Looking for the best women’s walking shoes? We've laced up and stomped around in a variety of top brands like Merrell, Scarpa, and Salomon, so you can hit the trails with confidence (and in style). From lightweight designs to durable soles, these shoes are built to keep you comfortable wherever your adventure takes you.
These shoes aren’t just practical – they're designed with the female foot in mind, offering a tailored fit for the perfect balance of comfort and performance. Versatile enough for both rugged trails and city streets, they let you embrace your inner explorer without missing a beat.
Our current favourite is the Lowa Innox Pro GTX Lo, offering a lightweight feel, great comfort, and waterproof protection. For those who like to stay quick on their feet, the Salomon X Ultra 4 offers solid support without the bulk, while Inov-8’s Roclite 315 is our pick for fast hikers. Also, don’t forget your walking socks to keep blisters at bay or, if you're tackling tougher terrain or scaling mountains, check out the best women's hiking boots for extra ankle support.
The top three
The Lowa Innox Pro GTX Lo is a comfortable, lightweight hiking shoe with effective waterproofing and cushioned soles, ideal for less challenging trails. It is vegan-friendly and breathable but has limited grip on wet surfaces and is pricier than some alternatives.
The Columbia Trailstorm Waterproof Walking Shoe is a versatile, all-season shoe with excellent waterproofing, good traction, and comfortable support. It features a cushioned Techlite+ midsole and a ghillie-style lacing system. Stylish enough for daily use, it offers great value for its price.
The Ariat Skyline Low waterproof walking shoe features stylish leather, good comfort, and solid toe protection. The shoe is lightweight, has fair grip, and offers supportive cushioning, but it is not as breathable as fabric shoes. It's versatile for both outdoor activities and casual wear.
Bryony is the Active Writer for T3, covering outdoor, fitness, and wearable content. Raised in the Cotswolds and camping since the age of two, she has always had a fond appreciation for the great outdoors. She’s a keen walker, and loves seeking out new hidden gems (particularly in Wales) or hiking well-known routes, like Pen Y Fan or the Cat’s Back. She’s always ready to seek new ways to deepen her connection with the wilderness through testing the latest outdoor gear.
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 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.
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.
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.
FAQ
What are the best walking shoes for women?
We think the best women's walking shoes at the moment are the Lowa Innox Pro GTX Lo Hiking Shoes. They're extremely cushioned and comfy, as well as being light enough to keep you happily striding along for several hours at a time. The grip is slightly limited, though, so if you want something more hardcore, you should check out the Salomon X Ultra 4, which is all-around a more rugged proposition.
Do I need walking shoes or something more robust?
Technology, materials and innovation have developed so much that walking shoes are a viable option for everything from urban rambles to mountain missions. While the design means they don’t have the same level of ankle support as a boot, they are no less feature-packed, with premium waterproof membranes, quality construction, soles that are suited to rough mountain terrain or moving fast and confidently over wet ground and any other type of use you can think of. If you’re not sure whether to go for walking shoes or hiking boots, check out our walking boots vs walking shoe guide, which runs you through the key differences between these types of footwear, to help you decide.
What features should I look for in walking shoes?
There is so much choice when it comes to walking shoes, and the avid rambler will be able to find something perfectly suited to their needs, whether you prefer lightweight, trainer-style shoes for scrambling, walking and running or wants something more traditional with a sturdy upper and stiff, supportive sole. The key features to look for when you’re deciding what shoe to go for are:
Sole
Look for a sole that suits the type of walking and terrain you prefer. At one end of the spectrum you have shoes with flexible soles that allow you to move quickly across trails, though these can cause fatigue to the feet as there’s not a lot of support. For longer walks or hikes on rougher terrain, choose a shoe that has a stiffer, more supportive sole but a degree of flex at the forefoot.
Upper
Walking shoes have uppers designed to suit all conditions, from water-resistant and supportive leather through to quick-drying and super-light technical synthetic material. Look for waterproof membranes such as GORE-TEX which help keep your feet dry no matter the season
Tread
If you’ll be doing a lot of walking on grassy, muddy or boggy terrain and are concerned about traction and grip, then choose a pair of walking shoes that have deep, chunky lugs. These will dig into the ground and provide plenty of grip so you can be confident you won’t slip over. If you’re planning routes that are more based around rocky or paved paths, opt for something with a shallower tread.
Tongue and collar construction
There are few things worse than getting your shoes nice and comfy only to have to take them off to remove assorted pebbles and grit that has worked its way inside. If you’ll be walking where there will be loose material, opt for a shoe that has a ‘bellows’ tongue, which means it’s joined to the rest of the upper shoe with additional fabric as this stops debris ingress while you’re walking.
What are the most comfortable shoes for walking all day?
The most comfortable shoes for walking all day typically have features like cushioned insoles, supportive midsoles, breathable materials, and a lightweight design. Some popular options include brands like Skechers, Brooks, New Balance, and Hoka One One, known for their comfortable walking shoes with features designed to provide all-day comfort and support.