{"id":768,"date":"2023-01-03T06:37:43","date_gmt":"2023-01-03T06:37:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.luckymag.com\/?p=768"},"modified":"2024-02-02T22:50:26","modified_gmt":"2024-02-02T22:50:26","slug":"best-walking-shoes-for-women","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.luckymag.com\/shoes\/best-walking-shoes-for-women\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Walking Shoes for Women of 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"

Know Your Arch and Foot Type<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Low\/Flat<\/strong><\/td>\nPeople with flat feet or a low arch often experience more movement through the foot as they walk. Shoes that provide extra stability with guard rails and motion control keep the foot\u2019s motion smooth through each step. Those with flat feet may also benefit from a shoe with a straighter insole that fits the natural arch of the foot.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Neutral<\/strong><\/td>\nA neutral arch is neither too low nor too high. Mid-range support, stability, and a semi-curved insole provide the best comfort. If you have a neutral arch, you probably won\u2019t need extra cushioning or stability features to maintain a healthy gait.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
High<\/strong><\/td>\nHigh arches don\u2019t always absorb shock as well as neutral arches, leading to joint and muscle pain. High arches need excellent arch support to prevent that extra strain. Look for shoes with a curved insole that promotes stability and correct alignment of a high arch.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Narrow<\/strong><\/td>\nWomen often have narrow feet in comparison to men. They need less room in the toe box and a smaller heel pocket for narrow heels. Some walking shoes come in narrow widths, while some manufacturers have a last that caters to a narrower foot. The last is the general foot form to which the manufacturer fits their shoes.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Wide<\/strong><\/td>\nMany walking shoes come in wide sizes, and some brands have wider shoes than others based on their last. If you can\u2019t find a wide enough shoe in women\u2019s sizes, you may want to try men\u2019s shoes in an equivalent size because they\u2019re slightly wider to accommodate the average male foot.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

Features to Consider<\/h2>\n

Every shoe has various characteristics that set it apart from other brands, makes, and models. The anatomical makeup and structure of your foot and your personal comfort preferences all come into play as you search for the right walking shoe.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Flexibility<\/strong><\/td>\nWalking shoes have a stiffer sole than running shoes to accommodate walking\u2019s shorter range of motion. While running shoes can make great walking shoes, they may not be the best choice for your foot health in the long run since they may not provide adequate support.<\/p>\n

Check the shoe\u2019s flexibility by bending the toe area toward the entry. There should be some stiffness and resistance. If the shoe bends easily, it has too much flexibility to protect your foot and could lead to foot problems.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Weight<\/strong><\/td>\nHeavier shoes bring on muscle fatigue faster than lightweight shoes. Be particularly careful of weight when looking for hiking shoes. Any extra weight could significantly affect your energy level.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Stability<\/strong><\/td>\nShoes come in three stability levels \u2014 neutral, stability, and motion control. Neutral shoes don\u2019t have any extra stability devices in their design, since they\u2019re meant for those with a neutral arch. Stability shoes have extra features like guide rails to prevent too much side-to-side motion. Their extra stability works well for those with mild pronation (inward rolling of the ankles). Motion-control shoes can be hard to find, but they may have a medial post in the arch, dense foam, and a stiff heel to limit side-to-side motion and correct overpronation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Breathability<\/strong><\/td>\nSweaty feet need to breathe. If they don\u2019t, you\u2019re looking at some uncomfortable side effects like peeling skin and painful tears. Uppers (the portion of the shoe that goes over the top of the foot) may have a blend of leather, synthetic leather, and different types of mesh. Breathable uppers made of mesh and moisture-wicking fabrics allow the free flow of air.<\/p>\n

However, the more mesh on the shoe, the less water resistant it becomes. If you live in a wet climate, you may want to look at hiking shoes or trail runners because they often have Gore-Tex and combine breathability with waterproofing.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Tread<\/strong><\/td>\nThe tread on the bottom of the shoe gives you traction to reduce slippage. Walking shoes have tread patterns to provide grip. In general, the deeper the tread, the better the grip of the shoe. Lugs, also called cleats, offer more aggressive gripping power.<\/p>\n

You don\u2019t necessarily need aggressive tread if you mainly walk on roads, in stores, or on paved paths. The exception would be wet or uneven surfaces. Deep tread with large lugs is really only needed if you\u2019re going off-road on trails or live in a wet climate where slick pavement is the norm.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Width\/Toe Box Size<\/strong><\/td>\nThere\u2019s no one standard toe shape or size. Foot and toe size can even vary between the two feet of the same person. When you\u2019re looking for a good fit, make sure you have enough room in the toe box. Narrow shoes that squish the toes can do damage and be uncomfortable after long hours on your feet.<\/p>\n

