Travel Products Style Shoes The 10 Best Walking Shoes for Women of 2023, Tested and Reviewed We tested 21 pairs of walking shoes to find out which are the best for every occasion. By Rena Behar Rena Behar Instagram Twitter Website Rena Behar is a freelance journalist and editor focusing on tech, travel, and gender. She has contributed to Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 6, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Our Testing Process Other Shoes We Liked Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / Kevin Liang The quest for a cute yet comfortable shoe that can magically take you from museums to a Michelin-starred restaurant can feel never-ending. But your perfect pair is out there, and the T+L team is putting their feet to work to help you find them. We tested 21 pairs of shoes by putting them through their paces with three separate trials of varying lengths (30 minutes, three hours, and eight hours) and grading them on comfort, fit, quality, and value. The Adidas Cloudfoam Pure Sneakers took the first place spot for their super high comfort level, with a stretchy top, affordable price tag, and versatile, neutral design. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Adidas Women's Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Running Shoes at Amazon Jump to Review Best Sustainable: Allbirds Women's Plant Pacers at Allbirds.com Jump to Review Best Sneakers: Superga Classic Sneaker at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Wide Feet: Olukai Leather Sneakers at Amazon Jump to Review Best Versatile: Frankie4 Australia Women's Winnie II White Suede Shoes at Frankie4.com Jump to Review Best Casual: New Balance 574 Sneaker at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: Nisolo Everyday Chelsea Commuter Boot at Amazon Jump to Review Best Arch Support: Chaco Women's Zx2 Classic Sandal at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Hiking: Teva Women's Universal Trail Sandals at Amazon Jump to Review Best Sandals: Keen Women's Elle Backstrap Sandal at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Adidas Women's Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Running Shoes 4.5 adidas View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Zappos Our Ratings Cushioning 4/5 Responsiveness 3.5/5 Fit 4.5/5 Value 4/5 Blister Protection 4.5/5 Why We Love It These insanely comfortable shoes make you feel like you’re walking on a cloud. What to Consider The sneaker construction may be hard to dress up at night. The comfortable and easy to throw on Cloudfoams lived up to their name during our testing process, practically sweeping us off our feet despite the fact that we never even wore socks with them. They held up on long, hilly city walks and park trails and even put a bounce in our step with zero rubbing or foot fatigue. The stretchy top creates a flexible, cradled feeling even on slightly wider feet. With regular wear, they haven’t shown any fading or developed any odor. We were especially impressed by their low price tag and noted they were more comfortable than other shoes three times the price. As a bonus, the Cloudfoams come in 14 different colors so you can get the perfect match for your travel outfits, and they’re made from at least 50 percent recycled materials. Price at time of publish: $75 The Details: 5 to 11 | Synthetic recycled materials Travel + Leisure / Elena Garcia Travel + Leisure / Elena Garcia Travel + Leisure / Elena Garcia Travel + Leisure / Elena Garcia Best Sustainable Allbirds Women's Plant Pacers 4.8 Allbirds View On Allbirds.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Quality 5/5 Why We Love It There’s zero plastic involved in this sturdy and well-padded style. What to Consider There are only two colors available and they’re on the expensive side. The eco-friendly plastic-free Plant Pacers only took one or two wears to feel like we had been wearing them forever. It’s a well-constructed shoe and you can feel good about wearing them because they're upcycled. Their thick sole provided good heel cushioning and support while walking around the city, and there were no rubbing spots along the way that couldn’t be corrected with a change of socks. They're sturdy but not rigid and they still look great after 10 wears, with no staining on the light-colored materials. The inside of the shoe feels roomy and well-padded. While they are more expensive than some of our other picks, we don't mind paying more for natural materials. Price at time of publish: $135 The Details: 5 to 11 | Plant leather upper, Tencel lyocell, and recycled polyester lining Travel + Leisure / Erica Finamore Travel + Leisure / Erica Finamore Best Sneakers Superga Women's 2750 Cotu Classic Sneaker 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Nordstrom Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Value 5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Quality 4.5/5 Why We Love It It’s not every canvas shoe that can stand up to the elements and provide cushioning. What to Consider We did notice some soreness after a full day of walking. The Cotu is very comfortable out of the box and perfect for a day of light travel, but they may not be best for a day of heavy