Imagine this: you’re ready to embrace a healthier lifestyle, maybe even start walking for fun and fitness. You lace up your favorite sneakers, take a few steps, and… ouch. Your feet ache, your arches protest, and the joy of movement quickly fades. Sound familiar? For many plus-size women, finding the perfect walking shoes isn’t just about comfort; it’s about finding shoes that support your body, prevent pain, and actually make you *want* to walk.
The truth is, not all walking shoes are created equal, and for plus-size women, the search can feel like a frustrating treasure hunt. Many shoes just don’t offer enough support, cushioning, or a wide enough fit. This can lead to common problems like foot pain, blisters, and even knee or hip discomfort, making it hard to stick with your fitness goals. You deserve shoes that feel amazing from the first step to the last, no matter your shoe size.
That’s where this guide comes in! We’re here to cut through the confusion and highlight the best walking shoes designed with your needs in mind. You’ll learn what to look for, discover fantastic brands that offer superior comfort and support, and finally find those perfect walking companions. Get ready to step into comfort and conquer your walking goals!
Our Top 5 Walking Shoes For Plus Size Women Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Walking Shoes For Plus Size Women Detailed Reviews
1. Skechers Women’s Go Run Consistent Sneaker
Rating: 8.6/10
The Skechers Women’s Go Run Consistent Sneaker in Blue/Purple, size 8 Wide, is designed to make your runs feel better. These shoes are built for comfort and performance, whether you’re hitting the pavement or just going for a brisk walk. They offer a great combination of cushioning and support.
What We Like:
- The ULTRA LIGHT midsole makes the shoes feel super light. You’ll forget you’re even wearing them!
- The Skechers Air-Cooled Goga Mat insole keeps your feet cool and adds extra bouncy cushioning.
- Skechers M-Strike technology helps you run more smoothly. It guides your foot from the moment it lands to when you push off.
- The athletic leather upper looks good and has mesh parts to let air flow. This keeps your feet from getting too hot.
- The special design of the midsole provides good support and stability with every step you take.
- The wide size option ensures a comfortable fit for more people.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the cushioning is great, some runners might prefer even more plushness for very long distances.
- The blue and purple color combination might not be everyone’s favorite.
Overall, these Skechers Go Run Consistent sneakers are a solid choice for runners looking for a lightweight and supportive shoe. They offer a comfortable and efficient running experience for many.
2. New Balance Women’s 608 V5 Cross Trainer
Rating: 8.6/10
The New Balance Women’s 608 V5 Cross Trainer in White/Light Blue, size 8.5 Wide, is designed to support your active lifestyle. These shoes offer a blend of comfort and lasting wear, making them a solid choice for various activities.
What We Like:
- The NDurance rubber outsole is super tough. It lasts a long time, especially in spots that get used a lot. This means your shoes will stay in great shape for longer.
- The ABZORB midsole is excellent. It soaks up bumps and shocks really well. This keeps your feet comfortable, even when you’re on the move.
- You get lightweight cushioning thanks to the injection-molded EVA foam midsole. It makes the shoes feel light on your feet, so you can move around easily.
- The white and light blue color is fresh and stylish. It looks good with many outfits.
- The wide size option is a big plus for those who need a little more room. It ensures a comfortable fit for many people.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, some users might find the style a bit plain if they are looking for something very flashy.
- Availability in specific sizes or colors can sometimes be limited, making it harder to find your perfect match.
Overall, the New Balance 608 V5 Cross Trainer offers reliable comfort and durability for everyday workouts and activities. It’s a practical and supportive shoe.
3. NORTIV 8 Women’s Walking Shoes Cushion Running Tennis Shoes ActiveFloat Non-Slip Comfortable Breathable Workout Gym Sports Athletic Fashion Sneakers
Rating: 9.1/10
Step into comfort and style with the NORTIV 8 Women’s Walking Shoes in a vibrant purple! These sneakers are designed to make every step feel great, whether you’re out for a brisk walk, hitting the gym, or just running errands. They offer a fantastic blend of support, cushioning, and breathability, making them a go-to choice for active women.
