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13 Most Comfortable Shoes According to Reviewers Who Are Always on Their Feet

We found footwear styles to keep you comfy all day long.

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Runner feet running on road closeup on shoe.
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We’ve all fallen victim to a stylish pair of shoes—only to suffer from foot pain after an hour of wearing them. Our pros at the GH Textiles Lab test all types of shoes year round, and they’ve found options that look just as good as they feel. From walking sandals to running shoes, there are tons of on-trend styles that are just as functional as they are fashionable.

Our top picks

1
Best Overall

Brooks Glycerin 23

glycerin 23
glycerin 23
glycerin 23

Pros

  • Designed for walking or running
  • Plush midsole
  • Added stability in the arch and heel
  • Wide base makes these shoes feel very grounded and stable

Cons

  • May run a little small

“I recently wore [the Glycerin 23] on a day where I walked over 10 miles (over 20,000 steps) and they were incredibly comfortable,” says Emma Seymour, the associate director at the GH Textiles Lab. “The base is plush foam for soft landings and a comfortable stride. The knit upper allowed air to flow through, so they also didn’t feel stuffy. While some highly cushioned shoes can feel unstable, the wider base helped me feel secure in this pair.”

I have these sneakers and agree with Seymour. I logged several 10- to 14-mile walks in the Glycerins this spring and stayed blister-free the entire time. These are one of my most-worn pairs of sneakers right now, because I like the stability it has. It’s worth noting the sneaker runs a little small. You can also shop the wide version of these shoes.

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Features at a Glance

Sizes5-12
WidthsRegular, wide
Colors15 color options
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Pros

  • Thick memory foam cushion
  • Breathable mesh upper
  • Easy to slip on and off

Cons

  • Doesn't offer stability for intense workouts or running

Supportive walking shoes for under $40 might sound like a myth, but after wear-testing this pair from Tiosebon, Seymour was pleasantly surprised by the quality, citing its stretchy mesh upper and memory foam footbed. Our testers were also impressed by the memory foam cushioning, with one noting that the shoes didn’t look like “clunky orthopedic shoes.”

Seymour found that while they don’t have the stability for more intense workouts or longer walks, they are breathable and great for shorter distances and errands. What’s more, at around 6 ounces per shoe, the slip-on mesh design makes them quite lightweight and easy to slide on and off.

Sizes5-13
WidthsRegular, wide
Colors18 color options
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The Square Mary Jane

Pros

  • Removable insoles
  • Flexible upper
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • Not meant for long distances

If you’re looking for a versatile yet stylish shoe that you can wear to work without worrying about blisters, these Rothy’s ballet flats are it. These simple, square-toed flats have a slender strap to keep them secure on your feet, while offering support with a cushioned insole. We also like that the insole is removable, so you can put in your own custom orthotics for tailored support. Plus, these are machine washable, making them super easy to keep clean.

“I have been on a years-long quest for flats that don't hurt my feet, and I finally found them,” said Deputy Managing Editor of Commerce Cristina Corvino. “I am able to walk to and from my NYC office (1.5 miles each way) without even thinking about my shoes. That's quite the feat for me.”

Sizes5-12
WidthsRegular
Colors12
4
Best for standing all day

Hoka Bondi 9

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4
Best for standing all day

Hoka Bondi 9

Pros

  • Ample midsole cushioning for comfort and support
  • Ideal for walking and running
  • Testers say the shoes put a spring in their step
  • Breathable mesh upper
  • Available in wide and extra-wide widths

Cons

  • Bulkier than other options on our list

HOKA is known for its cushioning, and the Bondi 9 is one of the brand's plushest styles. It's a great option for those who struggle with plantar fasciitis and other foot pain, but is also a favorite of testers who wore it for long walks and runs. The Bondi 9 offers neutral support, meaning it’s best for shoppers without arch problems, with a structured heel collar for added stability.

One GH analyst who swears by these sneakers said of the previous model, "I can't believe how comfortable they are. They help alleviate my typical knee pain and feel so supportive." We also appreciate that the shoe comes in both neutral and bright colors, whether you want to stand out or prefer a subtle look. There are also wide and extra-wide options available in multiple colors.

