Walking is as ubiquitous as inhaling oxygen or wondering what your ex is currently up to on social media. From walking your dog to simply moving from one room to another while glued to Netflix, locomotion is life. But to step up your walking game, you need to be rocking the right foot gear. Ladies, we've put your needs first and dug our heels into the quest for the finest walking shoes for you. We went on a shoe-try spree and interrogated podiatrists and foot specialists to get their prized insights.

And because you deserve nothing but the absolute best, we focused on the non-negotiables - a great fit, quality cushioning, excellent breathability, and top-notch traction.

Avail yourself for the walk of your life and peruse these nine stellar walking shoes that have emerged victorious from our strenuous testing:

1. Best in Class: Brooks Ghost 15
2. Top Pick for Plantar Fasciitis: New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 1080 V13 Shoe
3. Ideal for Women Over 50: Brooks Addiction Walker 2
4. Best Slip-On: Skechers Women's Go Walk Arch Fit
5. Favored for Lower Back Pain: MBT Women's Sport 4 Active Fitness Walking Shoe
6. Top Choice for Flat Feet: Naot Krypton
7. Prime for Wide Feet: Hoka Bondi 8
8. Suited for High Arches: Nike Motiva
9. Most Cushioned: Adidas Ultraboost 23

But what should you look for when choosing a walking shoe? Top foot experts have weighed in, delivering a list of essential attributes:

Ultra-Roomy Toe Box: During a walk, your toes can swell a bit. Choose a shoe that gives your toes the freedom to breathe and wiggle without restriction.

Outstanding Arch Support: Depending on the form of your arch, whether flat or high, you’ll need adequate support. Some shoes come with decent insoles, but if you have a special love for your custom-made ones, consider a shoe with a removable insert.

Heel Drop: According to foot savant Dr. Greisberg, “an elevated heel, maybe an inch higher than the front of the foot” is what you should be going for.

Cushion: Cushioning preference can be as personal as your Netflix queue. Whether you prefer a cumulus cloud-like experience or edgy pavement-feel, opt for what tickles your fancy.

Whether you have wide feet, aching arches, or are dealing with the nuisance that is plantar fasciitis, there's a perfect shoe fit to address your unique needs.

Disclaimer: While we have put our best foot forward in compiling this content, it's simply meant to be instructive, not a substitute for medical advice. If you have chronic health problems or concerns about dietary supplements and medications, always schedule a chat with your doctor first.