The best women’s walking shoes for weekend walks and hiking trips, as tried and tested by us

You'll need a pair of the best women's walking shoes if you're taking on a hike, going trail walking, or even just exploring your city more on foot. Designed to support your foot on different terrains, be comfortable to wear, and protect you from the elements, they're a real essential. 

Walking shoes have changed a lot over the years though, leveling up in every aspect from comfort to colourways. With the emergence of new fashion trends focusing on outdoor wear, they're also some of the most popular items of footwear around with brands like Salomon, Hoka, and Merrell among the bestsellers. 

To help you find your pick of the best women's walking shoes, we tried and tested over 20 pairs from many of the top brands, putting the shoes to the test over several weeks and in many different environments. We looked at key factors like comfort, breathability, support, and waterproofing to assess them all. If you're looking to run in your shoes, our guide on the best running shoes or the best trail running shoes may be more suitable. 

Our top 6 picks

The woman&home health team has tried and tested walking shoes from a range of top brands, including Merrell, Hoka, and Columbia to bring you a complete overview of the best walking shoes. Here are six of our favourites to get started with. 

The best women's walking shoes tried and tested by us

The best walking shoes overall

For the perfect all-rounder, whether you're taking on city strolls or hiking up almost-vertical terrains (seriously, our tester Millie Fender tried it), it's got to be the Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX shoe. It ticks all the boxes of an ideal walking shoe: supportive, comfortable, and completely waterproof. 

Support and comfort are the two most important features when choosing a walking shoe. Without these, you're unlikely to get very far. The rubber sole feels flexible and springy underfoot, Millie says, and there's enough rubber to make even rockier terrains feel comfortable. "The traction lugs (the grip) on the sole are designed to shed mud as you walk and I was really impressed with how well this worked. The shoes were consistently grippy, giving me more confidence on the trails. Plus, I didn't need to clean them before putting them in the boot of my car."

But she also notes: "A couple of times during my days hiking, I noticed I was putting a lot of strain on my ankles as I walked vertically along the slopes." If your ankles struggle on the more challenging terrains, a better alternative may be the boot version of this wonderful walking shoe.

View our full review of the Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX walking shoes

The most comfortable walking shoe

For total comfort, Columbia Women's Konos TRS OutDry Hiking Shoe is undoubtedly one of the best. They have a springy sole - made from 100% rubber and complete with the brand's own Adapt Trax material for solid grip on even the most slippery of surfaces - and the midfoot upper holds the foot in place with a polyester material that feels lightweight and supportive. Together, they help reduce impact on the foot as it hits the ground, making them comfortable for wear for hours on end.

Putting the shoes on for the first time, they fit like a glove with a spacious toe box - provided you opt for at least half a size up. The lacing system has two additional loops at the top, a unique feature that I found very useful for tightening the shoes comfortably around the ankle. A supportive, padded heel enclosure rounds off the total support of this shoe.

The Columbia Women's Konos TRS OutDry Hiking Shoe will also keep your feet dry in wetter climates, thanks to the Outdry waterproof breathable construction. However, they are not the most breathable shoes around, even though they feel incredibly lightweight, perhaps down to this waterproof construction. For breathability over waterproofing (especially in the summer months), I'd try the On Running Cloudvista. 

The best Hoka walking shoe

Looking for a walking shoe from cult brand Hoka? While most people will know Hoka for producing running shoes, the selection of walking shoes is also top-tier. As a long-time fan of the brand, I've had several pairs but the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX is my favourite walking shoe by far, with more comfort and durability in this model than others. The shoe is also made from mostly-recycled materials, making it a sustainable choice too. 

I've had my pair for about two years and put them through their paces every few months with hikes along fell tops in the Lake District or muddy paths and trails in the Peak District, proving how well they stand the test of time. I purchased the size up from my regular size to ensure plenty of room in the toe box and I'd recommend doing the same if you're looking to explore all the benefits of walking in comfort. When walking, our feet can sweat and swell up slightly, making shoes that are a little too small or just right potentially uncomfortable. 

I remember putting these shoes on for the first time, however. They were immediately comfortable - sweet relief given that this isn't a common experience with hiking shoes. These shoes could easily rival the Columbia walking shoes for the title of 'most comfortable' and even 'best overall women's walking shoe', but they are a little bulkier given that they are strictly boots rather than shoes. 

