The Stylish Standout
Nike Wmns Air Max 97
The Stylish Standout
Nike Wmns Air Max 97
Now 33% Off
Pros
- Many colorways
- Ergonomically engineered
Cons
- Sells out quickly
A standout in the Nike family, the Air Max 97 is outfitted with a lightweight neoprene upper and an air bubble on the heel for an added pep in your step. Plus, it comes in an array of colors to fit every mood.
Size: 6-9.5
Colors: White
Material: Mesh upper, leather
The Recycled Slip-On
Rothy’s Sand Slip On
The Recycled Slip-On
Rothy’s Sand Slip On
Pros
- Many colorways
- Sustainably made
Cons
- Sells out quickly
- May run large for some
Who knew recycling could literally feel so good? Crafted from repurposed water bottles, these comfortable Rothy’s slip-ons are the cure to workday blues.
Size: 5-13
Colors: 12 options
Material: Recycled plastic bottles
Customer review: “I love my slip-on sneakers in the Sand color. It’s actually my fourth pair. They fit beautifully, a half size up, and I broke this pair out for a beach trip. It’s so nice to wear great-fitting shoes right out of the box!”
The Eco-Friendly Knit
Allbirds Tree Runner
The Eco-Friendly Knit
Allbirds Tree Runner
Pros
- Many colorways
- Sustainably made
Cons
- Minimal support
- Not appropriate for the office
If “tread lightly” were a shoe, it would be this one. Made with eucalyptus tree fiber treads, Allbirds’ cult-favorite sneaker is basically a pillow for your feet.
Size: 5-11
Colors: 14 options
Material: Eucalyptus fiber
Customer review: “No socks needed, wearing these is even more comfortable than being barefoot. Listen to them when they say to size up if you’re a half size.”
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
The Everyday Staple
Asics GT-2160 Sneakers
The Everyday Staple
Asics GT-2160 Sneakers
Pros
- Great price point
- Always on-trend
Cons
- Limited colorways
This Asic sneaker is the perfect hybrid of style and comfort that can be worn with jeans or a dress.
Size: 5-12
Colors: Oatmeal/Simply Taupe
Material: Performance mesh
The Elevated Sneaker
Nike V2K Run
The Elevated Sneaker
Nike V2K Run
The Nike V2K Run is a sneaker designed to provide comfort and support for various physical activities, making it a versatile choice.
Size: 5-12
Colors: White/Silver or White/Green
Material: Mesh upper, dual-density foam midsole
Customer review: “A basic Nike but fashionable and classic!”
The New Star
Adidas Superstar Sneaker
The New Star
Adidas Superstar Sneaker
Pros
- Great price point
- Many colorways
- Always on-trend
Cons
- Gets dirty easily
Hip-hop made Superstars popular in the ’80s, but the minimalist silhouette and soft interior has kept this style relevant for decades.
Size: 5-11
Colors: 6 options
Material: Leather, synthetic, textile, rubber
Customer review: “I’m very happy I finally purchased these! I’ve wanted the superstars for a while now but was torn over the all-white vs. the black stripe. I have a pair of all-white sneakers already so I went with the black and am very happy with my choice. It’s a bit more sporty looking and adds a nice dressed-down look to dresses and skirts.”
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
The Sneakerhead Original
Nike Air Force 1 ’07
The Sneakerhead Original
Nike Air Force 1 ’07
Pros
- Many colorways
- Always on-trend
Cons
- May take time to break in
- Gets dirty easily
You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t own a pair of Air Force 1s. Whether you like them scruffy or creaseless, AF1s will never go out of style.
Size: 5-12
Colors: White, Black, White/ Game Royal/ Sanddrift, Stadium Green, Mantra Orange/Cinnabar/White/Mantra Orange
Material: Leather
Customer review: “I’ll admit that I bought these because they are a super popular style. What I didn’t expect was the comfort and the fit of these shoes. I wore them two to three times and I would say they were good to wear. I can wear these all day at work and come home and my feet aren’t in pain. I like the height boost they give me. The white pairs so well with my outfits and makes other pieces in my collection pop. I will buy more AF1s in the future.”
