I Wear These Comfy Sneakers Every Day

Commuting in New York City is rough on your feet—especially if you try doing it in pumps. Between racing to catch the subway, weaving down the crowded city streets, and climbing up and down stairs, the last thing you want to worry about is tripping over too-high heels or developing a painful blister.

When I first started working at Real Simple, my way of coping was to wear my ratty old gym shoes and then change when I got to the office—they were comfy, dependable, and who cared what was on my feet during my commute? But the first time I shared an elevator with an executive who did a double take at my shabby sneakers, I knew I had to invest in something more office-appropriate.

Enter, the New Balance for J. Crew 620 sneaker in gold salt. Not only are these iconic shoes super-cute, but they’re incredibly lightweight (perfect for tossing in my bag) and incredibly comfortable, making them my go-to for dashing from the office to my after-work plans or errands. I don’t have a lot of gold in my wardrobe, but I love the subtle detailing on this shoe. It adds a fancy touch without sacrificing any of the comfort.

While you can get the classic 620 sneakers at other retailers, only J. Crew sells this sophisticated gold and tan color combination. And despite my worries that they would get dirty easily, the off-white coloring discreetly hides most dirt and stains. If they get a little too discolored, you can easily throw them in the washing machine for an easy clean.

Now that I have sleek sneakers on my feet, I don’t get weird looks in the elevator anymore. Instead, I get compliments.