18 best walking, running & hiking shoes for women in 2024 — tried & tested by Yahoo editors

If Yahoo Lifestyle Canada writer Alex Cyr had to choose the best training shoe of the year, it would be the New Balance 1080 V13. "It’s as though the company created a shoe with all of its classic perks and then made them bigger and better," he writes. "Long-time wearers will notice that this shoe is more cushioned than its predecessor, the V12; first-timers will like how lightweight it is despite its plush construction. It has a thick layer of Fresh Foam X midsole cushioning that makes mid-foot landing and push-off feel comfortable and natural, and around it comes a Ndurance runner outsole to prevent wear and tear. It’s everything that New Balance does well in a shoe — just more of it." 

When I say I run, I mean I go for a handful of runs once a quarter after watching too many TED talks about exercise and longevity. However, when those runs take place, these are the running shoes I wear. I'm a fan of almost every On shoe I have ever tried, and the Cloudmonster sneakers are no exception. They feature forward-rolling cushioning to help propel you and have a super foam insole for soft landings. They're great for recreational, everyday runners and come in men's and women's sizing and styles.

According to Yahoo Lifestyle Canada writer Alex Cyr, Brooks' "version 21 is not an immense departure from previous models (it has two extra millimeters of foam and overall is three ounces lighter), but [the brand] understands that it’s best not to fix what isn’t broken. 

Over the last few years, the shoe game has trended towards maximalism, with racing and training shoes alike becoming larger and increasingly cushioned. The Glycerin, with their high heel-to-toe drop and reasonably cushioned DNA LOFT foam, will feel more like training shoes of old. And old doesn’t mean bad: if you aren’t a fan of marshmallow-like sneakers, and prefer more fitted kicks, these are a surefire pick for you."

If you're a fan of Lululemon's other shoes — Kate Middleton's Chargefeel sneakers, for instance — the newly released Beyondfeel running shoes are not to be missed. The $198 sneakers offer maximum cushioning for a softer heel-to-toe glide. They have a flexible, high-traction outsole and a breathable mesh upper. Shop them in eight colourways and both men's and women's sizes.

If you have a need for speed, reviewers recommend checking out these unisex Superblast Centennial of Speed shoes from ASICS. The shoe's responsive properties make it functional for long runs, tempo runs, and everything in between. They're super lightweight, super bouncy and super stacked for a standout running experience. 

No sneaker brand has had more of a hold on 2024 than Adidas. Finding a pair of Adidas' Handball Spezial, Samba OG and Gazelle shoes — especially in unique colourways — has been this summer's version of Pokémon GO — 'gotta collect them all!

My own Gazelles are still available at some retailers and have earned me almost daily compliments whenever I wear them. Lightweight, immediately comfortable, and cool-girl-approved, they've easily become one of my most-grabbed-for pairs of shoes. However, they're super squeaky, even after months of use — an FYI to all!

I am a huge fan of New Balance shoes, and the WRPD sneakers are no exception. The WRPD shoes come in three styles and are, without exaggeration, one of the most comfortable out-of-the-box sneakers I have tried in recent memory. They require zero break-in time and your feet feel supported on long walks. My only note: I wouldn't wear these running. While they are technically a runner, they're on the clunkier side, which some may find cumbersome if aiming for speed. 

After a solid year of use, one Yahoo Lifestyle Canada writer is a HOKA convert, pairing the brand's famous Bondi 8 sneakers with "everything" in her wardrobe. They're "super light," "functional," and "go with just about everything," she writes. Shop the brand's "hardest working" shoes in 16 colourways.

If, like me, you grew up wearing Aldo shoes, you may not remember them to be the most comfortable. However, the Aldo shoes of my adolescence are not the same Aldo shoes of my adulthood. Aldo's "Pillow Walk" soles put their money where their mouth is — they're comfortable right out of the box. The first time I wore these Mayana sneakers, I walked for several hours on end (a daring feat for brand-new shoes) and came out on the other side with no blisters or bleeding. One thing to note: they fit a bit wide, so narrow-footed folks may not share the sneaker love. 

Dr. Bruce Pinker, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon, told Yahoo Lifestyle Canada that Keen's WK450 Walking Shoes were one of his top picks of the year.

He says they're "good all-terrain sneakers composed of recycled materials." Thanks to their high-traction, all-terrain rubber outsole, you can comfortably (and confidently) wear them whether walking, running or hiking.

According to reviewers, the Wool Runners from Allbirds are all that and then some. The shoes have a cushioned midsole for all-day support and are machine-washable, making them great for anyone trekking to work or out on the playground with their kids. They're made from an incredibly soft and cozy superfine Merino wool material that's naturally thermoregulating. Shop them in eight colours.

One Yahoo Canada Style writer is "all about a cushioned slip-on sneaker," and these $59 walking shoes are her slip-ons of choice. They deliver the arch support "I love," and their thick soles make "miles of walking a breeze," she says. Shop them in six colours.

Saucony's Integrity Walker 3 shoes are approved by the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association). They are designed for those who need responsive cushioning from a neutral walker—in layman's terms, they're great for everyone. You can shop them in three colours.

A cross between a hiking boot and a shoe, I wore Merrell's Moab Speed boots on a recent 500km hike through Portugal and Spain.

The good: once broken in, these lightweight shoes are comfortable and supportive, even on 30km+ days on cobblestone, dirt and boardwalks. They are reliably waterproof (I never had any issues during the several days of rain we hiked in) and provide a lot of stability around your ankles and on uneven terrain.

The bad: you really need to break them in first, especially if you're hiking long distances and prone to blisters.

I walked the Camino de Santiago recently and, as a result, spent a lot of the last year researching, trying on, and walking in different hiking boots. Among those I've added to my collection are the On Cloudrock 2 boots. These waterproof hiking boots are made to withstand all types of trail conditions in all kinds of weather. They have added heel stability and a reinforced collar, delivering a secure fit and comfortable ride, whether you're on kilometre two or 12. They come in both men's and women's sizes.

Aesthetically speaking, these Arc'teryx Aerios FL 2 GTX shoes are by far my favourite on this list. They come in two incredibly cute colourways, lavender and light pink, and a classic black for those wanting something less colourful. Like everything else from Arc'teryx, they look and feel high-quality.

Now, while I'd suggest these shoes for shorter trails and non-technical terrain, I don't know if I would recommend them for longer distances. I recently hiked 500km of the Camino de Santiago and opted not to bring the Aerios FL 2 GTX shoes for two reasons: they lack ankle and underfoot support. For shorter distances, it's not a huge deal, but for longer distances, you might find them lacking.

All in all, if you're looking for something for shorter hikes on well-maintained trails, the Aerios FL 2 GTX shoes are stylish and well-made. But if you're doing a lot of technical hiking on longer trails, these wouldn't be my pick.

Backed by hundreds of five-star reviews, Merrell's Moab 3 hikers regularly top the internet's lists of best hiking shoes. The shoes have a waterproof membrane that simultaneously seals out water and lets moisture escape. Famous for its out-of-the-box comfort, the Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability. Shop them in four colourways and men's sizes.

These iconic hikers are best-sellers for a reason. They feature a classic mountaineering style that's both waterproof and breathable with an all-terrain outsole. They've earned thousands of five-star reviews across the web and top marks for out-of-the-box comfort and unmatched durability.