Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women’s.
1. The famous Plaka sandals – over 19,000 5-star reviewers love these for their comfort and water-resistant braided straps that make them the ultimate beachwear. The beach is a no-blister zone!
Amazon
Promising review: “I bought these for a trip to New Orleans, which involved lots and lots of walking in high humidity. I literally got compliments on them everywhere we went, and they were so comfortable I could wear them all day. We walked miles and miles, and my feet didn’t hurt (which is a small miracle given that I have arthritis). They’re surprisingly durable, and the woven fabric is incredibly soft. Even when my feet swelled due to the heat and humidity, they were still pretty darn comfy. I highly recommend these sandals and plan to buy a few more pairs this spring.” —UrbanUtah
Get them from Amazon for $27.95+ (available in sizes 5–11 and in 27 colors).
2. A pair of New Balance’s classic 574s offering such foot-loving comfort, it’s no wonder the brand has been a dad fave for so long. Now put these on and get out there to mow the lawn!
Promising review: “I decided to switch it up this school year and get these shoes after wearing Air Force 1s since 8th grade (I’m going to be a senior this year), and OH MY GOODNESS, this is actually the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn! I did expect them to be a little more white than a cream color but really it’s not a big deal I still love them! 10/10 recommend these sneakers.” —Kylah
Get them from Amazon for $89.99 (available in sizes 5–12 and eight colors).
3. Sorel Kinetic Impact lace sneakers with a lightweight, breathable design boasting a two-pod sole for some much-needed cushioning. The cute scalloped sole is just the cherry on top.
Sorel
Promising review: “I love, love, love Sorel’s Kinetic Impact line of shoes, sneakers, and sandals. I find they provide great padding and arch support and fit my foot perfectly. I live in a city and do a lot of pavement pounding.” —LisaW
Get it from Sorel for $101.91+ (available in sizes 5–12 and five colors) or from Amazon for $96.25 (available in sizes 5–12 and five colors).
4. Or a Sorel strappy sandal in a variety of fun and eye-popping colorways. Take a look at the below in all their candy-colored glory. Like the sneaker version, the scalloped soles are lightweight but offer increased ground contact for support.
Sorel
Promising review: “These shoes are a breath of fresh air. I need comfortable shoes because of so many foot surgeries. It can be so hard to find something that actually looks great but is comfortable to wear for hours. These shoes are so comfortable!!!! I could not be more pleased.” —Melissa M
Get them from Sorel for $130 (available in sizes 5–12 and in seven colors) or from Amazon for $96.96+ (available in sizes 5–12 and in eight colors).
5. Soludos lace-up wedges that are somehow super comfortable despite the four-inch lift. Reviewers swear that these things are lightweight and easy to walk in, too.
Soludos
Promising review: “Excellent quality. These espadrilles are SO soft, light in weight, and the material delicately hugs the shape of your feet upon the first try. The design is absolutely flattering. Initially, I considered a lower heel, worried that a four-inch may be too high. Not at all. Go for the four-inch. It’s worth it and very comfortable. Definitely order half a size down. I would not recommend these shoes if you are a wide fit.” —Luli
Get them from Soludos for $109 (available in sizes 5–11 and in five colors).
6. Criss-cross slingbacks for anyone who loves flats but is sick and tired of ballerina flats. These buttery leather sandals were handmade in Argentina and only get softer with time.
Zou Xou
Zou Xou Shoes is a Black woman-owned business that has been creating handcrafted shoes by Argentinian shoemakers since 2015. The styles are easy and classic, so they can be worn for years. These mules are handmade to order in European sizes, and they suggest sizing up. So, if you wear a US 8, choose a 39.
Get them from Zou Xou for $205 (available in sizes 35–41).
7. A pair of Durango harness boots, that look a lot like a certain pair of Frye shoes, offering all the comfort and style of a designer brand but without the hefty price tag. In fact, some reviewers say these are *better*.
