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Best Walking Shoes For Women 2023 - Forbes Vetted

The best walking shoes for women should keep you on your feet pain-free, all day, whether you’re working out, traveling or just running errands. After extensive testing and analyzing features such as cushioning, arch support, traction and heel drop, I found that the Brooks Ghost was the best overall walking shoe because of its supportive, versatile design. The Under Armour UA Essential Sportstyle Shoe won for the best value walking shoe because it provides excellent cushioning and breathability at a lower price, and the On Cloud 5 was the best lightweight option.

The best walking shoes for women prioritize features that keep your feet comfortable and supported ... [+] all day. React Foam

Best Walking Shoes For Women 2023 - Forbes Vetted

Here are all the best walking shoes for women, with my full reviews on each further down in this piece:

Weight: 7.9 ounces | Lacing system: Traditional |Heel drop: 12 mm | Size range: 5-13; medium, wide, narrow | Colors: 32 colors, including 14 limited-edition colors 

This pair tops our list of the best walking shoes because it’s the most versatile option for different styles of walkers and those who want a supportive, multi-purpose sneaker. It’s extremely stable, with a grippy outsole, for both speed walks and less intense jaunts along smooth and uneven surfaces. The cushioned EVA foam midsole absorbs shock during the heel strike (when your heel hits the ground), should you also do higher-impact aerobic stints, such as running. Overall, there’s little activity you can’t do comfortably in the Brooks Ghost, and it’s the shoe I now wear most consistently among all the ones tested.

The Ghost is equipped with a curved insole to reduce arch stress—which is great if you suffer from sore tendons, are flat-footed or stand for long periods of time. The Ghost also has a firm heel counter (the part of the shoe that wraps around the back of your ankle) to hold the foot in place and prevent over-pronation, or rolling your ankles. Note that I tested version 14 of this shoe but the 15 is the newest. With a 12 mm heel drop, the Ghost’s heel is a smidge higher than the standard 10mm for running sneakers. These shoes have a 4.25 cm heel stack (height) and 9.1 ounce weight, which was mid-range compared to other sneakers I tested: this is a moderately cushioned shoe, which is a good thing since extra padding can decrease stability.

The Brooks Ghost is moderately cushioned, which is a good thing: too much padding can decrease ... [+] stability.

The Ghost didn’t propel my foot forward on an arc like a rocker-sole shoe, which has a curved bump in the midsole. But it did add bounce to my step, thanks to the air-pocket-filled foam core. I found this feature helped me move nimbly around fallen tree branches and pivot easily without losing my balance, which has been an issue for me with rocker-sole shoes in the past since your foot is not on an even plane.

The mesh upper on the Ghost sneakers is lightweight and extremely breathable; on 90-degree days, my feet did not sweat through my socks. If you’re a dedicated walker, who also likes to run—I logged 84 miles in this pair—and tackle different activities in a day, you won’t find a better sneaker than the Brooks Ghost.

Weight: 6.9 ounces | Lacing system: Speed laces with knotted cord; traditional laces included as well | Heel drop: 2.5mm | Size range: 5-11 | Colors: 14 colors 

If you’re looking for a lightweight, all-day walking shoe with a barely-there feel, the On Cloud 5 is about as perfect of a shoe you can find. It weighs just 6.9 ounces, the airiest of the ones we tested. It’s ideal for covering long and short distances, handling different terrains with stability and supporting your arches without adding bulk.

On, a relatively new Swiss brand founded in 2010, has a dedicated following for their unique midsole: It’s designed with holes that allow air to pass through and help the shoe compress vertically and laterally as you land. The design aims to cushions your feet to reduce muscle strain and also enables a smoother toe-off, or launch for your foot, allowing you to move easily through your stride. I filmed slow-motion videos of my foot as I walked in this shoe versus others and noticed a subtle lift at the end of my gait cycle. Additionally, Annabelle Lemes, the trainer I spoke to, cited this pair as her top pick. “I’m always on my feet, and On’s are my very first choice.”