Because the sole is so thick, the Bondi 9 may feel a bit bulkier and heavier than some other styles we've evaluated, but our testers appreciate the cushioning comfort and rocker style of the sneakers. One shared, “These shoes put a spring in my step."

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Features at a Glance

Sizes 5-12
WidthsRegular, wide, extra wide
Colors19 color options
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5
Best for walking all day

New Balance 990v6

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5
Best for walking all day

New Balance 990v6

Pros

  • Little break-in time required
  • Versatile for multiple activities
  • Popular for its streetwear aesthetic

Cons

  • Limited colors available

The 990 style is designed with running in mind but gained popularity within streetwear and hip-hop culture, explains Textiles Lab Product Analyst, Grace Wu. We’ve named these sneakers among our favorite New Balance sneakers, for their cozy fit and versatile style.

Contributing editor Shanon Maglente has owned a pair of these New Balances for seven years now, and she still considers them a “go-to” for everyday activities. “I prioritize comfort over anything, and I’ll wear these to work, for going on a run, or for hanging out on the weekends,” she said. “They’re an automatic ‘yes’ if I know I’ll be on my feet for hours.”

Several Reddit users have also named the 990s the most comfortable New Balance shoes.

Sizes4-16
WidthsRegular, wide
Colors5 color options
Arizona Soft Footbed

Pros

  • Molded cork and latex footbed
  • Adjustable straps
  • Loved by users with foot pain

Cons

  • Some users have difficulty finding proper size

One of the most popular sandals of all time, the Arizona slide from Birkenstock is equally as stylish as it is comfortable. The sandal is available in plenty of colors and different materials to coordinate with your wardrobe, like the featured leather style, more affordable waterproof options, and the big buckle variation. Designed with a contoured footbed and the brand's iconic cork midsole, the shoes provide cushioning comfort that molds to your specific foot shape.

A GH writer shared, "I started wearing the Arizona from Birkenstock about 10 years ago, and I've been addicted ever since." Another user with chronic foot pain who loves her Arizona slides told GH, "I've had multiple foot surgeries and really love the support these sandals give me," adding, "They're super comfortable."

The sandals come in regular/wide and medium/narrow sizing and have adjustable straps to help you achieve the right fit. Luckily, the brand accepts returns within 30 days of purchase for unworn shoes.

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Features at a Glance

Sizes4–12.5
WidthsRegular/wide or medium/narrow
Colors6 color options
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<strong>Leah Platform Loafer </strong>

Pros

  • Has cushioned footbed
  • Sophisticated meets comfort
  • Platform is wearable for everyday

Cons

  • Doesn't come in wide sizes

Director of Editorial Commerce, Brie Schwartz, is a style enthusiast and has covered fashion content for years. She says she finds these Coach loafers comfortable, and we think they’re perfect for wearing to the office.

The top of the loafer is sophisticated and classic, but the chunky, nearly 2-inch heel adds a modern touch (and casually adds lift for everyday outfits). We also love that the shoe has a cushioned footbed for comfort. Note that you can get it in this matte black and a shiny patent black.

Sizes5-11
WidthsRegular
Colors2 color options
Chardonnay Heeled Sandals

Pros

  • Orthotic design
  • Velcro strap for easy adjusting
  • Functional and fashionable

Cons

  • Some shoppers had issues finding the right size

Vionic is one of our favorite brands for comfort. Their sandals, flats, and heels are orthotic and designed to support your arches, stabilize your heel, and reduce the amount of pressure on your foot.

These stylish Chardonnay heels come in several colors and prints, and our pros like that they feature a velcro strapped disguised as a buckle, which makes it easier for adjusting.

Testers found the shoes comfortable, with one saying, “ I normally develop knee pain after just a few hours in heels or platforms, but I forgot I'm wearing heels when I put these on. I love that they're orthotic shoes, but no one would ever know because they're so cute!”

