11 best trainers for walking, for comfort and support

MERRELL’s Siren 4 is uniquely engineered to cradle the distinct contours of female feet, providing comfort, support, and stability even on the longest hikes. With a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane that retains its breathability, you won’t get caught out by the weather. This stylish hiking shoe transitions seamlessly from the trails to the city, making it the perfect all-rounder for everything from a woodland walk to a weekend city break.

Yours Hub Editor Stephanie Spencer put the Siren 4s to the test and found it to be the best walking trainer she’s tried. They’ve proven to be incredibly versatile, perfect for forest dog walks, exploring London, and even running on local paths. Some reviewers online mentioned that they felt tight around the ankle at first, but Stephanie found them comfortable straight out of the box. Reliable in both summer and winter, they keep feet dry while preventing blisters. The footbed provides a lovely springy feel, offering heel cushioning and solid arch support. Easy to clean and impressively durable, they still look great even after plenty of wear. For anyone seeking a comfortable, high-performing walking trainer for multiple activities, these come highly recommended.

While on the expensive side, these Hoka Bondi 8 trainers are definitely worth it. With many raving reviews, they come in a choice of stylish designs and are suited for wider feet. Any customer reviews?

At Hoka, the Bondi 8 has an impressive 4.3/5 star rating from over 1,200 reviews. Overall, these shoes come with an overwhelming amount of five-star reviews, but we can't ignore the lower ratings, either. At Hoka, you can see where shoes score with sizing and width. For this pair, most of the customers felt as if the shoes were true to size (45 per cent) and a standard width (55 per cent). One customer has recently had a knee replacement and claims that these shoes have made recovery feel easier. Once an avid walker for many years, they love that the shoes offer the right amount of cushioning and stability.

As with all shoes, some customers found that the they weren't right for them. From arches to non-slip capabilities, lower-rating customers were gutted that the shoes didn't fit right, were uncomfortable, or should have opted for a wide fit. Some customers (who love the shoes) did point out that their shoes frayed at the heels in less than a year, which is something to consider. 31 per cent of customers felt they were (at least) half a size too small, so you may need to size up.

In a plush cushioned sole, these vegan-friendly trainers are some of the best you can buy. They have exceptional grip and are easy to get on and off. There are some stock issues in some colours.

Perfect for hiking, long walks and everyday use, these Mountain Warehouse Outdoor Walking Shoes have heel and toe bumpers to protect your feet from direct impact, as well as ensuring your footwear lasts longer. Mountain Warehouse is a reliable brand for outdoor gear - but what about the reviews?

From the reviews on Mountain Warehouse, these Path Walking Shoes have a pretty high average. Many customers found this pick very comfortable, very good quality for the price and ideal for using every day for little strain on your feet. Plus, they're waterproof and stylish. Are there any negatives?

Some customers had problems with the fit, citing too small or too big "for me", whereas another customer said it needs to be worn in a little before it starts to make an impact on your walks. They suggest getting some thick socks to combat the rubbing and nasty blisters. But, this should be the case for all of your walking shoes, which will need to be worn in a little first before long walks. Another customer said that though great value, the sole feels a little thin on the ground, too.

Durable and breathable, the cushioning footbed moulds well to your foot to provide the comfort and support you need whilst out and about. Not only that, but the rubber outsole makes this addition flexible, lightweight and long-lasting. They're great for intense, longer walks to reduce any strain.

Waterproof, breathable and comfy, what more could you want from a walking trainer? The Lady Vendeavour Walking Shoes from Regatta are perfect for walks in the great outdoors as they're made with a seam-sealed Isotex fabric that will keep rainfall and splashes at bay and keep your feet as fresh as can be. The EVA footbed ensures you have all the comfort and support you need underfoot.

Customer reviews on Amazon give this an average rating of 4/5 stars, which is fairly impressive. Reviews generally loved the comfort and fit of the shoes one walking six miles with no blisters on their first outing - impressive. True to size, these Regatta shoes are soft, comfy and roomy for wider feet. Plus, one customer likes the flat insole, which is important for their feet for the right support.

As for negatives, there aren't that many. Most customers praise these shoes with five-star reviews. Again, shoe fit and feel will depend on our feet, so take any feedback with a pinch of salt. One customer, for example, commented that they wished the sides of the shoe were a little higher.

With a comfy EVA footbed and TPR sole, as well as waterproofing, this pick is great for a wet walk.

In need of a pair of wide-fit trainers? These Mcleod Wide Fit Women's Walking Shoes come with a durable and breathable, lighter style of footwear for hiking and walking. What about reviews?

Mountain Warheouse's range is always well-liked, judging by reviews. One customer wears them on dry days - and loves how strong and comfortable they are. Plus, they have a good grip and suit well for those with arthritis and wider feet. Not only that but purchasing and delivery were ideal, arriving sooner than expected, providing lightweight, wide-feet friendly and ankle-protective shoes.

Any negatives? There aren't many. Most of the reviews are five-star, with plenty of high praise. If you haven't got wide feet, these shoes will be too big for you; they may take a little time to get used to. One customer commented that they were sturdy but not wide enough for those with bunions.

They're spacious and comfortable so you'll be able to find the right fit at last! Lightweight, flexible and breathable. These wide-fit shoes are the best choice for those feet struggle to fit comfortably in normal sizes.

