What makes a shoe truly comfortable? Think well-cushioned, supportive sneakers that can handle long days of walking, running, or standing. The most comfortable shoes vary from person to person: "Finding the right shoe and arch support really depends on each individual’s foot size, shape, and natural arch," explains Shannon Thompson, DPM, a Boston-area podiatrist and the owner of Ace Feet. To find the top pairs, we first spoke with Thompson and other experts to learn which key features every comfort shoe should have. Then, we tested over 100 expert-approved walking shoes, running shoes, and sandals from top brands. Sometimes, we had two people test the same shoe to see how they fit and feel on different foot types. We wore the shoes on a treadmill at three different paces and even sliced some sneakers in half to check their internal construction. Our top picks earned high scores for their comfort, cushioning, responsiveness, fit, and overall value. We also had a walking coach and RRCA-certified running coach from our Review Board review this story for accuracy and how to find comfortable shoes based on your arch type and lifestyle. Our Top Picks Best Women's: Best Men's: Best Women's Budget: Best for Travel: Best Women's Slip-On: Best Men's Slip-On: Kane Revive Active Recovery Shoe at Kanefootwear.com (See Price) Best with Arch Support: Best for Recovery: Best Women's Sandal: In This Article Our Picks We Also Tested Where We Stand What to Look For How We Tested Our Experts Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust Verywell Fit Our Ratings Cushioning 4.8/5 Responsiveness 5/5 Fit 5/5 Value 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Pros Exaggerated rocker design Highly responsive Great value Cons May run small Rocker takes time to get used to Materials: Textile upper, textile lining, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Type: Sneakers | Cushioning: Moderate | Weight: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Best for walkers who want a highly responsive shoe with great shock absorption for daily wear. The responsive rocker design and superior shock absorption left us feeling like we could walk in Nike's Motiva Walking Shoes forever. We love how the shoe pushes us forward, helping us roll through our feet with each step. Thanks to the sole's innovative shape, we felt connected to our stride and almost felt like we were getting a leg workout while we walked. The Motiva combines springy foam cushioning with solid arch support, creating a sneaker that feels like a spa for our feet. Plus, we like that there's additional padding around the collar for great ankle support. Sturdy and stable, they took us from concrete to grass with ease. After testing over 100 shoes, the Motiva is truly one of the best pairs we've found. We also think it's a great value—we'd gladly pay more for it, considering how comfortable it is. With a stylish silhouette that's available in a range of bright patterns and neutral shades, there's a pair for every walker. Also available in men's sizes at Nike. Both of our testers frequently walk on concrete around their neighborhoods. When they shop for a walking shoe, they prioritize cushioning and style. Before testing Nike's Motiva Walking Shoe, our testers preferred to wear sneakers from Allbirds, Hoka, and Reebok. Pros Lightweight Great arch support Breathable, anti-microbial upper Cons Not machine-washable Materials: Recycled polyester mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Type: Slip-on sneakers | Cushioning: Light | Weight: 8.8 ounces | Closure: Speed laces | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Best for walkers or runners with high arches. On's Cloud 5 is our top overall men's pick because they're sleek, lightweight, and incredibly comfortable. This sneaker is designed for all-day adventures, with plenty of arch support and a pre-laced, slip-on design that's easy to wear. And like Nike's Motiva Walking Shoe, we were impressed by how responsive they were during testing. Soft padding in the midsole absorbs shock for well-cushioned landings, whether you're strolling across concrete, pavement, or grass. We also love the mesh upper, which is both breathable and anti-microbial to prevent sweat from building up inside. And if you like to walk or run in the rain, you're in luck—a waterproof version is also available. Durable, well-made, and modern, this sneaker never let us down. We recommend it for walkers and runners alike, particularly if you have high arches (like both of our testers do). Runners will especially appreciate the molded heel, which provides a secure, locked-in feel. Also available in women's sizes at Amazon, Dick's Sporting Goods, Nordstrom, and On. One of our testers walks and runs on pavement daily. He also deals with plantar fasciitis pain and found that these sneakers helped alleviate inflammation. Our other tester walks around her neighborhood every day and runs errands in her On Cloud 5s. Both testers have high arches and decided to test this sneaker after hearing great reviews from friends and family. Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Cushioning/Knee Protection 3/5 Comfort 5/5 Responsiveness 5/5 Value 4/5 Pros Sleek, stylish design Great traction Made with recycled materials Cons Not as much arch support Heavy Materials: Nylon and leather upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Type: Sneakers | Cushioning: Moderate | Weight: 12 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | | Our Overall Rating: 4.3/5 Best for daily, casual wear. Budget-friendly without skimping on style or comfort, Reebok's Classic Leather Legacy AZ Shoes also earned a spot on our list after testing. We love the retro design, which comes in a range of head-turning color combinations. But even more importantly, these sneakers are built for walking, with excellent traction for navigating your daily steps with ease. The Classic Leather Legacy AZ has a nylon and leather upper made with recycled materials—during testing, we noticed it felt ultra-comfortable. These sneakers also fit well and felt responsive underfoot. We found that these sneakers are easy to walk in. Plus, we received lots of compliments during our test walks—another bonus. Our Ratings Cushioning 5/5 Responsiveness 5/5 Fit 5/5 Value 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Pros Alleviates plantar fasciitis pain Good stability Runs true to size Cons May not have enough support for high arches Materials: Mesh and faux leather upper, foam insole, rubber outsole | Type: Sneakers | Cushioning: Moderate | Weight: 10.1 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Our Overall Rating: 5/5 Best for anyone with knee pain or plantar fasciitis. From the moment we put on WalkHero's Wide Toe Box Shoes with Arch Support, we were impressed by how well they fit. The footbed has a slightly elevated heel, which we found took the pressure off and helped alleviate our plantar fasciitis symptoms during testing. There's also lots of arch support, which aligned our feet and provided a massage-like feel with every step. With responsive cushioning, secure laces, and great traction (even on rainy days), these walking shoes are stable and sturdy. Even better, we were surprised to find how much better our ankles and knees felt after wearing them—plus, we noticed we could walk longer and farther. If you're a runner with knee pain, like our tester, we highly recommend picking up a pair of these sneakers for your recovery days. Also available in women's sizes at WalkHero. Our tester has mild plantar fasciitis and usually wears sneakers or flip-flops. He walks and runs long distances on concrete and grass regularly, and his job involves standing for at least an hour at a time. He was drawn to these shoes from WalkHero because of their superior heel and arch support. Pros Machine-washable Excellent traction Water-repellent Cons No half sizes May run small Materials: Merino wool upper, recycled plastic bottle laces, merino wool heel lining, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Type: Sneakers | Cushioning: Moderate | Weight: 7 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Our Overall Rating: 4.2/5 Best for anyone whose feet are always cold. Allbirds' Wool Runner Mizzles are our favorite comfortable shoes for travel because of their versatility and durability. Made from sustainable and recycled materials, these sneakers are water-repellent, with excellent traction for stomping through less-than-ideal weather conditions. We especially love the warm, soft wool upper that hugged our feet like a blanket as we walked during testing. Responsive and well-cushioned, the Mizzles are a breeze to wear, even for long distances while shopping or sightseeing. They're also lightweight and easy to toss in your suitcase or carry-on. The best part? They're machine-washable, so you don't have to worry about annoying odors, stains, or spots. Also available in men's sizes at Dick's Sporting Goods, REI, and Allbirds. Our Ratings Fit 3/5 Cushioning/Knee Protection 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Responsiveness 5/5 Value 4/5 Pros Excellent arch support Machine-washable Sleek silhouette Cons Fit isn't adjustable Materials: Knit mesh fabric upper, foam insole, rubber outsole | Type: Slip-on sneakers | Cushioning: Light | Weight: Not listed | Closure: Slip-on | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Best for anyone who needs additional arch support—especially if you only have a few minutes to get ready in the morning. Looking for a slip-on that doesn't compromise on comfort or support? We highly recommend Skechers' GO WALK Arch Fit Grateful sneakers. The midsole is layered with light, responsive cushioning that feels soft and springy underfoot. We also like that the knit mesh upper is highly breathable, for preventing sweat and odors from building up as you walk in warm weather. During testing, we were surprised by how supportive these shoes felt—they matched some of the more technical sneakers on our list. Plus, they're machine-washable, like some of our other top picks. With a sleek silhouette and plenty of foot-friendly features, they're an ideal comfort shoe for everyday wear. Just use the pull tabs at the heel to slip them on, and you're ready to go. Our Ratings Cushioning 4/5 Responsiveness 4.1/5 Fit 4.9/5 Value 4.3/5 Comfort 4.2/5 Pros Great traction Breathable Quick-drying Cons Not as much shock absorption No half sizes Materials: Foam upper, midsole, and outsole | Type: Recovery shoe | Cushioning: Light | Weight: Not listed | Closure: Slip-on | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Best for recovery days or walking laps around your neighborhood in warmer months. For a simple slip-on that's ultra-comfortable, Kane's Revive Active Recovery Shoe is our top pick. Right away, we noticed how roomy they were, with a wider fit that runs true to size. During test walks, we were also surprised by how stable they felt—we strolled across sand, grass, and concrete with ease. Grippy channels on the outsole provide solid traction, while the foam material dries quickly, should you need to navigate around puddles or mud. We also like the breathable perforations in the upper, which allow air to flow to keep your feet feeling cool and dry. Truly a do-anything shoe, we were happy wearing these slip-ons while doing yard work, lifting weights, and more. Our tester walks between two and six miles a day, often with his dog. He has flat, wide feet. Before testing the Revive Active Recovery Shoe, he was devoted to Brooks sneakers because of how comfortable they are. Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Value 4.8/5 Pros APMA Seal of Acceptance Ultra-soft lining Wide toe box Cons Toe box may be too wide for some Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Type: Sneakers | Cushioning: Moderate | Weight: 8.7 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Best for anyone with sore, achy arches, especially if you have bunions. After testing Ryka's Devotion X Walking Shoe, we're convinced they're the best comfort shoe with arch support on the market. But you don't have to take our word for it: They've also earned the American Podiatric Medical Association's (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, meaning a group of podiatrists have determined that wearing these sneakers can actually improve the health of your feet. We love the roomy fit and wide toe box, complete with a soft lining that never gave us any irritation or blisters. Stable, supportive, and springy, the Devotion X has firmer cushioning that absorbs shock well. Made from high-quality, durable materials, these shoes also earned a near-perfect value score, meaning we'd gladly pay more for them based on how comfortable they felt during testing. Our testers walk between three and five miles every day, mostly on concrete, pavement, and hard flooring. During testing, they wore Ryka's Devotion X Walking Shoe while walking on treadmills, lifting weights, commuting, and running errands. Both testers have flat feet, and one has bunions. They agree that the Devotion X outshined many of their go-to sneakers, thanks to its plush feel. Pros Smooth lining Stable Sock-like design Cons May run small Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Type: Sneaker | Cushioning: Moderate | Weight: Not listed | Closure: Slip-on | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Best for kicking your feet up at the end of a long day. Designed to soothe sore feet after a tough workout, OOFOS' OOmg Low Shoe is our favorite comfort shoe for recovery days. The sock-like design includes plush cushioning throughout the arch and heel, for taking the pressure off when you need it most. During testing, we were also happy to find that the smooth lining didn't lead to any rubbing, blisters, or other irritation. These shoes remained springy and supportive as we walked and provided instant and continuous relief from our foot pain—even after a full day at the office. And unlike other slip-ons, they're also super stable. If you're in need of a sporty slip-on for days when your usual sneakers just aren't cutting it, we highly recommend this pair. Our tester has arch and heel pain as a result of plantar fasciitis. She loves her OOFOS slides and wanted to see if the brand's slip-on models felt just as comfortable and supportive. During testing, she wore these sneakers to the office, while running errands, and on walks around the neighborhood. Our Ratings Cushioning 5/5 Responsiveness 5/5 Fit 4.9/5 Value 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Pros Highly adjustable Lightweight Stable and supportive Cons No half sizes Materials: Mesh upper, foam insole and midsole, rubber outsole | Type: Sandal | Cushioning: Light | Weight: 6 ounces | Closure: Hook-and-loop straps | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Best for anyone who underpronates (meaning your ankles roll outward when you walk). With three adjustable straps, Merrell's Bravada Backstrap Sandal offers a customizable fit that helped earn it a spot on our list. We love that the foam insole is sculpted to provide good arch support and stability on different surfaces. Plus, this pair has a secure fit that kept our feet locked in all day long—no more slipping out of your sandals due to sweat or wet weather. The Bravada's rubber outsole has deep lugs, for great traction on uneven terrain. And during testing, we noticed they were easy to wear for long periods of time, due to their lightweight construction. Bouncy and responsive, these sandals kept us feeling light on our feet whether we were at the office or walking on the beach. Our testers are underpronators who walk every day. They typically wear sneakers, but wanted to try a supportive sandal for everyday wear in warm weather. Both testers were surprised by how much they loved these sandals and would gladly purchase a second pair. Our Ratings Support 5/5 Durability 5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Fit 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros Solid arch support Thick, comfortable sole Great value Cons No backstrap Straps may slip over time Materials: Polyester straps, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Type: Sandal | Cushioning: Moderate | Weight: 9 ounces | Closure: Slip-on | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Best for casual wear in warm weather. Chaco's Lowdown Slide Sandals aren't like other flimsy, slip-on sandals you've tried before. In testing, we found that they run true to size—plus, they have ample arch support and a thick sole that absorbs the shock of walking to prevent achy, tired feet. We also like that the webbed straps feel smooth to the touch and didn't cause any irritation. Adjusting the fit is a cinch—simply use the buckle on each sandal until the straps rest snugly against your feet. Durable enough for easy wearing all summer long, the Lowdown Slide Sandal is a must-have for anyone who enjoys walking on the beach. We also found that they're a great value, at less than half the cost of some other shoes on our list. Also available in women's sizes at Amazon and Chaco. We tested and reviewed over 100 shoes, but only 11 were comfortable enough to earn a spot on our list. While these pairs impressed us in some ways, they ultimately fell short: After testing over 100 pairs of sneakers and sandals, Nike's Motiva Walking Shoe and On's Cloud 5 are by far the most comfortable shoes we've found. Supportive, well-cushioned, and easy to wear, they are our top picks for most people. We continue to test each pair of shoes at home, and we'll update this list if we notice anything new that we haven't already touched on here. To find the most comfortable shoes, we've consulted several podiatrists to learn more about which features every pair should have. We've also tested over 100 sneakers, slip-ons, and sandals from popular fitness brands. During testing, we walk inside, outside, and on treadmills. Sometimes, we have two people test the same shoe to see how they fit and feel on different foot types. We evaluate each shoe based on the following critical criteria: We spoke to experts at every stage of researching and reporting this story. Some, like podiatrist Elizabeth Bonarigo, DPM, helped us understand how comfortable shoes should fit and feel. Others guided us on which key features comfortable shoes should have and how to shop for the right pair. Although we choose products independently, expert input influences our choices. To find your shoe size, measure the length of your foot (from your heel to the tip of your longest toe), the width of your foot at the widest part, and the length of your arch. For accuracy, make sure you measure while standing up, preferably in the middle of the day or in the early evenings to account for swelling, says Bonarigo. Your shoes should feel snug, but not tight—look for a spacious, rounded toe box that will allow your toes to fit comfortably inside the shoe, says Bonarigo. She recommends avoiding pointy, narrow, or tapered toe boxes that can force pressure on your toes, causing calluses, corns, or blisters. Most experts agree that if your shoes feel like they need to be broken in, they just don't fit your feet correctly. Spielfogel says the right pair won't require any breaking in if they have enough support and stability. Sydney Greene, MS, RDN, is a registered dietitian nutritionist and a huge walker. When she is not seeing clients, you can find her taking long strolls or hiking in the mountains in Boulder, Colorado. Sydney encourages her clients to get outside and move whenever possible, and she knows how important a great fitting and comfortable shoe is to make this happen. Sherri Gordon, CLC, covers health and social issues and has a passion for connecting people with the right products to address their fitness goals. An avid walker, Sherri knows how important comfort is when you have a long day ahead of you. Skechers are her go-to shoes because they are not only easy to slip on, but they also have a great cushy feel. We Tested the Best Walking Shoes—These 23 Will Keep You Comfortable All Day LongBest Women's
Nike Motiva Walking Shoes
Key Specs
Who They're For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Meet Our Testers
Best Men's
On Cloud 5
Key Specs
Who They're For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Meet Our Testers
Best Women's Budget
Reebok Legacy AZ Shoes
Key Specs
Who They're For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Best Men's Budget
WalkHero Wide Toe Box Shoes with Arch Support
Key Specs
Who They're For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Meet Our Tester
Key Specs
Who They're For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Best Women's Slip-On
Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit
Key Specs
Who They're For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Best Men's Slip-On
Kane Revive Active Recovery Shoe
Key Specs
Who They're For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Meet Our Tester
Best with Arch Support
Ryka Devotion X Walking Shoe
Key Specs
Who They're For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Meet Our Testers
Key Specs
Who They're For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Meet Our Tester
Best Women's Sandal
Merrell Bravada Backstrap Sandal
Key Specs
Who They're For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Meet Our Testers
Best Men's Sandal
Chaco Men's Lowdown Slide Sandal
Key Specs
Who They're For
Why We Love Them
Potential Flaws
Comfortable Shoes We Also Tested
Where We Stand
What to Look for When Shopping for Comfortable Shoes
How We Tested the Most Comfortable Shoes
Our Experts
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure my shoe size?
