I walk over 20,000 steps daily and these are my top three choices of women's walking trainers in 2026

As a fitness writer with nearly 20 years of experience covering running shoes and fitness gear, I’ve tested more trainers than I can count. And when I say I tested more trainers than I can count, I really mean it. It’s actually become a running joke on the school run that I turn up in a different pair every day, and it’s usually a case of the brighter, the better.

The thing is, I’ll run in my best women's running shoes most mornings. I then shower, get changed, and put on another pair of trainers to go about my day. I do my daily chores in them, head out for a lunchtime walk to reset my posture after a morning at my desk, and then often drag the kids out for a post-dinner stroll too.

It’s one of the best ways to catch up after a long day, and walking after dinner has also been shown to support digestion. Quite rightly, walking is the new trend, but you need the right shoes to support your steps. You shouldn’t just pace the pavement in anything.

Comfort, support and durability matter, and so does how they feel after hours on your feet. With that in mind, here are my top three women’s walking trainers: some bright, some more low-key, but all equally super comfy and very much glued to my feet.

Best cushioning

Nike Vomero Premium

These are some of the most fun trainers I’ve worn in a long time. Bright, bold and seriously comfortable, the Nike Vomero Premium delivers cloud-soft cushioning with plenty of bounce underfoot. They’re built for running, but in my opinion, they’re better suited to walking – especially power walks, where comfort and energy return make all the difference.

The full-length ZoomX foam gives a springy, responsive feel, while the dual Air Zoom units add stability and long-lasting comfort for all-day wear.

Despite the high stack height, the wide landing platform and grippy waffle outsole make them feel secure, whether you’re intentionally clocking up steps or rushing between errands.
These are definitely a statement shoe, and the silhouette is clean, modern and pairs effortlessly with leggings and a hoodie.

The engineered mesh upper offers excellent breathability to keep feet fresh on longer, warmer walks (roll on summer!). There’s also slightly more room in the toe box, making them a forgiving option for wider feet if shoes like the Hoka Gaviota 6 or ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 28 feel too narrow. Seriously fun, comfortable, and they make me a few inches taller too.

Best waterproof

Lululemon Beyondfeel Waterproof

Designed specifically for women, the Lululemon Beyondfeel Waterproof is a neutral everyday trainer that feels supportive and balanced underfoot.

Its women-specific construction includes an extra two millimetres of foam for added support, plus a subtly curved outsole designed to match how women typically strike the ground.

There’s also an extra flex groove to mirror a female footstrike for a smoother ride. The fit runs slightly small – I sized up to a 5.5 from my usual 5 – and once I did, the shoe felt spot on and very comfy.

The waterproof upper is snug without feeling restrictive, and there’s plenty of room in the toe box, which is ideal for long days on your feet. Although designed for running, I mainly used these for walking and everyday wear.

The soles feel firm but still offer a satisfying bounce when you need to pick up the pace. Cushioning sits in a sweet spot – more supportive than minimalist shoes, yet far less bulky than high-stack trainers like the Hoka Bondi 8 or On Cloudmonster Hyper.

Most of the padding is also concentrated in the heel, giving comfort and bounce without unnecessary height or bulk. Making them a genuinely practical option for all-day wear.

Reflective detailing across the upper also adds a nice safety touch for evening walks or low-light conditions. I went for the black pair for everyday use, but the understated ‘Riverstone’ beige is equally wearable and works well with jeans, sportswear or even smarter office outfits.

Best for durability

Brooks Glycerin GTS 22

The Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 is my sensible, go-to trainer, the kind you buy once and rely on for months - and beyond. Often billed as Brooks’ flagship daily shoe, it’s a true all-rounder that’s especially suitable for those who spend long days on their feet and need something comfortable and dependable.

This is a neutral trainer with a generous fit. The wide toe box suits my low arches and accommodates thick winter socks without pinching, while the DNA Loft v3 cushioning feels soft and springy underfoot.

What I love is that the shoe handles walking and the occasional quick jog with ease. I often find myself speeding up when I’m late or want to get somewhere quickly, and the Glycerin keeps up without feeling unstable - or triggering an underlying injury.

They’re comfortable straight out of the box, with no break-in period needed, and the underfoot feel is firm and balanced. The outsole grips well on dry and wet roads, and holds up impressively on uneven paths and even icy surfaces. After many miles, there’s no visible wear on the rubber, which speaks to its durability - they are certainly built to last.

Compared to more cushioned, higher-stack shoes like the Saucony Azura, the Glycerin feels more grounded and stable thanks to its GuideRails, which are firmer foam elements positioned above the midsole that don't force your foot into place. They simply step in when your stride gets a bit off.

These shoes feel built for purpose; durable, reliable and a long-lasting trainer for walking, commuting and generally being on your feet all day.

Verdict

The Nike Vomero Premium are easily the coolest walking trainers I’ve worn, not just because of the colour, but also because of the 50mm stack, ultra-plush ZoomX foam, and Air Zoom units.

I assumed they’d feel too cushioned, but when you’re hitting 20,000 plus steps a day, comfort is everything. Too much cushioning simply isn’t a thing.

For all-day wear, however, I still rate the more classic cushioned trainers like the Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 (a favourite among nurses and doctors who are on their feet constantly) over the Saucony Hurricane 25, or Cloudsurfer Max, which are also super-soft but look extremely sporty.

Don't get me wrong; all of these options are great for anyone looking for a lot of cushion and stability in a daily trainer, yet somehow I keep going back to Brooks. Unless it's a rainy day