Can you walk a mile in your shoes? Not all shoes are made for walking. We all have shoes we wear on special occasions that remind us that most shoes aren’t comfortable.
Every closet needs a pair of walking shoes. The shoes you reach for on days when you’re being tourist or running errands. A good pair of walking shoes make walking a mile feel like a breeze.
The most popular brand for walking shoes is Nike. You can’t go to your local coffee shop or walk through an airport without seeing a sea of Nike sneakers.
Nike has become one of the most popular brands for walking shoes (Credit: andersphoto / Shutterstock)
Whether you’re looking for arch support or shoes for standing all day, Nike has something for everyone. The activewear brand is our go-to choice for walking shoes for women.
We’re sharing the best Nike walking shoes for women to help you find your new everyday style; just make sure you order the real thing!
What to Look For in Walking Shoes
Before we share the most popular Nike walking shoes, it’s important to know what to look for in walking shoes. Three things you should look for include comfort, support, and flexibility.
You want to consider your lifestyle and daily activities. If you spend most of the working day on your feet, you’ll want walking shoes that offer stability.
Walking shoes should be comfortable and flexible and should fit snug against the back of the heel (Credit: Benjamas_Photovec / Shutterstock)
Walking is one of the best—and most overlooked—forms of exercise. If you’re planning on using your shoes for daily walks and exercise, you’ll want to pay extra attention to the silhouette.
The midsole is what gives walking shoes their comfort and flexibility by helping to cushion the feet. If you struggle with Achilles problems, look out for the heel counter. It should fit snug but comfortably against the back of your heel.
Check the toe box of your walking shoes and make sure to leave half a thumb’s width between your big toe and the toe box to ensure comfort (Credit: 2p2play / Shutterstock)
Most people know how to check the toe box of your shoe. Your toes should be able to wiggle and bend without having too much space.
You typically want to leave half a thumb’s width between your big toe and the toe box. Leaving too much space can make the walking shoes uncomfortable and difficult to walk in.
While you can expect to have to break in your walking shoes, they shouldn’t be too tight. If you’re between sizes, you should always check Nike’s sizing guidelines. Some shoes will naturally run larger or smaller depending on their style.
Best Nike Shoes for Arch Support
If you have flat feet, you want to invest in walking shoes that offer arch support. Some people are born with flat feet, while others develop them over time. You want to give your feet extra support when they hit the ground.
Arch support offers more motion control and stability for those with flat feet. You’ll usually want a spacious toe box, heel support, and firm arch-support in your walking shoes.
Nike caters to customers with all types of footwear needs. The brand is known for its arch support walking shoes and has developed several specific styles.
1. Nike React Miler 3, $120 at Nordstrom
What makes the React Miler shoes unique is their rocker silhouette that is designed to support every part of your foot’s stride. It supports your foot as it pushes off the ground, moves forward, and lands back down again.
Springy yet stable, the lightweight Nike React Miler 3 offers impact-absorbing cushioning with Nike React foam sole that turns every step into springy returned energy
The Nike React range uses the brand’s ‘React’ foam that is designed to give you a smooth stride with a supportive base for extra bounce.
These shoes are an ideal all-rounder that will add a skip to your step. The monochromatic white and black is a minimalistic essential, but the React Infinity is also available in an array of bold colors.
Best Nike Shoes for Standing All Day
Are you always on your feet? Whether you’re working in a busy office or running after kids, you need shoes that will support and keep you going all day long.
Support and stability are the two things you want to look for when choosing walking shoes for standing all day.
2. Nike ZoomX, $180 at Nordstrom
These shoes will have you feeling like you’re walking on a cloud. The Nike ZoomX sneakers are super-cushioned and give you a comfortable bounce to your step. We love these lightweight shoes for their breathability and grip.
The ZoomX Invisible Run is designed for responsive performance with breathable Flyknit upper and reliable and supportive cushioning
The ZoomX are the best Nike walking shoes for wider feet due to their supportive design. You’ll want to consider the high platform sole, which can take some getting used to.
Best Comfortable Nike Shoes
Sometimes all you want is a pair of comfortable walking shoes. These Nike sneakers are the ones you’ll wear every weekend, whether you’re walking to brunch or getting your steps in.
3. Nike Downshifter 11, $78.52 on Nike
The best budget-friendly walking shoes from Nike are the Downshifter 11. They retail for around $70, with a lightweight and breathable silhouette that offers good flexibility.
Offering lightweight flexible support, the Downshifter 11 boasts soft cushioning with more support around the midfoot
These walking shoes are ideal for those who are always on the go and want lightweight shoes to pack for travel. Nike’s Downshifter 11 sneakers also have a rubber sole for extra grip and durability.
It’s worth noting that these Nike walking shoes have a narrow fit with a thinner midsole. If you don’t suffer from any extra support, these shoes should still tick all the boxes.
4. Nike React Phantom Run Flyknit 2, $140 to $145 at Nordstrom
Want walking shoes that can do it all? Meet the Nike React Phantom sneakers. These shoes are designed with everyday runners in mind, but they work equally as well for walking shoes.
The React Phantom shoes are designed with versatility in mind. The laceless design gives you extra security with soft foam for ultimate comfort. While these shoes typically run small, they’re easy to slip on and off.
The Nike React Phantom Run Flyknit 2 is a sock-fit shoe with molded heel plates and targeted rubber in the tread that provide distraction-free comfort and traction through every stride
You’ll want to throw these sneakers into your tote bag for days when you’re running around the city or don’t know what the day might hold. These multi-tasking sneakers are also ideal for strength training, running, and working out.
Nike walking shoes are some of the most versatile that you can add to your closet. Shop around for a pair of Nike sneakers that fit your lifestyle and will have you walking a mile in no time.