Zappos
Promising review: “After reading all the reviews on these boots and loving my friends’ boots, I purchased both the Frye boots and the Durangos. Although the quality of the Frye boots was a little better, the Durango boots were the most comfortable boots I have ever tried on! They do run a little big, so I put a shoe pad in them and wore them right away with no problems, and I have bad bunions. I absolutely love these boots and get lots of compliments on these Frye lookalikes. The Fryes were very stiff leather and would have taken forever to break in — who has that time?! Get these boots — the price is right and they’re so stylish with skinny jeans!” —Anonymous
Get them from Zappos for $169 (available in sizes 6–10).
8. A pair of Cole Haan sneakers because look, Cole Haan is famous for making comfy-as-heck shoes. These are no exception, thanks to their foam cushioning and quilted stitching.
Cole Haan
If you have a fuller fitting or wide foot, consider sizing up by half a size for a better fit.
Promising review: “Super cute, super comfy, high quality. There is no arch support FYI, but I love these shoes, and I get tons of compliments on them.” —Anonymous
Get them from Cole Haan for $130 (available in sizes 5–11 and five colors).
9. Or, ultra-lightweight Cole Haan sneakers with a simple silhouette that makes it an easy choice to grab and go every single morning.
Promising review: “Best sneakers I have ever owned. I have worn these over the last 15 years and just buy a new pair every time it’s too worn. Wear it for my long runs (prefer minimal sole) and tennis games as well as when I am out and about for errands.” —Niks
Get it from Cole Haan for $130 (available in sizes 5–11, wide sizes 5–10 and in two colors).
10. Everlane flats designed to mold to your feet as you wear them, meaning you’ll love them more and more with each walk outside.
Everlane
11. Sanuk flip-flops with cushioning that mimics yoga mat material, meaning your sweaty feet are going to be in good hands. Oh, and they last FOR-EVERRR.
Promising review: “These are my favorite. As a Southern Californian, I wear flip-flops year-round. The last pair of Sanuk yoga mat flip-flops I bought lasted through almost three years of constant wear (they were basically the only shoes I wore for three years, so I’m serious when I say constant). They’re comfortable enough to wear for a day at Disneyland, even with arthritic joints.” —beth
Get them from Amazon for $35 (available in sizes 5-11 and in 14 colors).
12. Allbirds tree runners that are honestly a fan-favorite of the BuzzFeed Shopping team. Anyone who has worn them has claimed that there isn’t a single sneaker in existence that can beat them in sheer comfort.
You can also machine wash them! Just be sure to not put them in the dryer; let them air dry after washing. Learn more in our Allbirds sneakers review.
Promising review: “Why did I wait so long??? I wish I could wear these shoes all day for everything! They’re so comfortable and lightweight.” —Stone, C.
Get them from Allbirds for $98 (available in whole sizes 5–11 and 14 colors).
13. Huarache sandals in a variety of bright colors offering both comfort and style, the two most important things when it comes to getting dressed. The hand-cut leather will mold to the shape of your foot as you walk —talk about personalization.
Macarena Collection / Etsy
Macarena Collection is a small business based in Buena Park, California. All of the shoes are handmade by Mexican artisans. Since they only make whole sizes, they suggest sizing down if you’re in between, as the shoes will stretch and mold to your feet as you wear them.
Get it from Macarena Collection on Etsy for $48.35 (originally $61.99; available in sizes 5–10 and eight colors).
14. Greats sneakers that are high-end shoes at a mid-range price point. Thanks to their buttery smooth leather, some reviewers claim they don’t even need socks to wear them!
Greats
These kicks are our pick for best casual sneakers. Former BuzzFeed editor Abby Kass seriously put these shoes to the test:
“The first time I wore these shoes, I walked 16,000 steps in them. Yep, you read that correctly: 16,00 steps and not a single blister and no foot pain at the end of the day. Soon after that day, these shoes became my new go-to’s. They have a classic look to them and really do go with everything. I even took them on vacation with me to Paris, and I wore them almost every day. They didn’t look like tourist shoes at all, and I never had any pain while wearing them. The price point is a bit steep on them, but for the quality, I really do think they are worth it.”
Get them from Greats for $189 (available in sizes 6–10 and five colors).