walking. Despite the good cushioning on the soles, some users may feel minor foot soreness at the end of a long day. Still, we appreciated the very solid quality of the shoe, and are impressed that they didn’t become drenched like other canvas shoes after a walk in the rain. The sole feels thick and the stitching is sturdy, and the price is nicely affordable. Superga also offers a whopping 35 colors of these shoes, with a wide range of neutrals and some poppy brighter shades. Price at time of publish: $65 The Details: 5 to 15.5 | Cotton upper and lining, rubber outsole Travel + Leisure / Ivy Ford Travel + Leisure / Ivy Ford The 9 Best Best Slip-on Sneakers for Women of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best for Wide Feet Olukai Pehuea Lī ‘Ili Women’s Leather Sneakers 4.8 Nordstrom View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Nordstrom Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Value 4.8/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Quality 4.8/5 Why We Love It A solid construction and good support are paired with a versatile look and foldable back for extra style opportunities. What to Consider The back tab is a little stiff at first and may rub against the heel, but should soften with time. The Pehuea Lī ‘Ili may feel stiff out of the box, but that just shows how solid their construction is; of all the shoes we tested, these got the highest score on our bend test, with hardly any bending. We loved the roomy, wide toe box and the great amount of arch support. Their construction feels really solid, with quality leather and a thick, supportive sole. We also liked their unique collapsible backing — the back of the shoe folds down, so you have the option to wear them as a slip-on and breeze through airport security. The footbed is removable and washable, and you can choose from white, black, tan, or dark brown to match your favorite neutrals. Price at time of publish: $120 The Details: 5 to 11 | Leather upper, rubber sole Travel + Leisure / Karen Chen Best Versatile Frankie4 Australia Women's Winnie II White Suede Shoes 4.8 Frankie4 View On Frankie4.com Our Ratings Fit 4.5/5 Value 4.5/5 Comfort 5/5 Quality 5/5 Why We Love It These stylish sneakers will help step your outfits up a notch and include the bonus features of extra insoles and laces. What to Consider There are only some half sizes available. These upscale retro shoes are so comfortable out of the box that we had no problem spending two hours of running errands on foot without any chafing or blistering whatsoever. We also love how versatile they are, looking great with leggings, jeans, or dresses, which will make them a good pair to pack when tight on space. The soft perforated leather and suede design allow them to easily transition between outfits, without sparing any attention to detail. The seams are all double-stitched and the rubber sole is invisibly attached, without any noticeable threads or glue. They are on the expensive side, but they're so comfortable right out of the box that we highly recommend the splurge. Price at time of publish: $195 The Details: 6 to 13 | Leather upper with foam lining Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker Best Casual New Balance Women's 574 Sneaker 4.5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Asos Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Value 5/5 Comfort 4/5 Quality 5/5 Why We Love It The 574s have a sporty vibe and are so comfortable you may forget you have them on. What to Consider Make sure you check your sizing based on New Balance’s chart, as we found they weren’t in line with usual sneaker sizes. If you’re looking for a more sporty-looking, casual sneaker, these may be the best walking shoes for you. They’re so comfortable and light, you'll forget you're wearing these sneakers. They’re well-made, with solid construction, and the laces stay tied, perfect for easy, breezy walks in the park, city blocks, and exploring new places. The style is one of New Balance’s classic looks, though it may not be to everyone’s personal tastes, but people looking for an easy, neutral sneaker that is well made and highly comfortable will love these. Note that available sizes may vary based on whether you choose a unisex or women’s-specific style (the main difference seems to be the colors). There are also wide options available in all sizes for those who need a little more space. Price at time of publish: $85 The Details: 5 to 12 | Suede and mesh upper, foam midsole Travel + Leisure / Mariah Tyler Best Splurge Nisolo Everyday Chelsea Commuter Boot 4.2 Zappos View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Nordstrom Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Value 3.8/5 Comfort 3.5/5 Quality 4.5/5 Why We Love It Nisolo combines a classic style with high-quality leather, sustainability, and almost no break-in period. What to Consider They aren’t suited for people with wide feet. A good boot can take you almost anywhere, especially if it’s from Nisolo. The Everyday Chelsea boots start off feeling narrow, especially in the toes, but break in almost immediately. They have decent but not extensive traction and a little extra padding for arch support, along with extremely