Best Walking Shoes for Women We Tested in 2024: Nike, Brooks, New Balance, Hoka (2024)

If you want a comfortable shoe to walk in, look no further than the Brooks Ghost 15. These beloved sneakers come in more than 30 different colors, and are available in four widths: narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide.

“These shoes provide plenty of cushioning,” says Sabrina Tillman, an editorial director at Everyday Health. “The foot feels cocooned yet flexible (soft, not stiff) to move over many miles. I've run 10-plus miles at one time in mine, and have walked 5-mile stretches on mixed terrain of gravel, dirt, and concrete sidewalks. These shoes always feel comfortable and supportive.”

We’re fans of ample room for our toes to splay when walking, and the Ghost 15s deliver with a wide toe box.

The shoe’s upper is made of perforated mesh and is breathable, which is ideal for hot days or long walks. We’re also fans of the construction: 57 percent of the materials used are recycled, and the shoe is certified as a carbon neutral product.

At 12 millimeter (mm), these Brooks shoes have a hefty drop. This is great for folks who want to minimize lower leg strain, but isn’t ideal for those who have existing knee or hip issues (since a higher drop will put more emphasis on these areas).

It is worth noting that the Ghost 15s are neutral, not stability shoes. Neutral shoes are excellent choices for people who don't need any correction or support in their foot strike. If you tend to overpronate or supinate (meaning your foot rolls in or out when striking the ground), you’d be better off with a stability shoe.