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Comfortable women’s sneakers are non-negotiable in any sneaker rotation, but finding a holy grail pair can be a serious hunt. Comfort is subjective, after all, and the right shoe for you is dependent on a number of factors like your foot type, daily activity levels, personal style, and the terrain you trek.
According to the Journal of Foot and Ankle research, finding the “healthiest” and most breathable, comfortable shoe “is influenced not only by structural and functional aspects of shoe design but also by task requirements and anatomical and physiological differences between individuals.” If you’ve endured pain and strain from a seemingly sure-bet sneaker, chances are you’ve selected the wrong shoes. There are several common mistakes shoppers make when selecting walking shoes, like committing to a size that lacks wiggle room and leaning into trendy women’s sneaker styles that sacrifice support. “Wearing the wrong shoes may lead to problems such as lowered performance, discomfort such as in plantar fasciitis and runner’s knee, injuries, and even flat feet,” says Dr. Miguel Cunha, founder of Manhattan’s Gotham Footcare and leading New York City podiatrist.
The demand for the most comfortable walking shoes has never been greater, and it’s been driven by high standards of wellness-focused millennial shoppers since 2019. It was only exaggerated after the pandemic, where “versatile, quality footwear styles that can transition from work to life and offer proper comfort and support” became an “expectation,” Nancy Richardson, CEO of San Antonie Shoemakers, told Footwear News. Market trends for 2025 are defined by this, where performance brands like Brooks are focused on leaning into their selection of comfortable kicks by expanding width sizing and fine-tuning comfort technology, while shoe authorities like Rykä, Nike, and Adidas have only just begun to engineer sneaker models that are anatomically designed for women’s feet (yes, proper women’s sneaker sizing has been an afterthought until only recently).
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Today, there are countless styles of women’s sneakers to choose from, so where to begin? To help narrow down the absolute best model for your daily needs, we tapped foot experts to recommend the most comfortable sneakers for walking for every foot type, from flat fleet to high arches and everything in between.
Ahead, discover the 12 most comfortable shoes for women to shop in 2024.
Weight: 8.9 oz
Materials: Mesh, rubber
Special features: Comfortgroove rocker outsole
Editor testing and review notes: “This sneaker’s exaggerated rocker and Comfortgroove technology can feel strange at first as the shoe propels you forward, but once you trust it, you’ll be delighted by the plush comfort and ease of movement — it begins to feel natural, and you’ll miss it when you switch to other shoe styles. Nike Motiva walking shoes feel like the equivalent of a spa day for my typically tired, aching feet; the not-so-guilty pleasure of a step in the right direction towards the proper foot care this city guy truly needed.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $110
Weight: 8.5 oz
Materials: Vegan knit upper, rubber
Special features: CMEVA foam midsole, Durabrasion outsole
What testers say: “This is my second pair. I love this shoe. I walk four to five miles a day on the farm. These are so lightweight and have great support. My legs are never tired at the end of the day.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $145
Weight: 8.4 oz
Materials: Mesh, Continental Rubber
Special features: Torsion System, Light Boost cushioning
What testers say: “So cushiony — like walking on a cloud! These are very comfortable for running and standing for long hours. I’m definitely going to buy another pair.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $180
Weight: 9.1 oz
Materials: Recycled mesh, rubber
Special features: Updated cushioning, Guiderails, neutral support
While they’re optimized for running, these comfortable sneakers for women are all-around excellent neutral support walking shoes with stabilizing Guiderail technology and responsive Dna Loft v2 midsole cushioning. The shoe’s significant 12-millimeter heel-to-toe drop aids in great arch support for flat feet and other foot conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. You can also remove the foam footbed for a better fit or swap in a custom orthotic.
What testers say: “I can’t say enough great things about these shoes! I bought size 8.5, Wide 1D. They are very true to size. I have plantar fasciitis and finally listened to my podiatrist and bought them. My feet are finally happy! I’m never going back. I was worried about the mesh top part but they fit snug enough that my foot feels very secure. The opening doesn’t dig or pinch at all, it feels like pillows. I’m ecstatic that they don’t look like orthopedic shoes! It’s even corrected my posture!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $140
Weight: 7.2 oz
Materials: Recycled mesh, rubber
Special features: CloudTec Zero-Gravity foam, Speedboard technology, molded heel, antimicrobial uppers
What testers say: “These are the most comfortable sneakers I’ve ever had!! I’m going through side effects from my treatment for cancer which has my feet and everything else so swollen and sore and I can easily put these on and they’re just so incredibly comfortable with plenty of room in the toes. It’s hard to lean over to tie my shoes and with these laces I don’t have to worry about that either! I’m going to be investing in additional colors. These are definitely the only sneakers I’ll ever wear now!“
Price upon publish date of this article: $140
Weight: 8.30oz
Materials: Canvas, rubber
Special features: Carbon-fiber plate, rocker sole
What testers say: These felt very bouncy! they didn’t make my legs feel fatigued like other carbon-plated racing shoes. The shoe cushioning feels very absorbing but also springy, leaving less shock on my legs but I still felt that energy coming back. You can use them every day — perfect support. I recommend them for running and every day activities.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $250
Weight: 9.5oz
Materials: Suede, mesh, recycled polyester, rubber
Special features: EVA and ENCAP cushioning
Editor testing and review notes: “These are fantastic sneakers if you’re not looking for a shoe that reads super sporty. They feel soft and flexible as a I walk around the city and my flat feet never feel strained after hours of wear. I like how the midsole isn’t overly thick and the roomy footbed fits like a glove for my wide feet.” — Former Footwear News Commerce Writer Nikki Chwatt
Price upon publish date of this article: $89.99
Weight: 11oz
Materials: Leather, textile, rubber
Special features: Arch support, EVA cushioning
What testers say: “These are fantastic, dressy sneakers. I wear them for business casual attire, for travel, shopping trips, and casual dinners. I have osteoarthritis in my knees which makes standing and walking very painful. Wearing these Vionics sneakers significantly reduces knee pain when standing and walking. These look great and are very comfortable!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $105
Weight: 10oz
Materials: Mesh, XT-900 Carbon Rubber outsole
Special features: EVA insole, neutral support, Pwrrun+ midsole
What testers say: “I’ve been wearing the Saucony Triumph for years. Triumph 22 is by far the best. The max cushioning can’t be beat!! You truly feel like you’re walking on pillows!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $159.95
Weight: 11.3oz
Materials: Leather, rubber
Special features: Ergonomic insoles
What testers say: “I purchased these for a trip to England, knowing I’d be on my feet walking several miles a day. From the moment I put them on I knew I’d made the right choice. Not only are they stylish in an understated European sense, but they were so comfortable that I wore them nearly the entire trip and we walked upwards of 10 miles a day. I was the only one in our party not complaining about foot or leg pain. I’m really happy with this purchase!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $135
Weight: 12.5oz
Materials: Textile, rubber
Special features: Removable OrthoLite insole, Quicklace closure, EndoFit uppers, Mud Contagrip
Editor testing and review notes: “I bought a pair of Salomon Xt-6 sneakers about a year ago, and I can’t rave enough about how supportive and comfortable they are. The arch support — combined with serious traction — keeps me steady and supported on urban hikes around New York City. Whenever my plantar fasciitis is flaring up, I slip into these and feel near-instant relief.” — Senior Beauty & Lifestyle Commerce Editor Claire Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $200
Weight: 10.6 oz
Materials: Trubuck leather, jersey knit, rubber, memory foam
Special features: Air-Cooled memory foam cushioning
What testers say: “These D’Lites are my go to for comfortable walking shoes. I love the style and getting them as wide widths means the fit is perfect. It’s hard to find wide widths at the stores, so I appreciate them being available online.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $54.99
What to Look for in the Most Comfortable Shoes for Women
Comfortability is entirely personal, but there are key elements to look for when searching for sneakers that provide proper support and stability. Our experts agree that everyone should select a sneaker that strikes a balance between cushion, comfort, shock absorption, and structure. Athletic brands like Nike, Adidas, Brooks, New Balance, and Hoka are at the forefront of footwear technology, delivering solid options that will evenly distribute weight across the entire foot, and help to avoid common foot injuries like plantar fasciitis.
Here is what you should consider when shopping for the most comfortable shoes for standing all day.
- High-quality materials: It may seem obvious, but not all shoes are created equal. That’s why when you’re looking to purchase comfortable shoes, you must ensure they’re made of high-quality materials and fabrics. This way, you can guarantee your dollars are appropriately spent to keep your feet protected and healthy. For the sole, make sure the shoe consists of rubber, leather, and polyurethane, and for the upper, nylon, polyester, and mesh. The quality of the materials will be measured by how durable and long-lasting your shoes are.
- Arch support: Arch support shoes are vital for preventing injury and leave your foot less apt to fatigue quickly. New York-based podiatrist Dr. Parker M Gennett says comfortable shoes should have “a stiff heel counter, firm, protective sole and torsion stability,” adding that “if you can twist the shoe like a pretzel, it’s probably not a good option.” If you have flat feet, look for sneakers with stiffer elements, such as insoles and orthotics. If you have high arches, choose more flexible and cushioned shoes to help absorb shock.
- Breathability: Anyone on their feet all day is likely to break a sweat. Therefore selecting a breathable shoe constructed out of moisture-wicking material will prevent sweaty feet, notes pedorthist Michael Fishkin of Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists. Additionally, when you opt for a shoe that uses materials such as nylon and mesh, you’ll prevent sweat from collecting inside the shoe, which can lead to fungal or bacterial infections.
- Roomy toe box: Whether you have wide or narrow feet, finding a shoe with a roomy toe box can make a world of difference in terms of comfort. A shoe with a wide front allows the toes to splay naturally and revert to their natural shape. In addition, you’ll notice fewer injuries over time since the muscles can rebuild and perform as they’re supposed to.
Comfortable Women’s Shoes for Different Foot Types and Conditions
Comfortable Women’s Shoes for Flat Feet
Whether you’re born with flat feet or get them as you age, taking care of your foot condition by finding the right shoe is essential. When looking for comfortable shoes for flat feet, “look for wider-lasted shoes,” explains Fishkin. This means “the shoes shouldn’t have an hourglass shape on the bottom, but rather a straight-across design underfoot.” Additionally, he suggests styles with enhanced stability and motion control features for patients with flat feet.
Comfortable Women’s Shoes for Wide Feet
If you have wide feet (which typically occurs with flat feet), search for shoes offered in wide and or half sizing to ensure the best fit. You’ll also want to pay attention to wide footbeds that support the entire foot, as well as round and roomy toe boxes that won’t feel constricting with daily wear. Flexible uppers made of canvas, mesh, or suede are your best bet, whereas leather may prove too stiff for feet that require extra wiggle room.
Comfortable Women’s Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Anyone from athletes to more sedentary people can experience plantar fasciitis, which is usually most painful close to the heel. Thus, “seek out shoes with structure to keep the foot in its ideal position during each step,” says Mike Rushton, DPM, co-founder and medical director of Forward Motion Orthotics.“ No matter what, you want arch support, as it will help increase the arch for those with flat feet and encourage high arches to drop to a more neutral position.” One general rule of thumb is “if you can bend the shoe in half, it’s likely unsupportive,” says Dr. Neha Pathak, New York City-based podiatrist and head of Universal Footcare.
Comfortable Women’s Shoes for High Arches
“High-arched feet are best treated with supportive, softer and more flexible, lightweight types of soles to accommodate the high arch,” says Dr. Jackie Sutera, New York-based podiatrist, and Vionic Innovation Lab member. They should also avoid rigid, stiff, and thin flat shoes. “The purpose of insoles and orthotics for those with high-arched feet is to accommodate, absorb shock, and cushion,” she says. Additionally, they should choose a shoe with a slight heel-toe drop (the difference between how high the shoe is in the heel versus the forefoot), which can minimize impact forces and ankle stress, says Dr. Emily Splichal, a podiatrist and founder of the performance-driven accessories line Naboso.
Comfortable Women’s Shoes for Ankle Pain or Weakness
Those who suffer from weak ankles or ankle pain should pay attention to shoes with ankle support. Be on the hunt for stable wide platforms and deep heel cups to stabilize the foot and ankle better. “High-top shoes are great for additional structure and support to prevent ankle injury,” says Dr. Dan Geller, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon.
Comfortable Women’s Shoes for Knee and Back Pain
Finding the most comfortable shoes for knee and back pain begins by understanding the source of your discomfort, which can vary, says Dr. Mark Mendeszoon, podiatrist and owner of Achilles Running Shop in Pennsylvania. Overuse injuries are one of the most common. “Most overuse injuries are related to faulty biomechanics in which people may develop muscle imbalances, stress on tendons or bones secondary to the foot being either too flat (hyper-pronated) or too high of an arch (caved foot),” he says. There are some general rules of thumb to follow. If you have flat feet, for example, a shoe with “proper support, cushioning and posting helps ’neutralize’ abnormal stresses and forces” on the foot, Mendeszoon says. If you have other compounding concerns besides knee and back pain, have an expert look at your foot, stride, and general biomechanics to find the most comfortable shoe that works for you.
Comfortable Women’s Shoes for Bunions
First and foremost, look for soft upper materials such as mesh that will be gentle on sensitive bunion areas. Soft interior materials also help reduce irritation. Additionally, Mendeszoon recommends looking at cork materials, which mold to your foot over time. Lastly, Dr. Mendeszoon recommends buying shoes with supportive footbeds as they will help minimize fatigue, stress, and strain on the whole foot and won’t dig into areas of pain.
Comfortable Women’s Shoes for Diabetics
People with diabetes need to look for footwear with a roomy fit. Wide-fitting shoes with “plenty of depth,” Rushton says, are key to avoiding rubbing and chafing that can lead to greater sores and injuries. So are wide-toe boxes and soft shoe interiors and linings. “There are diabetic shoes on the market that boast all these qualities, as well as special insoles that decrease friction on feet,” explains Rushton.
Comfortable Women’s Shoes for Heel Spurs
Like many other foot conditions, heel spurs develop from overuse. Proper footwear can prevent and alleviate pain from the condition. “If your foot doesn’t have adequate padding beneath it, as you roll forward, you’re more likely to pinch between the bottom of the foot and the ground,” Dr. Rushton says.“If you have a spur, you need a cushy heel,” Dr. Rushton says. He looks to brands like Altra and Hoka One One to provide ample support.
Comfortable Women’s Shoes for Arthritis
Finding the best shoe for your arthritis “depends on where the arthritis is located,” Dr. Alissa Kuizinas, a podiatrist in Concord, Massachusetts, says. “For those with osteoarthritis of the great toe, painful bunions, or claw toes, a stiff-soled shoe with a forefoot rocker is very helpful. This will allow the foot to propel without bending through the toes.” However, overall choose a shoe that has cushioning, support, a wide tow box, velcro straps, or a slip-on design, and a flexible upper for breathability.