The Trendy Shoe
Adidas Samba Classic
The Trendy Shoe
Adidas Samba Classic
Pros
- Many colorways
- Can be dressed up or down
Cons
- Gets dirty easily
The Adidas Samba has a timeless and stylish design that can be worn with a wide range of Outfits. Plus, they’re having a major moment right now.
Size: 7-14
Colors: White/Black or White/Black
Material: Leather, suede
Customer review: “The Samba Classic is my favorite trainer, both for indoor soccer and for just plain hanging out. Incredibly comfortable shoe and it fit precisely as expected.”
The Fresh Pick
PF Flyer Deep Olive Green Center Hi Top
The Fresh Pick
PF Flyer Deep Olive Green Center Hi Top
Pros
- Great price point
- Many colorways
Cons
- Minimal arch support
PF Flyers makes sneakers with a classic and timeless look. These are a funky take on traditional high-tops and are made with extra supportive materials.
Size: 6-15.5
Colors: Deep Olive Green
Material: Recycled Ortholite foam, cotton canvas
Customer review: “Love the shoes! Super comfy and chic!”
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
The Sock Silhouette
Prada Neoprene And Rubber Sneakers
The Sock Silhouette
Prada Neoprene And Rubber Sneakers
Pros
- Collector’s item
Cons
- High price point
- Sells out quickly
Choosing a designer sneaker is hard, so fall back on this versatile pick from Prada that pairs well with almost everything.
Size: 5-12
Colors: Black, White
Material: Neoprene, rubber
The Unisex Must-Have
New Balance Made in USA 990v4 Core
The Unisex Must-Have
New Balance Made in USA 990v4 Core
Pros
- It girl-approved
Cons
- High price point
- Limited colorways
- Often out of stock
In the past, you might rarely see a pair of New Balance sneakers outside the gym, but Instagram’s It girls have made it the shoe du jour.
Size: 5-17.5
Colors: Grey
Material: Leather, mesh
Customer review: “This is the only shoe that keeps my little Fred Flintstone feet running mile after mile. Thank you, New Balance.”
The ’90s Hero
Reebok Classic Harman Run Sneaker
The ’90s Hero
Reebok Classic Harman Run Sneaker
Now 31% Off
A sneaker that is as cool today as it was in the ’90s.
Size: 3-11
Colors: 15 options
Material: Synthetic
Customer review: “I bought these because I have to wear leather shoes in the lab I work at. They wipe off with ease and are super comfortable. They are lightweight and I feel like they give good support. They do run a tiny bit big but not too bad.”
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
The Shiny Option
Superga 2750 Metallic Nappa Sneakers
The Shiny Option
Superga 2750 Metallic Nappa Sneakers
Pros
- Great price point
- Appropriate for the office
Cons
- Minimal arch support
Today’s must-have shoe trend is definitely metallics. These Superga sneakers are the perfect pair. They’re subtle, cool, and known to be extremely comfortable. I can’t think of a more perfect sneaker.
Size: 5-11
Colors: Grey Silver Avorio or Rose Pink Avorio
Material: Cotton
The Royal-Approved Sneaker
Veja Recife Triple-Grip Sneakers
The Royal-Approved Sneaker
Veja Recife Triple-Grip Sneakers
Pros
- Many colorways
- Sustainably made
- Good for the office
Cons
- Sells out quickly
Veja is the Meghan Markle-approved brand that proves sustainability is in.
Size: EU 35-42
Colors: White/Black
Material: Leather, rubber
Customer review: “GOOD LOOKING, LIGHT WEIGHT AND COMFORTABLE”
The Furry Shoe
Dolce Vita Zantel Sneakers
The Furry Shoe
Dolce Vita Zantel Sneakers
Pros
- Great price point
- Office appropriate
Cons
- Not the most versatile
Ultimately, a fur-lined slip-on sneaker is not for everyone, however, if you are a fan of warmth and the convenience of a slip-on, these are the right choice for you.
Size: 5-13
Colors: Off-White Crackled Leather
Material: Leather, faux fur
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
The Chunky Statement
Gucci Rhyton Leather Trainers
The Chunky Statement
Gucci Rhyton Leather Trainers
Pros
- Collector’s item
Cons
- High price point
This Gucci sneaker melds the comfort of a classic running sneak with chic designer flair to create a shoe that’s worth every penny.
Size: EU 34-42
Colors: White
Material: Leather, gum rubber
The Covetable Classic
Common Projects Original Achilles Sneaker
The Covetable Classic
Common Projects Original Achilles Sneaker
Now 40% Off
Pros
- Many colorways
- Appropriate for the office
Cons
- High price point
Common Projects’ Achilles sneaker is so comfortable, you’ll forget that it’s made of leather. (Psst, you can remove the insole and replace it for added comfort.)
Size: 6-12
Colors: White, tofu
Material: Leather upper and lining, rubber sole
Customer review: “Really great minimalist sneaker with buttery soft leather. Goes well with everything! The shoe is long and narrow, so make sure to try it on in-store. The length is about a half size longer than your true size but given the narrow toe box, you should take your normal EU size unless you have narrow feet (in which case size down).”
The Vintage Icon
Converse High Top Sneaker
The Vintage Icon
Converse High Top Sneaker
Chucks are a closet staple that get more comfortable and better-looking with each wear.
Size: 5-18
Colors: 9 options
Material: Textile upper and lining, rubber sole
Customer review: “Love them and can’t wait to wear them to the Eras tour! Lavender is subtle enough to be able to wear them out and about after the concert and it not be something that must be matched to a special outfit!”
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
The Designer Favorite
Alexander McQueen Oversized Suede Heel Detail Sneakers
The Designer Favorite
Alexander McQueen Oversized Suede Heel Detail Sneakers
Pros
- Many colorways
- Always on-trend
- Collector’s item
Cons
- High price point
Taking the platform sneaker to higher ground, this cushioned sole won’t make a peep as you strut down the street.
Size: 5-11.5
Colors: 6 options
Material: Leather, rubber
Customer review: “Love them. True to size.”
FAQ: What Makes a Shoe Comfortable?
Advice and Tips for Finding the Right Shoe
- Fit: This might sound…obvious?...but a shoe needs to fit well in order to be comfortable. If you have wide feet, you probably won’t like the way a narrow shoe feels. (Mind-blowing stuff, we know.) In terms of length, aim for size that allows for 5/8” (roughly the width of your thumb) between your longest toe and the tip of the shoe. If your feet are slightly different sizes—which is common and completely normal—size up rather than squeezing the bigger foot into a size that’s too small. If you’re shopping in-store, go at the end of the day (your feet are smaller in the morning, so the fit will be inaccurate) and wear or bring the type of socks you plan to wear with the shoes. (Thick socks require more space.) When determining whether a shoe fits well, make sure you can wiggle all your toes when wearing them. Your foot size and shape can change as you age, so consider getting your feet professionally sized before you repurchase those tried-and-true sneakers for the third time. And lastly, if you’re banking on “breaking them in,” beware that some shoes simply don’t break in. If it feels uncomfortable during the first wear, it’s very possible it will remain uncomfortable.
- Cushioning: Put your hand inside the shoe and feel around. How does the insole feel? Is it soft and cushioned? Many modern shoe brands use memory or cooling foam in their insoles to maximize comfort, so don’t settle for non-accommodating insoles. While you’re at it, check for any interior seams, lining, or tags that might cause irritation on your feet by putting your hand inside the shoe to feel around.
- Stability and Support: That pair of stilettos might feel comfortable when you first step into them, but a few hours of wobbling later and you’ll feel the burn as your muscles and ligaments work extra hard to compensate for the shoe’s instability. This doesn’t just apply to heels, either. When considering any type of shoe, test it for good ankle support (no twists, rolls, or bone breaks here, please), a sturdy sole, and the proper type of arch support your feet require. If you have high arches, look for a shoe with greater arch support. If you have flat feet, a shoe with a high arch will feel uncomfortable. Finally, the shoe should fit well around the back, meaning your heel isn’t slipping out or being rubbed with every step.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
