We walked miles in the most comfortable women’s walking shoes–Here’s our top picks

New York Post - May 15th, 2025
Open on New York Post

In a comprehensive review by the New York Post, a selection of the best women's walking shoes has been highlighted, focusing on comfort, style, and expert recommendations. The article features insights from Dr. Miguel Cunha, a podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare, as well as reviews from members of the Post Wanted team. Brands such as Hoka, New Balance, and Allbirds are noted for their superior comfort and innovative design, making them ideal for those who spend long hours on their feet. The piece also emphasizes the importance of choosing the right shoe based on foot type to prevent injuries and enhance overall walking experience.

The significance of this story lies in its detailed examination of various shoe brands and models, providing valuable information for consumers seeking both style and functionality in their footwear. It highlights the role of expert advice in making informed purchases and underscores the growing trend of shopping for shoes online. Furthermore, it reflects the ongoing demand for shoes that cater to specific foot needs and the importance of sustainable and stylish options in the market.

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RATING

5.8
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a comprehensive overview of various women's walking shoes, supported by expert endorsements and personal testimonials. While it succeeds in offering detailed descriptions and recommendations, its accuracy is somewhat limited by the lack of independent verification and diverse perspectives. The article's balance is skewed toward positive reviews, with little mention of potential drawbacks or alternative viewpoints. Source quality is mixed, relying heavily on internal testimonials and a single expert, which may introduce bias. Transparency is limited by the absence of detailed methodology and conflict of interest disclosures. Despite these weaknesses, the article is timely, engaging, and readable, addressing a topic of public interest with potential impact on consumer behavior. To enhance its quality, the article could incorporate more critical evaluation, diverse perspectives, and transparent sourcing.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The article makes numerous claims about the comfort and performance of various women's walking shoes. While it provides detailed descriptions and endorsements from experts like Dr. Miguel Cunha, it lacks sufficient independent verification for many claims. For example, the claim that 'Around four in five runners risk injury in shoes that don’t suit their running style' is attributed to the Asics website but lacks direct citation or statistical backing. Additionally, the comfort and durability claims for specific shoe models, such as the Hoka Bondi SR and Brooks Glycerin 22, are not corroborated with independent testing results or third-party reviews. The article's reliance on subjective testimonials from reporters and commerce writers further limits its factual accuracy, as these personal experiences may not be universally applicable.

5
Balance

The article primarily presents a positive view of the walking shoes it reviews, with little to no mention of potential drawbacks or negative aspects. This lack of balance is evident in the overwhelmingly favorable testimonials and expert endorsements without contrasting opinions or critical evaluations. For instance, while the article highlights the benefits of shoes like the Nike Air Max 270 and the New Balance MADE in the USA 993 Core, it does not explore potential downsides, such as cost or style limitations. The absence of diverse perspectives, such as those from consumers with differing needs or experiences, results in a somewhat one-sided presentation that may not fully inform readers of all relevant considerations.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with distinct sections dedicated to different shoe models and expert advice. The language is straightforward and accessible, making it easy for readers to follow the information presented. However, the article could improve its logical flow by organizing the content more systematically, perhaps by grouping shoes with similar features or uses together. Additionally, incorporating more explicit comparisons between models would help readers make informed decisions. While the tone is neutral and informative, the inclusion of more varied perspectives could enhance the overall clarity and depth of the analysis.

6
Source quality

The article cites a mix of expert opinions, including those from Dr. Miguel Cunha, and testimonials from New York Post commerce writers. While Dr. Cunha's expertise as a podiatrist lends credibility to the recommendations, the reliance on internal testimonials from reporters raises questions about potential biases and conflicts of interest. The article would benefit from incorporating a wider range of external sources, such as independent reviews or studies, to enhance the reliability of its claims. Additionally, some claims, such as the statistic from the Asics website, would be more credible if supported by direct links or references to the original source.

5
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in its methodology and testing processes. While it mentions that shoes were tested by walking miles, it does not provide details on the testing conditions, number of testers, or specific criteria used to evaluate the shoes. This lack of clarity makes it difficult for readers to assess the validity of the claims. Furthermore, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest, such as partnerships or affiliations with the brands mentioned. Clearer disclosure of these factors would enhance the article's transparency and help readers better understand the basis for the recommendations.

Sources

  1. https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/style/best-walking-shoes-for-women
  2. https://www.travelandleisure.com/style/shoes/best-walking-shoes-for-travel
  3. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health-products/g26960479/best-walking-shoes-for-women/
  4. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/g23517576/best-walking-shoes-for-women/
  5. https://runrepeat.com/guides/best-walking-running-shoes