Best women's walking shoes 2024: explore in comfort, every step of the way

Looking for the best women's walking shoes to strut your stuff? Look no further! We've laced up, stomped around, and put these shoes through their paces, so you can hit the trails with confidence (and in style). From Merrell to Scarpa to Salomon and beyond, we've rounded up the best options just for you.

These walking shoes aren't just about practicality—they're about embracing your inner explorer while keeping your feet happy. With lightweight designs and tailored fits for the female foot, these shoes offer the freedom to wander wherever your heart desires. Plus, they're versatile enough to transition seamlessly from rugged trails to city streets, ensuring you're always ready for your next adventure.

But hey, we're not just here to talk about shoes. We're here to make sure you find the perfect fit. So, before you lace up, don't forget to grab a pair of the best walking socks to keep those blisters at bay. And if you're tackling tougher terrain or scaling mountains, it's time to trade those shoes for the best women's hiking boots—ankle support, here we come!

Our current favourite model is Lowa's Innox Pro GTX Lo: it's lightweight, super comfortable and also provides excellent waterproofing. If you like staying nimble on your feet, the Salomon X Ultra 4 provides excellent support without the bulk. Gotta go fast? Inov-8's Roclite 315 is our top choice for fast hikers.

Best women's walking shoes to buy right now

Best overall

If comfort's your top priority when you're shopping for walking shoes, the Lowa Innox Pro GTX Lo should be high on your list. These lightweight walking shoes are super-comfortable right out of the box, with deep, cushioned inner soles that feel like they mould instantly to your foot as soon as you put them on. They also feature breathable Gore-Tex waterproofing, making them shoes that you can happily wear all day, even if the weather's on the turn.

They're great all-rounders; however, the grip's a little limited, which means that they're better suited to established trails than rough mountain terrain. If you're planning to spend plenty of time on groomed trails throughout the summer months and into the autumn, you won't go far wrong with these.

Read our full Lowa Innox Pro GTX Lo hiking shoe review.

Best lightweight

The Salomon X Ultra 4 are supremely comfortable to wear thanks to a softer ankle and heel cuff; they're waterproof and, despite their lightweight build, impressively rugged. The firm rubber sole delivers a fantastic grip on just about any surface, and a mesh layer means you won't find stones and other debris making their way in. The quick lace system is nice and easy to use, although depending on foot shape, you might find the tongue shifts around a bit in wear. If you're looking for a reliable and comfortable shoe that'll see you through walks in any season, you'll have a tough time beating these.

Read our full Salomon Women's X Ultra 4 walking shoe review.

Best for fast hiking

The Inov-8 Roclite 315 was already an impressive and flexible shoe aimed at trail runners but also brilliant for walking. Lightweight and with plenty of grip, the latest version adds a Gore-Tex membrane to stop water from getting in and making it an even more versatile choice. The inner incorporates a Powerflow midsole, designed to deliver 10 per cent better shock absorption than standard midsole units to give a smoother walking experience overall. There's also padding to cushions that hold the heel in place and help the shoe move with the foot to reduce the chance of rubbing.

A seriously chunky tread gives these shoes superior traction, making these perfect for anyone who feels nervous walking over trickier terrain. The large-toothed lugs are spaced out enough that they won't get choked up with mud. One niggle is that the laces are finer than on other walking shoes we tested, but overall we were seriously impressed with these women's walking shoes. They offer a great balance of comfort, support and flexibility and will help you tackle varied and unpredictable terrain with ease.

Read our full Inov-8 Roclite 315 review.

Best budget

The Columbia Trailstorm is a reasonably-priced option if you're after a waterproof women’s walking shoe suitable for hikes and walks in transitional seasons. Its Techlite midsole offers an impressive blend of cushioning, stability and comfort, and the upper is supportive without adding pressure-hot spots. The ghillie-style laces and Columbia’s Navic Fit system keep the foot snugly in place, with the shoe and foot moving together and therefore avoiding any blister-causing friction. The only real downside is that it's a little too well-padded and not very breathable, which makes for hot feet when the temperatures rise.

Read our full Columbia Trailstorm review.

Best all-rounder

Need a pair of shoes that'll serve you well on walking trips but which you can also wear to the office? You need Ariat's Skyline Low walking shoes; they're versatile all-rounders with reliable waterproofing and fantastic leather looks, so you can literally take them anywhere.

Their waterproof membrane will repel light rainfall, but we wouldn't really want to get caught in a torrential downpour while wearing them; these are more shoes for summer adventures than all-weather expeditions. And while the grip's good on dry ground, it's not so hot on slick wet surfaces, making these shoes more suitable for country trails and paths.

