We Did Some Digging to Find the 15 Most Comfortable Sneakers Money Can Buy
We wear them to run, to the gym, to travel, to walk around town, heck some even wear them on their wedding day. So, if we’re going to sport sneakers just about everywhere we go, why not invest in the most comfortable sneakers money can buy? We did a deep dive, reading tons and tons of reviews and polling our loved ones to pin down the pairs that are best for all-day use, no matter what you’ve got planned. Here, 15 superstar sneaks that are guaranteed to keep your feet feeling comfortable for hours on end.
RELATED: The 10 Most Comfortable Ankle Boots According to Foot Experts (AKA Podiatrists)
1. Atoms Model 000
Most Comfortable White Fabric Sneakers
Pros:
Eco-friendly, sustainable design
Easy, pull-on design
Come in quarter sizes
Cons:
Few color options
These simple lace-up kicks are infinitely cooler and more detailed than you might imagine. Designed by husband-and-wife team Sidra Qasim and Waqas Ali, Atoms’s signature sneaker was built to be worn day-in and day-out with a cushy foam insole and eco-friendly upper that has just the right amount of stretch to mold to your feet without sacrificing support. They also come with a copper lining that helps prevent odor and the build-up of bacteria, meaning you can go ahead and skip socks, if you so choose. Oh, and did we mention the proprietary elastic shoelaces? Tie them once and you can simply slip these kicks on and off without needing to readjust or bending the back out of shape. As a final special touch, Atoms come in whole, half and quarter sizes (like 7.25 and 7.75) to ensure a perfect fit for anyone who falls between sizes (with a handy quiz to determine your true size).
2. Vionc Paisley Sneakers
Most Comfortable White Leather Sneakers
Pros:
Roomy toe box
Podiatrist approved
Cons:
Require a (short) break-in period
Sturdy leather doesn’t automatically necessitate a lengthy break-in period or rubbing at your ankle. Case in point these easy kicks from podiatrist-founded company Vionic, which fit wearers comfortably after just a few hours of wear. They come with a soft jersey-covered insole that’s just as supportive as it is comfy. They’re also built with Vionic’s Vio-Motion Support technology which offers ample arch support and foot stability, while alleviating and preventing heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis. The Paisley also has a roomy toe box with plenty of space to let your toes move comfortably, or to accommodate bunions. (Don’t let that extra room fool you, though—these sneakers definitely run true to size.)
3. Skechers Sport Loving Life Memory Foam Fashion Sneakers
Most Comfortable for Standing All Day
Pros:
Come highly recommended by multiple nurses
Lots of color options
A super affordable price tag
Cons:
A low collar makes it difficult to achieve a no-sock look
We love the sporty, slim look of these slip-on Skechers, and we’re definitely not the only ones—they have more than 7,000 reviews at Amazon with an average 4.5-star rating. Lots mention the super-comfortable memory foam insole and the fact that they’re available in both regular and wide widths. But the truly notable thing about the vast majority of the four and five-star reviews is that they’re written by nurses, cooks, cleaners and others who spend most of the workday on their feet. “These are the only shoes I've been able to comfortably stand in for 14+ hour shifts,” reads one review from a medical worker. “They come with thick, cushioned insoles and their tie-less design makes them easy to slip on/off. Bonus: They can be sent through a washing machine when you inevitably get something gross on them.”
4. Dr. Scholl’s Nova Sneakers
Most Comfortable Slip-Ons
Pros:
Lots of color and fabric options
Super affordable price tag
Available in wide widths
Cons:
No laces means less adjustability
Some days we just can’t be bothered to sit down and tie or untie tight shoelaces, so it’s good to have some supportive slip-ons in your shoe wardrobe rather than reaching for flats or sandals every time. This easy pair by Dr. Scholl’s is made using recycled materials and features a podiatrist-approved, anatomically designed insole for all-day support, in addition to extra cushioning at the ankle to help prevent uncomfortable rubbing or slipping. They also come in both regular and wide widths, and have a nice roomy toe-box that won’t leave your poor toes feeling cramped by midday. “Living in the city, I walk several miles every day,” reads one review. “I bought these to replace my Vans slip ons, and I am obsessed. I don't even think about my feet, which is all a girl can ask for.”
5. Allbirds Tree Toppers
Most Comfortable High-Top Design
Pros:
Eco-friendly, sustainable design
Lots of color options
Machine washable
Cons:
Only available in whole sizes
Some new shoes run the risk of causing blisters at the back of your heel, but high-tops have the potential to rub all around your ankle, something no one wants to deal with. (Just think of weird Band-Aid mosaic it would necessitate.) We’ve long been obsessed with eco-friendly shoe band Allbirds, so when it launched a taller silhouette in late 2019 we were super eager to try it out. And the Tree Toppers did not disappoint. They feature the same carbon-negative EVA foam midsole and odor-fighting Merino wool insole that fans of the brand have come to adore, as well as a breathable, lightweight knit upper that’s so comfortable you may not even want to wear socks (nor do you need to). Per one happy shopper, “I’m a teacher who’s on my feet all day. These are honestly the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned right out of the box, and super cute, too!” They’re also machine-washable so it’s easy to keep them looking fresh for longer.
