Best walking shoes for women: Comfortable trainers for hikes or long strolls
The days are slowly (very slowly) starting to get longer, and what better way to ring in the new year than with an outdoor exercise routine?
For hikers, this is the time to swap your heavy hiking boots for comfortable and lightweight walking shoes.
Lower-cut, summer-friendly trail shoes tend to be more breathable than high-cut boots, and while they don’t offer ankle support they still pack a technical punch for outdoor adventures, usually featuring rugged, bouncy soles for good grip and often including a waterproof membrane so that you can tackle bad weather.
Walking shoes are versatile, too, and are easy to wear everywhere from peak to pub to morning dog walk.
How to get the right fit
When trying on walking shoes, check that they don’t feel tight anywhere around your heels, and that you have plenty of room to wiggle your toes. Try lacing the shoes up tight and checking they stay snugly in place without any tightness or rubbing around your ankles. If you have especially wide or narrow feet or suffer from bunions, look out for shoes designed specifically to fit your needs.
What features to look for
Comfort
A quality walking shoe differs from a in two key areas – good grip and good comfort over long distances. Look for a pair
