The Best Comfortable Shoes for a Supportive and Stylish Step

Nothing ruins our mood more than wearing uncomfortable shoes—whether that's a pair of too high heels or flats that cause blisters and chafing. We can be at the most exciting party or concert , but if our shoes are killing us, all we are thinking about is kicking them off and doing anything to soothe our soles.

And while we used to think we had to sacrifice style for comfort, that's not the case anymore. More brands are designing comfortable heels and flats, not to mention that sneakers—even dad sneakers—have become one of the most trendiest shoes you can wear.

So we set out to find the most comfortable shoes you'll want to show off. We spoke to several podiatrists and used their expertise to evaluate shoes on their cushioning, arch support, stability, heel height, materials, and fit. Ahead, our guide to the best shoes to start your day on the right foot. 

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: New Balance 574 Core Sneaker at Amazon
• Best Budget: Teva Original Universal Sandals at Amazon
• Best Splurge: Tory Burch Good Luck Trainer at Nordstrom
• Best for Work: Vince Oasis Sneaker at Bergdorf Goodman
• Best Ballet Flats: Camper Casi Myra Ballerinas at Camper
• Best Everyday Sneakers: Cariuma Oca Low at Cariuma
• Best Heels: Margaux The Heel at Margaux
• Best Sandals: Vionic Modesto Flatform Lug Sandal at Vionic
• Best for Walking: Hoka Clifton 9 at Nordstrom
• Best Sustainable: Thousand Fell Lace Up Sneakers at GAP

Best Overall

New Balance Women's 574 Core Sneaker

$88 at Amazon $90 at Nordstrom $90 at Newbalance.com

Sizes: 5-12 | Material: Suede, Mesh & Recycled Polyester ​​| Width: Standard, Wide

Chunky soled trainers have been sported by (what feels like) everyone, from Kendal Jenner to Rihanna to my bestie, who calls these New Balances “cushiony” and “ridiculously comfortable.” And like my best friend, a podiatrist will tell you the same: They’re pretty dang comfy. In fact, foot docs like New York based podiatrist Dr. Tyler Miranda recommends the brand because of how supportive they are on the arch of your feet, especially when walking and running around. This style has a special soft foam and tough polyurethane midsole—the recipe for the support and comfort you need on those long commute days. 

Best Budget

Teva Women's Original Universal Sandals

$39 at Amazon $55 at Nordstrom View on Teva.com

Size: 5-12 | Material: Rubber, Recycled Plastic | Width: Standard 

Teva has long been a favorite of outdoor enthusiasts, but you don’t have to be a serious adventurer to enjoy the perks of this eco-friendly shoe. Arguably, this style is for just about anyone, from those seeking versatile all-day footwear, something to flaunt at a festival, or something easy to throw on to hit the beach. Wherever you choose to sport them, though, these utilitarian style kicks are comfortable and practical, equipped with a bouncy and foamy material and a midsole with heel cupping for arch support. There are even adjustable straps (made of 100% recycled plastic!) to ensure you get the right fit. 

Best Splurge

Tory Burch Good Luck Trainer

$278 at Nordstrom View on Toryburch.com $83,833 at Bloomingdales

Size: 23-37 | Material: Nylon, Suede, Leather | Width: Standard 

Tory Burch proves that a designer sneaker can be comfortable with this chunky, sports-inspired piece. Embellished with an embossed rendition of their classic logo and muted neutral hues, it’s a shoe that pairs well with anything and everything—from a tennis skirt on the court to a midi on a night out. Plus, it meets our requirements of being a very comfortable shoe (emphasis on very). That’s because it’s constructed with an oversized ergonomic sole that adds lift, a cushioned tongue and collar, and a molded foam footbed.

Best for Work

Vince Oasis Leather and Suede Sneaker

View on Vince.com $250 at Neiman Marcus View on Bergdorfgoodman.com

Size: 5-11 | Material: Leather | Width: Standard

Wearing sneakers to the office might’ve been deemed unconventional a few decades ago, but as office life has revamped, so has our wardrobe. While Vince has been aiding in creating a stellar variety of pieces for said workplace wear, they have also been crafting high-quality shoes to match. See also: This pair from the brand. Crafted with a timeless, sporty design from 100% leather, these are clean and crisp pairs of shoes that’ll step up your stand-up meeting attire. 

