18 Best Walking Shoes For Women To Buy In Australia In 2023
If you’re after a simple way to stay in shape, it could be as easy as lacing up a comfortable pair of shoes and going for a walk.
Although known for being gentler on the joints compared to running, the repetitive nature of walking can still cause issues, hence why it’s important to invest in proper footwear.
It can be overwhelming and hard to know which shoes are right for you with the wide range of brands and styles on the market right now. However, we recommend looking into a pair that will provide extra support, cushioning, ventilation and flexibility.
Once you have the right pair of shoes, the low impact activity will become much more comfortable and easy on your feet.
A review published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2014 found that, not only did regular walkers show improved blood pressure, lower resting heart rate, reduction of body fat and weight, and reduced cholesterol – they also reported improved mental health scores and better quality of life, too.
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THE IMPORTANCE OF BUYING PROPER WALKING SHOES
Speaking to news.com.au, Principal Podiatrist at Melbourne’s Profeet Podiatry and Active Feet, Oliver Tate, says this problem is exacerbated by wearing incorrect footwear that cause extra stress to your feet, legs, ankles and other joints.
“The repetitive impact of walking places continual stress on the body. If your footwear is a little too supportive, not supportive enough or fits a little awkwardly, those stresses are amplified over and over again,” he says. “This leaves you at risk of overload injuries of the lower limb.”
In his professional experience, Mr Tate says too often people buy their shoes based on colour or aesthetics, rather than its function. Instead, choosing a well-fitted and appropriately supportive shoe could be the small investment that will save you from needing professional invention later on.
“For someone wanting to develop a walking routine and increase their walking, investing in appropriately fitted walking shoes is a great decision,” says Mr Tate. “By investing in footwear now I believe you can minimise the need to visit an allied health professional down the track. Not that that is very good for my business, but it’ll be better for your hip pocket … invest now to save later.”
BEST WALKING SHOES FOR WOMEN
To help you find a pair of walking shoes that work best for your needs, we’ve rounded up 17 of the top options for women below, based on real customer reviews and our own experience with the products including the OCA Low Off-White Canvas from Cariuma that reviewers say are like “walking on a cloud”.
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
OUR TOP PICKS
In this article
BEST OVERALL WALKING AND RUNNING SHOES
OCA Low Off-White Canvas, $109 at Cariuma
What You Should Know:
Although they don’t look like your ‘typical’ walking or running shoe, this pair by Cariuma takes stylish and comfortable to the next-level. Made from high-end raw materials, these sustainable canvas shoes feature a lightweight cushioned insole, perfectly weighted rubber sole and a classic cap toe design.
They boast a 4.87 out of five star rating with many reviewers raving about how ‘comfortable’ they are, even when on their feet all day.
“No break in time needed. Wore all day while working on my feet, and my feet were happy. Can add my custom orthotics on top of Cariuma arch supports, and sneaker still fits beautifully,” one reviewer wrote.
“They were comfortable right out of the box! The insole, come on, like a cloud! I have narrow feet and a high arch. When people say shoes have great arch support, they generally barely touch my arches, let alone support them. These are different, they happily hug my arch and provide a soft yet strong bounce when I walk. I think they’d meld to anyone’s foot. The shoe itself is so cute,” another wrote.
Not to mention, each pair of sneakers purchased plants two trees – so you’ll look good and do good. If you aren’t a fan of the canvas material, this style is also available in suede and leather, and many more colourways.
ASICS GEL-EXCITE 9, $130 at THE ICONIC
What You Should Know:
Casual fitness runners, this one’s for you. The GEL-EXCITE 9 is a comfortable trainer made with a jacquard mesh upper to increase airflow do while creating a softer feel against your foot. The midsole is made up of a combination of AMPLIFOAM cushioning and GEL technology to provide better durability.
It holds a 4.5 average rating on the ASICS website with shoppers raving about how “comfortable” and “lightweight” they are.
“My new shoes are like stepping into comfy slippers as usual. Fit is true to size, width and quality good. Purchased the Lilac colour for brightness in the winter season, love them. Whether I’m walking, cycling or a gym workout, these shoes are fab and lightweight,” one shopper wrote.