They're surprisingly light, considering their leather construction, but you might find that they're lacking in breathability compared with fabric shoes. And while they fit true to size, we found them to be a little on the wide side; if you have narrow feet, we'd recommend you try them on before taking them out for the day.

Read our full Ariat Skyline Low Waterproof Salking Shoe review.

Most flexible

The Arc'teryx Aerios FL GTX Mid is slightly higher cut than your average walking shoe. That in-between cut delivers an extra bit of ankle support and protection, but there's still excellent freedom of movement. The sole is flexible and responsive, while the laces ensure a snug fit that inspires confidence on tricky terrain. We wore these on a scramble hike, and they performed extremely well.

For a 'fast and light' option (the FL of the name), they feel pretty rugged, thanks to the tough nylon upper, toe bumper and reinforced heel. We found the 5mm lugs delivered good grip on softer, boggier ground as well as rock, and the GTX kept water out effectively in our tests, although a few other reviewers found the waterproofing less reliable. And of course, because it's Arc'teryx, they look super stylish too.

Read our full Arc'teryx Aerios FL GTX Mid review.

Best grip

Designed to bridge the gap between walking shoes and running trainers, the 361 Camino WP is a sporty-looking option that combines the sleek look and feel of sports shoes with the sort of rugged and bouncy soles that you need when you're out walking. And while those hefty soles rule the Camino WP out for distance running, for everything else, they're a great fit, especially if you're not really looking for a traditional walking shoe.

The WP in the name signifies waterproofing, and we'd take that with a little pinch of salt; we'd suggest that they're water-resistant rather than waterproof and best suited for summer walks with maybe a risk of slight rain. You wouldn't want to rely on them to keep your feet dry in a downpour. Besides that, though, there's a lot to like about them; they're light and comfortable and provide an impressive amount of grip, even on challenging terrain, and they look great too.

Read our full 361 Camino WP Walking Trainers review.

Best for wide feet

Based on one of Keen's most popular walking boots, the Targhee III is a walking shoe that delivers durability and performance in all manner of conditions. It has a deep, wide fit, making it a great choice for anyone with broad feet or who uses insoles or orthotics (however, if your ankles sit low, you might find that the shoes rub a bit).

Speed hook lacing allows you to secure the upper nicely around the midsection of the foot, while a wide toe box gives toes a nice amount of wiggle room. The rubber outsole has a decent tread which offers a good grip in wet conditions, and a dual-density EVA foam footbed takes the force out of foot strikes keeping feet feeling fresh and warding off fatigue.

Best eco-friendly

The Merrell Moab Speed GTX isn't a perfect hiking and walking shoe for women; we experienced a little too much heel lift for our liking and found the sizing to be a little on the large side (we'd suggest going down a half-size). Beyond these niggles, though, this a great all-around shoe with strong environmental credentials thanks to its use of recycled materials. The shoe combines lightweight, a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex lining, plenty of out-sole grip thanks to rubber and a chunky lug design, and a fit that keeps feeling fresh on long walks and rough terrain, though they’re equally comfortable for the daily dog walk.

Read our full Merrell Moab Speed GTX Walking Shoe review.

• Check out our Merrell discount codes to find a price cut

How to choose the best women's walking shoes for you

To buy a good pair of women's walking shoes, several key considerations can help ensure you find the perfect fit for your needs. Firstly, understanding your foot type is crucial. Whether you have high arches, flat feet, or neutral arches, selecting shoes that provide the appropriate support for your foot structure is essential to prevent discomfort and potential injuries.

Getting the right fit is equally important. When trying on shoes, ensure there is ample room for your toes to wiggle without feeling cramped or pinched. Check for any areas of rubbing or discomfort, as these can lead to blisters or chafing during extended walks. It's also beneficial to consider your walking habits.

Think about where you'll primarily be walking – whether it's on pavement, trails, or a combination of both – and for how long. This information can help you choose shoes with the appropriate features, such as sturdy soles for rugged terrain or lightweight designs for urban walks.

When assessing potential shoes, pay attention to cushioning and support. Look for shoes with adequate cushioning in the midsole to absorb shock and reduce fatigue, especially during longer walks. Additionally, consider shoes with arch support to provide stability and prevent overpronation or supination.

It's also advisable to test out the shoes before making a purchase. Take a stroll around the store to gauge comfort, fit, and support. Pay attention to how the shoes feel with each step, ensuring there are no areas of discomfort or rubbing. Additionally, examine the materials used in the shoes. Opt for breathable materials that promote airflow and help keep your feet dry and comfortable during extended walks.

Finally, consider your budget when selecting walking shoes. While investing in a quality pair is essential for long-term comfort and support, there are options available to fit various budget constraints. By carefully considering these factors and following these tips, you can find a good pair of walking shoes that meet your needs and provide comfort and support during your walking adventures.

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