The Best Decision I Ever Made Was Buying These Comfortable Sneakers

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Sneakers aren’t just about keeping your feet happy. They elevate your entire daily experience through expression of style, performance and, of course—comfort. Gone are the days of comfort footwear looking like a medically prescribed eye sore. Comfortable sneakers have come a long way from being obviously orthopedic to a streetwear flex. You just have to know what to look for.

Lucky for you, I am a sneaker expert that has dedicated years to shopping for the best shoes and what lies ahead are my picks on the most comfortable sneakers for every occasion. As an ex-shoe hoarder turned sneaker enthusiast, comfort has become a top priority in my daily dressing. Even though nowadays it’s possible to find comfortable heels, I always find myself creating outfits around sneakers. They feel cooler to wear, are easier to move around in and they are the building blocks to my most productive, active days.

Whether you're a city explorer, a fitness fanatic, a busy person on the go, or simply someone who appreciates the joy of a comfortable step, there’s a pair of comfortable sneakers that suits your style and purpose. From memory foam insoles that mold to your foot's unique shape to shock-absorbing soles that kiss the ground with every stride, the sneaker picks ahead redefine the category of comfort with a stylish step. It’s time to elevate your sneaker game and live your best life in comfort AND style.

Ghost Max

The latest from Brooks might be their most comfortable creation yet: The Ghost Max. It's a cushy springy sneaker full of tech specs that aim to alleviate foot pain. This shoe's cushioning, GlideRoll Rocker, and lower offset can benefit people with plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, and Morton's neuroma.

With ample soft cushioning, a remarkably stable ride, and seamless transitions that give you a forward-propelling sensation, this neutral shoe is your ideal companion for both running and walking. Its exceptional impact-absorbing capabilities work tirelessly to safeguard your feet. It's a sneaker you'll be so excited to put on and never want to take off, even after a long day on your feet.

Rave Review: "I LOVE these W Ghost Max shoes! First, they provide a lot of stability without sacrificing style or shoe weight. I usually feel like shoes with larger soles feel heavier, but these don’t at all."

Alo x 01

If you haven't heard, Alo Yoga launched sneakers! What looks like a simple classic white lifestyle shoe is actually super technical for recovery and everyday wear through a sleek, contemporary streetwear design that really does go with everything.

Featuring a robust, supportive outer sole and a high-rebound recovery-foam insole, it's your go-to for 24/7 balance, aiming to soothe pressure points.

It's also made with abrasion-tested rubber which is durability guarantee, promising a lifespan three times longer than your average street shoe. These classic white kicks are a game changer, setting a new standard for style, comfort, and longevity. PS - If you have larger feet, you're in luck! These kicks go up to size 16.5 in women's.

Pegasus 40 Road Running Shoes

The good old Peg is a Nike customer favorite. In the latest iteration, you'll find a familiar responsiveness through its cushy bottom and neutral support that keeps you moving fast. These are more comfortable than past versions with extra attention to detail on the arch support and roomier toe box.

Whether you're logging miles for a marathon, squeezing in a speedy short run or running errands around town, this will be your unwavering companion. It's a tried-and-true shoe you can count on day in and day out and run after run.

Rave Review: "I have been a loyal Pegasus wearer for 15 years because of the comfort and arch support. They have been on my for countless half marathons and 5 full marathons. I can't imagine running in another shoe."

Read more: Best Nike Running Shoes

Classic Slip-On Sneakers

There's an old saying along the lines of "don't fix what isn't broken." Sometimes it's not all about the latest and greatest. This classic slip on style from Vans is nothing new but they prove to a best seller year after year and a timeless funky classic.

The more you wear them, the more the shoe molds to your foot making them easier to slip on and off. There isn't much arch or ankle support, but if you're looking for a comfortable, easy, stylish and affordable sneaker, look no further.

Rave Review: "I love my Vans slip — ons! They are the most comfortable ones I have tried. The many colors and patterns offered are awesome as well! Vans are the best!!!"

Clifton 9

Hoka's ninth iteration of their most popular sneaker: The Clifton is the most comfortable version yet. Thanks to the additional 3mm of midsole cushioning, they rank among the most comfortable daily trainers or walking shoes on the market.

They have a cushy marshmallow like foam that springs you forward and supports you with each stride. They are lightweight and soft, making these the most comfortable sneakers for running, walking, or standing all day. While the new sporty colorway gives retro sporty cool, there are tons of others to choose from as well.

