23 best walking shoes for women, recommended by a podiatrist — including waterproof options for Canadian winter
These comfortable and supportive sneakers are great for walking, running or even just standing. Shop the best picks from New Balance, Nike, Hoka and more.
Searching for the best shoes for walking, running or even just standing? Finding footwear offers both comfort and support while being durable enough to hand any weather conditions is essential. As Canadians navigate the changing seasons — whether at home or while travelling — it's important to invest in footwear that offers breathability, cushioning and reliable traction for unpredictable weather conditions.
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Salomon Speedcross 6 Gore-Tex
Fall-ready with a cozy collar
Sorel OUT N ABOUT IV Mid Waterproof Sneaker
Athletic hiking shoe
Merrell Moab Speed Gore-Tex
Outer shell that blocks moisture
Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid Shoes
Versatile, waterproof shoes
Adidas Terrex Trailmaker 2.0 GORE-TEX Hiking Shoes
'Well-constructed and durable'
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14
Winterized shoes provide wet-weather protection
Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX
Best sneakers for wide feet and low arches
Saucony Integrity Walker 3
Added traction and ankle support
Keen Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Shoe
Best stability shoe
Hoka Arahi 7
'Added cushion and significant traction'
Adidas Supernova Stride Running Shoes
'Excellent walking shoes'
New Balance Made in USA 990v6
Hoka's first-ever weatherproof road shoe
Hoka Clifton 9 GTX
Dual pull tabs for easy slip on and off
Sorel Kinetic Breakthru Day Lace Sneaker
'Good all-terrain sneaker'
Keen Women's WK450 Walking Shoe
Perfect for a rainy day
Sorel OUT N ABOUT III City Women's Sneaker
Cooling technology
Under Armour UA SlipSpeed Mega Shoes
One in a million
Lululemon Blissfeel 2 Running Shoe
Revamped OG sneaker
UA Apparition Iridescent Shoes
Built to take on terrain in comfort
On Cloudsurfer Trail Waterproof
Stylish and supportive
Adidas Samba OG Shoes
Ready for any weather
Keen 450 Dirt Waterproof Hiking Shoe
Excellent shock absorption
On Cloudmonster Shoes 2
According to Dr. Bruce Pinker, a board certified podiatrist and foot surgeon, you'll want to look for a shoe that offers durability, support and moisture reduction. And if you're looking for tips on how to find the best winter walking shoes, keep scrolling for tips on what to look for there, too.
What to look for in women's walking shoes: Expert
There are many factors when selecting a walking shoe — and Pinker says to choose shoes that prioritize both comfort and functionality.
"A good walking shoe has a firm heel counter for rearfoot support, adequate traction on the outsole to prevent slippage and a cushioned midsole for shock absorption," he explains. "It also has a supportive insole, durable uppers and adequate room in the toe box to prevent cramping. For those hiking, added traction or grip on the outsole is beneficial."
The podiatrist also says to pay attention to how your toes feel in a pair of shoes, as well as the condition of your sneakers.
"If a shoe is too narrow or tight in the width, or the toes are cramped, it's not a good fit. Also, if your heel slips out of the shoe, it's an improper fit — often meaning it is too large," Pinker explains. "If the traction or grip on the outsole is worn out, the shoe should be replaced to prevent slippage and injury."
Pinker also recommends trying on footwear in the afternoon because feet tend to swell throughout the day. This way, you can find a shoe that fits your feet at their largest to avoid any cramping.
He also had a few other suggestions when it comes to finding the ideal pair of shoes.
"Choose laces over slip-ons and wear boots for added ankle support if concerned about ankle stability," he says. "Look for mesh in the toe box to allow for an air exchange which can reduce foot moisture and help prevent toenail fungus, Athlete's foot fungus and plantar warts."
Winter walking shoes and footwear: What to look for | Expert
When it comes to winter walking shoes, Pinker says it's most important to find a pair of shoes that keep your feet dry and are well-cushioned.
"The best waterproofing material is Gore-Tex. It keeps out water and also allows for an exchange of air to allow feet to breathe," he explains. "Without Gore-Tex there can be a compromise in breathability of the shoe."
He also recommends understanding the difference between water-resistant and waterproof shoes.
