consider when shopping for the perfect shoe. Usually, the best walking shoe will have a wider base to provide extra stability and support. Busenberg recommends having a half an inch to an inch in the toe box and your heel shouldn’t slip.
Running shoes tend to have a stiffer sole and more cushion to help absorb impact. But a key difference is that walking doesn’t exert as much pressure, so you can get away with less cushion.
Most people can walk in either performance or casual shoes. But if you’re walking for exercise, Busenberg suggests investing in a performance shoe. The more time you spend on your feet, there’s a possibility that swelling or blisters will occur. If you plan to be on your feet all day, consider something lightweight, breathable and well-cushioned.
Additionally, if you’re looking for maximum comfort, it’s important that you get a proper “try-on feel.” This is the sensation you feel when you put your foot in the shoe for the first time and feel immediate comfort. Usually, shoes with a wide stable base, breathability and plush cushioning are key to achieving that “try-on feeling.”
Finally, the last thing to consider is if the shoe offers enough support for your foot. If you plan on walking for more than 30 minutes, you will want to be sure your arch is supported to avoid injury. Something you’ll need to determine is the height of your arch. Do you have low, normal or high arches? From there, you can decide if you need a shoe with more stability or something more neutral.
Those are just a few features you should consider when shopping for a shoe. But what most people forget is that they should also consider the surface they’re walking on. Say you’re walking through wet or muddy terrain. Busenberg says you might want to invest in a waterproof shoe.
Or maybe you’re walking on trails or packed gravel? If so, she suggests leaning toward a trail shoe to help make sure you have enough traction for your stroll. Her choice? The On Cloud Horizon (Zappos, $170). "It's s a perfect shoe for this type of terrain," Busenberg adds. "It’s built for maximum comfort, has a good grip on moderate terrains, and it’s cute!"
Shop the best walking shoes for women
With all that in mind, here are five of the most purchased shoes on Zappos best-suited for walking. Busenberg shighly recommeds these shoes, as they offer enhanced cushioning, and different colorways and are built to endure countless miles.
Hoka Walking Shoes for Women : Hoka Transport
On Walking Shoes for Women : On Cloudtilt
ASICS Walking Shoes for Women : ASICS GEL-Cumulus 26
Brooks Walking Shoes for Women : Brooks Ghost 16
Saucony Walking Shoes for Women : Saucony Integrity Walker 3
Hoka Transport
Hoka Walking Shoes for Women
"Fitting true to size, the Hoka Transport is an excellent choice for walking," says Busenberg. "Available in multiple sizes, they come in 6 different colorways including Eggnog/Eggnog [pictured], Harbor Mist/Lime Glow, Real Teal/Dusk, Raisin/Wistful Mauve and more."
Customers love them, too! "I had total knee replacements in both knees and have spent a small fortune on shoes, HOKA is the best! Seriously if I wear any other shoe including big name brands my knees hurt! I wear Hoka and no pain!!!! I mean it's my miracle!! Will never buy another brand! Got 2 of my daughters to buy and they are amazed!"
On Cloudtilt
On Walking Shoes for Women
"The On Cloudtilt is another great choice," Busenberg says. "They come in three colorways: Black/Ivory [pictured], Lime/Ivory, Quartz/Pearl. The shoe fits true to size for most, but if you have wider feet or are between sizes consider sizing up ½ a size. In addition to being a great walking shoe, I highly recommend it for traveling. It’s extremely lightweight and easy to pack. It’s also a versatile shoe to pair with any outfit."
Customers love them, too! "This is such a comfortable shoe. I have narrow feet and they are just perfect in my usual size of 8. They are simple to slip on with the elastic laces. I love them like my On Cloud 5. Same size just a little more cushioning. The toe box was perfect for me just like all the other On shoes I own."
ASICS GEL-Cumulus 26
ASICS Walking Shoes for Women
"The Asics Cumulus 26s are great for those looking for a good running shoe in various colors," Busenberg explains with an important sizing tip: "Coming in seven different colorways, this is another shoe that you’ll want to consider a ½ size up if you have wide feet or are between sizes."
Customers love them, too! "These shoes are very comfortable and cushy. They are my 4th pair of Asics and the best yet. At 66 years old I am still energetic and going strong so I need all the support and help I can get...love these shoes!"
Brooks Ghost 16
Brooks Walking Shoes for Women
Busenberg has another great walking shoe available on Zappos.com is the Brooks Ghost 16. "Available in 6 different colorways including an all-black option, the Brooks Ghost fits true to size and comes in multiple widths," she adds.
Customers love them, too! "I have short wide feet and struggle to find good comfortable shoes that fit me well. I had switched to brooks several years ago and continue to purchase them. I have been using ghosts for the last several series. I have used both the 2E and 4E. The 4E are bulky but they fit great. This new version is boxier than prior but that does not bother me. Good running and casual day wear shoes. Would definitely recommend and purchase again."
Saucony Integrity Walker 3
Saucony Walking Shoes for Women
"The Saucony Integrity Walker 3 is a great budget-friendly option," Busenberg starts. The sneakers pictured are marked down to $83 right now! "Available in White [pictured], Grey and Black, the Saucony has various width options including narrow, medium, wide and extra-wide."
Customers love them, too! ""
Styling comfortable walking shoes
Wondering how to style these comfortable walking shoe options? Busenberg has some tips for that as well!
"Any of these shoes can be worn in a more athletic or casual look," she starts. "I’ve seen a lot of people sporting running shoes for casual, lifestyle dressing. So if you’re planning to rock any of these shoes with a pair of jeans, consider yourself a trendsetter!"
Want even more expert shoe picks? Keep reading!
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