15. Water-resistant slip-on sneakers from Dr. Scholl’s (that’s right, the shoe insert people) with cushioned insoles that will cradle your foot through hours of walking. They’re easy to kick on and off, making them ideal for going on early morning dog walks, making quick trips to the mailbox, and breezing through the TSA line.
Prime members: You can try before you buy!
Promising reviews: “These are my new favorite shoes. I’m over 40 with tired, sore feet, and these are sooo comfortable and stylish enough for me to still have a lil’ flavor in my style!! I own two colors (gray suede and black python) and now I want them all!! Worth the money. True to size for me.” —Karisa
“Travel tested and approved — LOVE!! My hairdresser friend recommended these since she’s always on her feet. They were so reasonable, so I ordered them for my South Africa honeymoon trip. They were INCREDIBLE!!! My feet never hurt, and I walked a ton of miles in them. They also went with a ton of outfits, so I was very happy!!! I highly recommend!” —Leah Gwin Hoefling
Get them from Amazon for $18.95+ (available in sizes 5–13, including wide sizes, and in 25 designs).
16. Ergonomic FitFlops that have been engineered to be the flip-flops to top all flip-flops. The air-foam soles are shaped to perfectly cradle your feet, meaning you can flip *and* flop for hours, pain-free.
They have the APMA Seal of Acceptance, so you know they’re legit!
Promising review: “Amazingly comfortable! I have a hard time wearing flip-flops because they give little or no support. However, these flip-flops are so supportive that I walked four miles in them without even thinking about my feet!” —Amazon Customer
Get them from Amazon for $38+ (available in sizes 5–11 and 28 colors).
17. And fan-favorite clogs from Fitflop that have been a mainstay for anyone who has to be on their feet for long stretches of time. The cushy midsoles will make you feel like you’re walking with pillows strapped to your feet.
18. Rothy’s slip-on sneakers that are a favorite amongst parents, long-walk-takers, and pet owners. These are machine washable, so you can just throw them in the laundry bin whenever they’re looking a lil’ dingy.
19. Lightweight and breathable sock-style sneakers for people who long to wear slippers outside. These knit kicks hug your feet and stretch as you walk. The flexible grooves add extra grip so you can scamper up rocks or skip down cobblestones without falling on your face (hopefully).
Promising review: “Love these shoes!! Lightweight, breathable, and like walking on clouds. The ankle is a little hard to get on at first, but I think I’ll be grateful for that as they eventually stretch out. If you’re into this style, I highly recommend these!!!” —Amazon Customer
Get them from Amazon for $18.89+ (available in sizes 5–11 and in 31 colors — not every color is available in every size).
20. A pair of chunky Fila platform sneakers offering effortless style *and* a little lift. The thick rubber soles and extra padding will keep your tootsies safe even if someone accidentally steps on your foot on a crowded sidewalk.
Promising review: “My new everyday sneaker. I love the design, and I love the small platform to give me height! They are so comfortable, too, I’ve worn them to the zoo walking for hours, and my feet didn’t hurt. I love these shoes and am so glad I finally bought them!” —Meredith Johnstone
Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in sizes 5–11 and 20 colors/styles — not all designs available in all sizes).
21. Wedge sandals with cork soles so comfortable, you’ll feel like you’re floating… Not unlike a cork might do. “Ortholite” footbeds mean your heels won’t be completely shattered after a long day of exploring.
Promising review: “If you’d like to add three inches to your height without the dangers of toppling over, you’ve got to try these platform sandals! They’re absurdly comfortable, soft, lightweight, and breathable. I’ve walked miles in these. The open strap design visually elongates the length of the leg. Also, there are lots of colors to choose from, and you will! I’ve got three and counting.” —CC Mac
Get them from Amazon for $62+ (available in sizes 5–12, regular and wide, and two colors).
22. Chunky ankle boots in a timeless sillouette to give any outfit a little edge and a lot of comfort. The elastic sides make it easy to throw these on, so I foresee these being your go-to boots this fall.
