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Comfortable Walking Shoes for Women
Finding a good pair of comfortable shoes can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. For something so basic and necessary, it’s surprisingly tricky to find.
As someone who has traveled a lot and racked up thousands of air miles, I know this problem well. I’ve tried on more shoes than I care to admit, but over time I’ve learned which shoes work the best when you want comfort. But it doesn’t stop at just comfort, I want the whole package (bonus points if they’re on sale).
5 Things To Look For When Buying Comfy Shoes
- A Cushioned Footbed – to soothe any aches that might pop up
- 8+ hours of comfort – for a mix of walking and standing
- Many color options – because we aren’t all the same
- Stylish – comfy shoes shouldn’t sacrifice on style
- Unique – to stand apart from the crowd
My Top Pick
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The 7 Most Comfortable Walking Shoes for Women
1. Nike Tanjun Shoes
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Why they’re great:
- Soft “cloud-like” insole
- Lightweight, easy to wear
- Airy and breathable
- Trendy design
- Dozens of colors to choose from
- Comfy even if you have Plantar Fasciitis
My Complete Review:
Nike’s Tanjun sneakers are so comfortable, you won’t want to take them off. They’re the kind of shoes you put on and forget about, until you catch yourself in a window reflection. Oh yeah, I’m wearing these sneakers today, aren’t I.
The key to their comfort is in the “Air-Sole” cushioned insoles. They give you comfortable cushioning with added support. In fact, they are often compared to walking on clouds.
Wouldn’t it be neat if we could actually walk on clouds? These shoes come pretty close at least.
One thing you’ll notice straight away, is the thick foam-rubber outsole. Sure it’s trendy, but its main job is to absorb every little impact. Whether you’re walking on gravel or cobblestones in Italy, you won’t feel a thing.
On a hot day, you might expect your feet to feel hot and bothered. When you’re wearing these shoes, that won’t happen. The outside of the shoe is made of a breathable mesh fabric. Your feet stay fresh and cool thanks to all the ventilation.
I definitely recommend these shoes if you want comfort straight out of the box. “No fuss” is what these sneakers are all about. And with so many colors to choose from, your perfect pair is easy to find.
2. Asics Women’s fuseX Lyte Sneaker
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Why they’re great:
- Comfortable hybrid “gel-foam” insole
- Extra-durable rubber outsole
- Breathable crochet design
- Exceptional grip and traction
- Lightweight
- Unique color options
My Complete Review:
You’d be wrong to assume that these sneakers are all style and no comfort. Yes, the colors are bright and cheerful, but it’s still a serious shoe.
For starters, let’s look at Asics’ “fuzeGel” insole. It combines the ergonomic feel of gel with the comfort and support of foam insoles. Together they form a special insole that gives hours of unrivaled comfort.
You will be able to stand in these sneakers for at least 12 hours. It’s no wonder nurses are huge fans of these sneakers. Who better to judge a sneaker’s comfort, than someone who works long shifts on their feet. If it’s good enough for nurses, it’s good enough for me.
Most sneakers can’t cope with the daily stress of walking on concrete. Eventually, the outsole will start to wear down after repeated daily use. Asics have thought of that challenge and designed these sneakers with “High Abrasion Rubber”, making them extremely durable.
If you’re looking for sneakers that will go the extra mile, and brighten up your day, check these out. They’re great.
3. Sanuk Women’s Brook Tx Loafer
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Why they’re great:
- Yoga-mat comfort
- Ultra-flexible movement
- Easy to slip-on style
- Espadrille detail stitching
- Anti-odor coating
- Machine washable
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
My Complete Review:
Most comfortable-shoe roundups will feature comfort shoe brand Sanuk. My roundup is no exception. Sanuk continues to make shoes that are a throwback to years gone by. When shoes were comfy and simple, but they lasted for years.
This no-nonsense approach takes well-known materials and blends them to a perfect result. For example, take the yoga mat. These slip-on shoes have taken that design and used it for the insole. And why not?
It’s squishy, yet firm, and bounces back every time. It’s perfect for a comfortable shoe.
The outside of the shoe is inspired by woven lanai blankets from Hawaii. The final touch is the espadrille-style stitching, which adds a touch of style.
These shoes are great to wear for casual occasions, when you need something trusty and comfortable. I live in mine in the summer and I also recommend the kids versions. My kids do their worst to them and I throw them in the washing machine when they get too dirty.