Sizes5-13
WidthsRegular, wide
Colors9 color options
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9
Best Slip-On

Kizik Athens 2

Athens 2
9
Best Slip-On

Kizik Athens 2

$140NordstromAlso Consider

Pros

  • Wide range of colors and patterns
  • More supportive than some other canvas sneakers we've tried
  • The slip-on style is completely hands-free for those with mobility issues

Cons

  • Minimal support

Kizik specializes in slip-on shoes, and its special cages within the heel cup make it easy to slide your foot in completely hands-free. It’s a good option for those with mobility issues or moms who have their hands full juggling kids and gear.

The Athens 2 were named the best slip-on shoe thanks to their roomy toe box and generous cushioning. I also own multiple pairs of Kizik Prague shoes, which practically saved me when I broke my arm last summer.

Kiziks have a foam insole that forms to your feet to give added arch support, which is often hard to find in similar styles from Vans or Converse. We also appreciate the wide range of patterns and color options.

Sizes5-13
WidthsRegular, wide
Colors6 color options
10
Most stylish sneaker

PUMA Speedcat

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Pros

  • Trendy
  • Removable insole
  • Comes in leather and suede

Cons

  • Wide nor narrow sizing available

Multiple staffers are fans of Puma’s Speedcats, one of the hottest styles for men and women right now. “Whenever I wear my Speedcats, I am guaranteed to get at least one compliment,” Seymour says. “I love the sleek style that looks great with everything from skirts to jeans. I have a narrow foot and find they fit great, but would likely be a snug fit for someone with a wider foot.”

Deputy Commerce Editor Heath Owens is also a fan. “The Puma Speedcat is my go-to when I know I’ll be getting a lot of steps,” he said. “Every pair has an OrthoLite insole that does the heavy lifting: it provides an unexpected layer of cushioning in the famously low-profile sneaks. I’ve had mine for over a year and I’m honestly shocked by how comfortable they are.”

Sizes5.5-11
WidthsRegular
Colors9 color options
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Pros

  • Little to no break-in time required
  • Multiple buckle holes for a secure fit
  • Many colors and prints

Cons

  • The buckle can be finicky

Several staffers are fans of Vivaia and have praised the brand for its trendy designs and great arch support.

Maglente owns the brand’s Margot Mary Janes, which feature a square toe and strap with multiple buckle holes for the best fit. She wore them to a city wedding where she traveled from the ceremony to the reception on foot. “These flats held up after walking several blocks, and it was raining too!” she said. Maglente added that that was the first day she wore them, and they fit comfortably right away.

RELATED:Mesh Ballet Flats Are the Airy Shoe Trend You're About to See Everywhere This Spring

Sizes5-11
WidthsRegular, wide
Colors8 color options
12
Best Sandals

Chaco Z/1 Classic

On Sale
Z/1 Classic
12
Best Sandals

Chaco Z/1 Classic

Credit: Chaco

Pros

  • Adjustable strap fits a variety of foot shapes
  • Simple, versatile design
  • Structured footbed with arch support

Cons

  • Straps can be tricky to adjust

Our best overall walking sandals pick, this pair from Chaco earned top marks in our Lab evaluations and with consumer testers. The sandals may seem simple, but they're equipped with details that provide the ultimate comfort: The footbed has a molded design that contours to the foot and provides extra arch support. One GH analyst who has high arches was impressed by how supported she felt. What’s more, the outsoles are grippy to help you walk comfortably through all types of terrain, and the brand suggests wearing them everywhere, including a wet river walk or a rocky mountain hike.

With a continuous adjustable strap, the sandals can accommodate a variety of different foot shapes, but it can be a little tricky to adjust the sandals at first. Thankfully, the brand provides helpful instructions to help you achieve the proper fit. One tester called the sandals a "game-changer," and another was impressed with the versatility of the shoes, sharing that they work well with both casual and dressier outfits.

Features at a Glance

Sizes5–12
Widths Regular, wide
Colors18 color options
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13
Best Flip Flop

Oofos OOriginal Sandal

OOriginal Sandal

Pros

  • Molded footbed provides arch support
  • Impact-absorbing foam sole
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Not meant for long distances or workouts

The Oofos OOriginal sandal was originally designed for athletes to wear for recovery post-workout. They have a molded footbed and a lot of cushion to make these wearable for beach or pool days and walking shorter distances in the summer.

