Yahoo Finance Your Guide to the Most Comfortable Shoes of Every Style
- 1/24
Your Guide to the Most Comfortable Shoes of Every Style
We updated this guide in July 2022 to ensure all products tested and vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab were in stock, available and included updated prices. We replaced any discontinued shoes with their newer counterparts and added new picks from Hush Puppies and Atoms.
Comfort is key when it comes to shoes. A pair of uncomfortable shoes, no matter how cute, will have you dreaming all day about the moment you can walk through your door and yank them off of your feet. If your shoes are ill-fitting or lack the proper cushioning or support, the temporary pain you feel while wearing them can actually evolve into longer-term problems like bunions or plantar fasciitis.
In Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we evaluate all styles of shoes — from sandals to hiking shoes to slip-on sneakers — for characteristics like comfort, fit and support based on feedback from consumer testers and expert podiatrists. After testing hundreds of shoes and analyzing thousands of data points, we have found the top shoe brands that will lend your arches support and your heels cushion while you're walking around or standing all day. Our textile pros used their expertise to review tons of styles and have put together the most comfortable shoes from brands that have performed well in our Lab tests and earned rave reviews from real users and consumer testers. Here are the most comfortable shoes of 2022 that don't sacrifice style, vetted by our experts.
Our top picks:
Keep reading after our top picks to learn more about we test shoes in the Textiles Laband as well as a shopping guide to help you find your perfect pair.
courtesy - 2/24
1) Women's Tree Runners
Allbirds
allbirds.com
$105.00
Whether commuting to the office or traveling abroad, these sneakers from Allbirds are popular for their ultra comfy footbed. And they're Textiles Lab approved — we tested them out and worked with our panel of readers for additional feedback, collecting over 1,300 data points about Allbirds shoes. A whopping 91% of our panelists gave the shoes a perfect rating for comfort. The Tree Runners performed well in our washability tests, and they're even designed to be worn without socks! Plus, they're made with Tencel, a breathable material derived from chemically processed wood pulp that is a more sustainable option than other common materials like polyester.
Allbirds - 3/24
2) Womens Fuelcore Nergize V1 Sneaker
New Balance
amazon.com
$59.95
These sneakers are one of the most affordable styles we evaluated, but don't let the low price fool you. They're both high-performing and high-quality. Our testers raved that these sneakers were comfy to wear when walking and working out. These were also one of the lightest sneakers we evaluated, so they're easy to pack in a gym bag and take on the go. And there are 12 different colors and patterns to choose from, so there's a style for everyone.
New Balance - 4/24
3) Women's Gel-Quantum 180 5 Shoes
ASICS
amazon.com
$69.95
This model from ASICS is the newer, updated version of the top-performing shoe in our walking sneaker test, but they're also a great pair of running shoes. They're a favorite of our testers, popular for being comfortable and supportive no matter the activity. Podiatrists who evaluated these sneakers said they provide excellent stability and control, making them ideal for people with flat feet. All our testers reported that they liked these sneakers more than their current ones and would continue to wear them.
Asics - 5/24
4) Slip On Sneakers
Rothy's
rothys.com
$125.00
Rothy's has a cult following for its comfy sneakers that require minimal breaking in for ultimate comfort. This pair of slip-on sneakers has a contoured insole and knit upper that are entirely machine washable (the brand recommends taking out the midsole before washing). Easy to pair with casual exercise clothes or dressier outfits, these are the ultimate travel sneakers. They come in sizes 5 to 13, including half sizes, and 15 colors and patterns, so there's bound to be a style you love.
Rothys - 6/24
5) Women's Tree Breezers
Allbirds
allbirds.com
$95.00
Ballet flats are notorious for being an uncomfortable style of shoe with little support or cushion — but the Tree Breezer from Allbirds may just be the exception. They are constructed with the brand's signature foam footbed for comfy walking. Testers also loved the breathable, stretchy knit upper, saying the shoes "became one" with their feet. Plus, they're machine washable! They're available in 11 shades and sizes 5 to 11 (including half sizes), so you'll want a pair in every color.