With a minimal heel drop of 2.5mm and a very firm insole, the On Cloud 5 shoes are a great choice ... [+] for people who want to move swiftly and confidently over rugged trails, cobblestone streets or changing terrain.

The Cloud has a minimal heel drop of 2.5mm and a very firm insole, making this shoe a good, stable choice for those with balance issues or anyone who wants to move fast but securely over rugged trails, cobblestone streets or changeable terrain. The heel counter scored a moderate firm rating as well. These shoes held my foot snugly in place, almost as firmly as the Brooks, with an ankle collar that didn’t extend over my bone or cause chafing. The mesh upper is breathable and outfitted with thin reflective bands, which is a nice (and stylish) safety feature if you walk at night.

The Cloud 5 also comes in a waterproof version, which I don’t recommend. It’s wrapped in an anhydrous membrane that seals out liquid but makes the shoe fit more tightly than the regular version (the company advises going up a half-size). Still, I found that even the regular Cloud 5 has a slim fit. On my insole test, my foot extended over the sides by about 0.5 inch, which wasn’t enough to cause discomfort (since I have medium to narrow feet) but could be an issue for those with wider feet. Another potential downside to these shoes is the speed-lacing system. These On shoes come pre-laced with a thin cord that’s knotted at both ends—the idea is that you slide your feet into the shoe and pull the cord to secure your foot. I found the cord loosened up over time. The design feature is not for everyone, and On includes a set of traditional laces with every pair for this reason.

The On Cloud 5 shoes transition from athletic wear to stylish, everyday outfits.

From a fashion angle, the Cloud 5 checked the box for me. The Swiss shoe is sleek and minimal, and when paired with a skirt, the shoes looked like an intentional choice, not something I resorted to for comfort’s sake. A quibble is that the shoe is so popular that the color I wanted—Glacier White—was sold out. I recommend Surf Cobble, the greenish-silver I tested, as a good alternative.

Weight: 7.3 ounces | Lacing system: Traditional |Heel drop: 5 mm | Size range: 5-12; regular, wide | Colors: 16 colors

I’ll be honest: I wasn’t wasn’t fully sold on Hoka’s wildly popular rocker-style heel at first, which gently glides your foot forward with a rolling motion that can help reduce foot strain. But, after wearing the Cliftons for a while, I found them extremely comfortable and surprisingly lightweight, despite the extra cushioning and padding in the heel. I have a relatively narrow foot, and I’d say that this pair definitely felt roomy, even in the regular-width size. Given that your feet swell and expand when walking, the spacious design can be a good thing, especially if you have wide feet.

Hoka has built an entire franchise around the Clifton, releasing new versions of this bestselling sneaker. This latest iteration features a lighter design—it weighs 4 grams less than the previous model—which Hoka accomplished by removing the overlays and hotmelts (or adhesives that bond together certain parts of a shoe). It also increased the cushioning, with a higher, 3 millimeter heel stack that nicely supports your foot.

The Cliftons are not a subtle sneaker that blends in with the rest of your look. But overtly “loud” sneakers are the norm now, which is a trend that Hoka helped ignite, so these shoes don’t feel as out-of-the-box as they might have few years ago. Also, if you have a prefer a leaner-built shoe, you might find the ultra-padded style a bit cumbersome. Yet, I found that the rocking motion does help alleviate foot pain, so you might put up with a little extra bulk for the additional comfort.

Weight: 10 ounces | Lacing system: Traditional |Heel drop: 10 mm | Size range: 5-12 | Colors: 8 colors

The Sorel Kinetic Impact II is a great sneaker for both everyday wear and more rigorous activities. It has a comfortable fit, and its design is excellent for stability and traction. The outsole features the brand’s signature “scalloped” edge, which I found especially helpful for providing extra grip on slippery or uneven surfaces while also alleviating pressure from the tender under-points of my foot. If you stand on your feet a lot during the day, the Kinetic Impact II is worth considering.

In terms of its performance, the shoe has a cushioned midsole and a flexible, mesh upper that’s breathable for all-day wear. I tested the Kinetic shoes during hot weather and my feet never got sweaty, thanks to the ventilation built into the airy upper. Style-wise, the Kinetic is a bold-looking shoe. If you plan to wear your sneakers to the office and work in a very traditional setting, this pair might turn some heads (which might actually be a good thing, depending on your take).

On the downside, the Kinetic is not as light as the others I tested but that extra weight gives you added stability. The lacing system might not be everyone’s taste since they run down the side of the shoe, as well as the top. But I found that extra coverage helped the shoe fit snugly to my foot, which provided additional stability.

Weight: 7.26 ounces | Lacing system: Traditional | Heel drop: 7.3 mm | Size range: 5-12 | Colors: Varies, 11 colors at the time of publishing.

These ultra-comfy shoes are a great value for casual, everyday walking because they are roomy, supportive and breathable. While they retail for $65, Under Armour often puts this highly popular sneaker on sale; I saw it go as low as $45 during testing. That’s far less than $110, the average MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) of athletic sneakers in 2021, according to the most recent data from RunRepeat. Compared to the other shoes I tested, the the Sportstyle cost about $100 less.

For the great price, you get plenty of features, too. Comfort is continually called out in the reviews, and the Sportstyle lived up to the hype in my tests. The padded heel makes for a well-cushioned ride, with a 7.3mm heel drop and 4.75 cm heel stack (or height), which is ideal for walkers who land heel first or have Achilles tendon issues. That extra support tips the scales a tiny bit; this shoe has a weight of 7.26 ounces, placing it in the mid-range for our testing data. Still, this shoe wasn’t noticeably clunky—mostly because the mesh upper and soft sockliner make the shoe feel airy and weightless.

The Sportstyle was also the best walking shoe for wide feet in my tests. The width of the insole was the widest among all those I wore, preventing any lateral rubbing on the sides of my foot. If you have bunions or stand for long periods—such as when traveling and sightseeing, or in my case, watching a soccer game that goes into overtime—the Sportstyle shoes are my pick. The spacious girth and wide toe box of these sneakers lets your feet comfortably expand and your toes splay out, with breathing room.

The UA Essential Sportstyle shoes had the widest insoles of any shoes I tested, making them a great ... [+] pick if you have wide feet or prefer a roomier fit.

This pick is less structured than a traditional walking shoe; on my pinch test, the heel counter scored a flexible (not firm) rating. I wouldn’t recommend it for serious walking on uneven, gravely terrain since your foot might move around in it slightly. The outsole is smooth without a ton of extra grip—again, you wouldn’t wear these on an intense walking expedition—but in my tests, the shoes handled well on paved streets and all indoor surfaces. Overall, the Sportstyle is a solid choice for a lifestyle walking shoe that cradles your feet, pain-free, all day. For less than $70, you can’t beat the value of this pair.

Weight: 9.1 ounces | Lacing system: Traditional | Heel drop: 9.5 mm | Size range: 5-12 | Colors: 6 colors

Designed as a hybrid between the brand’s Blissfeel running sneaker and Strongfeel training sneaker, lululemon’s Chargefeel is a versatile—and stylish—walking shoe. The Chargefeel 2, which launched this summer, is a newer version with dual-foam cushioning for better bounce and joint protection, increased heel support and a cleaner design that comes in muted colorways. While the extra cushion pushes the Chargefeel 2 to a somewhat heavier 9.1 ounces, outsole grips help provide traction on outdoor walks across a range of terrains.

Weight: 6.9 ounces | Lacing system: Speed laces with knotted cord; traditional laces included as well | Heel drop: 10mm | Size range: 5-13; standard, wide | Colors: Varies, 5 colors at the time of publishing 

I felt a noticeable spring in my step the first time I wore the New Balance Fresh Foam sneakers, which, as the name implies, are engineered with a contoured foam midsole that truly propels your foot forward as you move through your gait. Similar to other sneakers, the Fresh Foam are part of a bestselling collection that’s continually updated and revamped each year. The 880v13 model is made with a 3% bio-based foam, derived from renewal resources, which is helpful for reducing the impact on the environment, especially since sneakers are an item that you have to frequently replace once they have worn out.

If you have arch issues, or flat feet, the 880v13 is padded to deliver support in that area, with a 10 millimeter heel drop that alleviates pressure so your foot is on an include, and not resting in a flat position all day. The uppers are made from a breathable mesh, which ensures your feet don’t overheat in these sneakers. I found them airy, lightweight and very responsive during my longest walks. The only negative is that collar, or opening of the shoe where your foot slides in, comes up quite high on the foot, which can cause some rubbing on me. However, wearing 880v13 with regular low ankle socks (as opposed to no-show socks) helped solve that problem.

The best of any type of shoe depends largely on the individual shape of your foot and the biomechanics of how you walk and carry your weight. While these shoes didn’t top our list, they could be a great option for other walkers.

Allbirds Tree Flyers: Allbirds has generated a lot of buzz for its ultra-comfortable shoes, but this latest version did not live up to my expectations. I appreciated the sustainable design (it’s made with natural and recycled materials) yet my foot sat too low in the shoe, which created pounding on my heel. The new “flared” heel extended out at sharp angles that made the shoe feel cumbersome.

Rockport Prowalker Eco Walker: Classic walking-shoe brand Rockport has come a long way in modernizing its colors and design features. That said, I found these shoes to be incredibly heavy—and I found shoes that were stable at a much lower weight during testing. Overall, this pair was far too clunky and onerous to walk in all day.

There were a few brands that I considered testing, but ultimately weren’t a good fit. Based on the specifics of my gait and the shape of my foot, I find Nike to be better for running rather than walking shoes. Atoms is highly-rated for comfort and sustainability but currently only has two models of sneakers, which makes for limited choices. Asics did not top the list of brands recommended by our experts but we plan to consider it for future updates, along with Saucony.

While many people walk in a variety of footwear, including sandals, you’ll minimize the risk for injury and cover longer distances with proper shoes. “Walking shoes are often more rigid, less flexible and slightly heavier than other options, including running shoes,” says Nelya Lobkova, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist based in New York City. “Additionally, they’re also more supportive and stable than a casual sneaker. The best walking shoes need to handle different surfaces and withstand miles of use. They should also easily transition from workouts to everyday life, so I considered the overall design and aesthetics as well. With all these details in mind, I established specific testing criteria to determine which pairs will serve you best.

Comfort: I tested how the shoes felt on my feet and whether or not they created soreness on pressure points or rubbed against any areas of my feet and ankles that would cause pain or blisters. I also considered if the shoes needed an extensive break-in period or were comfortable right out of the box. Lastly, I considered the lacing system and whether shoes were easy to put on and take off.

Cushioning: Cushioning (the amount of padding in a shoe) contributes to comfort. I measured the thickness of the material under the midsole of the shoe in centimeters and squeeze-tested the firmness of the midsole on a scale from minimal, moderate to maximum by pressing down with my fingers.

Arch support: Depending on your foot shape, you made need different levels of arch support to prevent pain while walking. I removed the insole in each shoe and looked for cushioned padding or contoured arcs around the midfoot, which provide extra support. (If you need to customize your fit, consult your doctor to see if orthotics or additional inserts may work for you).

Traction: I also wore each shoe on a variety of roads, trails and rolling fields, during wet and dry weather, to test whether or not the shoe provided good traction in all scenarios. I compared the soles of each shoe as well to evaluate texture and grip.

To test for traction, I walked on smooth surfaces like roads as well as uneven trails in both dry ... [+] and wet weather.

Stability: Your feet should fit securely in your walking shoes—they shouldn’t have too much give, and you shouldn’t feel like you’re going to lose your balance in them. I pinched the heel counter, the back of the shoe that wraps around the heel, to test for firmness—according to Dr. Lobkova this helps show how well the heel holds your foot in place—and rated it on a scale from low, moderate to high. Additionally, Dr. Lobkova recommended that I place the shoe on a flat surface and push down at the toe to see if the shoe rocked forward smoothly with an easy toe-off—the point at which your foot rises from the floor during your gait (an effortless toe-off prevents tripping).

Width and weight: Some people might prefer a lighter shoe to feel more nimble, or a wider shoe for more wiggle room/ I weighed each shoe in ounces on a digital food scale and cross referenced this measurement against how heavy or light the shoe physically felt on my foot while taking steps. I removed the insoles and placed my bare foot over it to check if my foot extended over at the sides, to access the overall width of the shoe.

Heel drop: A larger heel drop indicates a higher heel in relation to the toe, which will be best for walkers who suffer from heel soreness. I measured the heel-to-toe drop for each shoe: the difference in millimeters of the amount of cushioning beneath the heels versus the balls of the feet. Most people with plantar fasciitis, for example, find a drop of four to eight millimeters ideal, to help relieve pressure at the heels. A low or zero drop shoe is flat or evenly cushioning and most closely mimics walking barefoot.

I measured the heel-to-toe drop for each shoe. A higher heel will be best for preventing heel ... [+] soreness.

I started testing walking shoes in the late spring and summer of 2022, where I live in Connecticut, about 40 miles outside of New York City. I wore the sneakers for at least two hours a day on various surfaces to see how they performed. I walked on flat and steeply inclined paved and unpaved streets, hardwood floors and flights of stairs in my house and through wet, grassy parks and fields. I also ran typical errands in supermarkets and shops, and kept up with my two children for sports, activities and outdoor trips. Throughout the testing period, temperatures ranged from 55 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit, so I was able to see how breathable these shoes were in different weather conditions.

When selecting the winners, I also considered style. I wore the shoes with both workout and everyday street clothing and searched to see if the shoes came in different color ways to suit diverse fashion tastes. While aesthetics should never trump fit and comfort, you should take them into consideration if you plan to wear your pair all day, for exercise, work and around town.

Finding the right walking shoes is personal. To help you chose among the best options on the market, here’s what the experts recommend you keep in mind:

Cushioning: The amount of cushioning you choose is ultimately a matter of personal preference. Most walkers will prefer a shoe that’s evenly cushioned, rather than one with an exaggerated heel, for all-day wear. An evenly cushioned sole also lessens the risk of tripping or catching your heel on the edge of a carpet.

Heel drop: Closely related to cushioning is the heel drop—the difference between the height of the midsole at your heel and the balls of your feet. “The best walking sneakers have a 4 to 8mm heel-to-toe drop,” says New York podiatrist Nelya Lobkova, DPM. “This places less stress on the Achilles tendon and allows for more efficient energy transfer through the heel-lift and toe-off in the walking cycle.”

Running shoes, on the other hand, have a higher 10 to 13mm heel-to-toe drop for great shock absorption since running is a higher impact activity than walking. Still, Dr. Lobkova doesn’t advise a completely flat design. “Shoes that have a ‘zero-drop’ leave the foot vulnerable to muscle and bone injuries when walking further than the corner coffee shop,” she says.

Sole: The outsole (commonly just referred to as the sole) is the part of the shoe that touches the ground and dictates the shoe’s stability, says Dr. Lobkova. “You shouldn’t be able to bend the sneaker in half easily or twist it easily when holding both ends,” she says. Instead, “there needs to be adequate rigidity in the sole and cushioning in the midfoot to prevent impact on the heel and walking injuries like plantar fasciitis.”

Anne Holland Johnson, M.D., who is a foot and ankle surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan, prefers a rocker-sole. Hoka first embraced this type of sole and now other brands are following suit. “Depending on your foot type, a rocker bottom-type sole requires less flexing and bending through the ankle and foot as you walk and lets the shoe take a bit more of the force,” she says. To spot a rocker heel, look at a shoe from the side—the toe and heel should curve slightly upward, which helps smooth out your stride and reduces foot stress by increasing the rolling motion of your gait. Still, rocker soles tend to be less stable, so look for a traditional flat sole if you need greater stability.

Size: Every brand’s sizes are a little different, so use your normal shoes as a starting point but be prepared to size up or down to find your ideal fit. Your feet expand when walking so it’s best to try on your shoes in the late afternoon (when your feet have swelled from the day’s use). Stretch and wiggle your toes in the shoes; they should extend out comfortably in the toe box, or the uppermost part of the shoe, but not have too much room in front. Try the classic shoe-fitter test: Aim for one-half to a full thumb’s width of space between your toes and the front end of the toe box.

Lastly, look for a snug fit around the heel counter—the part that wraps around the back of the shoe. “This minimizes abnormal stretching of the plantar fascia and diminishes pain and inflammation in the heel and arch of the foot,” says Dr. Lobkova. It also prevents your foot from sliding up and down as you strike the ground, which can cause blisters.

Arch support: You can gauge the arch support of a shoe by analyzing the insole. “Most sneakers have removable insoles that you can take out and examine,” says Dr. Lobkova. “Arch support appears as a supportive bump or curve on the insole around the midfoot. It acts as a buttress for the arch of the foot.” While the Brooks Ghost has this feature, not all sneakers do, says Dr. Lobkova. In that case, “you can add your own custom or prefabricated insole or orthotics for extra support.”

Dr. Johnson finds that arch support is especially important for preventing common foot conditions. “Someone with a flat foot or fallen arches will likely feel most comfortable in stability type sneakers, ones that incorporate an arch support directly within the insole,” she says. “For those who have arthritis in the midfoot or the forefoot, a rocker soled shoe will provide the most shock absorption and comfortable stride.” Check with your doctor if you need customized insoles or orthotics.

Comfort: The ideal fit, construction and design of a shoe are very individual and depend on each person's foot type. But comfort is paramount for every wearer. Without fail, “a walking sneaker should be comfortable,” says Dr. Johnson. “When you put the shoe on, it should immediately be comfortable, and not require a period of ‘breaking in.’” When you slip on the “right” shoes, she says, they “will allow you to forget about your feet.”

Return policy: Most companies allow returns and exchanges for unworn shoes in the original packaging; the length of time you have for returns varies. Brooks’s policy is 90 days, Under Armour offers 60 days; On limits it to 30 days.

I’ve been a runner for more than 30 years, and a focused walker since 2020. Over the years, I’ve covered countless miles across multiple types of terrain, and I've had my share of injuries along the way. I’ve had three different foot surgeries in the last five years and, as a result, I’m extremely picky about the fit and performance of my sneakers. I typically walk or run every day as a form of exercise—in weather that can be bitterly cold, precariously icy or swelteringly hot—and also hike when I travel. In the last year, I logged about 520 active miles. I’m also a lifestyle writer, who’s covered beauty and wellness for the New York Times, Vogue and the Wall Street Journal.

For this piece, I consulted Nelya Lobkova, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon, who runs the private practice Step Up Footcare in New York City. Additionally, I interviewed Anne Holland Johnson, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan who specializes in sports-related injuries and is a team physician for the New York Liberty (WNBA) professional basketball team. Lastly, I spoke with Annabelle Lemes, a certified trainer in Connecticut who emphasizes strength training, flexibility and movement through a variety of sports, including aerobic walking.

When selecting shoes to test, I asked the experts for their opinions, read online reviews extensively and considered sneakers at a variety of price points. I focused on brands known to be leaders in the walking industry and looked at shoe models that were both athletic and lifestyle-oriented to cover a variety of footwear needs.