What We Like:
- Amazing cushioning: The soft EVA midsole really absorbs shock. It feels like walking on clouds and keeps your knees happy.
- Great grip: The rubber sole gives you good traction on different surfaces. You’ll feel stable and secure with every stride.
- Keeps feet cool: The mesh upper is light and airy. Your feet stay cool and comfortable, even on warm days.
- Extra support: The TPU film adds good support to your feet. This helps prevent injuries during workouts.
- Super versatile: You can wear these for so many things! Walking, running, gym, dog walking, or just going to work.
- Easy to clean: The mesh material is simple to wipe down and keep looking fresh.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited color options: While purple is fun, a wider variety of colors would be nice for different styles.
- Sizing consistency: Some users might find the sizing a little bit off, so it’s good to check reviews or size charts.
These NORTIV 8 sneakers are a fantastic find for anyone seeking comfortable and supportive footwear. They truly deliver on their promise of comfort and versatility for all your daily adventures.
4. Skechers Women’s Go Walk 5 True Sneaker
Rating: 9.1/10
Step into ultimate comfort with the Skechers Women’s Go Walk 5 True Sneaker in Grey, size 8.5 Wide. These sneakers are designed for your busy lifestyle, offering a perfect blend of support and lightweight feel. Whether you’re running errands or enjoying a leisurely stroll, your feet will thank you.
What We Like:
- The Ultra Go midsole cushioning feels light and springy, giving you a responsive feel with every step.
- You’ll love the Skechers Air Cooled Goga Mat insole. It’s breathable and provides high-rebound cushioning to keep your feet happy all day long.
- The upper is made of a breathable heathered knit mesh, which lets your feet breathe.
- A durable dual-density outsole offers great stability and traction, so you can walk with confidence.
- Comfort Pillar Technology adds extra support where you need it most.
- These sneakers are machine washable and can be air dried, making cleaning a breeze.
- The 1 1/2 inch heel height gives a little lift without sacrificing comfort.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the dual-density outsole is durable, some users might prefer even more aggressive tread for slippery conditions.
- The heathered knit mesh, while breathable, might not offer significant water resistance in wet weather.
These Skechers Go Walk 5 True Sneakers are a fantastic choice for anyone seeking superior comfort and ease for their daily adventures. They truly deliver on their promise of a walking-on-air experience.
5. Under Armour Women’s Charged Assert 9
Rating: 9.3/10
Hit the ground running with the Under Armour Women’s Charged Assert 9. These shoes are designed to keep you comfortable and supported, whether you’re hitting the gym or going for a jog. The black and white design looks sleek and stylish.
What We Like:
- The lightweight mesh upper lets your feet breathe.
- Leather overlays add extra support and keep your foot in place.
- The soft EVA sockliner feels great with every step.
- Charged Cushioning in the midsole gives you bouncy energy back.
- The durable rubber outsole lasts a long time and doesn’t add much weight.
- These shoes offer a good balance of flexibility and cushioning, perfect for neutral runners.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a different lacing system than the standard tie.
- While durable, the solid rubber outsole might not offer the same grip on all surfaces as a more specialized tread.
The Under Armour Women’s Charged Assert 9 is a solid choice for everyday active wear. They provide comfort and support without weighing you down.
Step into Comfort: The Ultimate Buying Guide for Plus-Size Women’s Walking Shoes
Walking is a fantastic way to stay healthy and feel good. For plus-size women, finding the right walking shoes makes a big difference. The perfect pair supports your feet and keeps you comfortable on every step. This guide will help you choose the best shoes for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for walking shoes, keep these important features in mind.
1. Excellent Cushioning
- Good cushioning absorbs shock. This protects your joints, especially your knees and ankles.
- Look for shoes with thick midsoles. These are the layers between the outsole (bottom part) and the insole (where your foot rests).
- Brands often use foam or gel for cushioning.
2. Arch Support
- Proper arch support helps distribute your weight evenly. This prevents foot pain and fatigue.
- Some shoes have built-in arch support. Others have removable insoles, so you can add your own orthotics if needed.
- Your foot arch type (flat, normal, or high) matters.
