Whether running errands, hitting your hot girl walk, or exploring a new city for hours on end, we've all felt the pain of walking around in fashion sneakers that just aren't up to the challenge. Truly comfortable walking shoes will help your feet feel supported for hours on end and minimize impact on your joints. I tested 20 pairs of shoes over 50 miles to determine the best walking shoes for women, and in the end, the Adidas Ultraboost Lights are the one pair I kept reaching for when headed out the door.
They consistently pulled ahead of the competition thanks to their roomy, breathable knit upper, incredibly lightweight design, and cushy midsole that kept my feet from feeling tired after hours walking in them.
Weight and durability
The first thing I noticed about the Adidas Ultraboost Light is just how incredibly lightweight they are. Clocking in at just 9.2 ounces, these shoes feel almost weightless in your hands — and then on your feet. The average running shoe weighs around 10-13 ounces; while a few ounces may not seem like a big deal, every extra ounce underfoot begins to weigh on you (literally) after a long day of walking.
These shoes feel breathable and comfortable all day long, with ample space for my foot's natural shape — all key features Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS, podiatrist with Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic, highlighted as marks of a supportive walking shoe. This is largely because the Ultraboost Light uses a Primeknit+ textile upper, a soft, malleable material that leaves room for expansion if you have a high-volume foot or wider toe box, while also molding to the shape of your foot. The flexible material is then combined with a rigid lacing system to give you a snug yet comfortable fit, no matter your foot shape.
Comfort and cushioning
After spending entire days walking in these sneakers, I realized the Adidas Ultraboost Lights weren't just comfortable to put on — they were also comfortable to walk all day in. These shoes have excellent midsole cushioning, equipped with Adidas' BOOST technology to provide great shock absorption and reduce stress on your feet after long miles.
These shoes are technically a neutral shoe, but I had no issues with my high arches, which often start to ache with less-supportive shoes after just one mile. With the Ultraboost Lights, my feet felt supported and pain-free after miles of walking, which speaks volumes about their design and effectiveness.
The BOOST technology also adds a slight bounce to each step, which I found made walks feel more energetic and less tiring.
Sizing and fit
Overall, the Adidas Ultraboost Light fit true to size and width, thought folks with markedly narrow or wide feet may not find these to be comfortable or secure enough. The roomy knit upper may feel too loose for narrow feet, and you'd probably be happier with a brand that runs narrow, like Nike or New Balance.
On the other end of the spectrum, some people with wide feet have reported the plastic lace closures can dig into the top of the foot. That being said, my feet fall on the regular-to-wide side of the spectrum and I didn't have this issue.
Design and aesthetics
Beyond functionality, it's important to many of us that any shoe we wear, including a walking shoe, looks good. The Adidas Ultraboost Light is a simple design, but it's stylish and versatile. Available in 25 colorways, there's pretty much a pair for every type of personal style.
As a cherry on top, I love that these shoes are made from at least 20% recycled materials (depending on the colorway). The shoe's upper is made with a yarn containing at least 50% Parley Ocean Plastic and 50% recycled polyester, while the rubber used throughout the shoe is Continental Better, a compound made from 70% natural rubber.
The bottom line
If you're walking for more than 15 minutes, you want a supportive and comfortable walking shoe, Dr. Daughtry told Business Insider. The Adidas Ultraboost Lights are super lightweight for less fatigue, have a well-cushioned midsole to absorb shock and reduce stress on your joints, and feature a stylish design in a ton of colorways.
The toe box and upper design might not be a good fit for people with decidedly narrow or wide feet, and the knit upper might not be durable enough for people who regularly blow out their sneakers. But the universal fit of these shoes means your feet will stay comfortable, even after walking long miles in them. And while they aren't cheap, you can snag the Adidas Ultraboost Lights in select colorways at a discount on Amazon.
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