Metal quick-lace hooks stretch up the ankle, locking the foot into place, while the plush sole supports the foot from underneath. There's a solid support around the heel for additional protection and GORE-TEX waterproof keeps feet dry and the elements out, while the polyester tongue ensures your foot can breathe. This makes them suitable for anything from intense rucking in the rain to gentle strolls along muddy paths. An all-round winner, in my eyes. 

The best walking shoe for maximum support

There's no denying it - the Ariat Skyline Solaris is a solid structure of a shoe, but if you want maximum support then you'll need a little something extra around the ankle to lock your foot into place. Lifestyle editor Tamara Kelly tried and tested these walking shoes and said they were surprisingly light and springy, offering total cushioning, ankle and foot support.

"The laces are easy to pull through to secure the boots tighter but felt suitable thick and sturdy. They're also generous in length so a secure double knot is no problem, even after being looped around the two extra catches around the top to support the ankles," she says. "But the key takeaway for me from these boots was the ankle support. They felt cushioned and supported at all times but not restricted in any way from freedom of movement, even when walking on an incline or decline."

While they are fairly sturdy, she says, the pull tab on the back of the ankle is real help in putting them on. Otherwise, they slide on easily and are true to size. "Dare we say even a little generous, so they were more than comfortable on the occasions where thicker socks were required," says Tamara. "The feet felt like they have enough wiggle room to avoid rubbing and blisters but were supported enough not to set you up for a good steady walk."

However, while the shoes withstood a good water test on several occasions with beads of water just sliding off, these boots did leave our tester's feet feeling toasty. "I did wear these during the hottest month of the year and my feet were pretty warm, so I'd definitely recommend these more as a winter shoe or one of the best women's walking shoes for moderate weather." 

Tamara Kelly

Tamara is a highly experienced homes and interiors journalist, with a career spanning 20 years. Tamara has spent the last 17 years working with the style teams at, Woman & Home, Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, and it’s with these award-winning teams that she gained a wealth of knowledge and honed her skills and passion for shopping, styling and writing about every aspect of lifestyle and interiors.

The most stylish walking shoe

Salomon's XT-6 may became the latest addition to the must-have Gorpcore wardrobe last year, but they are a tried and tested favourite that has stood the test of changing trends. While it's not a waterproof shoe, it's still an excellent buy for spring, summer, and drier conditions, given that the toe does provide some water resistance and these shoes will go with just about anything in your hiking wardrobe. 

They have a dust-proof textile upper that keeps feet clean and away from dirt just like the Merrell Moab Speed 2 shoes, the top pick on our list. The rubber toe cap also works brilliantly for rockier climbs and city hazards, protecting the toes from any protruding rocks. While the sole isn't as thick as the Merrell Moab 2 GTX walking shoes or the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX, for instance, the EVA cushioning in the midsole really feels like it protects the foot and I've only ever found a soft landing on the other side of these shoes. 

After wearing my pair for only a few weeks, they became a constant in my shoe rotation - for long weekend walks along London's canal toepaths, pub trips on camping holidays, and even for strolling from the tube into the office. They are that versatile. However, I do recommend avoiding the lighter colours if you're walking through a lot of muddy or dirty conditions, though as the upper fabric tends to mark easily. 

I find the lacing system also makes the Salomon S-LAB Xt-6 Walking Shoes a great choice for those looking for support around the midfoot. It's a simple interlacing cord system that sits on the upper of the shoe, so all you have to do is pull the toggle to tighten. It also adds a unique aesthetic feature that a lot of other walking shoes don't have. 

The best walking shoe for arch support

FitFlop's shoes are created to support joint alignment and a free range of movement, with a strong focus on comfort and support. It's for this reason that the American Podiatric Medical Association has given the brand its seal of approval - so it makes sense that these would become our top pick for arch support. 

Our tester, Susan, has been dealing with plantar fasciitis on and off for a few years. She says she initially bought the shoes in preparation for a walking weekend away with friends - but now wears them almost every week. "I was so surprised by these shoes when I first tried them on," she says. "They have a raised, cushioned midsole that supports my arches when I walk and I can go from being in pain and to feeling ready to walk after putting these on. The tab on the back heel makes them easy to pull on too, which helps."