There should be about \u215c to \u00bd inch of space between your longest toe and the tip of the shoe. For most people, that\u2019s about the width of your thumb. Your toes should have room to wiggle, too. Anything less and long days may result in sore feet.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Foot Issues<\/strong><\/td>\nCorns, bunions, and plantar fasciitis are only a few of the common foot issues that affect fit and comfort. Corns and bunions can change the shape of your foot. If they trouble you, look for shoes in wide widths that won\u2019t rub on your foot.<\/p>\n

Painful plantar fasciitis requires extra support throughout the shoe. This foot condition needs help from features like a supportive upper that comfortably holds the foot in place and anatomical arch support.<\/p>\n

If you have a tight Achilles tendon, look for shoes with a high offset. An offset of ten or over takes pressure off of the Achilles. Minimalist shoes, on the other hand, stretch and put more tension on the Achilles, which can result in heel pain.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Heel-to-Toe Drop or Offset<\/strong><\/td>\nThe heel-to-toe drop or offset tells you the difference in millimeters between the height of the heel and the height of the toe. A high offset, a distance over ten mm, causes the foot to strike heel first. These types of shoes often have a lot of cushioning to protect the heel.<\/p>\n

Minimalist shoes have a low offset of four mm or less. A lower offset promotes a mid-foot strike rather than a heel strike.<\/p>\n

A mid-foot strike may not be the most comfortable for walking, so walking shoes tend to have a high offset. You\u2019ll have to decide what offset feels most comfortable to you. Sometimes a high offset makes it feel like you\u2019re walking on your toes. In some cases, so much so that it can put too much pressure on the toes and cause numbness or pain as the foot slides to the front of the shoe.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

Tips for Getting the Right Fit<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n
\n
    \n
  1. Measure your foot length from the tip of the longest toe to the back of the heel and at the widest part of the foot.<\/li>\n
  2. Measure at the end of the day when the feet are at their largest.<\/li>\n
  3. You should have room to wiggle your toes in the toe box.<\/li>\n
  4. Leave at least \u215c to \u00bd inch of space between your longest toe and the tip of the shoe.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

    Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n

    What should you look for in a shoe you want to use for long-distance walking?<\/h3>\n

    Walking is a great form of exercise. It\u2019s low impact, and all you have to do is step out of the front door. However, if you\u2019re going the distance, you need a shoe that supports you the whole way. The right walking shoe may vary from person to person, but there are definitely some features you want to look for in a long-distance walking shoe, the most important \u2014 cushioning.<\/p>\n

    A well-cushioned heel, supportive foam midsole, and a toe box with plenty of wiggle room are essential. Supportive walking shoes with an arch that fits your foot shape prevent premature fatigue, so you can walk longer. Also, consider that the longer you\u2019re on your feet, the more your feet will swell. Long distance walkers may need to size up half a size to accommodate swelling without the feet rubbing painfully on the shoe.<\/p>\n

    What are orthopedic walking shoes?<\/h3>\n

    Orthopedic shoes are designed to support the structure of the foot, ankle, knee, and hip. Basically, they have special features like medial posts or guard rails built into the shoe to support the arches or a firmer heel cup to relieve pain from various foot ailments. They\u2019re often suggested by doctors for patients with poor foot mechanics to smooth transitions from the heel to the toe and correct pronation or supination (outward ankle rolling). Orthopedic shoes can, in some cases, replace the use of custom orthotics.<\/p>\n

    What should I look for in a women\u2019s walking shoe?<\/h3>\n

    Fit is your number one concern. Since no two feet are the same, including on the same person, what\u2019s comfortable to one person may not be for another. The toe box should be snug but not restricting, while a snug heel cup should prevent your heel from slipping. Your toes should have some wiggle room but shouldn\u2019t slide around in the shoe.<\/p>\n

    Look for arch support that matches your arch \u2014 flat\/low, neutral, high. Make sure the shoe has tread designed for the surfaces you walk on most often. If that\u2019s trails, you\u2019ll need larger, deeper lugs than someone who mainly walks on sidewalks.<\/p>\n

    From there, it\u2019s about what feels good to you. That could be a padded tongue, low offset, or a motion control sneaker. Take some time to decide what you need most for your comfort. It will be worth it when you start putting on the miles.<\/p>\n