Comfortable Walking Shoes for Women

I walk a lot, so I need comfortable walking shoes.

For women, there are lots of choices, but wading through them all can be a challenge, so it helps to know what to look for and shop at online stores that make shopping easy and convenient.

How to Find Comfortable Walking Shoes For Women

Your walking shoes should be flexible.

For instance, the front of the shoe should easily flex when you push off with your toe to walk, but you don't want the shoe to bend at the arch, you need a firm platform when walking.

One of the most flexible shoes I wear are New Balance. I've worn New Balance for 25 years. They've given me the motion control, comfort and flexibility I need to walk comfortably.

I also prefer walking shoes that have mesh as opposed to leather, they allow my feet to breathe.

If comfort is important but you want a less sporty look, try

Designer Comfort at The Walking Company

Comfort Walking Shoes for Women who Walk Every Day

I've stuck to two brands of shoes that have served me well. 

Ryka and New Balance  have both been, by far, the most comfortable shoes for walking long distances.

In fact the last pair of Ryka walking shoes I had I wore for five years. I don't recommend wearing walking shoes that long, but they were so comfortable, even to the end, I hated giving them up.

The unfortunate thing about wearing shoes for several years is that shoe styles and makes often go out of style. For example, my last pair of Rykas were no longer available and I was forced to choose a new style.

Rest assured that even though you might not be able to find the exact same shoe that you once loved, tying a new style isn't always a bad thing. A new style or make may be different in name but you'll often find the same quality and comfort you had in your last shoe, that's been my experience.

One very popular Ryka shoe that continuously ranks 5 stars is the Ryka walker. The shoe features RykaRocker™ and offers great support with superior comfort.

I alternate my Ryka's with New Balance which I also love. I tried wearing New Balance because of their superb popularity and comfort as well. In fact I alternate wearing my Ryka's and New Balance shoes.

Alternate your shoes if you can. It saves on the wear and tear of the shoes so they'll last longer. This also helps them retain their comfort longer.

A Warning About Walking Shoes and Fads

This isn't so much of a warning as it's a precaution.

You may have noticed how popular the new Skechers walking shoes have become. Since I'm such an avid walker I had to try them out.

I do happen to like them but they're not for everyone or every sport. Read my experience with my Shape Ups at my Skechers shape ups review.

Comfortable walking shoes for women that travel

Like most people, we travel on occasion and a good pair of walking shoes are important.

I like to find walking shoes that are a little dressier than my average every day sporty walking shoes.

My latest favorite travel shoe is Keen's Toya. I bought them for a trip to Europe and just loved them. They were super comfortable, it didn't matter how much we walked each day, they kept me going - and there were days we walked over ten miles!

They have a nice thick sole and my toes have so much room without the shoe feeling floppy or loose. They also conform to my feet giving me even more added comfort. Great buy for the walking traveler.

What makes these shoes the most popular and comfortable for walking is that these are the shoes that best support your feet by keeping our arches from collapsing, preserving our posture and body alignment. They also absorb shock as you walk and pad your weight against the hard ground.

They are also better designed to eliminate rubbing and pressure points that can cause discomfort. Brands like Keen and Birkenstock also conform your foot after continued wear adding even more to your walking comfort.

As for sizing, I generally go with my true size. For travel shoes I sometimes go with a half size larger so that I can use comfort insoles in them, which, by the way I highly recommend. The Dr. Scholls insoles are great for travel because so many surfaces like museums, ruins and shopping areas have stone and marble surfaces. You tend to stand more when you travel and a good insole makes a huge difference.

Personal advice when shopping for shoes online...

If you like to buy shoes online, which is a favorite pass time of mine, make sure you buy from a store that has free shipping and free returns, it makes the process a lot more convenient.

 ===> See Also Comfortable Travel Shoes for Women