“As usual with ASICS, super comfortable, light and breathable. Put them on and pretty much forget you’re wearing them … great shoes,” another wrote.
They’re also available in a range of other colourways here.
ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 25, $260 at ASICS
What You Should Know:
A step up from the iconic ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 24, the GEL-NIMBUS 25 will be your new go-to walking and running shoe. It offers upgraded lightweight cushioning that will make you feel like you’re landing on clouds. Revamped with updated PureGEL technology for enhanced shock absorption, it also has a new soft and stretchy knit upper for ventilation and an updated tongue to provide better flexibility.
The brand even had the The Biomechanics Lab, South Australia, independently design a comfort test that found the shoes were deemed more comfortable compared with three comparable competitor shoes – so you can rest assured your next walk will be comfy with this pair on.
Also available in a range of other colourways.
Hoka Clifton 9 Womens, $259.99 at The Athletes Foot
What You Should Know:
When it comes to comfortable shoe recommendations Hoka will always be mentioned in the list, and for good reason. These are the latest runner in Hoka’s award-winning Clifton collection and feature a lighter midsole and updated engineered mesh upper compared to previous versions.
Features include a 3mm stack height, gusseted tongue, breathable knit upper, durabrasion rubber outsole, compression moulded EVA midsole and a plusher heel with a reflective panel. They also carry the Australian Podiatry Association (APodA) Seal of Acceptance for being beneficial to foot health.
“First time making the switch away from another brand in about 10 years and I am not disappointed. Didn’t take anytime to break in. Love them!” one five star review reads.
UA HOVR™ Sonic 6 Running Shoes, $108 (down from $180) at Under Armour
What You Should Know:
You can’t go wrong with Under Armour for quality shoes and this pair is one you need. With a four out of five star rating, these lightweight and breathable runners feature a 3D-molded sockliner to provide comfort, engineered mesh upper with seamless forefoot for stability and responsive UA HOVR™ cushioning to absorb impact. Perfect for anything between walking, running and workouts, reviewers say they “can’t get better”.
“I am so glad I bought these!! I’ve been wanting the perfect shoe for the gym and these are it!! They’re so light and comfortable, I have flat feet and haven’t felt any kind of rubbing when I wear them all day,” wrote one five-star review.
BEST CUSHIONED WALKING SHOES
Brooks Addiction Walker Velcro 2 – Women’s, $249.95 at THE ICONIC
What You Should Know:
As the name suggests these runners were designed for walking. Features include a cushioned collar, tongue and heel as well as a slip-resistant rubber sole. It also has a BioMoGo DNA cushioning in the midsole and two velcro tabs for ultimate comfort.
“These shoes may not be the most stylish but at 46 I don’t care,” one five star review on the Brooks website reads.
“These are incredible walking shoes that are super supportive for long walks. I’m currently on my third pair of these.
“I take daily walks and often very long walks and no other shoe can compare and I’ve been looking.”
New Balance Fresh Foam 680v7, $100 (down from $150) at THE ICONIC
What You Should Know:
While this pair is designed for running beginners they’re also New Balance’s most popular choice of shoe for walking on their website at the time of publishing. Designed for comfort above all, the Fresh Foam 680v7 has a midsole that provides a plush underfoot and a rubber outsole for traction. The engineered double jacquard mesh is nonrestrictive on your toes, and the moulded footbed maximises comfort. They come in four chic colourways to suit your wardrobe.
“I wanted a good walking shoe that would be good for walking through airports when I travel … when I put them on the first time, they were instantly comfortable!” one five-star review reads.
“No pressure point sores or pain anywhere! I can wear these shoes all day and my feet never tire. I really love these shoes and they are very cute, have had several compliments on them!”
Skechers GOWalk Hyper Burst, $69.99 (down from $119.95) at Amazon Australia
What You Should Know:
The Skechers brand is known for its comfortable footwear, making it no surprise that its GOWalk sneakers come so highly rated with its 4.8 out of five star rating. Featuring a slip-on design, breathable knit mesh construction and cushioned heel, these machine washable shoes are perfect for everyday wear.
You can shop them in more colourways including black/white, taupe and navy.
Bountiful Quick Path Sneaker, $99.99 at Skechers
What You Should Know:
Blending lightweight flexibility with cushioning for all your walking and workout needs, the Bountiful Quick Path feature soft knit mesh and a memory foam insole for ultimate comfort.
One of many thrilled reviewers commented: “Absolutely fantastic! These shoes are light weight, Comfortable and just feel like an extension of my foot! The memory foam is excellent and I can walk all day without sore feet now.”
Ultraboost 5 DNA Shoes, $280 at adidas
What You Should Know:
These popular Adidas runners have a boost midsole for added comfort while walking as well as Adidas’ signature Primeknit upper. The lightweight runners also have a stretchweb outsole made from Continental Rubber for added tread and grip. One five-star review on Google reads, “I’ve been waiting to get my hands on these for a long time now and I have to say, the wait was well worth it. These are the most comfortable Adidas I’ve ever worn.”
BEST SUSTAINABLE WALKING SHOES
Women’s Tree Dasher 2, $215 at allbirds
What You Should Know:
This shoe is carbon neutral so both you and your feet can feel good knowing you’re not harming the environment when you pop these on. Featuring a seamless one-piece upper for maximum comfort and a lightly padded heel collar to lock your ankle in place, these sneakers are super comfortable. It also has a flexible, cushioned foam sole for the ultimate support. ”These shoes might change your life,” starts one five-star review. They go on to say, “They are just so freaking comfortable. I never want to take them off, even when I’ve been wearing them for hours.”
BEST WHITE WALKING SHOES
Reebok Princess Shoes, $70 (down from $100) at THE ICONIC
What You Should Know:
If you’re a fan of the all-white sneaker look, this walking shoe will slot into your repertoire perfectly. Boasting a synthetic leather upper for ultimate breathability, a high abrasion rubber outsole for extra grip, an EVA midsole for added cushioning, and a terry lining for softness, the Reebok Princess style is a triumph.
BEST WALKING SANDALS
Teva Midform Universal, $120 at THE ICONIC
What You Should Know:
Teva sandals have been around since the 80s, but they’re back in style right now and better than ever. Here’s what former news.com.au checkout writer Dani Maher says about hers: “Being the proud owner of a pair of the Midform Universals myself, I can confirm that they are the comfiest summer shoe you will ever wear – seriously. The moulded EVA midsole offers heel cupping and arch support that make you feel like you’re walking on a cloud, and the textured finish is like a mini massage. Don’t be intimidated by the 3.2cm flatform – it’s just extra cushioning for comfort, and they’re still ridiculously easy to walk around in all day long. I’ve worn mine on trips to the beach, the shops, or just walks around the neighbourhood, and have gotten dozens of compliments on the retro chunky style. If it’s not to your taste, Teva have plenty more designs and colours to buy – check them out here.”
FitFlop Lulu Leather Toepost Womens Sandals, $169.99 at The Athlete’s Foot
What You Should Know:
Stylish and practical sandals? Yes please! This pair by FitFlop features a triangular thong-style vamp strap with microfibre lining to prevent skin irritation, slip resistant rubber outsole and the Microwobbleboard midsoles that not only absorbs shock but can diffuse pressure under the foot.
This timeless style boasts a 4.7 average rating on Google with shopper praising how “comfortable” they are – some even say “it feels like you are walking on a cloud”.
“I have always loved the FitFlop thongs, and I never fail to buy another pair when my last pair wear out. I love that I can find a casual pair, and have the choice of finding a dressy pair as well. I am always telling everyone how it feels like you are walking on a cloud as they are so cushiony, and I love the extra height they have as well. I feel like I want to wear them everywhere, as they also, for me, relieve leg and lower back pain,” one shopper wrote.
“Love FitFlop. They are my go to sandal. They are soooooo comfy, always look good dressed up or casual. No discomfort, no blisters – just relaxing to walk in and you don’t have to break them in, just wear and walk,” another wrote.
Propet Pedwalker Sandal Womens, $189.99 at The Athlete’s Foot
What You Should Know:
Made for leisurely walking, these sandals are designed to provide a seamless and non-abrasive feel. Made from a combination of leather and neoprene it has two adjustable straps for a comfy fit.
