We Tested 15 Sneakers Ranging From $90 to $600—And These Were Our Favorites
A quality pair of trainers is the unsung hero of a capsule wardrobe. They can instantly elevate any outfit or pull together a look that needs polish. Plus, sneakers can easily take you from day to night, no Band-Aids or breaking in required.
But finding a shoe that lets you put in the miles, let alone look chic doing so? That’s what we set out to do. I, along with EatingWell editors, tested multiple popular pairs. Below are our picks for shoes that combine comfort and style.
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What we like: These strike a balance between feeling supportive yet comfortable, and they almost feel like you’re wearing nothing at all.
What to know: The sole is pretty flat, so these might not be ideal for folks who like a bigger drop in their shoes.
The Reebok Unisex Club C 85 Vintage Shoes exceeded our expectations, both in comfort and versatility. I wore them for two weeks straight after getting them, and they’ve since become my go-to shoe. And in the odd chance I forget I own them, I find respite in remembering they exist in my closet. It’s easy to see why: The off-white color is neutral enough to complement most outfits, and the leather is easy to wipe clean. No matter what I’m wearing, I find myself reaching for these over most of my sneakers (and my sneaker collection is pretty vast). They’re super easy to style: Keep the look casual by pairing them with flared yoga leggings and a knit cardigan, or dress it up a bit with a chunky sweater dress.
These Reebooks are made of the softest leather, so they require zero breaking in, and the fuzzy interior adds to the comfort of this everyday shoe. They’re also super light—they feel barely noticeable on your feet. When she gave these a spin, EatingWell senior editor Brierley Horton loved how the foam midsole provided just enough cushion and arch support. Overall, we’ve concluded that the Club Cs are an excellent option for an affordable, stylish leather shoe that’s bound to last through many seasons.
Sizes: Women’s 5 to 16.5; men’s 3.5 to 15 | Material: Leather | Fit Options: Standard | Cushioning: Light
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What we like: The Sambas’ minimalistic yet versatile design has garnered a following that includes A-list celebs.
What to know: The thin sole makes these sneakers fine for pavement, but you may want to reach for another pair if you’re walking more rugged terrain.
Though they can trace their origins back to the 1950s, the Sambas have become one of the ultimate celeb-loved trainers thanks to their cool yet versatile design that makes it easy to style with everything from athleisure to trousers to dresses. Adidas Sambas have been donned by the likes of Hailey Bieber, Emily Ratajkowski and Harry Styles. If you’re not a fan of how everyone and their mother seems to own a pair, Adidas keeps things fresh with designer collabs, such as the drool-worthy Wales Bonner croc Sambas. Still, if you can’t get your hands on a limited-edition collab, the Sambas come in dozens of different colorways available on the Adidas site year-round.
When testing the Samba OGs, we loved how they felt comfortable enough to wear for miles of walking. Design-wise, they’re pretty bare bones—the sole is flat, and the insole is only minimally cushioned. While we wouldn’t choose these for gravel or rocky terrain, they work just fine on pavement.
Sizes: Women’s 5 to 20; men’s 4 to 19 | Material: Leather | Fit Options: Regular | Cushioning: Minimal
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What we like: The Cliftons’ cushioning is unmatched, as you’d expect from a Hoka shoe, and these are especially great for long days on city streets.
What to know: These feel roomier than other Hokas, so you may want to try going a half-size smaller.
The Cliftons are more lifestyle-driven than Hoka’s running shoes, and their design suits both athletic and casual wear. True to Hoka form, the insole on these is super cushioned, and you’ll get that cloud-like feel and bounce with every step without feeling unstable. I took the Cliftons on a two-month getaway to Europe, where I walked miles on many cobblestone streets and hiked rocky Croatian beaches. Their excellent traction and durability proved they can hold up under a variety of conditions. Plus, the layered leather upper and chunky sole add height and street-style flair that can upgrade any casual look.
The Cliftons also have several thoughtful details that add to their utility: The loop in the back is big enough to assist you when pulling them on, and the tongue isn’t attached to the sides of the upper, so the shoe doesn’t feel restrictive. They are also a little heavier and warmer than your average running shoes, so you can lace them on for cold-weather walks without fear of freezing your feet.
Sizes: Women’s 5 to 15; men’s 4 to 14 | Material: Mesh upper with leather overlays | Fit Options: Regular | Cushioning: Moderate
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What we like: With its durable sole and vintage vibe, this sneaker feels like a solid $90 value.
What to know: These aren’t well padded, and we could feel the texture of the ground under our feet while walking.
Puma’s Easy Rider Vintage sneakers retro vibes to any outfit while being priced at less than $100. When testing these, we liked that the tongue and laces didn’t press down on the top of our foot, allowing for easy adjustments and natural movement. There’s just the right amount of wiggle room should the shoe become a little tighter or looser during daily wear. Despite being thin, the tongue feels remarkably comfortable, and the soles are surprisingly nubby, giving them a better grip than you’d expect from a street shoe.