high-quality leather. These are a great option for someone looking for real, ethically sourced leather shoes, especially if your feet are on the narrower side. We love the high quality of the leather, and the fact that they're waterproof is a huge plus. While they are a little pricey, you’re getting a high level of quality and sustainability for your cash. Price at time of publish: $220 The Details: 5 to 11 | Leather upper, foam insole, rubber sole Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price Best Arch Support Chaco Women's Zx2 Classic Sandal 4.5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Nordstrom Our Ratings Fit 4.3/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Quality 4.8/5 Why We Love It Chaco combines a funky, strappy design with a super-thick and supportive sole. What to Consider The strap adjustment system can be a little fussy and require some breaking in, and if you have narrow feet, the straps may drag on the ground. If you like your feet, these are the sandals for you. They are not only incredibly supportive and sturdy, but truly have all-day comfort. Though the high level of arch support can take some getting used to, our feet felt comfortable all day and never tired; the sandals even alleviated our standing-desk-related foot pain at home. We noted some chafing from the toe loop, but it improved over the course of the break-in period. Chaco is known for its adjustable strap system, which provides a great fit for thin feet, but achieving that perfect fit had the side effect of the straps dragging on the ground — though users with average or wide feet likely won’t encounter this. The quality felt superb, with a supportive and hardy sole and exceedingly comfortable arch and heel support. The sandals also come in a fun array of colors in addition to basic black, so you can wear these in multiple situations whether hiking, trekking through water, or exploring a city. Price at time of publish: $100 The Details: 5 to 12 | Polyester webbing, rubber sole Travel + Leisure / Jeanne Geer The 8 Best Men’s Travel Shoes of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best for Hiking Teva Women's Universal Trail Sandals 4.5 REI View On Amazon View On Zappos View On REI Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Value 4.5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Quality 5/5 Why We Love It This classic sandal is durable, high-quality, and lightweight. What to Consider They run a bit snug; we recommend sizing up if you’re between sizes. Tevas are popping up everywhere for a reason. These are lightweight while also being extremely comfortable and won't make your feet tired. Even after long walks, you should have no blisters or areas of discomfort. There’s no break-in needed, and they feel sturdy enough to travel across terrains. The quality is high, and the adjustable toe and ankle straps make sure you get the perfect secure fit; these have some extra heft to their straps, making them sturdier than the classic Teva build. They're also easy to pack and travel with, and very durable. Note that there are no half sizes available, and they run small, so we recommended sizing up if you’re between sizes. Price at time of publish: $100 The Details: 5 to 11 | Recycled polyester upper, Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole Travel + Leisure / Miriam Sapozhnikov Best Sandals Keen Women's Elle Backstrap Sandal 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Backcountry.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Value 5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Quality 4.8/5 Why We Love It An easy-to-wear style boasts comfortable elastic with just the right combination of stretch and security. What to Consider They don’t offer very much arch support. The Elle is understated, yet totally stylish. These shoes are extremely comfortable, they fit your foot and hold up for miles of walking wherever your travels take you. They run true to size with the perfect amount of room at the toe and heel, and the elastic straps are very secure. Elastic can be tricky, but these sandals tackle it with ease, offering a good amount of stretch, a feeling of security, and the ability to stay in place without being too restrictive or cutting off circulation. We did experience some minor rubbing, but it went away quickly with wear; we felt a little bit of hip and knee pressure as well, which also lessened over time. The soles are slightly cushioned for comfort, but don’t provide a lot of arch support. There’s also a good range of colors available for multiple outfits, which is always a travel bonus. You can dress them up or down with any outfit and know that your feet will be comfortable wherever the day or night takes you. They’re stylish and durable, and they’re flat so they’re easy to pack for a trip or quick getaway. Price at time of publish: $105 The Details: 5 to 11 | Recycled PET stretch upper, EVA midsole and footbed, rubber outsole Travel + Leisure / Rachel Thalhuber Our Testing Process In total, we tested 21 pairs of shoes in our search for the most comfortable women’s walking shoes. The process started straight from the unboxing, when we picked up each shoe and tried to bend it in the middle