In short, buying a dedicated pair of walking shoes is a good idea if you’ll be walking a lot—for work, exercise or leisure—compared to a less-supportive lifestyle shoe. Walking shoes are slightly different than running shoes, too. “A walking sneaker generally refers to a comfortable sneaker with supportive cushioned insoles and a sturdy outsole,” says Anne Holland Johnson, MD, foot and ankle surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan. While you probably won’t injure yourself in running sneakers, those designed for walking tend to have specific features to ensure a smoother, more stable stride during lower impact activities—such as a rigid outsole and heavier weight. If you have specific foot concerns, such as fallen arches or heel pain, you’ll want a padded heel with a high heel-drop, around 10mm, for a cushioned ride.

Shoes designed for women may have more size options, but as long as you find a comfortable shoe that fits, it won’t matter if it’s designated as a women’s or unisex shoe. “Women's feet are typically smaller but other than that foot shape does not vary dramatically between sex,” says Dr. Johnson. “Women, however, are more prone to bunion deformities and fallen arches.” Shoes with wide sizing with options and comfortable, flexible materials, such as mesh uppers, will better fit people with these issues, she says.

Common walking injuries are heel and arch pain (plantar fasciitis) and pain in the ball of the foot (metatarsalgia). “These are weight bearing areas on the foot that pass through ground reactive forces during walking,” says New York podiatrist Nelya Lobkova, DPM. To stay pain-free, choose a shoe with adequate rigidity in the sole and cushioning in the midfoot to prevent impact on the heel; a firm heel counter can also help minimize abnormal stretching of the plantar fascia and diminishes pain and inflammation in the heel and arch. “The most important shoe to avoid is minimalist or ‘barefoot’ shoes,” says Dr. Lobkova. “There is very little stability in the sole, no cushioning under the heel and maximum stress on the heel bone,” she said, all of which can spell trouble over time.

Standing is exhausting for your feet, from the pressure and force of gravity. If you stand for hours, look for ample heel cushioning and adequate space at the toes to let feet swell and expand, says Dr. Lobkova. Rocker-soles can be helpful, since they have a platform concave-shaped area to alleviate arch stress. The best shoes keep you free of soreness and aches. If there is pain or swelling that does not resolve, though, Dr. Lobkova says to be proactive and get checked out. “See a podiatrist in order to make sure all the right measures are being taken.”

For even more great deals on fitness gear, check out Forbes Coupons. You can find big discounts from brands like Lululemon, Nike and Converse.

I’m an investigative features writer at Forbes covering technology and society. I previously spent three years covering tech for Politico and three years as a staff columnist at The New York Times.

I’m an investigative features writer at Forbes covering technology and society. I previously spent three years covering tech for Politico and three years as a staff columnist at The New York Times.

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I’m a London-based freelance journalist who specializes in all aspects of technology including reviews, investigations, comment and news. My Audible original podcast 'The Squid Scam' came out in January 2023. I have also written for The Guardian, TechRadar, The Evening Standard, New Scientist and others. I'm a recovering founder of the investigative journalism focused YouTube channel, Point. (Pronounced: jan-eye). 

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I’m a freelance writer specializing in travel, tech, and the outdoors, with work appearing in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, National Geographic, WIRED, Ars Technica, and The Daily Beast, among others. After receiving an undergrad in Marketing and a Master’s in Social Psychology, I worked in branding and then community development, overseeing food equity and justice initiatives across New York City. I solo bike toured Cuba and wrote the guidebook, Cuba by Bike. I started a small travel company (EscapingNY) and still lead tours in Cuba, Mexico, and Jordan. When I’m not hiking, biking, rafting, camping, or scuba diving, I’m usually doing puzzles and playing board games. You can find me on Twitter at @escapingnewyork and Instagram @escapingny.

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I'm a lifestyle writer and freelance editor based in the NYC area and the former executive editor of The Kitchn. As a freelance writer, I currently shift between food and parenting-based stories. My work has appeared in Forbes Vetted, as well as on Simply Recipes and the Food Network. My previous roles led to bylines in the New York Daily News, Time Out New York and on the Cooking Channel, Zagat and Today.com.

Best Walking Shoes For Women 2023 - Forbes Vetted

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