Allbirds - 7/24
6) Women's Ghost 14
Brooks
amazon.com
$129.95
These running shoes from Brooks are popular for their excellent stability which makes running a bit easier. There’s cushioning on the heel with the brand’s “Segmented Crash Pad” outsole, which refers to a system of shock absorbers for a smooth ride. Ideal for beginners and experts alike, reviewers rave that Brooks sneakers provide great control, preventing foot pain. Note that these sneakers aren’t recommended for underpronators.
Brooks - 8/24
7) Plantar Fasciitis Women's Sneakers
Orthofeet
amazon.com
$142.95
Offering standard, wide and extra-wide sizes, these sneakers from Orthofeet are perfect for people who often find that shoes are too narrow. The stretchy knit fabric upper helps accommodate a variety of foot shapes, as well as bunions. If you have plantar fasciitis, these shoes feature anatomical arch support to reduce pressure on your feet and encourage better alignment. And the mild rocker sole design helps to improve walking form, encouraging you to walk from heel to toe.
Orthofeet - 9/24
8) GrandPrø Topspin Sneaker
Cole Haan
colehaan.com
$140.00
Cole Haan shoes are known for being designed with comfort in mind. These stylish low-top sneakers have a memory foam insole and a high traction outsole. The heel is reinforced with extra padding for additional comfort, and the trendy platform sole is lightweight. There are five stylish colors and prints to choose from, including black, ivory, leopard, white and graffiti animal print. One reviewer said, "These are by far the cutest and most comfortable fashion sneakers I own."
Cole Haan - 10/24
9) The Glove Boot ReKnit
Everlane
everlane.com
$130.00
With a pointed toe, a 2-inch block heel and a stylish ribbed upper, the Glove Boot ReKnit is the ultimate bootie. Perfect to wear to the office or dance floor, these shoes are comfy and breathable, thanks to the stretch knit material. They're even made from recycled water bottles (nine per pair!), so they're also a more sustainable pick.
Everlane - 11/24
10) Women's Wren Loafer
Hush Puppies
hushpuppies.com
$64.95
Hush Puppies' stylish loafers are designed with Textiles Lab-approved suede that is stain, water and scuff resistant. They're a great pick if you're spill-prone — water-based stains roll right off the surface, while larger stains can be washed away. (Just note that the stain-resistant abilities do fade with time and repeated washing.) The comfortable foam footbed is a favorite of Lab experts and editors who agree that it retains its cushioning better than some memory foam shoes and have compared it to "walking on a cloud."
Hush Puppies - 12/24
11) Women's Ice Maiden II Snow Boot
Columbia
amazon.com
$79.99
Featured as our "best overall" pick in our best winter boots round-up, these mid-calf snow boots from Columbia keep you dry even when walking through deep snow. The boot shaft is 9 inches tall for protection from winter weather, and the soles are designed to provide traction in slippery conditions. The brand claims its Techlite technology keeps the midsole light while still providing ample cushioning and support. You can only choose between a few styles, but there are wide options and half sizes available.
Columbia - 13/24
12) Women's Rest Lizbeth Backstrap Sandal
Vionic
amazon.com
$99.95
Available in both standard and wide sizing, these walking sandals from Vionic have an adjustable back strap to ensure a proper fit. The footbed is covered in a smooth microfiber material for a soft feel with each step. Plus, the brand works with podiatrists when designing its shoes. This pair features a footbed designed to absorb shock and provide arch support for easy all-day walking.
Vionic - 14/24
13) Women's Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe
Merrell
amazon.com
$59.80
Merrell hiking shoes aced our tests for having excellent traction and stability. The Moab 2 style features a contoured insole and an EVA foam midsole, helping to prevent foot pain and strain after a day on the trails. Wearers rave about how soft and flexible the shoes are, with one tester sharing, "I didn't want to take them off!" There's a breathable mesh lining to keep your feet cool and a toe cap for added protection.
Merrell - 15/24
14) Womens Tiff Sandal
Naturalizer
amazon.com
$115.00
Naturalizer designs comfortable heels with a molded, cushioned footbed. This pair has a height of just under 3 inches, and the block-shaped heel provides extra support and stability. The strappy shoe features an open toe, which is often more comfortable than an enclosed style that can cram your toes together. Available in a ton of neutral shades and some bolder hues, this heel is perfect for all occasions — from wedding season to a day in the office.