While it's important to get medical advice if you're in any pain when walking, Susan says these have made "the world of difference" for her. "Also, on first appearance, they look really heavy and like they would weigh you down but I found them to actually be lightweight and comfortable," she says. "I've worn them power walking on all types of ground too, from snow to wet woodlands and they kept me moving with good grip on the sole." 

Much like the Hoka Kaha 2 walking shoes, the Neo-D-Hyker is also a comfortable shoe from the first wear. "They didn't have a painful period where I had to break them in, to my relief, with no heel or toe pain at any point," says Susan. "However, I did go half a size up, which may have helped with this."

While there are only two color options available (black or dark blue), both make this shoe suitable for muddier terrains, and the chunky style fits the latest trends. Just watch out for rain as the Neo-D-Hyker is only water-resistant. 

The best lightweight walking shoe

A lightweight walking shoe is essential if you're heading out in warmer climates or want to move quickly. At 235g per pair, the On Running Cloudvista is the perfect middle ground for a solid-yet-stylish, lightweight shoe that features all the comfort and support you need, whether you're looking to go walking 30 minutes a day or take on a bigger challenge in the summer months. 

Traditionally a trail-running shoe, this model has new superfoam technology making up the sole of the shoe that combines Helion and Cloudtec technology to offer a comfortable, relatively springy ride while maintaining a firm, agile grip on both your foot and the ground. The laces and padded heel collar do most of the work in supporting the foot, with the lightweight upper otherwise feeling very flexible on the move. But overall, I found that they hold the foot in place without an issue. 

The material upper does offer some protection from trail debris but not quite enough that I'd be comfortable recommending it for a serious off-road walk. And while the Cloudvista is undoubtedly one of the most stylish shoes on our list, it does exclusively come in lighter colours at the moment, so the material immediately becomes mud-splattered the second you take these into soggier terrain. The Cloudvista also isn't waterproof - although, there is an alternative Cloudvista Waterproof model at 250g per pair if you're interested in more protection. 

The best walking shoe on Amazon

Need a pair of the best women's walking shoes last minute? Ideally, you'd have time to try on the shoes, get to wear them around the house, and make sure they're right for you before heading outdoors, but you can't go too wrong with Merrell Women's Moab 2 GTX if you need a pair in a hurry. 

Much like the Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX, our top pick, these are fully waterproof thanks to same reliable GORE-TEX material, sturdy grip on the rubber sole to help you navigate rocky and slippery terrains, a breathable mesh lining to keep your foot from overheating, and a supportive structure in the heel box with lace-ups to keep your foot in place while you're on the move. There's not a lot more you can ask for in a basic walking shoe. Plus, comparatively to our top pick, these are at least £30 cheaper. 

Those in need of more ankle support or cushion around the heel would benefit from another choice (like the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX) and some colours of this model are more stylish than others (especially compared to the likes of the Salomon S-LAB Xt-6 walking shoes). However, if you're after practicality, budget-friendly buys, and speed of delivery over style, this is pair that'll definitely fill the top spot.

The best shoe for trail walking

Nike ZoomX Zegama Women's Trail Running Shoes might be some of the top trail running shoes technically, but when I tested these out for myself on a long, dry, dusty walk in the summer, I found them to be just as good as many of the other walking shoes on the list so I had to include them. No need to debate walking vs running in these shoes, you can do both in comfort and style with these. 

For starters, they're incredibly comfortable, with an internal heel and super cushioned midsole made of the brand's ZoomX foam. In combination, they offer a surprising bounce when you walk with a great feeling of support under the heel. On my trail walk, I found I was moving along a lot quicker than I would normally thanks to this, while the supportive lacing system and sock-like ankle support held my foot in place. I took these out running one day too, so I can also attest to their success as trail running trainers. 

While they won't be suitable for rainy winter walks as they're not waterproof and have a breathable upper with perforations in the material, they're a great walking shoe for drier weather and gritty trails. 

Testing the best women's walking shoes

How we tested

All of the shoes in this collection have been tested in the last six months, following the initial review process, and we can confirm that these are still the best walking shoes on the market. 