If you like adding a pop of color to your outfit, the Easy Riders are a dream come true, coming in an array of crayon-bright primary hues. In an especially nice touch, the Easy Riders come with laces that match the shoe for a monochromatic look, along with a set in a more traditional white if contrast is more your style. Style aside, it’s worth noting that if you like very cushioned shoes, these Pumas may not be the perfect fit, as the padding is minimal.
Sizes: Women’s 5.5 to 15.5; men’s 4 to 14 | Material: Suede leather and nylon | Fit Options: Regular | Cushioning: Minimal
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What we like: The Superstars epitomize an effortlessly cool aesthetic and are handmade in Italy for a durable (if pricey) splurge.
What to know: The toe box is narrow, so these may not be a good fit for those with foot conditions or who need the extra space.
The Golden Goose Superstar sneakers, with their iconic star motif and distressed leather, are the definition of effortless cool. After a full year of testing these, I can say with certainty these are the trainers I feel most confident wearing on long days that turn into nights out. Their flat sole feels stable, and their low-profile design (which calls for no-show socks, FYI) adds to their sleek, understated aesthetic.
As you’d expect from a luxury Italian footwear brand, these Golden Goose trainers are made of premium leather that’s comfortable enough for all-day wear. They come in a wide range of daydream-worthy styles, with playful design touches such as mixed fabrics, pony hair detailing and glitzy Swarovski crystals. But one thing the Superstars all have in common is their chic versatility: Wear them with a satin maxi skirt and chunky sweater for a cozy-chic vibe, or pair them with an oversized graphic tee and distressed jeans for a look your rebellious teen daughter will envy. You’ll get years of wear with these, and thanks to their hand-distressed leather, they’ll look uncannily like they did on day one.
Sizes: Women’s 35 to 42 (US 5 to 12); men’s 39 to 50 (US 6.5 to16) | Material: Leather | Fit Options: Regular | Cushioning: Light
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What we like: The low-profile silhouette with leather and suede detailing makes the Killshot 2s versatile enough to style with most outfits.
What to know: These don’t have much arch support, so if you have flat feet or high arches, these sneakers aren’t for you.
With its vintage-inspired gum sole and clean profile, the Killshot 2 is proof that style and versatility can go hand in hand. These Nikes come in a range of understated colors that make a statement without stealing the spotlight from the rest of your outfit. Pair them with cuffed jeans and a simple tee for a more classic effect, or dress them up by combining them with cropped, tailored trousers or a midi skirt.
When testing these Nikes, we found them to be lightweight, and for a shoe without much cushioning, they held up well during walks around town. The tongue is not highly padded, and the laces are comfortable and long enough to tie for a secure, adjustable fit. We also appreciated that these feel true to size, with more toe room than most Nikes we’ve tried. If a classic, effortlessly stylish shoe is what you’re after, the Killshot 2 is our top pick.
Sizes: Women’s 4 to 14; men’s 4 to 14 | Material: Leather | Fit Options: Regular | Cushioning: Minimal
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What we like: These shoes top the list for comfort, responsiveness and support for most everyday activities.
What to know: They run a bit small, so consider sizing up.
New Balances never seem to go out of style, and the 574 Core line is exceptionally timeless. We especially like the aesthetic, which can go from casual to exercise to normcore cool very seamlessly. When testing the 574s, we found that the wide toe box gave our toes plenty of wiggle room. At the same time, the laces felt secure, and our feet felt surrounded but not too hot or constricted. While we tested the standard-width shoe, we appreciate that these come in wide (in women’s sizing) and both wide and extra-wide (in men’s sizing).
During testing, we found these sneakers to be responsive and supportive for all kinds of activities, and their superior padding made them comfortable to walk on all surfaces. The 574s are made of both suede and mesh, which make for a more breathable shoe—indeed, our feet still felt fresh as daisies even after days of continuous wear.
Sizes: women’s 5 to 12; men’s 4 to 18 | Material: Suede and mesh | Fit Options: Standard, wide, extra wide | Cushioning: Moderate
The Bottom Line: The Best Sneakers for Everyday Wear
The Reebok Unisex Club C 85 Vintage Shoes (view at Amazon) won us over because they’re so supportive yet comfortable. You also can’t go wrong with the minimalist, versatile design of the popular Adidas Samba OGs (view at Amazon). And if you’re on the hunt for a stylish splurge, we love the Golden Goose Superstars (view at Net-a-Porter) for their effortlessly cool aesthetic that’s handmade to last.
Choosing a Sneaker for Everyday Wear
Cushioned Insoles Will Save Your Feet
Cushioned insoles swallow up the shock produced every time you take a step. If you have flat feet or high arches, “looking for shoes with adequate arch support in addition to cushioning is essential to reduce pain and discomfort,” says Miguel Cunha, D.P.M., board-certified foot surgeon and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City. Overall, you’ll want to look for shoes that fit your unique foot form and requirements with integrated arch support. “This lessens the pressure on the ligaments and tendons in the foot and aids in the equal distribution of weight across the foot,” Cunha says.