Naturalizer - 16/24
15) Women's Casandra Toe Post Sandal
Vionic
amazon.com
$55.66
Most flip flops are completely flat with no support or cushion, but this pick from Vionic has a molded footbed for comfy arch support. The lightweight EVA midsole will conform to your specific foot shape. It just takes some time, so the brand recommends wearing the shoes for a few days before judging the fit. (Don't worry. There's a 30-day return window.) There are 15 colors to choose from, including classics like black and tan and fashion colors like lime, terra cotta and lake blue.
Vionic - 17/24
16) Women's Annadel Eirwyn Wedge Sandal
Clarks
amazon.com
95.00
These wedges from Clarks are constructed with supple leather and a soft, cushioned midsole. The cork platform design gives you more lift without extra strain. Because these sandals run a bit narrower according to reviewers, some recommend going up a half size or opting for wide sizing. An adjustable strap with loop closure and velcro will help the shoes to stay in place all day long.
Clarks - 18/24
17) Model 000
Atoms
atoms.com
$129.00
If you struggle with finding a shoe that fits you perfectly, you might have some luck with Atoms Model 000 sneaker. It's available in a whopping 63 quarter sizes from 5 to 16.5. So if you normally don't quite fit into a size 7 but find a 7.5 to be too large, you can opt for a 7.25 in the Model 000 shoe instead. The shoes are designed with a foam midsole that one GH Analyst described as super bouncy and comfortable. She shared they're easy to slip on and off without untying. Just note there may be some discoloration (yellowing) in the wash.
Atoms - 19/24
18) Clifton 8
Hoka One One
zappos.com
$139.95
Hoka One One sneakers are a popular pick among those with plantar fasciitis because of the brand's signature footbed. With a structured foot frame, this sneaker keeps your whole foot supported — from your toes to your arches — preventing strain. The rubber outer sole has a rocker design, encouraging you to move from heel to toe and making walking a bit easier with each step.
Hoka One One - 20/24
19) Women's Professional Clogs
Dansko
amazon.com
$129.94
With over 9,000 five-star Amazon reviews, these shoes are especially popular among nurses, chefs and any profession where you have to be on your feet all day long. Although a bit pricey, these clogs are designed to last. They're made with a 100% leather upper, and the material is easy to clean and wipe down at the end of the work day. You can choose between a narrow, standard and wide footbed, and it's available in dozens of colors and patterns, so it's a breeze to find a pair you like.
Dansko - 21/24
20) Moscow Mule
Arch NYC
archnyc.co
$160.00
These mules from Arch NYC are by far the trendiest shoes on our list. Featuring a cushioned memory foam footbed with a soft lining, they impressed our Textiles pros by being comfortable after all-night wear — while also looking super chic. Available in fun shades of pink, orange and green, the faux fur outer fabric is totally unique. The 3.5-inch heel is a chunky wooden block heel, which provides added support and stability, perfect for a night out.
Arch NYC - 22/24
21) Arizona Soft Footbed
Birkenstock
birkenstock.com
$145.00
Popular for its comfortable cork and latex footbed, this pair of Birkenstock slides is contoured and molds specifically to your foot shape for excellent arch support. This Soft Footbed version of the classic Arizona slide is designed with an additional layer of foam to provide extra cushioning with each step. It's a great option for both men and women and is available in regular/wide and medium/narrow options, along with dozens of other colors.
Birkenstock - 23/24
22) The Songbird
Birdies
birdies.com
$120.00
Wear these stylish slippers from Birdies around the house for a bit of luxury at home. The quilted satin footbed will feel soft on your toes, while the memory foam base will provide support and cushioning. And you won't slide around in these, thanks to the nonslip rubber sole. If you prefer a warmer option, this style is also available in a faux fur material. Birdies offers fashionable flats, as well, which feel like comfy slippers in fun fabrics like sweater knits, shiny velvets and raffia weaves.
Birdies - 24/24
24)
Some of our styles are even sawed in half for evaluation, as pictured here. Along with testing out shoes, we seek input from outside footwear experts, including podiatrists, who provide us with insight about the best materials for supportive shoes and proper shoe construction.
Emma Seymour
