Looking for the best walking shoes for women (and more walking gear?) Here you go!Â
Why I Started Walking (+ Join Our StepBet Challenge ~ live NOW!)
If you've hung out here long at all, you know I kind of like to walk. :)Â
In all honesty, for years I fought walking, because I felt like it wasn't quick enough a workout. It felt like it took f.o.r.e.v.e.r. to burn the same calories as other things I liked to do more (Les Mills Body Pump and Body Combat are by far my favorites!), so I fought walking at all costs.
However when Covid started and our local gym closed down, my friend Ashley and I started waking up in the wee hours of the morning and walking. Not only did we love it, we noticed some happy (kind of unexpected?) changes in our bodies too.
We both noticed it leaned out our legs a good bit, and in general, starting out the day with a friend in the morning just made life feel better during a crazy time. While I loved Body Pump, as a solid pear shape these legs did not need any bulking up, and I really feel like walking just helped things lean out for me!
Here's my friend Ashley – she might strangle me for including this picture but I can't say enough about having a happy walking buddy!
I've just headed back to the gym after moving (I'm trying out Orange Theory now), because I definitely need to add in some lifting for upper body strength especially. But my goal is to keep on walking several days a week (in April I'm challenging myself to walk 15KÂ steps per day ~ we'll see how that goes!), and I'd sure love to challenge you to join me and work towards walking a little more each day right where you are too.Â
While walking doesn't require anything other than a solid pair of good walking shoes (I love that!) here are a few things I'm using right now that and loving. I just got the sports bra and tank yesterday from Amazon (I've literally worn another black one 3 days a week for the last 4 years!) but this one is pretty great.
Here's what I use regularly and love for walking each day!
The Best Walking Shoes For Women
The most important thing you need when walking is definitely a great pair of walking shoes. Here are my two absolute favorite pairs of shoes for walking:
Brooks Women's Ghost Running Shoe
After having plantar fasciitis a few years ago, these Brooks have been amazing. They're not cheap, but they're the one workout item that I've decided are worth splurging on if you walk a ton.
Hoka One Women's Clifton 8 Shoes
IÂ just got this pair of Hoka Shoes For Women after wearing the soles literally out of my Brooks. So far I love them and use them for walking and jogging, and they have amazing reviews!
Avia Women's Sneakers (Hoka Knock-Offs)
The PPP Team spotted these Hoka knock-offs from Walmart ~ anyone tried them? They're a fraction of the cost of the name brand!
Saucony Guides ~ Shannon here — I have used my Saucony shoes for over 10 years now and that is my go to brand for running and walking.
The most important thing you need to know to get the best walking shoes for you? First off, most likely go a half size up. Your feet will swell as they warm up when you're walking, so don't go too small on shoes!
And, if you've had any issues with foot pain, definitely take the time to visit a local running store and let them help you find the right shoe for you. You may pay a little more, but your feet will thank you!
More Favorite Walking Clothes & More
While you really only need a good pair of walking shoes to start walking, here are a few other things I use each day when walking and love!Â
Update: I just got THESE SHORTS FROM ATHLETA and I am IN LOVE. They have pockets for my phone, are super comfy, and not too short. They're a little on the pricey side, but I have one other pair of walking shorts that I've worn every week over and over and OVER again for 7 years. I'm so thankful to find another pair as an alternative! Looking for a less expensive alternative? Try these on Amazon (not as big a pocket, but they have excellent reviews)! These have awesome reviews too.Â
1 . This tank (I'm wearing a medium) or this one – the Lululemon one is a little pricier but also has a little coverage and is a slightly sturdier material. Either one totally work though ~ find more Lululemon Sale deals if you're looking for them!
2 . These leggings
3 . This sports bra for under $15 this one is a STEAL! If you want a little more support and coverage I also love this one from Lululemon (or this one) but honestly it's not way better than the Amazon one and the Amazon one is CHEAP. Â
4 . These socks
5 . This apple watch
6 . These airpods
7. This running belt – it's basically a fanny pack and works great if you don't have pockets to hold your phone.Â
And an Audible subscription especially if you walk on your own (I've listened to 7 books this year on Audible ~ I fall asleep just about every time I read in bed, so this is the only way I can get a good book in these days!) You can also try out free Audio books through your local library too.
To motivate us all this month we're doing a Stepbet Challenge (I'm so excited about this one)! and I'd sure love for you to join in.
I just checked and we have a whopping 359 players already joining us ~ if you'd love a little motivation to walk in April this might be some encouragement for you too! Head on over to learn more about the StepBet Challenge ~ and leave a comment with what YOU love to use most when walking. I love hearing from you!