19 Pairs of Sneakers That Are Really, Truly, Genuinely Comfortable
These beauties don’t cause pain.
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
We live in New York, which means we get our fair share of walking every single day. And while that’s a great way to hit our daily step goals, hitting the pavement can be brutal on our feet. Thankfully, we live in an era where the most comfortable sneakers can also be classified as pretty cool designs too. And even better, you’ll likely find a pair of trendy shoes that can check off the comfort and style boxes. After all, from comfortable heels to cloud-like walking shoes or supportive ballet flats, we’ve got you covered. But back to the sneaker front.
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.
Pros
- Great arch support
- Ultra-cushioned
- Wide size range
Cons
- Can get dirty easily
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 (just ask senior fashion commerce editor Dale Arden Chong, who can’t stop wearing her pair!). 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 Metallic with Black and Sea Salt
Material: Mesh, rubber
Customer review: “As always New Balance delivered comfort. The color wave is just the icing on the cake.”
Pros
- Durable
- Water-wicking
- Versatile
Cons
- Hard to dress up
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.”
Pros
- Wide toe box
- Excellent traction
- Stylish
Cons
- Suede might be hard to clean
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.”
Pros
- Lots of color ways
- Great for arched feet
Cons
- Pricey for an athletic sneaker
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.”
Pros
- Soft lining
- Cushioned soles
- Trendy
Cons
- Metallics might not be trendy forever
We still can’t let go of the metallic sneaker trend, nor do we want to. If you’re on the same page, snag this pick from Autry and thank us later.
Sizes: 35-42
Colors: Silver, Green, Red, White
Material: Canvas, leather
Pros
- Great price point
- Always on-trend
Cons
- Limited colorways
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
Pros
- Great price point
- Always on-trend
- Good for the office
Cons
- Limited colorways
- Sells out quickly
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!”
Pros
- They look even better once they get a little dirty
- Great price point
Cons
- Can feel clunky to some
As someone who didn’t get lucky in the height department, Meg Donohue, our associate fashion commerce editor, always gravitates towards a sneaker that’ll give her 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
Pros
- Versatile
Cons
- Suede details could be hard to clean
- Won’t match with everything
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.”
Pros
- Great for wide feet
- Ultra-cushioned
Cons
- Hard to dress up
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.”
Pros
- Sustainably made
- Insoles lined with merino wool
Cons
- Not the most stylish
Racking up your step count in a pair of shoes that weren’t made for that walking can take a toll on your heels. Thankfully, Allbirds just launched these sleek, slip-on shoes featuring the brand’s SweetFoam in the midsole—which will provide a cushy feel with every step. Plus, in a classic silhouette like this, you’ll never get tired of these.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: Natural Black, Medium Grey, Hazy Burgundy, Stony Cream
Materials: Organic cotton
Pros
- Lightweight
- Super trendy
Cons
- Runs small
A Bottega sneaker wasn’t on our bingo card for 2024 but here we are. What can’t Bottega do?
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: Silver
Material: Technical fishnet
Pros
- Lightweight
- Great for wide feet
Cons
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
Pros
- Wear them all year
- Sustainably made
Cons
From baggy jeans to fall work 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.”
Pros
- Breathable
- Trendy
- Wide size range
Cons
- Run big
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: 6 options
Material: Nylon, suede, leather upper
Customer review: “Super comfy right out the box with a cushy sole and feather light on your feet!!”
Pros
- Great price point
Cons
- Minimal arch support
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: 5.5-13
Colors: Black
Material: Recycled Ortholite foam, cotton canvas
Customer review: “Love the shoes! Super comfy and chic!”
Pros
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Runs small
Everyone needs a basic white sneaker, and this pick from Hoff is one of our 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.”
Pros
- Great price point
- Always on-trend
- Looks good a little dirty
Cons
- May take time to break in
- Can be hard to clean
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!”
Pros
- Thoughtfully engineered
- Good for athletic use
Cons
- Hard to dress up
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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