6. Naturalizer Yarina Sneakers
Most Comfortable Platform Sole
Pros:
Adds height without sacrificing arch support
Cons:
Almond toe may be too tight for those with wider feet
Here’s proof that you don’t need to forgo extra height in the name of comfort. Platforms can offer much of the same leg-lengthening benefits as heels, just with more arch support and less toe pinching. This is especially true for the Naturalizer Yarina sneaker which will add two inches to your height and are built with the brand’s signature N5 Contour+ technology. The N5 incorporates five important fit factors—cushioning, breathability, balance, flexibility, weight—to ensure your feet stay happy, pain-free and healthy with all-day wear. One thing to note, however: The Yarina is designed with an almond toe shape, which some reviewers found to be a little too narrow. So, if you’re between a regular width and wide, you might want to consider opting for the wide instead.
7. OluKai Miki Trainers
Most Comfortable Water-Friendly Sneakers
Pros:
Easily convert to a backless style thanks to a fold-down back
A portion of every purchase goes to the Ama OluKai Foundation
Come with a 1-year warranty
Cons:
Tend to run narrow
The original idea behind Hawaiian brand OluKai was to create cute, functional shoes for an oceanside lifestyle, with supportive soles that won’t slip on wet rocks and. These lightweight trainers come with a soft PU footbed and a durable compression-molded EVA midsole that provides excellent arch support and enough spring that you could comfortably wear these to work out, in addition to walking around all day. The sole has an exaggerated lug to give you extra grip on slick surfaces, while the knit upper is made to quicky wick away moisture and keep your feet (at least relatively) dry. They also feature a drop-in back that comfortably tucks under your heel to transform these into a backless style when needed. (And as an added eco-friendly bonus, OluKai is a Certified B Corporation.)
8. New Balance 990
Most Comfortable Sneakers for the Whole Family
Pros:
Available in narrow, regular, wide and extra-wide widths
Cons:
You might end up matching with every man in your neighborhood between the ages 40 and 75
High price tag (and they rarely go on sale)
“My dad owned about 35 pairs of these when we were kids so one day I finally asked for a pair of my own to see what all the hype was about. Since then, I maintain [that] these are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever put on my feet,” says Emily H., life-long New Balance 990 fan. Indeed, this old-school gray style is available in women’s, men’s and kids’ sizes and has a reputation for being incredibly comfortable, which is perhaps why it’s earned its status as a classic. It comes with an Ortholite insole and a shock-absorbing ENCAP midsole that will keep you comfortably on your feet for hours at a time. A dual density foam collar offers extra support and stability around the ankle without feeling too restrictive, and the tow box is nice and roomy. While lots of reviewers mention loving these for walking or standing for long periods of time, they are on the heavier side, so may not be great for running anything longer than a 5K.
9. Asics GT-2000 Running Shoes
Most Comfortable Running Shoes for Regular Training
Pros:
Great stability
Work for lots of distances
Help correct over-pronation
Cons:
Run a little narrow
If a good daily trainer is what you’re after, the Asics GT-2000 series is great for beginners, shorter distances and marathon efforts. Two GEL Technology cushioning systems, one at the front and another at the heel, help absorb shock as you run, whether you’re jogging or sprinting. The midsole has also been designed to help guide your foot to adjust for over-pronation issues and is made from a single layer of lightweight foam for a smooth ride, even on pavement. The sturdy mesh upper provides ample support at the ankle and around the middle of your foot (right at the arch) but won’t restrict your toe movement. Per one reviewer: “I purchased these shoes for pretty intense workout classes with lots of jumping and lateral movement and they are great! They provide great support and are very comfortable.” One thing to note: Many wearers mention these feel narrow at first, so you may want to consider buying a half-size up.
10. HOKA ONE ONE Carbon X2
Most Comfortable Running Shoes for Long Distances at Fast Paces
Pros:
Incredibly lightweight
Offers more stability than most other carbon-plate sneakers
Cons:
The softer sole breaks down relatively quickly
If you’re hoping to set a new personal record in 2021 but don’t want to spend too much on a super-fast carbon-plate shoe, this new release from Hoka ONE ONE should do the trick. “I couldn’t get over how light it felt,” raved tester Katie C., a runner based in Eugene, OR. “I felt like I was flying down the road! It helped that they went on easy with no fit issues from the start.” The key behind the Carbon X2’s speed is a carbon fiber plate running through the sole that increases your foot’s ability to react with each footfall. Although it was designed for marathon and ultramarathon training, it will work just as well for shorter distances, working out at the gym or in your home and even walking around town. Hoka is already well-known for its supportive styles and loved by lots of folks with foot issues thanks to its roomy toe boxes and slightly wider fit. The X2 is notable softer and cushier than the original X design, thanks to a double layer of foam surrounding the carbon plate.