3. Wide Toe Box
- A wide toe box gives your toes room to spread out. This is super important for comfort.
- It prevents blisters and bunions.
- Make sure the front of the shoe isn’t too narrow.
4. Good Stability and Support
- Shoes should help control how your foot moves when you walk.
- This is called pronation control. It helps keep your foot aligned.
- Look for shoes with a sturdy heel counter (the back part of the shoe that cups your heel).
5. Breathable Materials
- Breathable shoes keep your feet cool and dry.
- This reduces the chance of sweaty feet and odor.
- Mesh is a common breathable material.
Important Materials
The materials used in walking shoes affect their comfort, durability, and performance.
- **Mesh:** Lightweight and very breathable. Great for keeping feet cool.
- **Knit Uppers:** Offer a sock-like fit and good flexibility. They are often breathable too.
- **Synthetic Leather:** Durable and offers some water resistance. Can be a good choice for everyday wear.
- **Rubber Outsoles:** Provide good grip and traction. They also add durability to the shoe.
- **Foam (EVA, PU):** Used in midsoles for cushioning and shock absorption. EVA is lighter, while PU is denser and more durable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a walking shoe great, while others can make it less ideal.
What Improves Quality:
- **Durable Stitching:** Strong seams mean the shoe will last longer.
- **Reinforced Areas:** Extra support in places like the toe and heel adds toughness.
- **Flexible Sole:** A sole that bends easily with your foot makes walking more natural.
- **Padded Collar and Tongue:** These add comfort around your ankle and the top of your foot.
What Reduces Quality:
- **Thin, Flimsy Materials:** These wear out quickly.
- **Poorly Glued Seams:** Can come apart easily.
- **Lack of Cushioning:** Leads to foot and joint pain.
- **Stiff, Unbending Soles:** Make walking awkward and tiring.
User Experience and Use Cases
The best walking shoes feel amazing from the moment you put them on. They should make you want to walk more.
- **Everyday Errands:** Comfortable shoes make grocery shopping or walking the dog enjoyable.
- **Casual Walks:** Perfect for strolls in the park or exploring your neighborhood.
- **Light Hiking:** Some durable walking shoes can handle easy trails.
- **Travel:** When you’re on vacation, comfortable shoes let you see more.
A good pair of walking shoes will feel supportive and light. Your feet should feel happy, even after a long walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there special walking shoes for plus-size women?
A: Yes, many brands make walking shoes with features specifically helpful for plus-size women. These often include wider widths, extra cushioning, and enhanced support.
Q: What is the most important feature for plus-size walking shoes?
A: Excellent cushioning and good arch support are usually the most important features. They help absorb impact and distribute weight evenly, reducing stress on your feet and joints.
Q: How much cushioning do I need?
A: More cushioning is generally better, especially for plus-size women. Look for shoes with thick midsoles made of responsive foam or gel. You should feel a noticeable softness and shock absorption.
Q: Should I get wide shoes?
A: Many plus-size women benefit from wide-width shoes. This gives your feet more room, preventing pinching and discomfort, especially in the toe box.
Q: How do I know if a shoe has good arch support?
A: You can check if the shoe has a supportive insole or a sculpted midsole that cradles your arch. If you have specific arch needs, consider shoes with removable insoles so you can add custom orthotics.
Q: What materials are best for breathability?
A: Mesh and knit uppers are the most breathable materials. They allow air to circulate, keeping your feet cool and dry.
Q: How important is the outsole?
A: The outsole is important for traction and durability. Rubber outsoles offer good grip on various surfaces, preventing slips and providing a stable base.
Q: Can I wear regular sneakers for walking?
A: While you can, dedicated walking shoes are designed with specific features like better cushioning and support for the repetitive motion of walking. They often offer superior comfort and injury prevention.
Q: How often should I replace my walking shoes?
A: You should replace walking shoes every 300-500 miles, or when you notice signs of wear like compressed cushioning, worn-out tread, or a loss of support.
Q: Where is the best place to buy walking shoes for plus-size women?
A: Specialty running or walking stores can offer expert advice. Online retailers also provide a wide selection, and many have good return policies if the fit isn’t right.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.