Everyone needs one good pair of beaters to enjoy summer to the fullest. Amazon's best deal on women's walking shoes, in my opinion, is the Rykä Devotion X. They're already affordable (usually $80 a pair), but are now $64.99 for Prime Day.
I put these on when I'm feeling unabashedly comfortable, whether it's to the airport or hoofing it to the other side of Brooklyn to satisfy a random craving. Our fitness gear expert Rachael Schultz put me onto them two years ago, and I've now worn them at least weekly since — including on a 10-day backpacking trip across Europe in the fall. I love that despite how cushioned they are, my feet don't feel muddied down after 20,000 steps.
For more of up-to-date sale coverage, see our main Prime Day deals hub.
Rachael spoke to podiatrist Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS in her research on the best walking shoes for women. Rykä's Devotion X sneakers check all Dr. Daughtry's boxes: a breathable knit upper to wick sweat, responsive cushioning for shock absorption, a firmness in the midfoot for stability and arch support, and a padded heel cup. Considering they're now just $64.99 on Amazon, you can't ask for much better.
I packed six pairs of shoes for my trip spanning Paris to Prague, but the Ryka Devotion X sneakers impressed me the most.
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I've tested walking shoes that cost as much as $275, but honestly, I still prefer the Rykäs every time. I've offered people (sometimes unsolicited) advice that they don't need Brooks or Hokas when shoes like these exist. More reasons to love them:
They're specifically designed for walking. Running sneakers usually have a meta-rocker, which propel your feet forward. These feel less bouncy so as to not disrupt your natural stride as you walk.
They stretch to fit wide feet. The mesh upper is elasticated just enough to stretch, but still retains its shape after years of wear. People with wide feet will appreciate the roomy toe box, which allows your toes to splay naturally.
They help balance your gait. A combination of high arches and weak ankles forces me to put an uneven amount of pressure on my foot tendons, but these have a stabilizing effect that helps correct my step.
Samantha Crozier/Business Insider
The truth is, women tend to be more prone to stress fractures in our feet. My fellow style editor Samantha Crozier uses these as her recovery shoes when she's not testing heels. "Because these are specifically designed for walking, the superior shock absorption took away any fatigue my feet would usually feel after strolling a few miles," says Samantha.
The bottom line
These are the one pair of sneakers I'd buy for Prime Day if I didn't own them already. I've worn the Rykä Devotion X (now 19% off) shoes for two years, which is much longer than I expected them to last at this price point. If you don't want to overspend on shoes you plan to get dirty anyway, Prime Day is the best time to buy them.
More Prime Day deals on comfortable walking shoes for women
Shopping for more discounts today? Check out our roundup of all of the best Prime Day deals or browse Amazon's website for the full selection.
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