Best Ballet Flats

Camper Casi Myra Ballerinas

View on Camper.com

Size: 5-10 | Material: Leather, Calfskin, Recycled Polyester | Width: Standard

Camper’s shoes remind us that fashion is—and always will be—fun. The designs feel youthful and nostalgic; these are anything but your middle school ballerinas (no toe cleavage found here, IYKYK). Instead, these revitalize the once-called “nightmare” of a shoe for your back, knees, and foot arches into a cool, minimalist, pain-free design. Credit their coolness to the sleek leather and slightly squared-toed shape and blame their comfort on their high-performance foam cushioning. As they say, ballet flats are back.

Best Everyday Sneakers

Cariuma Oca Low

View on Cariuma.com

Size: 5-13 | Material: Canvas, Leather, Suede, Recycled | Width: Standard 

Cariuma checks off all the boxes we’re looking for in an everyday sneaker. The low-top design goes with all outfits, the materials are lightweight and breathable, and the vegan insoles support provide all day support. Seriously, we walked 15,000 steps in this brand and our feet felt fine. Factor in the sustainable materials and wide range of colors and finishes (canvas, leather, suede), and it's no wonder these are a celebrity-favorite.

Best Heels

Margaux The Heel

View on Margauxny.com

Size: 3-13 | Material: Italian Leather | Width: Narrow, Medium, Wide 

According to Dr. Miguel Cunha, podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare, if you don’t want your feet to ache in a heel, it’s best to avoid pointed and narrow toe boxes and—to no surprise—stiletto heels. Instead, opt for a versatile block heel, like this one from Margaux, to ensure comfort all day, every day. We especially love these because they’re crafted from luxe-looking Italian leather yet have a hidden foam padding, proving that you don’t have to trade off comfort for fashion. And they come in narrow and wide sizes as well.

Best Sandals

Vionic Modesto Flatform Lug Sandal

View on Vionicshoes.com

Size: 5-11 | Material: Leather | Width: Medium 

These oh-so-chic puffy strapped flatforms from Vionic are giving us major ‘90s nostalgia. These are a dream for your feet, with a lightweight lug sole ensuring stability and a sturdy yet oh-so-squishy insole. But comfort aside—they’re crafted from sleek leather with double straps that ensure your feet stay firmly in place (no slipping here); they're the ultimate fusion of edgy and sophisticated. Plus, they’ve received the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) Seal of Acceptance, so you know they’re as good for your feet as they look on ‘em. 

Best for Walking

Hoka Clifton 9

$145 at Nordstrom $145 at Dick's $145 at Zappos

Size: 5-11 | Material: Recycled Polyester | Width: Narrow, Standard 

These are a favorite of workout influencer and marathon runner Lexi Watts, who can be seen sporting them on #RunTok. “These make me excited to run again,” says Watts, an excitement that can be attributed to their poppy colorways, from pomegranate to turquoise. But you don’t need to be running 300 miles (pro tip: Watts says that’s how many miles she gets before having to trade in for a new pair) to add these to your closet. They’re equally as great for low-impact sports and your next hot girl walk, because they have tons of features from exceptional shock absorption to their featherlight design that effectively alleviate foot fatigue.

Best Sustainable

Thousand Fell Women’s Lace Up Sneakers

View on Thousandfell.com $145 at Zappos View on Gap.com

Size: 5-10 | Material: Vegan Bio Leather | Width: Standard

Not only are these sneakers unequivocally stylish, but they’re downright comfortable. They’re breathable, lightweight, and—get this—odor-resistant, so you can wear them for extended periods without concern. And they’re made from food waste and recycled materials, so you can curb your carbon footprint (pun totally intended). Plus, that rubber back with an embossed logo, coming in every color from hot pink to bright blue? Talk about giving some personality to your Little White Shoe. 

Best Loafer

Sam Edelman Lorraine Bit Loafer

$150 at Amazon $105 at Nordstrom View on Samedelman.com

Size: 4-14 | Material: Leather, Velvet, or Fabric | Width: Standard

These Sam Edelman shoes serve as classic loafers, so much so that they’re reminiscent of the Gucci Horsebits—but at a more forgiving price. We’ve had them for over three years, and they still look and feel as good as new. We can’t get enough of how soft they are, with an almost slipper-like feel, and how many colorways and material options there are; pick from fabric animal prints to patent leathers.

Best Mules

Everlane The Puffa Clog

$168 at Everlane.com

Size: 5-11 | Material: Leather | Width: Standard 

ICYMI: Clogs are cool. And this puffy iteration of the revived leather mule? Even cooler. These feature a leather covering and a rubber outsole, with added padding on the wedge for all-day comfort. And despite having a platform, they’re easy enough to schlep around the city, making them a must-have for those seeking practical yet trendy shoes. 