"Water resistant can prevent water from entering footwear to some degree, while waterproof is completely impervious to water's entry," he says.
Pinker highlights the importance of maintaining a regular care routine to preserve the longevity and waterproofing of your footwear.
"It is best to practice regular maintenance of waterproof footwear, such as cleaning it by wiping down with a moist cloth and replacing laces, as needed," he shares.
The podiatrist also emphasizes the importance of good traction to prevent injuries.
"Winter shoes for women walking on icy terrain should have adequate traction on the outsole, ankle support to prevent twisting your ankle or other injuries. They should also have waterproof quality uppers," he says. "Sharp edges, or spikes, can be found in some winter hiking boots for the best grip on icy or slushy surfaces."
To ensure proper insulation in winter shoes without sacrificing flexibility or comfort, Pinker suggests looking for 200 grams of insulation to keep your feet warm and says that Thinsulate is one of the best materials for that.
Best walking shoes for women | Podiatrist picks
Need inspiration for walking shoes? Check out Pinker's picks — and reasoning — below.
The Salomon Speedcross 6 Gore-Tex is a light, grippy shoe that features a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex membrane that is ideal for wet, muddy or mixed terrain.
Pinker recommends Salomon's Speedcross 6 Gore-Tex shoe for a waterproof option during winter.
Sorel's OUT N ABOUT IV Mid Waterproof Sneakers have a fully waterproof construction crafted from high-quality materials, complemented by a cozy faux shearling collar and felt tongue. They also incorporates Sorel's Steadysole, a uniquely designed drop-in cushioning midsole that ensures a stable stance and optimal off-set for comfort and support.
The Merrell Moab Speed Gore-Tex shoes are another one of Pinker's top recommendations. He says that Merrell is one of his preferred brands for the fall and winter.
This version of the Moab Speed shoe incorporates Gore-Tex, which waterproofs your shoes and keeps your feet dry during any inclement weather. They also have a protective and abrasion-resistant synthetic toe cap to keep your feet safe, as well as a Floatpro Foam midsole for lightweight comfort.
Columbia's newest fall and winter shoes are made with OutDry technology, a waterproof-breathable membrane bonded to an outer shell that blocks moisture so your feet stay dry and comfortable in the rain.
These are a great option for hikes and have great wet-or-dry traction to make sure your feet stay stable and cushioned during fall or winter walks.
The Adidas Terrex Trailmaker 2.0 GORE-TEX Hiking Shoes are designed with a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane to ensure your feet stay dry in any conditions. They also have an EVA midsole for comfort and fit, along with a grippy outsole for excellent traction. These shoes provide everything you need to tackle any weather or terrain.
These New Balance sneakers are popular among runners and walkers and feature a soft foam midsole. According to Pinker, they're "very well-constructed and durable with added cushion."
These sneakers also feature a mesh upper that's both supportive and breathable, which helps reduce foot moisture.
The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 Gore-Tex shoe feature a waterproof Gore-Tex upper, an all-terrain outsole and reflective design details. This winterized version of the popular Pegasus shoes offer reliable wet-weather protection for your trail runs, while their foam midsole delivers responsive cushioning for added comfort and support.
The Saucony Integrity Walker 3s are a great option for those looking for a supportive walking shoe — and they come in regular, narrow, wide and extra-wide sizing.
These shoes feature a full-grain leather upper for a secure fit to last all day, making them ideal for long walks. They're also made with sturdy construction that helps stabilize your feet, and they feature extra padding for shock control — which helps those with lower arches feel more comfortable.
The Keen Women's Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Shoes are a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts who like to go on hiking adventures. They're designed with comfort in mind, featuring a cushioned midsole and a supportive footbed that conforms to the shape of your foot.
They're made from breathable material that allow moisture to escape while keeping water out and making sure your feet stay dry and comfortable, even during long hikes.
"These are hiking shoes and boots with added traction on the outsole and added ankle support for those walking on uneven terrain," Pinker says. "They are also well-designed and environmentally friendly."
Pinker recommends the Hoka Arahi 7s as one of the best walking shoes because they're a true stability shoe. The shoes feature J-Frame construction, which is a firmer density foam that runs along the side of the shoe to help control the foot from rolling inward and provides support.
These shoes are also known for their durability, thanks to their rubber construction that offers good traction and abrasion resistance.
