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Best women's walking shoes to buy right now
For pavements and parks, a cushioned trainer-style walking shoe beats a stiff boot: lighter, comfier from day one and fine in light rain. Go waterproof only if you walk muddy paths, because waterproof liners run warmer.
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Best for most people
1. Skechers Go Walk Joy
Machine washable · Goga Max · 5Gen
The best-selling women's walking shoe here, and the right buy for pavements, shopping trips and park loops. 5Gen cushioning and a Goga Max insole feel soft from day one, and it goes in the washing machine. The mesh upper is not waterproof, so it is a dry-weather shoe.
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Best waterproof
2. Merrell Moab 3 GTX
Pigskin leather and mesh · Bellows · Gore-Tex
The pick for muddy footpaths and wet UK weather: a Gore-Tex membrane keeps feet dry and a bellows tongue keeps grit out. It is the dearest shoe here, and the waterproof liner runs warmer than plain mesh in summer.
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Best budget waterproof
3. Mountain Warehouse Path
Synthetic and mesh · Moulded foam · IsoDry
A cheap waterproof walking shoe that sells well, with Mountain Warehouse's IsoDry lining and a moulded foam footbed. It suits occasional countryside walks. The listing names no sole compound, so expect less grip than the Merrells on wet rock.
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Best cushioned trainer
4. New Balance Fresh Foam 520 v9
Lightweight, breathable · Cushioned · Durable rubber
A light, breathable running shoe that doubles as an everyday walker on pavements, for less than most big-brand shoes here. The listing is sparse and partly written for children's shoes, so check the size guide carefully before ordering.
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Best grip
5. Merrell Accentor 4 Sport GTX
Rubber toe cap · 4.2mm · Suede and mesh · Gore-Tex
Merrell's sticky rubber outsole with 4.2mm lugs grips well on wet, uneven paths, and the Gore-Tex membrane keeps feet dry. A rubber toe cap adds protection on rocky ground. Like the Moab, the waterproof liner makes it warmer than a mesh shoe on hot days.
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Best lightweight
6. ASICS Gel-Excite 11
Durable rubber · Breathable mesh · GEL midsole
A light ASICS running shoe with GEL cushioning, good for brisk walks on pavements and gym sessions. The breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool but lets rain in, so it is not one for wet grass.
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Best leather
7. Karrimor Bodmin 5
Full grain leather · Low rise · Weathertite waterproof
A low leather walking shoe with a waterproof Weathertite lining, cheap and tough enough for wet country lanes. The full grain leather upper will feel stiffer than the trainer-style shoes above and may need breaking in.
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How we rank
Ordered by how well each sells in its Amazon UK category, what the listing confirms (fit, materials, sizes, features), and price. We have not handled these products: the write-ups rest on what each listing states. Prices and stock are checked daily.
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