to evaluate its level of arch support. We then assessed each pair for flexibility, material and construction quality, and weight. Each shoe then got a minimum of three test wears of different durations: 30 minutes, three hours, and eight hours. During the 30-minute test, we noted ease of wear, fit, and any rubbing, redness, or feelings of restriction. After three hours, we also added an evaluation of whether the shoes seemed to be forming to our feet and how they fared on various surfaces. Then in the eight-hour test, we checked again if they were starting to break in and whether the shoes felt flimsy over the course of the day. We continued to wear the shoes as often as possible during the rest of the testing period, discontinuing if they became painful. All of the shoes were then graded on their comfort, fit, quality, and value. Other Comfortable Women’s Walking Shoes We Liked Allbirds Wool Runners regularly top best comfortable shoe lists, but we found a few flaws that kept them from making it into our top picks. They’re very comfortable and good for long periods of walking. The sole is thick and provides good arch support, and the wool upper is also thick, but it was still thin enough that the heel warped easily due to lack of lining and wouldn’t stand up to regular slipping on and off. We felt that the shoes were quite delicate and shouldn't be worn in any type of moisture or in very warm weather, and the black color picks up a lot of lint. Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox Vessi Women’s Everyday Classics were also very comfortable out of the box but did have some friction under the laces at the end of long wears. The sole is lightweight but sturdy and adequately supportive, and resisted scuffing and marking. But we didn’t like that they aren’t available in half sizes and looked extremely wide when on. They’re also not particularly versatile style-wise: they are very obviously a sneaker (that leans slightly orthopedic-looking because of the cloud-like sole design) and we don’t think these are stylish enough that you could dress them up. Travel + Leisure / Skye Senterfeit Tips for Buying Comfortable Women’s Walking Shoes Prioritize comfort and support We know looking cute is important, but don’t let vanity ruin your vacation! Your travel shoes should be comfortable above all else. “Rule of thumb is that if you can take a shoe and bend it in the middle very easily without much force, then the shoe is too flimsy and not supportive enough,” says podiatrist Cory Clement. This can lead to conditions like heel and arch pain, aka plantar fasciitis, due to the decrease in support and lessened shock absorption.” The 15 Most Comfortable Wedges of 2023 Consider versatility You only have so much luggage space, especially if you’re committed to the carry-on lifestyle. Ideally, you only want to bring three, maybe four, pairs of shoes total, so make sure they can go everywhere you want, especially if you’re going to be out and about from breakfast to dinner without a chance to change. Think about how you plan to use them What are you planning to do during your trip? Are you lounging on the beach most of the day, or will you be pounding the cobblestone pavement? What’s the climate like where you’re going? Do you tend to visit five-star fine dining establishments or prefer a pick-up window? A stylish pair of sneakers can take you a lot of places, but not quite everywhere. Frequently Asked Questions How should walking shoes fit? Short answer: comfortably. Your foot should feel supported but not stifled, and you should have room to comfortably wiggle your toes. “Women’s and men’s travel shoes should have a firm heel counter and shouldn’t bend in the middle,” Clement says. “Also check the toe box of the shoe. If it is too narrow, this can lead to discomfort and crowding leading to sore toes and corns.” How do you break in walking shoes? You can break in walking shoes by wearing them around the house for a week or two before your trip. The best travel shoes will be the ones that keep you most comfortable for the longest period of time. How can you tell if a shoe has good arch support? First, try Clement’s bend test. Once you’ve established that they don’t bend in the middle, if you need to go farther than that, check that the sole is made of a firm material that won’t wear out over time. You can also look for a physically upraised arch on the shoe, but this doesn’t necessarily guarantee support. If you’re shopping online, look for a seal of approval from the APMA and known supportive brands. Why Trust Travel + Leisure For this story, Rena Behar summarized the testing notes and data from multiple T+L editors, who conducted extensive feet-on testing of the shoes. She also utilized her own experience as a professional gear reviewer, frequent traveler, and compulsive hunter of both cute and comfortable shoes. While researching walking shoes for women, we spoke with podiatrist Cory Clement. The 13 Most Comfortable Women's Boots of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Updated by Taylor Fox Taylor Fox Instagram Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years. learn more Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit