19 Pairs of Sneakers That Are Really, Truly, Genuinely Comfortable

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There’s nothing quite like finding the perfect pair of cool sneakers that are unequivocally stylish and downright comfortable. Because, let’s be real, more often than not, you’ll find trendy shoes that only check one of those boxes. But here at ELLE, we believe that fashion and function are a match made in heaven, and that you can find the right items if you know where to look—and boy, do we know where to look. From comfortable heels to cloud-like walking shoes or supportive ballet flats, we’ve got you covered. Today, let’s dive into the most comfortable sneakers.

Weaving comfort into your everyday footwear is critical, and Yenny Hsieh, senior product manager for New Balance, knows this better than most. When it comes to designing sneakers, Hsieh not only tries to create beautiful silhouettes, but wants the shoe to be something you reach for over and over again. “Comfort is definitely key when it comes to any footwear,” Hsieh says. “Sneakers need to be comfortable or they won’t be worn.” And as we know all too well, our schedules can be busy and unpredictable, so we need a shoe that can keep up. “I may need to run errands around the city that warrant 20-30 minutes of walking to and from,” Hsieh continues. “A comfortable pair of shoes means I’m able to do this without a doubt.”

So, whether your go-to is a performance-driven workout shoe, a designer kick, or a sustainably made slip-on, your feet deserve the very best—and we considered all the factors. Read on to find the 19 most comfortable pairs of sneakers on the market now.

1906R

There’s a reason New Balance dominates the sneaker game. These 1906s are super versatile and comfortable, and they’re sure to be the sneaker of the season. You’re going to want to get your hands on a pair of these before they sell out.

Sizes: 5.5-16.5

Colors: Silver, Silver/Red, Silver/Blue

Material: Mesh, rubber

Customer review: “As always New Balance delivered comfort. The color wave is just the icing on the cake.”

Medalist Low Textured Leather Sneakers

I still can’t let go of the metallic sneaker trend, nor do I want to. If you’re on the same page, snag this pick from Autry and thank me later.

Sizes: 35-42

Colors: Silver, Green, Red, White

Material: Canvas, leather

XT-6

From world-class athletes to off-duty models, the Salomon XT-6 have quickly become the It sneaker, and for good reason. Not only do they come in endless stylish color ways, they’re ultra cushioned, durable, and their quicklace system makes for ultimate convenience.

Sizes: 5-14

Colors: Multi

Material: Textile, rubber

Customer review: “From the moment I slipped these shoes on, I could tell they were something special. They’ve not only accompanied me on rugged terrains but have also subtly made their way into my daily wear, showcasing their unmatched versatility.”

Cortez Vintage Sneaker

A shoe 50 years in the making, the Nike Cortez is back and better than ever. Between its herringbone outsole and textured suede, this sneaker gives a modern feel to a timeless classic.

Sizes: 5-16.5

Colors: Green

Material: Suede, rubber

Customer review: “So cute! Super comfortable. Lots of cushion.”

Zipline Sneakers

You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort to sport a beautiful shoe. Luckily, you don’t have to with the APL Zipline sneaker. These truly feel as good as they look.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Multi

Material: Techloom, rubber sole

Customer review: “The most comfortable shoes I’ve ever purchased.”

Reebok Club C Extra Sneakers

As someone who didn’t get lucky in the height department, I always gravitate towards a sneaker that’ll give me the inches I need. The exaggerated platform of these Reebok Club Cs are the perfect option for those who like a boost.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Cream

Material: Faux leather, rubber

V2K Run

The Nike V2K Run is a sneaker designed to provide comfort and support for various physical activities, making it a versatile choice.

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: White/Silver or White/Green

Material: Mesh upper, dual-density foam midsole

Customer review: “A basic Nike but fashionable and classic!”

GT-2160 Sneakers

This Asics sneaker is the perfect hybrid of style and comfort that can be worn with jeans or a dress.

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: Oatmeal/Simply Taupe

Material: Performance mesh

Notice Sneakers

Sporty with a vintage feel, these zingy sneakers from Dolce Vita are a great statement for your new spring wardrobe.

Sizes: 6-10

Colors: Pink, Silver, Green

Material: Leather, textile upper

Customer review: “I received these today and they are so comfortable and stylish.”

Bondi 8 Sneaker

Hokas take the prize for most comfortable sneakers on the market. I’ve worn these on hikes, runs, and long walks, and they never compromise on comfort. They’re a shoe I’ll be repurchasing for years to come.

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: Multiple

Material: Mesh, recycled polyester

Customer review: “I love Hokas and how comfortable they are to wear all day! These make my feet feel like they are 20 years younger.”

Orbit Metallic Net Runner Sneakers

A Bottega sneaker wasn’t on my bingo card for 2024 but here we are. What can’t Bottega do?

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Silver

Material: Technical fishnet

Ballet Runner

If you have a more understated style, adding a designer shoe is a great way to elevate any outfit. Not only are these sneakers downright beautiful, but they’re lightweight and feature a wider footbed for maximum comfort.

Sizes: 35-41

Colors: Soft White/Cherry/Royal Blue

Material: Mesh, recycled polyester

V-90 Leather Sneaker

From baggy jeans to summer dresses and beyond, these Vejas will never fail you. They’re the perfect shoe that go with truly anything you throw on.

Sizes: 36-42

Colors: Multi

Material: Leather, textile, synthetic

Customer review: “Cute, comfy, and they go with everything.”

SL 72 OG Sneaker

We all know Sambas and Gazelles are having their moment, but has a new bombshell entered the villa? You heard it here first—the relaunched Adidas SL 72 will steal the show this summer, so don’t be surprised when you see these everywhere you turn.

Sizes: 5-15

Colors: Green, Brown, Blue, White, Red

Material: Nylon, suede, leather upper

Customer review: “Super comfy right out the box with a cushy sole and feather light on your feet!!”

Center Hi Top

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.

Sizes: 6-15.5

Colors: Deep Olive Green

Material: Recycled Ortholite foam, cotton canvas

Customer review: “Love the shoes! Super comfy and chic!”

Metro Sneakers

Everyone needs a basic white sneaker, and this pick from Hoff is one of my favorites lately. With memory foam lining, soft, forgiving leather, and lots of arch support, you can’t get much comfier than this.

Sizes: 5-10.5

Colors: White, Grey, Tan

Material: Leather, textile upper

Customer review: “Very well made and comfortable. The footbed is super cushiony with arch support.”

Chuck Taylor All Star Lift Platform

Chucks are a closet staple that get more comfortable and better-looking with each wear.

Sizes: 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!”

Maxwell Tan

When it comes to comfort, Frankie4 does it best. These slip-ons feature podiatrist-designed footbeds, interchangeable sole options, and triple layer arch support. Need I say more?

Sizes: 6-13

Colors: Brown, Leopard Print

Material: Leather

Customer review: “These are the most comfortable shoes I own. The inner part of the shoe is so soft. They also seem incredibly sturdy, and the sizing is great—very standard, I find. Worth every cent as someone who works on my feet all day!”

Cloudnova Form

The Cloudnova Form is a sneaker is infused with hi-tech features like from Zero Gravity foam to distribute pressure and CloudTec for impact protection. The bells and whistles are endless.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Blue, Purple, White

Material: Textile, synthetic

Customer review: “These are so comfortable for all day wear, never once hurt my feet I love the round toe.”

FAQ: What Makes a Shoe Comfortable?

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. (Shocking 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 with them on. 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.
  

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