“My mother finds it hard to find shoes to fit but these ones were the first pair she had bought in years and she absolutely loves them,” said one five-star review on Google.
Active Flex Naples Blush Diamante Sandals, $62.97 (down from $89.95) at Myer
What You Should Know:
These diamante encrusted sandals by Active Flex are just as practical as they are cute. This glitzy pair boasts a lightweight and durable design, and features a three cm heel height, adjustable velcro strap and a moulded footbed for comfort. Easy to pop on, you’ll be wearing this pair all summer long. With a five star rating on Myer, one customer had this to say, “These are the most comfortable sandals I have found, I have bad feet and these help so much and can wear them for a long period of time without my feet hurting. I have a few colours now which look great as well as the comfort.”
Not a fan of blush pink? It’s also available in black, grey, navy and taupe.
BEST WATER-REPELLENT WALKING SHOES
Women’s Wool Runner Mizzles, $185 at allbirds
What You Should Know:
From sustainable New Zealander brand Allbirds come these lightweight, comfortable and water-repellent sneakers. Crafted from cozy Merino wool with a bio-based water repelling shield and no-slip natural rubber sole, these are a perfect pair for those who love to walk whether there’s rain, hail or shine. They come in a wide range of chic colours and are beloved by reviewers.
“I live in Tasmania and my feet are permanently cold in the winter months. These shoes are like wearing my woollen slippers except I can wear them when I am out and about too. Perfect for long walks and running errands. They look really smart and I have had lots of people comment on them,” wrote one happy customer.
BEST SLIP ON WALKING SHOES
On Cloud 5 Undyed Womens, $299.99 at Hype DC
What You Should Know:
Simply slip these shoes on and off for complete ease of use. Crafted with a Zero-Gravity cushioned midsole for maximum comfort, these shoes have a near-weightless sensation unlike any other. One five-star review titled “My Saving Grace” describes the shoes as “so light and flexible” and that there was “not a minutes discomfort.” Another said the shoe was great for “relieving pressure on knees and calves.”
HOW DO I CHOOSE A WALKING SHOE?
When it comes to shoe shopping, comfort and stability are the two key factors. Mr Tate says research shows choosing a pair of comfortable shoes can go a long way in reducing injury but what is comfortable is user dependent.
“The only way to find out is to try a few pairs on and have a walk around in them,” he instructs. “Some people like cushioning, to feel like they’re walking on clouds, others like a firmer more responsive shoe.”
Shoppers should ensure their foot remains stable too and watch to see if their foot moves inward (pronation) or outwards (supination).
“Stability is important as too much deviation inward or outwards can cause your ankle muscles to work harder to stabilise your foot,” he says. “If you haven’t walked for a while you’re going to want to minimise how hard your ankles have to work so you down overload them.”
HOW DO I FIND THE PERFECT FIT IN WALKING SHOES?
The key, he says, is whether you can wriggle your toes – a key sign that you’ve found a great fit.
“A good pair of walking shoes should fit comfortably with no hot spots or pressure areas, and an enjoyable amount of space to wriggle the toes,” he said. “At the back of the shoe, the heel counter should lock nicely around the heel so that there is no slipping.”
Looking for a new pair of walking shoes? Take a look at these super supportive and comfortable options that will keep your feet happy.
WHAT ARE THE WORST SHOES FOR YOUR FEET?
According to Steven Waterhouse, Performance Footwear Buyer at The ICONIC, the biggest faux pas we can make is underestimating the importance of the fit of our shoes.
“It’s always a good idea to go up by at least a half-size to allow room for potential swelling, which can naturally happen if you’ve spent a day on your feet,” Steven tells news.com.au. “When shopping for a walking shoe online, take advantage of the size guide and tools available to help make your pick. Here at The ICONIC, we offer a Fit Finder function, which through a short questionnaire based on existing shoes in your wardrobe, offers a personalised size recommendation to help take some of the guesswork out of shopping for your next pair of walking shoes.”
More Coverage
Find more great footwear recommendations with our guide to the cosiest slippers and warmest boots for winter. Plus, don’t miss our roundup of the best white sneakers for your wardrobe.
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Originally published as 18 best walking shoes for women to buy in Australia in 2023
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