Promising reviews: “I love everything about these boots. They are well-made, very fashionable, and comfortable. I was a little concerned about the height of the heel being uncomfortable, but I wore them to work all day and didn’t have any problems with my feet hurting. Very happy with my purchase!” —momtojsh
“I have wide feet, so I am always scared to buy boots because they tend to be too tight on my feet and hurt after a while. But I ordered my normal size in these boots and they fit perfectly! I’m glad to finally have a pair of boots that don’t suffocate my feet.” —Bethany Shaffer
Get them from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in sizes 5.5–11, including wide fits, and nine styles).
23. Low-wedge booties offering versatility, comfort, and a bit of extra height, all for a reasonable price. The lightly padded insoles are what separate these babies from the uncomfortable heels of your past.
Promising review: “These are a surprisingly great alternative to more expensive brands in the same style. They are very comfortable, which is saying a lot because I often have terrible foot and ankle pain. I highly recommend these wedges.” —M. K. Miller
Get them from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in sizes 5–12 and 12 colors).
24. A pair of leather cowboy boots made for walking, and that’s just what they’ll do, because you’ll find yourself reaching for them every day.
Steve Madden
Promising review: “Just as gorgeous as I expected and comfy, too.” —Rosario V.
Get it from Amazon for $86.97+ (available in sizes 5–11 and in five colors) and Steve Madden for $129.95 (available in sizes 5–11 and in two colors).
25. Columbia hiking shoes beloved by outdoorsy folks all over the country thanks to their unmatched comfort and style. Their high-traction rubber sole and waterproof leather-and-suede upper are designed to hold up during intense hikes in all kinds of weather. And they’re pretty cute, as far as hiking boots go.
Prime members: You can try before you buy!
Reviewers swear these don’t even have a break-in period, making them a great pick for that last-minute outdoorsy trip where hiking and rough terrain are on the docket. Note that it’s recommended to go up a half size in these boots to accommodate thicker hiking socks.
Promising review: “There’s a reason that these hiking boots are the #1 best hiking boots on Amazon. I am amazed that they are so comfortable. This is day four that I’ve worn them, and my feet feel fantastic! I hiked four miles on the second day, and my feet were not tired, achy, or sore. I have been hiking for 30 years and have had numerous boots, but not a single pair has been this comfortable. The price is so worth it for what you get.” —Granny B
Get them from Amazon for $49+ (available in sizes 5–12, including wide sizes, and 16 colors). You can find a similar men’s version here.
26. A pointed-toe ballet flat with a wide toe box, arch support, and heel padding, making them one of the most comfortable flats on the market. The sock-like knit material is breathable, antimicrobial, *and* machine washable — a must for any pair of shoes worn sockless.
Vivaia is a small shoe brand founded in 2020 with the mission to create stylish and high-quality footwear. Many of the brand’s shoes are made from recycled water bottles, and they’ve implemented a production process that actively works to reduce waste.
Promising review: “So comfortable. I wore them almost every day during an eight-day trip to Italy. They stood up to walking 10+ miles a day, and I loved being able to wash and dry them quickly. They were also perfect for including in my relatively small backpack because they’re so lightweight.” —Shirley L.
Get it from Vivaia for $79+ (available in sizes 5–11 and in 37 styles).
27. Dr. Martens gladiator sandals for when you want the comfort and effortless cool of combat boots, but long to let your tootsies BREATHE. These strappy leather sandals are the perfect warm-weather solution.
Prime members: You can try before you buy!
Promising review: “I bought these for walking long distances in my city. I wanted something to look cute but be comfortable. The leather is a bit stiff so I wore them for short distances a few times before wearing them out to do errands. I covered three miles in them yesterday, then went to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers and danced for two hours, and my feet felt great! I’m a high heel girl, but if you need comfortable soft sandals, these are the ones. If you don’t wanna [take] the time to break them in (I mean, they ARE Docs, after all), just buy some moleskin and attach it to the stiff bits. BTW, TONS of compliments, too.” —Chris Quinlivan & Dion Serene
Get them from Amazon for $63+ (available in sizes 5–11 and two colors).
