editor
There’s nothing like taking a long walk in the park, a stroll around town or even a quick jaunt between work and your favorite lunch spot. Even if you’re cute, wearing uncomfortable shoes while you’re out and about can ruin your entire day or force you to end it early. We are fortunate that comfortable shoes don’t have to be ugly if you want to avoid blisters, pinched toes, or just general foot pain. From walking sandals to sneakers, there are tons of adorable styles that are just as functional as they are fashionable.
ASICS sneakers have stood out in our Textiles Lab evaluations year after year, and the latest Gel-Cumulus 26 is no exception. The shoe was a top performer in our most recent round of tests, earning top marks from consumer testers who were impressed by the comfortable feel. They’re designed with thick gel-infused foam cushioning to improve shock absorption, and one tester who wore the shoes said it felt “like walking on a cloud.” A GH analyst who tried this pair also said, “They felt just as comfortable out of the box and after wearing them for 10,000 steps.”
For ankle stability, the shoes feature a padded back tab and heel, which testers said felt structured and supportive, but they still found the shoes to be easy to slide on and off. The brand claims that people with neutral feet or underpronators (those whose feet roll inward) should avoid these sneakers.
Overpronators, on the other hand, should avoid them. The sneakers are high-performing and high-quality and earned top scores in our tests for overall comfort from users who wore them for workouts and walks. “Right when I put them on, they started molding to my feet,” said one tester. I didn’t have to break them in like I would normally have to.” The shoes are slim and sleek, and they were also one of the lightest styles we looked at. Because they are made of flexible material, they are easy to pack in a gym bag and squish down. Our testers noted that the shoes ran a little small, but they come in wide sizes for some added room.
sneakers do,” and even after wearing the shoes for the entire day, one tester compared them to “walking on a cloud.” The sneakers are also a more environmentally friendly choice because their uppers are made of Tencel, a material that is breathable and comes from chemically processed wood pulp.
One tester said that the shoes appeared dirty more quickly than other styles she’s worn, but the sneakers are machine washable for which makes hitting the pavement (or treadmill) a bit easier on your legs and feet. They are our picks for the best shoes for walking and the best shoes for nurses, so you’ll be able to walk, run, or spend the whole day on your feet in them. “The shoe felt supportive while standing for long periods of time (like at a concert) as well as when walking around a mer testers,” stated one tester who claimed that the Ghost 15 is her new go-to style. Sizes: 5 to 13, with options for narrow and wide Available in wide and extra-wide sizing, these sneakers from New Balance ensure that your feet won’t feel squished or cramped all day long. Plus, the shoes have a flexible knit upper with lots of wiggle room, meaning they’re a solid pick for someone experiencing bunions and the breathable mesh gave the shoes high scores across the board for properties like fit, comfort and cushioning, and we were impressed by the quality construction during our evaluations.
The Bondi 8 is one of Hoka’s plushest styles, and the brand is known for its extra-thick cushioning. It’s a great option for those who One GH analyst who swears by these sneakers added, “I can’t believe how comfortable they are. They help alleviate my typical knee pain and feel so supportive.” The shoes offer neutral stability with a structured heel and extra padding around the tongue and shoe opening, and the knit mesh upper lends breathability. Available in Hoka’s popular standout colorways, the shoes are sure to turn heads while you’re running, walking or standing all day, and some shades are available in wide sizing for those who need a more spacious toe box.
The sandals come in regular/wide and medium/narrow sizing and have adjustable straps to help you achieve the right fit, but some online reviewers have experienced difficulty finding the correct size. Luckily, the brand does accept returns within 30 days of purchase for unworn shoes.
How We Test Comfortable Shoes
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 level of comfort in and of itself is the most important quality of a pair of shoes. 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. We go with styles that received high marks when selecting comfortable shoes.
Weight
When we test shoes in the Textiles Lab, we weigh them, and our customers often tell us if they feel light or heavy.
What to Look for When Looking for Shoes That Are Most Comfortable
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 and more):
Cushioned Insole
If you’re going to be on your feet all day long, it’s important to pick a shoe with great cushioning. Memory or EVA foam, gel padding, or moldable cork insoles will mold to your foot, giving you more 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
When moisture builds up in your shoes, it can be very uncomfortable and cause your foot to slide around in them. 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. Take a few laps around the store (or your home if you’re buying online) to get a feel for the shoes and make sure they are the right size and fit for your foot by wiggling your toes to make sure they aren’t too tight. Whether you choose a wide, standard, or narrow width, make sure it fits your foot perfectly. And avoid purchasing shoes that increase existing pain, rub your heels or pinch your toes because the pain will only worsen with time.
