Let’s be honest: not all sneakers are created equal. What some lack in style, others lack in comfort or true support. But as we head out on our next adventure, whether we’re walking around campus, commuting to work, or literally anything else, we simply won’t settle for a shoe that leaves us feeling. sore feet, stressed arches or even blisters.
“Having a comfortable shoe is very important for maintaining a healthy body and posture,” says James McMillian, head trainer at Tone House, a training studio in New York City. “The feet support all of our weight and our shoes absorb that impact as we walk. Comfortable shoes will also help with your body alignment and, in turn, they will evenly distribute your body weight, relieving pressure or pain on your joints.
So to make it easier for you, we’ve done hours of research to find the most comfortable sneakers, especially because you’re probably buying them online. Ahead, find the most comfortable sneakers for men and women, according to reviews and our own experiences.
“These sneakers are the most comfortable sneakers I’ve ever worn,” wrote a reviewer for the Allbirds Tree Runners. And we think they’re totally up to the mark – we’ve tried them out and found that the comfort, style and high-quality materials are unmatched by any other trainer on the market. Available in several colors, they are made with eucalyptus to be super light and airy. Even stylist and lifestyle blogger Liz Teich is a fan. She shares that “my husband and I wear their slip-on shoes as slippers around the house and I love taking the lace-up version on long walks to stay warm.”
The Athletic Propulsion Labs TechLoom Bliss sneakers are “lightweight shoes that slip on and off,” according to Charlee Atkins, founder of Le Sweat TV. “I have several pairs in different colors to match my mood. I often get asked if PLAs are worth the price and my answer is yes! I wouldn’t do hard cardio in these, but I definitely wear my PLAs at the gym and during my workouts at home.These are designed with the brand’s Propelium technology for maximum comfort that will last wear after wear.
The Adidas NMD have long been our favorite comfortable sneakers for workouts, sporty looks and everything in between. McMillian says, “Not only are these shoes stylish, they’re comfortable, they have a soft, stretchy knit construction and [what the brand calls] Energy-returning Boost cushioning for all-day comfort. They are also made with a high performance recycled material made in part with Parley Ocean Plastic. They are among Teich’s and Team Underscored’s top picks.
LiteBoxer trainer and brand talent director Anthony Crouchelli thinks these are some of the most comfortable trainers on the market today. These are designed to be a fully cushioned, ultra-lightweight running shoe – with its breathable, anti-microbial mesh and CloudTec cushioned sole. The sneaker even has a speed-lacing system to help you get the shoes on and off easily. He recommends that you look at “heel comfort level” and “shoe weight balance” when choosing a comfortable sneaker.
“It’s a great light and breathable shoe. [Its] Stretch knit technology provides excellent cushioning. It has a clean look to the shoe that is great for everyday wear, especially with your outfits,” says McMillian. The Knit Runner is designed with a stretch knit sock-like construction that will move as you do, and a midsole that will provide cushioning and durability. The shoes even have reflective laces if you need more visibility.
“A friend recommended these shoes, and she was so right – comfortable, can be worn with anything, and easy to clean,” writes a reviewer from Rothy’s The Sneaker. It’s the casual slip-on trainer you need, as it’s knitted from the brand’s signature yarn, designed to hug the contours of your foot. Did we mention they’re eco-friendly too?
“Golden Goose is my favorite for all-day wear because it has an orthopedic-grade insole with lots of cushion,” says Teich. “I wore them for a photoshoot; I stood for 13 hours straight and my feet felt amazing after that! It’s a worthwhile investment and it’s a bonus that they’ve become something of a status symbol. You can easily pair them with any outfit for a day of running errands, getting work done or running with friends.
“I recently bought a pair of Waffle Racers and they are the most comfortable Nike shoes I have ever worn,” stylist Neelo Noory told us in an interview. These feature a double-stacked midsole that provides extra cushioning as you walk. The Waffle One sneakers are cool enough to stand out on their own.
Amanda Katz, Certified Personal Trainer and Equinox Fitness Instructor, is Brooks Glycerin 19. “I’m a big fan of wearing a running shoe! I even recycle old running shoes for my daily walk,” Katz shares. “With this in mind, I test a shoe based on the fit of my foot. Personally, I need a neutral base with soft cushioning. My arch is very low, so a little stability in the shoe goes a long way. These are designed with the brand’s DNA Loft cushioning underfoot and soft lining all around for your softest running shoe yet.
“If you’re looking for a basic white sneaker, the Kam is the way to go!” says celebrity stylist Erin Noël. “I’ve owned several pairs myself and always order them for jobs that require a basic white sneaker. This one is affordable and ticks all my boxes for style and comfort. These are great everyday sneakers to wear again and again, especially at an affordable price.
Another Adidas pick from Teich are the Ultraboost 21 sneakers. shoes that I don’t mind being paired with items that aren’t for the gym!” she says. “These are designed with weight, cushioning and responsiveness in mind for a sneaker that will fit like a glove.
McMillian shares that the Nike Air VaporMax Flyknit shoes are “made from at least 50% recycled content by weight. This shoe is breathable and lightweight, you will feel like you have socks on, which is ideal for a comfortable everyday shoe. Nike describes them as “bouncy and floaty”, which reflects both the visual aspects and the performance of the sneaker. Futuristic styling is paired with the brand’s VaporMax Air technology to literally make your step spring.
“This shoe is so comfortable, easy to put on and take off, super cute and just a great overall shoe,” writes a reviewer of the Naturalizer Marianne Slip-On Sneaker which is designed for versatility and all-day comfort. . These are available in a variety of fabrics and colors, medium or wide widths and even contour technology for your best fit yet. The brand itself is known for its selection of ultra-comfortable shoes, so you know you’re choosing a sneaker that’s been carefully designed for your feet. Who knows? These could become your new travel shoes or your new favorite travel shoes.
“These are the best sneakers I have owned. They are cute and very comfortable,” writes a reviewer of the Ugg Sammy Slip-On Sneaker. “I wear them to work and on weekends with no blisters.” Available in five colors, these slip-on shoes are designed with a memory foam footbed as well as elastic overlays, making them easy to slip on and navigate.
“Obsessed with mine. Quality, comfort and style are all there,” writes a reviewer of Koio Capri sneakers. They add that these “will certainly be [their] favorite brand for sneakers from now on. We particularly like the Triple White colourway – although there are 33 others also available – for a pair of trainers you can slip on without thinking. They feature a suede heel counter and margom rubber sole that will treat your feet well.
“These shoes are so comfortable whether I wear them to work or walk/longboard on my days off,” writes one reviewer who is a healthcare provider who notoriously spends a lot of time on my feet. Available in four colours, the Atoms 000 model features a removable insole, antimicrobial copper lining and one-time-tie laces (for easy on and off). Best of all, they come in quarter sizes to help you find your optimal fit.
These casual and comfortable lace-up sneakers are designed to resist water, dirt and oil stains. Also, if you are looking for a durable pair of shoes, these are a great choice as they are made from recycled bottle liners and eco-friendly fabric.
If you’re looking for shoes you can wear to the office or to a dressier event, consider the Cole Haan GrandPro Rally sneakers. One reviewer writes that these have a “great fit, [are] comfortable [and] Goes well with jeans or even with dress pants and a blazer. These are designed with a trio of the brand’s GrandFoam cushioning, GrandOS Energy foam and an Ortholite footbed.