Rave Review: "They got me through my longest training runs without a blister in sight," says WH News Editor Currie Engel in her Hoka Clifton 9 review. "The biggest test was the race: I finished my marathon with a shiny, new PR, and completely happy and healthy joints."

Read more: Best Cushioned Running Shoes

9060

Dadcore fashion continues and we're not mad about it! The New Balance 9060s never meant to be the most stylish sneaker for It Girls like Hailey Bieber and Sydney Sweeney. While it's ironically cool, it's full of comfort features like a dual-density midsole featuring ABZORB and SBS cushioning, which minimizes the weight of each stride while maximizing momentum.

Translation? They are super soft on the inside and feel like there's a pillow on each foot. Plus the mesh upper mixed with suede feels super luxe and durable. Wear them with baggy denim for a cool Y2K aesthetic or pair with athleisure for your most stylish errand-running fit.

Rave Review: "I went to New York and wanted really cute stylish shoes that are comfy because I knew I'd be walking 15k steps a day and these are the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned. I can't rave enough about them enough."

City Sneaker (Verona)

Hoff makes exceptionally comfortable shoes of luxury quality in the coolest color combos—all inspired by travel and design. With a grippy tread and memory foot lining, this style is perfect for urban exploration and sight seeing.

The color blocking also mixes materials making them feel super look but also breathable with sporty mesh. You're guaranteed to attract compliments and inquiries upon each wear.

Rave Review: "These are adorable sneakers and super comfortable. I love the trend of wearing sneakers now with business casual. These are perfect for that. After an entire day on my feet, there is no discomfort at all. Highly recommend!"

Gazelle

From the classic Sambas to a variety of Gazelles, adidas Originals are having a major resurgence. Everywhere you look you'll see someone sporting either style so it's one that we had to put to the test for comfort and performance. While it was a close running, the Gazells takes the cake in terms of comfort.

They have the heritage sporty look with buttery-soft suede and serrated 3-Stripes. Complete with a soft lining, extra padding and efficient arch support, they feel like you're walking on air that perfectly hugs your foot.

Rave Review: "These of the best walking shoes I've bought. They are very comfortable and stylish. The colors feel sporty and classic. They are my go-to everyday sneakers."

Gel-Sonoma 15-50

These trail-friendly sneakers are designed with perfect traction to keep you on your feet, an impressive midsole cushioning and extra padding around the entire shoe for slipper-like comfort. They might look super techy but they are incredibly lightweight, soft and simple.

While they have a grippy tread for the trail, the outdoorsy look screams streetwear cool making them a comfortable fashion sneaker that happens to have extreme comfort features.

Rave Review: "These sneakers are so soft and cozy that they feel like slippers. The cushion is lightweight and cradles my feet like a warm cushy sock with a killer tread for foot on the ground traction."

Read more: Best Trail Running Shoes

Cloudmonster

The brand ethos of On is "to make people feel like they'r running on Clouds." They achieved just that through their signature Helion midsole, now with CloudTec for maximum cushioning.

Typically, a sneaker with this much cush doesn't grant equal part parts stability, but this style defies the norm. With a soft sockliner and a grip rubber compound on the outsole, this max-cushioned sneaker is suitable for daily training and long runs—perfect for a hyrbid workout queen.

Rave Review: "Featuring recycled materials, a bold rocker shape, and an easy step-in, these shoes—they're made for long-distance road running—feel like a second skin on your feet (just with some major cloud-like cushioning)," said WH Associate Commerce Editor Lily Wohlner in her review of the best On running Shoes.

TechLoom Zipline

APL sneakers are a status symbol of style, comfort and innovation. While the futuristic design of the TechLoom Zipline is cool, it's not just for show. The breathable mesh mixed with the lined design actually creates a forward airflow which keeps your foot propelling faster.

These are made with APL's signature FutureFoam that provides impressive compression, rebound and energy return. They also feature a Souffle sockliner for long-lasting and responsive cushioning that feels like a custom made fit. If you're going to splurge on a sneaker, we recommend APL's Techloom Zipline.

Rave Review: ""I work in a busy hospital and have been in search of comfortable and stylish shoes to wear since I am on my feet all
day. These are amazing! It's like walking on a cloud. They have good support and allow natural movement when I need to run in an emergency."