Look for Lightweight, Breathable Materials
If you’re shopping for a shoe you’ll wear all day, every day, look for lightweight, breathable materials to keep your feet cool and comfortable through hours of wear. “Lightweight and breathable materials like mesh, knit fabrics, and soft leathers are ideal for everyday shoes,” Cunha says.
If your feet tend to run hot and sweaty, go for sneakers made of mesh, which allows heat and moisture to escape your shoes and reduces the risk of sweat buildup and discomfort. “This ventilation not only enhances overall comfort but also prevents issues like odor and friction that may lead to blisters, making breathable shoes ideal for daily wear,” Cunha says.
A Flexible Design Allows for More Natural Movement
A flexible shoe moves with you and ultimately allows for a smoother and more natural motion when you’re getting steps in. Here’s how Cunha recommends gauging your footwear’s flexibility: Your shoe should bend where your toes bend, which helps promote a healthy gait by reducing strain and foot fatigue. “This balance enhances comfort, prevents injury, and supports natural foot function, which is essential for long-term foot health,” Cunha says.
Our Comfortable Everyday Sneaker Tests
To find the best shoes for everyday wear, writer April Benshosan and editors Brierley Horton and Katie Tuttle put some of the most popular sneakers to the test, incorporating them into our daily routines as much as possible. We wore the sneakers on multiple surfaces, including sidewalks, pavement, grass and gravel. Then, we evaluated each sneaker’s fit, comfort, durability, responsiveness and style. We also took note of signs of wear and tear over time, both on the soles and the uppers of the shoes.
We Also Considered
Adidas Gazelle Platforms ($180 at Amazon): Adidas Gazelle Bold shoes, the platform version of the ever-popular Gazelles, are cute, comfortable and add some height. However, we found the plastic tongue and squeaky soles to be surprisingly annoying.
Lululemon Women’s Cityverse Sneaker ($138 at Lululemon): Lululemon’s lifestyle sneaker has enough cushioning to be comfortable without looking like a bulkier workout shoe, so they work well with athleisure, jeans and casual office wear. We appreciated the monochromatic design of the shoes and the subtle branding. This shoe is still a solid choice—it just didn’t stand out from the pack as much as some of the others during our testing.
Veja Women’s Campo Leather Shoes ($160 at Amazon): As popular as Vejas are, we were surprised by how uncomfortable these were. While they come in many fun colorways, we disliked how flat and plastic the soles of these felt and how they clicked on the sidewalk.
Common Questions
Which features make a shoe comfortable for all-day wear?
Cunha recommends prioritizing comfort. “It’s the most important factor,” he says. Cunha recommends looking for shoes with supportive features, including a spacious toe box that allows your toes to move freely with no restrictions, a well-cushioned footbed and anatomical arch support to prevent arch pain.
What are the best shoes that combine comfort and style?
Cunha suggests looking for shoes with supportive features like anatomical arch support, cushioned insoles, and a spacious toe box. Choose shoes made of durable, high-quality materials like leather or suede and versatile styles that work for both casual and formal occasions. Neutral colors or classic designs are great options, as they can be paired easily with various outfits.
How do I find comfortable shoes for my wide feet?
If you have wide feet, choose shoes with a wider toe box to help prevent pressure on your feet. “Shoes should allow your toes to splay naturally; if you can’t wiggle your toes, the fit is too tight and will cause discomfort over time,” Cunha says.
You should also try on your shoes at the end of the day when your feet are at their widest. Cunha recommends looking for a thumb’s width between your longest toe and the shoe’s tip, a snug heel and room to wiggle your toes.
Remember, sizing varies by brand, so focus on fit rather than your usual size.
Can comfortable shoes also be durable enough for everyday use, and how do I know when to replace them?
Comfortable shoes can be durable if they’re made with quality materials. But even if you purchase an expensive, durable shoe, all footwear eventually wears out from regular use and environmental exposure. Key signs it’s time to replace your shoes include visible wear such as holes, split seams, or worn soles with reduced traction. Flattened midsoles, discomfort during wear or loss of structural support are other indicators. “Even if they still look good, if the shoes lack proper support, it can increase the risk of discomfort or injury,” Cunha says.
Our Trusted Expertise
April Benshosan has been reporting on health and expert-recommended products from the start of her journalism career. She’s authored many articles on shoes for specific health conditions and has tested many pairs of sneakers, sandals and other healthy footwear to inform her expertise. She owns (and loves) the Golden Goose Superstars, the Reebok Unisex Club C 85 Vintage Shoes, the Hoka All Gender Clifton L and the New Balance 574 Core Sneakers.
As part of our research, we consulted Miguel Cunha, D.P.M., board-certified foot surgeon and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City, for his expertise on comfortable footwear.
This article was edited by Katie Tuttle, who specializes in testing kitchen tools, meal kits and wellness products. She has also tested shoes extensively for EatingWell, including workout shoes and walking shoes. She tested and provided additional insights for the Hoka Clifton Ls and Nike Killshot 2s.