How should comfortable shoes fit?
How do I break in my new shoes?
Why Trust Verywell Fit
FAQs
Which shoes are best for foot pain? ›
New Balance shoes are often cited as great for people suffering from foot pain. The Fresh Foam 1080V9 Running Shoes for men and women are stylish and comfortable with their mesh uppers. They have a wide toe box that helps to stabilize your feet and their ample cushioning helps with shock absorption.
What shoes do foot doctors recommend? ›- HOKA. Bondi. Stinson. Speedgoat.
- Saucony. Ride.
- TOPO. Ultrafly 5mm drop.
- New Balance. 890. 990. 1080.
- Mizuno. Wave Rider. Wave Creation.
- Nike. Pegasus. Vomero. React Infinity Flyknit.
Based on our research and Dr. Pinker's advice, we selected the SAS Mesh Walking Sneaker as the best walking shoes for seniors overall. Others shoes, such as the New Balance 928v3 and Saucony Omni Walker 3, also stood out for their impressive stability features.
What do doctors recommend for foot pain? ›Don't do any activity that makes the pain worse. Put ice on your foot for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day. Take pain medicines you can get without a prescription. Medicines such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) can ease pain and aid healing.
What brand of shoe is the most comfortable? ›- Sovella. Sovella has earned its reputation as a standout brand thanks to its incredible recovery features, comfort, and impressive arch support. ...
- Arcopedico. Arcopedico is a leading brand in women's comfort shoes. ...
- Brooks. ...
- HOKA. ...
- NEW BALANCE. ...
- OluKai. ...
- Clarks. ...
- Dansko.
Sketchers DO NOT have appropriate stability in the upper fabric and the heel counter to complement an orthotic. As such, you will probably find the orthotic redundant, or in worse case contributing to the cause of injury. Remember, an orthotic does 50% of the work. The shoe does the other 50%.
How can I stop my feet from hurting from standing all day? ›At-home treatments, such as stretches, supportive footwear, and orthotics, may relieve foot pain from standing all day. Taking breaks and elevating your feet when sitting can also help reduce discomfort.
Are Skechers good for your feet? ›The short answer is yes, but it depends. While Skechers are designed to be comfortable and supportive, the type of Skechers you choose will depend on your individual foot needs and what activities you'll be using them for.
Are Crocs good for your feet? ›Crocs make for excellent footwear because they are lightweight, comfortable, and easy to slip into and out of. They are also breathable, promote circulation, and have enough room to avoid compression of the toes. Unfortunately, they are not ideal for everyday wear or long periods.
What should I wear for foot pain? ›It may help to think of footwear as shock absorbers and, based on body type and gait, some of us need more shock absorption than others, Dr. Peden says. “If you have sore feet—or have had foot problems in the past—wearing a pair of what I call 'house shoes,' or 'house slippers,' is a good idea.” By that, Dr.
What are the healthiest shoes for your feet? ›
A truly foot-healthy shoe is lightweight, unobtrusive, and completely flat from heel to toe to provide real stability for your foot and ankle and enable natural arch support. A foot-healthy shoe possesses a sole that you can easily bend or twist, which allows your foot to become strong on its own.
Which type of shoes are recommended to prevent foot and leg problems? ›Arch support is crucial for maintaining proper foot alignment and preventing strain on the arches. Look for shoes with built-in arch support or consider using orthotic inserts for added support. Cushioning and shock absorption are also essential, especially for high-impact activities such as running or jumping.
How do you know if your shoes are causing foot pain? ›Your shoes might be to blame if… Foot pain caused by shoes can manifest in many ways. You might notice blisters appear on the back of your heels or on your toes. You might develop arch pain, and if you already have bunions, they might hurt more.