Best Slides

Frankie4 Thompson Black

View on Frankie4.com

Size: 8-13 | Material: Leather | Width: Standard

The perfect poolside lounge shoe comes in the form of these leather slides. Designed with luxe leather and gold hardware and hidden heel, arch, and forefoot support, they’re a shoe that adds ease to your day. They’re podiatrist-designed, with triple-layer support and a cushion system to prevent and alleviate common foot pain. Consider them the myth-buster to the claim that shoes that help your feet can’t be cute.

Best Boots

Naturalizer Darry Bootie

View on Amazon View on Naturalizer.com View on Dsw.com

Size: 6-12 | Material: Leather | Width: Standard, Wide 

If you want your everyday boot to have some added comfort features, these are for you. They’re a classic chelsea boot that also happens to be water-repellant. Oh, and they also happen to be designed with a lug sole and a cushioned footbed, making them an expert choice for braving any weather condition, from rain to snow. 

Best Flats

Vivaia The Margot Square-Toe Flats

View on Vivaia.com

Size: 5-11 | Material: Recycled Knit | Width: Standard, Wide 

These square-toed flats are full of cushy features, meaning they’ll be the comfiest pair in your closet. At a glance, these look like a structured flat but feel more like slippers. That’s because they’re equipped with a heel cushion to avoid blisters, insoles for added comfort, extra arch support, and four-way stretch. Their fabric is recycled knit, so they glide right on and feel pillowy. The best part? These come in over 40 colors and patterns.

Best for Running

Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 23 Running Shoe

$140 at Nordstrom $140 at Brooksrunning.com $140 at Dick's

Size: 5-13 | Material: Recycled Polyester | Width: Medium, Wide, Narrow, Extra Wide

Fun fact: Brooks Athletic Sneakers have the highest number of seals of acceptance by the APMA. Dr. Ashley Lee, a podiatrist in Illinois (who also wears Brooks!), points out that this is due to how they promote good foot health during everything from low to high-intensity activities. Ask any runner about these performance-driven shoes, and you’ll probably get a similar analysis: These are cushioned, supportive, road running sneakers that provide a soft ride that goes for miles.

What to Look for in Comfortable Shoes

• Heel Height: One of the biggest comfort factors is the heel height. Amina Means, founder and creative director of luxury shoe brand Nalebe, recommends sticking to heel heights below 4 centimeters with either a chunky heel or platform for comfort and balance. “The bigger the heel composite the more balanced the gait is and that’s so important in maintaining a good posture,” she adds.
• Toe Shape: “A roomy toe box gives your feet enough room to breathe and prevents toe cramping, which can otherwise lead to problems like bunions and hammer toes,” says Dr. Bradley Schaeffer, a board-certified foot surgeon. Means agrees, pointing out that square or rounded oval toes offer the most space.
• Cushion: “Shoes with underfoot cushioning will keep your feet comfortable while protecting them from the impact of walking on hard surfaces,” says Dr, Schaeffer. “The best kind of cushioning incorporates shock absorption too.”  
  
• Firmness: According to Caroline McCulloch, podiatrist and founder of Frankie4, the softness and or firmness of the shoe’s sole and footbed are of great importance when making a comfortable selection. “I'm a firm believer in a shoe that has a sole and a footbed that are not too hard and not too soft,” says McCulloch. “This is optimal to reduce foot and leg symptoms.”
  
• Arch Support: “Arch support prevents your feet from rolling inwards (pronating) as you walk which is very important for foot health," says Dr. Schaeffer.
  

Why Trust Byrdie

Full-time freelance writer and fashion editor Kristina Rutkowski has been covering all things style, trend, and shopping for over 15 years. Living in New York City, she is often on the go and constantly on the hunt for comfortable shoes to wear all day long. Being able to see and try out brands firsthand, directly through the designer showrooms and press appointments, has provided ample research opportunities for this story. 

Byrdie contributor Morgan Sullivan has over half a decade of experience in the beauty and fashion industry, writing for some of the most prominent magazines and websites. Along with writing about beauty, she also frequently covers relationship, wellness, and lifestyle topics. Together they interviewed the following experts: 

• Dr. Miguel Cunha, podiatrist, and founder of Gotham Footcare
• Lexi Watts, workout influencer and marathon runner
• Dr. Tyler Miranda, New York based podiatrist
• Dr. Ashley Lee, Illinois based podiatrist
• Amina Means, founder and creative director of luxury shoe brand Nalebe
• Dr. Bradley Schaeffer, board-certified foot surgeon
• Caroline McCulloch, podiatrist and founder of Frankie4

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough comfortable shoes from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.