When testing the pick of the best women's walking shoes, we considered: 

• Comfort: Comfort really is key when it comes to walking shoes. As a top priority, we noted whether the walking shoes had lots of cushioning, a sizeable toe box to allow our feet to move and swell comfortably and whether they were generally comfortable to wear over many hours.
• Waterproofing: This was one of the most important testing factors. While not every shoe on our list had to be waterproof to pass the test, it's a good feature to have, and one to certainly be aware of. 
• Support: Walking shoes should feel secure around the ankle and have great traction, the experts told us. So, we tested the shoes on various terrains to see whether they were up to scratch - from rocky trails to muddy fields, and even out and about in the city.
• Fit: It's best to try on walking shoes before going out in them to ensure you're investing in the right size. We always tested these shoes with walking socks on to make sure they fit well around these and noted whether it was best to size up in certain brands.
• Material: We tested a range of shoes made of different materials, including classic leather walking shoes and modern boots with a thick polyester upper designed to be worn in heavy rainfall. Whatever terrain you're tackling this year, we've got you covered.
• Versatility: If you’re just looking for a pair of walking shoes for taking the dog to the park, a cheaper fabric option might be all you need. But, if you plan to trek in your walking shoes, opt for durable waterproof shoes with grippy soles for stability. We tested a whole range of boots for different uses and price points to give you a variety to choose from.

How to choose the best walking shoes for you

• Make sure your walking shoes are waterproof: "Waterproof shoes will be useful for all weathers, not just big puddles. Brands like Merrell that use GORE-TEX are great as it provides innovative wet weather protection and is the gold standard for waterproofing," says Annelie Pompe, an experienced hiker and professional adventurer.
• Ask yourself whether they're really comfortable: If you buy walking shoes online, be sure to wear them around the house to begin with to check they're comfortable. If they're not, send them back. "Walking or hiking shoes need some space in front of the toes, about 0.5 to 1cm is enough," says Pompe, who is also the brand ambassador for Merrell Hiking Club.
• Choose the material carefully: While most waterproof walking shoes are made from a lightweight textile or leather, there are others to consider. "The material of the inner lining is especially important," the hiking expert explains. "What one person considers comfortable might be very different to what someone else considers comfortable, so it's important to try on the shoes before going for a long walk."
• Consider what kind of support you need: Think about whether you need low, medium, or high support. Doing walking meditation on flat ground will require very different support to hiking up a mountain. "Will you be carrying a heavy pack? If so, you'll need mid to high support. If you need maximum ankle mobility then low will be better and if you need more support for your ankle, high support will be best," she says.
• Are the shoes sustainable? "If you love hiking/nature, make sure the footwear you chose to embrace nature is made sustainably," Pompe says. 

How long do walking shoes last? 

It depends on much you walk around on rocks and on unstable terrain where the shoes will be put under pressure and how well you take care of them, says Pompe. "But between four and 10 years is typical."

This may be more than you were expecting, considering that running professionals suggest swapping out running shoes every six months - depending on how often you run. However, hiking shoes and trail shoes tend to be sturdier and made from materials such as leather and textiles that don't wear out as easily.

Walking shoes vs hiking boots

• Walking shoes are lightweight: Compared to hiking boots, walking shoes tend to weigh less. So, if you're planning on walking longer distances on few challenging terrains, they may be a better option for comfort over time.
• Walking boots can take you over challenging terrain: A common complaint from testers of our best walking shoes is that shoes don't offer enough ankle support over rocky terrains or those at an incline. Walking boots, with their built-in ankle support, can offer this more naturally as part of the design. 
• Walking shoes have a better range of movement: While walking boots can provide some excellent ankle support, walking shoes will offer a better range of movement with more ankle flexibility. This can be a better option for those planning to walk longer distances as it may be more comfortable over time. 
• Walking shoes tend to be more budget-friendly: Walking boots are made out of sturdy stuff and there's more material used in the construction than in walking shoes so they tend to be more expensive. If you're looking for a budget-friendly pair, walking shoes will likely be a better option. 

Should walking shoes be a size bigger?

Most of the time, you'll want to buy a pair of walking shoes at least half a size bigger than your regular shoe size. When we walk, even if it's just a stroll, our feet tend to sweat and swell up slightly in size. It's very normal - but it does mean that you'll certainly feel the effect if your shoes are a little bit too small. 

Brands will regularly advise on whether it's better to size up on their walking shoes or not, so be sure to look out for this in the sizing information on the website of your chosen shoe.