I have worn these for almost 10 years. I’ve never been able to wear cute flip flops because of issues with plantar fasciitis, but in these, I can actually feel comfortable while on vacation. I also love them even just for walking around the house, because the foam sole absorbs some of the shock with each step.

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Features at a Glance

Sizes5-11
WidthsRegular
Colors15 color options

How we test comfortable shoes

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At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test all types of shoes—from hiking boots to walking shoes to high heels—evaluating them in the Lab and sharing them with consumer testers with a variety of shoe sizes and foot shapes who provide us with real-user feedback. We've tested hundreds of pairs of shoes over the years, collecting thousands of data points for review. Here are a few things we consider when assessing shoes:

✔️ Comfort: The most important characteristic of comfortable shoes is the comfort itself. When we evaluate shoes in the Lab, we note the comfort of the footbed, the tongue, and the ankle opening, and we ask our consumer testers to rate the comfort of the shoes. When making our selections for comfy shoes, we choose styles that earned top scores.

✔️ Weight: In the Textiles Lab, we weigh the shoes we test, and our consumer testers often share whether their shoes feel lightweight or clunky and bulky.

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a blue walking shoe that has been sawed in half for podiatrist evaluation, lying on a white countertop
Good Housekeeping / Emma Seymour

✔️ Construction: We saw sneakers in half and have footwear experts and podiatrists review and share their thoughts on the inner construction and materials used including foams and fabrics.

✔️ Support: The right shoe should help to reduce strain on your arches and cushion your footbed. We ask our testers to provide detailed feedback on shoe fit and arch support, and we work with our outside experts who share insight into what makes a shoe supportive.

What to look for when shopping for the most comfortable shoes

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When you're shopping for a super comfortable shoe, here are a few universal features you can look for, regardless of style (sandals, running shoes, slip-ons, etc.):

✔️ Cushioned insole: If you're going to be on your feet all day long, it's important to pick a shoe with great cushioning. Insoles made with memory or EVA foam, gel padding, or moldable cork will conform to your foot and provide additional comfort and a softer feel.

✔️ Arch support: Arch support looks different in every style of shoe, but it typically involves a contoured footbed shaped to mimic the arch and curve in your foot. A shoe with arch support can help align your foot, which can ultimately relieve pressure and prevent pain. We recommend avoiding shoes with flat insoles.

✔️ Breathability: Moisture buildup in your shoes can feel really unpleasant, causing your foot to slide around in your shoe. To prevent sweaty feet, try to choose shoes made with breathable materials like knit mesh or shoes with ventilation to allow for airflow. This will also help prevent odor.

✔️ Good fit: An ill-fitting shoe is just not going to feel very comfortable. To ensure you're wearing the proper size and fit for your foot, try wiggling your toes to make sure the shoes aren't too tight, and take a few laps around the store (or your home if you're buying online) to get a feel for the shoes. Be sure to choose the proper width for your foot, whether it be wide, standard, or narrow. And avoid purchasing shoes that increase existing pain, rub your heels, or pinch your toes because the pain will only worsen with time.

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Why trust Good Housekeeping?

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Emma Seymour is the Textiles, Paper, and Apparel Lab associate director and has been at Good Housekeeping for over seven years, overseeing Textiles Lab and consumer tests for footwear of all kinds, including walking shoes, sneakers, running shoes, sandals, shoes for nurses, and more. With a degree in Fiber Science and Apparel Design from Cornell University, she has extensive research experience, particularly focused on athletic wear. Seymour regularly works with medical experts, as well, including podiatrists who provide insight into shoe construction and comfort.

Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home & apparel reviews analyst and has tested apparel and accessories of all kinds—from swimsuits to stylish boots. Constantine reviewed recent shoe test data and responses from our panel of readers to determine which shoes were the most comfortable in our evaluations and combined her findings with her relative expertise to make her picks.

Angel Madison has been a Commerce Editor at Hearst for four years and writes about parenting and footwear. She tests a lot of shoes for a variety of stories, and walks long distances in her free time.

Headshot of Emma Seymour
Expert consulted:Emma Seymour
Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director

Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance. 

Headshot of Amanda Constantine
Expert consulted:Amanda Constantine
Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst

Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.

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