11. Nike Pegasus Trail 2
Most Comfortable Trail Running Shoes
Pros:
A built-in gaiter at the collar helps keep out trail debris and dirt
Fashion forward design also works for everyday wear
Cons:
Come only in regular widths
A good trail running shoe needs to be supportive, comfortable, stable and sturdy enough to handle rough terrain and hills. These Nike stunners provide all that and more. The sole incorporates Nike’s React foam which is nice and cushy, but also allows your foot to respond and bounce quickly as you run. A sturdy midfoot cage secures your foot in place to prevent twisting and injury, as does an exaggerated lug sole with a slight flare at the back. Rubber along the toe also makes it easier to stay upright on steep uphill or downhill efforts. Dana D., a runner based in Los Angeles, CA, says, “These really grip the trail so I can make my way up and down huge inclines without slipping. At first, I was suspicious of the sort of lip off the back of the sole, thinking it would be cumbersome but actually it's so lightweight and it stabilizes my lateral movement. They’re cushiony, but I can still feel the surface I'm running on, which is important for safety.”
12. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20
Most Comfortable Gym Sneakers
Pros:
Also work well for road running
Lots of color options
Cons:
Can feel a little stiff at first
The Adrenaline GTS, one of Brooks’s most popular shoes, is already on its twentieth iteration. Although it was designed for road running, the increased support makes this an equally great shoe for gym workouts, like weightlifting or HIIT where having a stable base is equally important. A built-in GuideRails system helps to correct an inclination toward over or under pronating and keeps your feet feeling steady throughout your whole movement. As for the sole, it incorporates both BioMoGo DNA cushioning and a soft DNA LOFT Crash Pad (two Brooks-original technologies engineered to both cradle and support the foot) to put a little pep in your step. “I am 54 and have horrible foot issues that have impaired and even prevented my running and even walking long distances,” reads one review. “I have to tell you that these are the best running shoes I have ever had! My feet do not hurt while running or after running. Even my fibromas do not become inflamed with running like they usually do.”
13. Rothy’s The Sneaker
Most Comfortable Sneakers You Can Toss in the Wash
Pros:
Machine washable
Lots of fun print options
Sustainably made
Cons:
Few solid-hue options
Ever since launching in 2016, Rothy’s has made a name for itself making ridiculously comfy shoes you don’t have to be precious with. Even Meghan Markle is a fan of the brand’s OG flats. The knit uppers, made from recycled water bottles, are particularly notable for their comfort right out of the box, so you don’t have to worry about blisters or skin irritation. They’re also incredibly breathable and can be tossed in the wash once you remove the midsole (though Rothy’s recommends skipping the dryer), a bonus for those who don’t want to bother with socks. Take it from one reviewer who feel in love with these kicks after recovery from two hip surgeries, “After wearing them for 8 to 10 hours and hustling around on my feet all night at work, my feet never hurt! I needed something that was cool and had support and these are perfect for me”
14. Superga 2750 Cotu Classic Sneakers
Most Comfortable Everyday Sneakers, According to Kate Middleton
Pros:
Ample room for adding your own insole or orthotics
Unisex sizing
Cons:
Less support than other pairs on this list
Hard to keep clean
Kate Middleton has been photographed wearing these simple white kicks on countless occasions, so we decided to see if the Duchess was really onto something. Turns out, Superga’s classic Cotu style is also beloved by lots of non-royals, including more than 1,000 happy shoppers who felt compelled to leave a five-star review at Zappos. We will admit, these have less support than most of the other styles on this list, but they do fare better than similar styles from brands like Keds, Vans and Converse thanks to a cushy foam footbed and ample room in the toe box. Because they are unisex, they also run a little wider than most women’s shoes, great for those with wide feet or bunions but also for adding your own extra-supportive insoles if need be. “I got them to be able to walk around Europe this summer in style, and they fit the bill perfectly,” reads one review. They are very comfortable so far, even though there isn't really a ton of arch support but the rubber of the sole helps to cushion your foot.”
15. Sorel Kinetic Lace Knit Sneakers
Most Comfortable Sneakers at Nordstrom
Pros:
Fashion-forward design
Exaggerated lacing system gives extra arch support
Cons:
Funky design isn’t for everybody
There’s a reason these funky kicks have more than 400 five-star reviews at Nordstrom and it all comes down to the cloud-like EVA footbed. Sorel’s Kinetic Lace Knit sneakers are designed keep your feet happy all day with a springy, supportive sole and soft, breathable upper that’s so comfy, you don’t even need to wear socks (if you so choose). Because the laces go so far down the side of your foot, you’ll notice better arch support than other knit styles. The upper also has a seamless boot construction, rather than a separate tongue, to prevent unnecessary rubbing in weird places. “I bought these to wear while I work in my studio,” reads one review. “I stand for long periods and these have just the right amount of support.”
RELATED: The Best Shoes for Wide Feet, Including Sneakers, Booties & Strappy Heels
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