Though walking and running involve similar movement patterns, they place different demands on the body and, therefore, on your shoes. Well-designed women’s walking shoes offer the proper amount of support and flexibility, and setting aside a dedicated pair of walking shoes keeps you from putting unnecessary miles on your running shoes. Don’t forget to change out your walking shoes every 300-400 miles or when they become visibly worn, whichever comes first!

Women's walking shoes have to cover a lot of ground—literally and when it comes to features. First and foremost, they need to keep you comfortable. But they must also support you throughout your entire movement cycle, allowing you to walk efficiently and with proper form. So how do you know if you’ve found the right walking shoes for you? Try ’em on! Wear the socks you plan to wear out walking, and be sure to try on both shoes. Your feet should feel secure in the shoes, but your toes should have plenty of breathing room. Your feet swell when you exercise, and neglecting to leave a little extra room can result in painful blisters later on. Don’t be afraid to walk around the store a bit to see if the shoes rub, slide, or generally don’t feel “right” on your feet. Do your heels stay put? Do the shoes provide adequate arch support? Do the shoes flex with your feet?

When shopping for women's walking shoes, it’s crucial to understand how foot size, shape, and gait factor into getting a proper fit. Before buying your next pair of walking shoes, figure out if you have a low, neutral, or high arch, which will help you determine your gait pattern: overpronation, neutral pronation, or underpronation. The more you know about your feet, the better equipped you’ll be to keep them happy and healthy with the perfect pair of walking shoes!

Choosing the right walking shoe for your foot doesn’t have to be stressful; once you know your arch height, it’s simple to determine the right shoe for you. If you have a high arch, look for a walking shoe with a curved sole and lots of cushioning. For a neutral arch, you can opt for a straight or semi-curved sole. And for a low arch, choose motion-control shoes with a straight sole.

Don’t settle for an ill-fitting walking shoe or try to force the next size up or down to work for your foot’s unique shape or width. We have a huge selection of the best women's walking shoes from top brands like Superfeet, Merrell, New Balance, Brooks, Reebok, Altra, and more! We also carry wide women's walking shoes and narrow women's walking shoes—all in a variety of hard-to-find sizes that will put some pep in your step.