4. Merrell Women’s Zoe Sojourn E-Mesh Q2 Ballet Flat
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Why they’re great:
- Extra cushioned insoles
- Slim feminine design
- Supports foot arches
- Breathable mesh fabric
- Anti-slip design
- Very lightweight
My Complete Review:
Ballet flats can be uncomfortable. Their slim design usually means that they have no cushioning, so your feet ache after a few minutes. Consider these shoes the exception to all the other uncomfortable ballet flats out there.
These shoes have “Air-Cushion” insoles that will cushion your feet for hours. The EVA molded footbed also ensures that you get non-stop comfortable arch support.
If you’ve ever worn ballet flats, then you are probably already familiar with the “flip-flop” effect. You know, when your foot suddenly flops out as you’re walking. This is mainly caused by ballet flats that are not secured properly to your foot. It’s pretty common with ballet shoes and can lead to painful foot cramps.
Thankfully these flats have been designed to hug your foot, avoiding any potential foot cramps. The breathable mesh fabric hugs the top and sides of your foot, so no “flip-flopping” here. Your feet will feel secure all day.
I wore them on a day out shopping and to our local playground. Because they are designed for use on rugged ground, I didn’t feel any discomfort walking over gravel.
One of my friends asked me about them and I told her how comfortable and easy they are to wear. You just throw them on and go. They also look good with my jeans or summer dresses, which makes them a great value.
5. Sam Edelman Loraine Loafer
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Why they’re great:
- Comfortable straight out of the box
- Flattering almond toe
- Luxurious materials
- A twist on a classic design
- Stylish color options
- Looks great with casual or dressy outfits
My Complete Review:
Ever since Gucci released their famous women’s loafer, style-savvy ladies have been snapping them up left and right. But, although they are beautiful, their price really stings.
Enter these stylish loafers from Sam Edelman. It’s clear they’ve taken inspiration from the Italian fashion house. We can now enjoy the Gucci-esque design, but at a comfortable price us mortals can afford.
And despite the cheaper price, the materials and comfort are still top notch. The insole is lined in buttery soft leather and has cushioning for added comfort. They slip onto your foot and instantly feel so comfortable.
Where many brands skimp on a flimsy outer sole, Sam Edelman has kept standards high. The outer sole is made of durable leather and the heel feels solid and sturdy with each step.
I love the leopard pattern especially, because it makes me look effortlessly put together. But, if that’s not your style, don’t worry. It also comes in many classic colors that will suit any taste.
6. Merrell Around Town Sandal
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Why they’re great:
- Soft leather feels nice against the skin
- Adjustable ankle straps
- Natural cork footbed
- Outersole grip is great
- No breaking-in needed
- Easy slip-on/off design
My Complete Review:
Merrell’s Around Town Sandal is easily one of the most stylish and durable sandals around. With a nice simple design and excellent materials, you’ve got the recipe for the perfect shoe.
So many shoes are overdesigned with so many straps and details, that the style disappears instantly. However, these sandals have got it right.
While some sandals have skinny straps that dig into your skin, these have soft wide leather straps. Every step feels secure and comfortable. Even running after small children is easy in these sandals.
I was able to wear these straight from the box without breaking them in. They have good arch support, so would suit anyone with arch support needs. I probably wore them for about 6 hours the first day and 8 hours the next day. The sandals felt comfortable to wear both days, so can easily be worn for long days out.
7. Cobb Hill Rockport Harper Sandal
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Why they’re great:
- 100% luxury leather
- Comfortable wedge heel
- Airy open-toe design
- Wide and secure ankle strap
- Adjustable hidden velcro foot-straps
- Ergonomic footbed for targeted support
- Non-slip rubber outer sole
- Comfortable if you have Plantar Fasciitis
My Complete Review:
With a pretty feminine style, these earthy sandals fall comfortably within the casual chic category. I personally can’t wear heels that are too high, so when I saw these wedge sandals, I knew they were going to be comfortable. And they are! I walked a full day in them without a problem.
Because of their wedge heel, they feel secure and don’t feel wobbly at all. I’m too clumsy to wear stilettos or anything requiring any balance.
The three-strap design not only feels secure, but it’s also easy to use. You can’t really tell, but the strap closures are velcro. They’re well hidden and mean that you can easily adjust the straps to your feet.
They come in several colors, so you’re bound to find a color that you love. I wore these shoes with jeans and I looked more put together than usual. Haha. Whatever helps me to look like I know what I’m doing. They also looked great with shorts or dresses, so these are really versatile.
Summary
I’ve tested dozens of shoes in every budget, looking for the most comfortable shoes. These shoes will keep your feet comfortable, when other shoes give up.
Let me know if you tried any of my picks or if you recommend another pair completely!
-Love, Katie xx
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