Tree Runners

The Allbirds Tree Runners are a super breathable and lightweight knit made with responsibly sourced eucalyptus tree fiber. They insole is made from something called SweetFoam which is sourced from Brazilian sugarcane making them the world’s first carbon negative green EVA.

It's contoured and delightfully bouncy with a thermoregulating outer making these pair the most comfortable sneakers for travel. The classic design is perfect for for the everyday minimalist.

Rave Review: "Castor bean oil and merino wool join forces to create an odor-fighting insole that’s uber soft, while a contoured base made out of sugarcane adds a bouncy barrier between you and the sidewalk," we wrote in our 2021 WH Sneaker Awards.

Star Sabot Sneaker Mule

Golden Goose popularized the "lived in look" which is why each style they sell is slightly yet perfectly distressed. This method quickly gained a cult following as the epitome of laid back cool that oozes Italian luxury.

These sneaker mules make their classic sneaker even more comfortable with an easy on/off method of wear. The Italian leather gets better with age and the removable lining molds to your foot with each wear, proving their longevity.

Rave Review: "I am normally a 7.5 in sneakers and got these in an 8 and they fit comfortably. I have been wearing them non stop and they are comfortable to walk in for long periods of time and easy to slip on and off. They are perfect!""

Troop Runner Flex

The Palladium Troop Runner Flex is a unisex sneaker that is made with a lightweight nylon ripstop upper and a second-skin neoprene sock construction for comfort and breathability. It has a signature outsole that rises on the upper and brings a definite urban and off-road look.

The Troop Runner is inspired by army trainers and has speed hooks for quick lacing. It also has a striking rubber sole that climbs up the sides of the upper for an eye-catching, bold look to take you all around the urban outdoors with stability and style.

Rave Review: "These Palladium shoes fit like a glove and feel super supportive. They are breathable and make me feel super stable when walking."

Athens

More people need to know about the magic of Kiziks! With a foamy outsole that lifts the heel with added cushioning, breathable stretchy knit and a roomy toe box, this sneaker checks off all the boxes of comfort.

But more notably, Kiziks have a hands-free technology, making this the easiest (and most comfortable) slip on-sneaker on the market. With a sturdy heel, these require no wiggling, no bending down, and no re-tying. Once you step in and the heel springs back into place. This sneaker has over 20,000 perfect reviews. Literally. Once you try a pair of Kiziks you'll get the hype. Plus, they are size inclusive.

Rave Review: "These shoes slip right on and don’t trade in quality for that convenience, or look different from regular sneakers. It sounds like such a small thing to be able to put your shoe on quickly and comfortably but it makes all my walks start with such a positive experience. Love them, and they stay comfortable during long wears and work. "

DMX Comfort+

If you're looking for a crazy comfortable walking shoe that won't break the bank, look no further. This $80 pair of sneakers feels like you're walking on a pillow with each stride. The foamy footbed propels your forward while the stretchy knit upper hugs your foot like cushy glove.

You'll get padding around the entire shoe, making these a great choice for anyone with foot aliments like Plantars Fasciitis or dropped arches. The curved rocker keeps you moving with ease for a swift hot girl walk.

Rave Review: "They are very light weight and extremely comfortable. The curved soles feel a little weird at first, but they do wonders to lessen the felt impact of each step."

OOmg Sport LS Shoe

Oofos is an American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Approved footwear brand that promotes proper foot health for full-body wellness. More notably, they celebrate the recovery process—an important yet highly underrated sector of the industry.

These slip-on, lace-up shoes come with a breathable mesh upper and a specific OOfoam™technology that soothes your joints with each step, instead of propelling you forward. They reduce pressure and demand on your feet and joints so instead of feeling fatigue, pain, and tightness, you will be left feeling recharged and ready for movement.

Rave Review: "OOFOS shoes are literally a reloading device. Walking results in forces of 1-1.5 times bodyweight with each foot strike. If we can reduce that number through the OOfoam, that is huge... imagine cutting your day-to-day joint stress nearly in half?”

How we Selected

Vanessa Powell is a seasoned stylist and fashion writer with more than a decade of experience. Previously, she was a fashion editor for People Magazine and Health Magazine, and has styled celebrities including Sydney Sweeney, Bailee Madison, Hilary Duff, and more. For this story, she evaluated over 100 sneakers that she's personally tested in the past year, judging their fit, comfort level, and just how great they looked. She regularly uses most of the sneakers on this list.

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