28. Beloved Adidas Cloudfoam sneakers that, as promised, feel like walking on clouds, thanks to their sock-like construction that hugs your foot. The breathable, stretchy mesh upper will keep you cool, even while playing sports or taking a long walk.
Prime members: You can try before you buy!
Promising reviews: “The first time I wore these was on a two-day trip to Disneyland. I was really nervous about wearing brand-new shoes on such a big trip and brought backup shoes and bandages just in case. I walked nearly 20 miles in these over the course of two days and did not have one single ache or pain related to my shoes. Not only that, it was the best my legs and feet had ever felt on a Disney trip (and we’ve done it A LOT). I am absolutely sold. Plus my husband told me like five times randomly throughout the trip how good they looked. Love!” —immjspyt
Get them from Amazon for $44.99+ (available in sizes 5–11 and 20 colors).
29. A platform loafer with chain detailing you can wear with thick socks, even while you’re sporting shorts or a dress. Bonus points if you go for cute scallop-edged ones. Despite the chunky heel, these vegan leather shoes are lightweight, so you can lift them up to show everyone how cute they are.
Promising review: “I wasn’t even in the market for new shoes but saw these, and I couldn’t resist it! A slip-on chunky loafer that looks good with many different looks. I always get asked where I got these. I’ll probably buy more.” —Coral
Get them from Amazon for $59.99+ (available in sizes 5–11 and 17 colors).
30. Crocs wedges that are decidedly less aesthetically offensive than the clog version but just as comfortable. Reviewers swear by them for any event that requires a lot of walking or standing.
Promising review: “If you are looking for a cute and comfortable shoe, look no further! This shoe is everything! I wore this shoe all day long walking through the streets of Paris and Florence. And when I say walk, I mean walk…some days up to 10 miles. I brought three other pairs of shoes and ended up wearing these pretty much every day. The platform heel was just the right height, and the sole was almost like memory foam and seemed to absorb the pressure from all the standing and walking. The straps did not rub my feet and were easy to open, close, and adjust. Great shoe if you are on the go! I would highly recommend.” —Jay
Get them from Amazon for $44.94 (available in sizes 4–11 and 18 styles).
31. Lace-up wedge sneakers, because the elevated sporty look is making a low-key comeback right now! The leather booties offer a subtle lift without sacrificing any of the comfort you’d expect from sneakers.
Promising review: “I absolutely love these shoes. I have a thing for wearing cute wedge-style shoes with my leggings. These are super cute, and I get tons of compliments. They are also very comfortable and offer good support. I wear them out for a fun night on the town quite a bit!!” —Kindle Customer
Get them from Amazon for $36.99+ (available in sizes 5.5–10 and four colors).
32. A pair of Cushionaire cork-bottom sandals that are not only supremely comfortable but also an affordable alternative to Mayari Birks. The similarities go past just looks: They also have 100% genuine suede soles, so your feet are still treated to the best.
Prime members: You can try before you buy!
Promising review: “I bought these sandals before a three-week trip in Europe; I didn’t want to pay for Birks but did want something in a similar style with good arch support. I was a little skeptical about the low price but gave them a shot…and they were the MOST comfortable sandals I’ve ever owned. I walked over 120 miles in them in three weeks on our trip and never once had foot pain. They broke in so quickly and were very supportive from the get-go — and still are! Highly recommend.” —Han Lin
Get them from Amazon for $20.99+ (available in women’s sizes 5–12, including wide sizes, and 21 styles).
33. Wide-calf riding boots to invest in now before chilly weather sneaks up on you. Their faux fur lining and a cozy quilted design will look so classic with leggings or skinny jeans.
Promising review: “As a gal with big calves, it’s extremely hard to find tall, attractive boots that zip up. My calf circumference is between 16.5”- 17”, and these boots are actually loose enough to fit thick socks comfortably while still having space enough to fit my hand. I was surprised that they didn’t slouch down from being so loose, to be honest. Despite being what I’d call a ‘fashion boot’, the soles are really sturdy and have held up in snow, mud, and more without any damage (and my feet have stayed nice and dry)!” —Amazon Customer
Get them from Amazon for $45.99 (available in sizes 5–12 and in 16 colors).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
