Fashion
19 Pairs of Sneakers That Are Really, Truly, Genuinely Comfortable
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</p><p>Whether your go-to is a performance-driven <a href=”https://www.elle.com/fashion/shopping/g39575934/best-workout-shoes-for-women/” target=”_blank”>workout shoe</a>, a designer kick, or a sustainably made slip-on, your feet deserve the very best—and we considered all the factors you’d be considering while shopping. Below, check out our favorite pairs of comfortable sneakers.</p>” />
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Pros
- Many colorways
- Ergonomically engineered
Cons
- Sells out quickly
A standout in the Nike family, the Air Max 270 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.
| Sizes | US 4-9.5 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 9 options |
| Material | N/A |
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.
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!”
| Sizes | US 5-13 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 12 options |
| Material | Rothy’s thread, made from recycled plastic bottles |
Pros
- Many colorways
- Sustainably made
Cons
- Minimal support
- Not office-appropriate
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.
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.”
| Sizes | US 5-11 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 14 options |
| Material | Eucalyptus fiber |
The Everyday Staple
Madewell Sidewalk Low Top Sneaker
The Everyday Staple
Madewell Sidewalk Low Top Sneaker
Pros
- Great price point
- Always on-trend
Cons
- Limited colorways
Madewell’s Sidewalk sneaker is the perfect hybrid of style and comfort that can be worn with jeans or a dress.
Customer review: “This is a great-looking pair of classic sneakers—the canvas is denim-like and they’re well-cushioned, comfy, and TTS.”
| Material | Textile upper and lining/rubber sole |
|---|---|
| Colors | Pale Parchment Canvas |
| Sizes | US 5-6.5 |
The Conscious Keeper
Everlane Court Sneaker
The Conscious Keeper
Everlane Court Sneaker
Now 37% Off
Everlane’s Court sneaker is its lowest impact style to date, created with less waste, less energy, and less virgin plastic.
Customer review: “This is my second pair of court sneakers, and I love the second pair just as much as the first. Comfortable, casual, and easy to wear with almost anything. They fit TTS and are remarkably sturdy. One hundred percent recommend!”
| Sizes | US 5-12 |
|---|---|
| Colors | Off-White, White, Off-White/Black, White/Mustard |
| Material | 50 percent recycled leather, 50 percent non-leather substances |
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.
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.”
| Sizes | US 5-11 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 6 options |
| Material | Leather and synthetic upper/textile lining/rubber sole |
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.
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.”
| Sizes | US 5-12 |
|---|---|
| Color | White, Black, White/ Game Royal/ Sanddrift, Stadium Green, Mantra Orange/Cinnabar/White/Mantra Orange |
| Material | Leather |
Pros
- Many colorways
- Ergonomically engineered
Cons
- Not office-appropriate
- Gets dirty easily
These knitted, cushiony sneakers feel like you’re walking on a bed of clouds.
Customer review: “I love these shoes and they are definitely my new go-to pair. The chalk-white with desert pink NMDs are super stylish and also provide great support for people who are on their feet often throughout the day. Another thing that I like about these shoes is that they can pretty much be worn with any casual outfit and are a statement all on their own. Again, love these shoes! I definitely would recommend them to a friend and I have!”
| Sizes | US 6.5-11 |
|---|---|
| Colors | Core Black/Magic Mauve, Feather Grey/Violet Tone |
| Material | Textile and synthetic upper and lining/synthetic and rubber sole |
Ethically made, consciously packaged, and comfortable as hell? Cariuma checks off all the boxes.
Customer review: “These sneakers are super comfy and require no break-in. Cute styles and colors make them better than your average kicks and go with jeans, skirts, dresses.”
| Sizes | US 5-13 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 15 options |
| Material | Organic cotton canvas, natural rubber, recycled plastics |
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.
| Sizea | US 5-12 |
|---|---|
| Colors | Black, White |
| Material | Knit |
The ’90s Hero
Reebok Classic Harman Run Sneaker
The ’90s Hero
Reebok Classic Harman Run Sneaker
Now 32% Off
A sneaker that is as cool today as it was in the ’90s.
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.”
| Sizes | US 3-11 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 15 options |
| Material | 100 percent synthetic |
The Orthotic Option
Naturalizer Selah Slip On Sneaker
The Orthotic Option
Naturalizer Selah Slip On Sneaker
Now 10% Off
Pros
- Great price point
- Ergonomically engineered
- Office-appropriate
Cons
- Limited colorways
You can never go wrong with a lightweight slip-on that features an exaggerated platform sole and fabric that contours your arches.
Customer review: “I have two pairs already and love love love this shoe! Beautiful, comfy, and chic. Just slip it on and go. I walk miles in this shoe.”
| Sizes | US 4-12 |
|---|---|
| Colors | Navy Suede/Leather, Black Suede/Leather, Turtle Dove Suede/Leather, Cabernet Sauvignon Suede |
| Material | Leather or suede/leather upper |
The Retro Runner
Puma Women’s Future Rider Sneaker
The Retro Runner
Puma Women’s Future Rider Sneaker
Pros
- Great price point
- Many colorways
- Always on-trend
Cons
- Not the most versatile
The Future Rider is the sister to Puma’s ’90s classic, the Fast Rider. The new model was designed with ultra-soft cushioning and currently comes in a bold color-block style.
Customer review: “First time purchasing Pumas and I’m happy I did. Colors are just as pictured. Bought my usual size 6 and fits great. Will be buying again.”
| Sizes | US 4-11 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 46 options |
| Material | Fabric and synthetic, rubber |
The Chunky Statement Maker
Gucci Rhyton Leather Trainers
The Chunky Statement Maker
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.
| Sizes | EU 34-42 |
|---|---|
| Colors | White |
| Material | Leather, gum rubber |
The Covetable Select
Common Projects Original Achilles Sneaker
The Covetable Select
Common Projects Original Achilles Sneaker
Pros
- Many colorways
- Office-appropriate
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.)
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).”
| Sizes | US 4-12 |
|---|---|
| Colors | Grey Leather, White, Tofu, Yellow, Nude |
| Material | Leather upper and lining, rubber sole |
The Vintage Icon
Converse High Top Sneaker
The Vintage Icon
Converse High Top Sneaker
Pros
- Great price point
- Always on-trend
- Looks good dirty
Cons
- May take time to break in
Chucks are a closet staple that get more comfortable and better-looking with each wear.
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!”
| Sizes | US 5-18 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 9 options |
| Material | Textile upper and lining, rubber sole |
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.
Beauty Commerce Editor
Nerisha is the beauty commerce editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty (and fashion and music). She has a penchant for sneakers and nude lip glosses, and spends way too much time re-watching 90s sitcoms.
Associate Fashion Commerce Editor
Meg is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com where she researches trends, tests products, and looks for answers to all your burning questions. She also co-writes a monthly column, Same Same But Different. Meg has previously written for Cosmopolitan and Town & Country. Her passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and sustainability. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.
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