The Adidas Supernova Stride running shoes are a solid option, offering a combination of comfort, support and durability. They also have supportive features like the midsole and a heel counter to help provide stability during walks.
These shoes are also designed with plush cushioning, making them suitable for long walks. "This running shoe has added cushion and significant traction. I would also add that it is an appropriate shoe for casual runners," Pinker says.
Pinker touts these New Balance sneakers as "excellent walking shoes" and also come in standard, wide and extra wide, making them another great option for wider feet (or custom orthotics). Their design helps drive you forward, and the midsole cushioning features lightweight foam to make you feel supported all day.
These shoes also feature reflective accents to make you more visible to motorists or cyclists, especially during fall and winter walks when it gets dark earlier.
The Hoka Clifton 9 GTX shoes are ready to take on any weather — they've been updated with Gore-Tex Invisible Fit and weather-ready traction pods. These are Hoka's first-ever weatherproof road shoes and feature closed mesh construction and 360-degree reflectivity.
The Sorel Kinetic Breakthru Day Lace Sneakers are a lightweight and responsive shoe that features a highly breathable mesh upper. They also have dual pull tabs that make it easy to slip the shoes on and off, adding convenience to your outdoor adventures.
The Women's WK450 Walking Shoes from Keen are designed with features including a supportive midsole, plush cushioned footbed and durable outsole, making them suitable for various walking activities
This is a "good all-terrain sneaker composed of recycled materials," Pinker explains. Shoppers can comfortably (and confidently) wear them whether walking, running or hiking thanks to their all-terrain rubber outsole for higher-traction grip.
Sorel's Out N About III City Women's Sneakers are a great choice for unpredictable weather, offering waterproof protection to keep your feet dry.
These sturdy-yet-lightweight sneakers feature enhanced traction on the sole, providing peace of mind against slipping in the rain or sleet — especially if you're running late. The outer sole also features vulcanized rubber, which is highly durable and typically has a longer lifespan than other shoe materials.
Under Armour's Unisex UA SlipSpeed Mega Running Shoes are a multi-dimensional shoe with a convertible heel design that flexes between slip and speed modes with style.
These shoes also feature an increased midsole height and a more narrow toe box for a faster and sleeker style, as well as a cool-to-the-touch ISO-chill technology-padded interior to keep you cool no matter how far you walk in the heat.
Lululemon analyzed one million scans of women's feet to create this shoe's fit and cushioning profile. The sneakers feature a 3D-moulded midfoot that hugs your foot while supporting every step.
It also has soft and spring-like cushioning with a durable, segmented outsole that is perfect for walking on pavement.
Under Armour's Apparition Iridescent Shoes are modern take on one of the brand's original sneakers, first launched in 2009. The revamped version still has authentic running shoe details while incorporating updated soft cushioning and colour-shifting iridescent overlays.
On's Cloudersurfer Trail Waterproof shoes are designed with shock-absorbing superfoam and a soft padded heel added comfort. They also include a waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry, as well as a Missiongrip outsole that prevents stones from getting stuck, while enhancing stability and traction on various terrains.
The Adidas Samba OG Shoes are one of the brand's most popular sneakers, and for good reason. Pinker says these shoes are "rather stylish" — so it's easy to see why they have become a fashion staple while still being suitable for various casual activities.
The leather upper and rubber outsole are built to withstand regular wear and tear, making them reliable for any weathe.
These shoes run a bit narrow — so if you have wide feet, you may want to size up a half size.
The Keen 450 Dirt Waterproof Hiking Shoes feature a contoured fit that closely follows the natural curves of your foot, ensuring a comfortable and snug feel. They also have a waterproof, breathable membrane that effectively seals out moisture. The high-rebound foam cushioning enhances overall comfort, while Keen.Curve technology offers a seamless transition from toe to heel for optimal movement.
Pinker recommends On's Cloudmonster 2 because of the cushioned midsole for shock absorption. The shoes have a dual-density foam construction that maximizes cushioning levels.
Meet the expert
Katie Scott is a freelance shopping writer for Yahoo Canada, with a focus on footwear. She's written about everything from the best walking shoes for women over 50 to the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, so you can trust her to give you the best recommendations on shoes that are comfortable and stylish.
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