How We Selected the Most Comfortable Sneakers for Women
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
To find the most comfortable shoes and sneakers for women on the market, Footwear News Shop editors assessed several different factors and design elements of every pair of women’s shoes on this list, such as fit, cushioning, sneaker technology, style, and overall construction. WWD Shop editors evaluated best-selling sneakers by comparing customer reviews and conducting extensive sneaker testing from New York City sidewalks to rugged hiking trails. To narrow down our selections of the best comfortable sneakers for women, we also interviewed podiatrists for recommendations on shoes that are best suited for various foot types and conditions — from flat feet to wide feet to bunions and plantar fasciitis. Additionally, we included several models featured in Footwear News’ list of the Greatest Shoes of All Time. This list was created with expert input from our editorial team and a diverse panel of footwear industry insiders, as well as key metrics and data related to the popularity and historical significance of the included shoes. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Miguel Cunha is the founder of Gotham Footcare and a leading podiatrist in Midtown and Downtown of Manhattan. He is a highly trained and skilled foot and ankle surgeon with experience treating a wide array of foot and ankle conditions from minor problems to complex reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. Dr. Cunha’s interests include all facets of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery with an emphasis on cosmetic surgery of the foot and ankle and sports medicine injuries, particularly in runners. Dr. Cunha knows the latest running training techniques and shoe technologies.
Dr. Mark Mendeszoon is a multi-board certified podiatrist who treats all surgical and non-surgical conditions of the leg, ankle, and foot in both adults and children. He specializes in trauma, sports medicine, diabetic foot and ankle conditions and reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, including Total Ankle Joint Replacement Surgery.
Dr. Parker M Gennett is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and the American Podiatric Medical Specialties Board/ He is also a diplomate of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons and was a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association. Dr. Gennett has a well rounded practice where he treats pediatric and adult sports injuries as well as routine care of podiatric and orthopedic foot and ankle conditions.
Dr. Dan Geller is a Board Certified, surgically trained Foot & Ankle Surgeon focusing on sports injuries, post-traumatic reconstruction, diabetic foot care and chronic conditions of the foot and ankle. Dr. Geller earned his medical degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine.
Dr. Emily Splichal is a podiatrist, Human Movement Specialist, and Global Leader in Barefoot Science and Rehabilitation. She has developed a keen eye for movement dysfunction and neuromuscular control during gait. Originally trained as a surgeon through Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City and Mt Vernon Hospital in Mt Vernon, NY, in 2017 Dr. Splichal put down her scalpel and shifted her practice to one that is built around functional and regenerative medicine.
Dr. Michael Fishkin is a pedorthist of Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists. He has been trained and certified in the design, manufacture, and fitting of orthopedic footwear and related devices. This includes custom-made shoes, shoe modifications, arch supports, and other foot orthotics.
Dr. Mike Rushton DPM, is the co-founder and medical director of Forward Motion Orthotics in St. George, Utah. He has 13 years in private practice specializing in conservative care and orthotic therapy. He also is a national tri-athlete competitor and recently qualified for the Ironman Kona event and finished respectively in 2012.
Dr. Jackie Sutera is a surgically trained doctor of podiatric medicine, practicing at City Podiatry in Midtown Manhattan, New York. Dr. Sutera is also a member of the Vionic Innovation Lab, where she helps the brand develop supportive footwear technology designed to enhance foot health.
Dr. Neha Pathak is a podiatrist at Pathak Podiatry. She treats patients for a range of common and specialized conditions such as over pronation, bunions, hammertoes, plantar plate injuries, achilles tendonitis, neuromas, ankle sprains, and instability. As a former long-distance runner and swimmer, she has a passion for diagnosing and treating sports medicine and dancing-related injuries.
Meet the Authors
Ashley Davis is a New York-based writer focusing on fashion, lifestyle, and everything in between. Davis wrote the original version of this article on the most comfortable sneakers for women, using her expertise in both style and wellness topics.
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content on the best-rated footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Olivia received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She updated this guide in August 2024 with new sneaker models, editor testing reviews, Footwear News’ Greatest Shoe of All Time selections, and additional elements to look for on your search for comfortable women’s sneakers.