Whether you're out for a walk with friends or on a solo trip to the shops, these Nike Motiva Women's Walking Shoes will squeeze some added self-care into your life with their comfortable cushioning designed specifically for women's feet. The midsole is made from a springy and durable foam which will react to your feet with every mile. Plus, the outsole pattern provides durability and traction.

As for customer reviews, Nike's average star rating of 4.8/5 is a great sign that when you pay a little more, the shoes will be top-quality and serve you well on walks and hikes, however strenuous. Customers love how comfy their shoes are - very lightweight, ideal for long walks, maybe running.
Ready to go, right out of the box. One customer said it's like "walking on pillows", extreme comfort that works for us. However, a review felt they'd be comfier if Nike made a "wide fit" version.

Perfect for helping you get back on your feet and into keeping fit, from gentle walks to runs.

These comfy, casual walking trainers have a removable Arch Fit cushioning insole system with podiatrist-certified arch support. This has been designed to help distribute pressure across the arch and provide stability, balance and support. What did reviewers think?

Skechers review system is very informative, helping you understand whether shoes are suitable for your feet, from ratings to pros and cons to details about sizing and width. They're determined to help you find your fit. From over 10,000 reviews, Most customers found them comfortable, stylish and breathable. In fact, 91 per cent of respondents would recommend this to a friend, with great sizing and fit, best for casual or smart events and everyday wear for high arches. However, some reviews felt disappointed with their Skechers Arch Support Shoes, finding them uncomfortable to wear for long periods.

These Skechers Women's Arch Fit Big Appeal Sneakers are engineered for maximum comfort.

These easy-to-slip-on-and-off STQ Women's Walking Sneakers come in a range of colours to suit your style and still provide excellent comfort with air-cushioned, memory foam soles. Lightweight, breathable and with arch support, you're guaranteed comfort wherever you go. What about reviews?

With a decent average 4.2/5 star rating from Amazon UK, customers have a lot of positive to say about these walking shoes. Many agree that the comfort, appearance and quality of the shoes are good - super comfy, hard-wearing with a firm base, which gives support. One customer commented that they have arthritis in their feet, but these shoes alleviate the symptoms - as they feel like they are walking on "fluffy clouds". They walk 9km a day, now. However, they don't give much ankle support.

Despite being a lesser-known brand, these shoes come with bold praise, with soft fabric to reduce irritation and alleviate pain; they provide a grip, which helps if you're a little unsteady on your feet.

These Work N Cushion 4.03 Shoes from Reebok are designed to adapt to you, with a supportive fit and cushioning for protection. As well as being perfect for walks, they're a great all-around stylish trainer that wouldn't look out of place with most outfits. A definite must-have. What about reviews?

On Amazon UK, Reebok's Work N Cushion 4.0 Shoes have garnered a 4.1/5 star average from over 1,000 ratings. But, what did they have to say? Undoubtedly, customers agree that the comfort, quality, value and support of the shoes are in true Reebok-style - great. If you're on your feet all day, the mesh lining helps you breathe and the slip-resistant outsole helps you stay confident on your feet. One customer says they're a great fit and provide plenty of support around the ankles. Any negatives?

That being said, some customers disagree on the slip resistance. One customer commented they were slippy on wet or icy surfaces - which is something to think about when you're out and about. Though they make your feet a little sore, to begin with, they are designed for long days and professional use.

These Kalenji Run Active Grip Women's Shoes are ideal for trail running and walking, hence why they have a good grip at their base. We love how practical and stylish they are, with several colour options. From CS cushioning for supreme shock absorption to lugged soles for traction, they are equipped for long, challenging walks. But, what did customers think?

On Decathlon, these Kalenji Run Active Grip Women's Shoes have garnered a 4.5/5 star average from over 5,000 ratings. Though the review data isn't as thorough as other sites (with regards to fit and support), we can still understand how many customers are feeling. A large majority of reviews recommend this product, praising it for its great anti-slip traction and value for money. Many find them comfy, supportive and snazzy, too. One customer even wears them to run three times a week.

However, one customer felt they were flimsy, with little support - making them perfect for the gym and lower impact sport. Another felt the cushioning was too hard, but was happy with the grip. Overall, these are great value shoes, with unbeatable grippy spikes on the outsole for steadiness.

If you enjoy hiking, it's worth investing in a pair of QUECHUA Waterproof shoes as they're suited to damp conditions and wet weather. For extra comfort, there's plenty of cushioning and a split leather upper, not to mention a highly non-slip rubber outsole for traction. What do reviews say?

These QUECHUA Women's Waterproof Mountain Walking Shoes have earned an impressive 4.5/5 star average from over 800 ratings on Decathlon. Though the review section isn't as thorough as other shoe sites (with details about fit and support), we can still gauge how reviewers are feeling about this waterproof pair. Customers agree that these are great value shoes, are comfy to wear and are waterproof - meaning you won't be going home with soggy socks. Another customer pops them on when embarking on wet dog walks - keeping their feet fry, scrubbing up well when cleaned. Any negatives?

Despite a positive review, the above review does make a great point about the longevity of waterproof items: they don't last forever. So, be prepared to follow some strict care instructions to ensure your waterproof lasts (such as warm water, neutral soup, and gentle brush). Or, you can top up the waterproofing with something like the Nikwax Fabric Waterproofing Spray.