New year, new shoes - and there’s no better investment than the most comfortable sneakers. Maybe you’ve had an unpleasant experience with a pair of sneakers recently. Or maybe your last beloved pair is falling apart and in desperate need of replacement. I don’t want to sound melodramatic, but one dirty shoe can ruin my entire day, whether I accidentally twist my ankle while playing sports or find out the hard way that my shoes have holes in them. Sneakers can be especially tricky, and not just because there are a million brands of sneakers out there. It’s hard to navigate what each one offers, from the high-tech, high-intensity running shoe to the thick but cute fashion shoe you’ve been interested in for months.
Lucky for you, sneakers (fashion or otherwise) are my specialty. Having lived in cities and pedestrian areas for a long time, and having tried many options, I know what can make or break the experience. I’ve sifted through a lot of options and reviews to help you determine which ones are worth your time and money.
Our top picks for the most comfortable sneakers:
Whether you’re looking to put your New Year’s resolutions into action or just looking to replace your favorite worn-out pair, we also have options that will help you put your best foot forward (pun intended, lol, sorry). Whatever your shopping needs, these comfy sneakers will make your feet *too* happy.
1. New Balance 574 Core Women’s Sneakers
You’ve probably heard of the immensely popular New Balance 237s, but these alternatives (which are bestsellers on Amazon, nbd) are just as cute, come in five colors, and work just as well with dark jeans as they do with your best yoga outfit. I have a pair of NB fashion sneakers that have held up for years because they walk the line between fashion and function - highly recommend.
THE REVIEWS: “I love New Balance shoes and these do not disappoint; the fit is true to size and very comfortable right out of the box, especially in the toe box. I love the style and the arch support is more than I expected, which is great for me,” wrote one reviewer.
Buy: New Balance 574 Core Women’s Sneakers
2. Women’s adidas Cloud Foam Pure Running Shoe
It’s hard to argue with over 66,000 (!!) reviews, which often mention the Cloudfoam midsole, outsole, and memory lining as providing *intense* cushioning that molds to your feet with every use. These are low-top shoes, which means a flexible movement for hardcore runners, and there’s apparently no break-in time required.
COMMENTS: One comment: “I bought a pair of Adidas Cloudfoam shoes 4 years ago and love them, so I finally bought another pair in a different color. I have worn my other pair hundreds of times - they are very comfortable. They’ve been through several wash cycles in my front-loading washer over the years and they still show no signs of distress.”
Buy: Women’s adidas Cloud Foam Pure Running Shoe
3. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lift High-Top Sneakers for Women
Converse high-tops are everywhere right now (and for good reason), but did you know they’re also great shoes for weightlifting? If you’re into *intense* weightlifting, opt for the leather version, but otherwise they should do the trick for ankle support.
THE REVIEWS: One reviewer wrote: “I love these shoes so much. I wear them often and they go well with almost everything I wear. I also love that they are platform.”
Buy: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lift High-Top Sneakers for Women
What to look for in a comfortable athletic shoe.
Ask yourself: What is your biggest shoe challenge?
To be honest, the most comfortable sneaker for you will depend on your particular needs. Do you *need* extra arch support? Are your toes always irritated (so you need a wider toe box)? Do your insoles wear out quickly and you constantly have to buy new versions of the same shoe (you should probably invest in a better material)?
If you’re not sure, you can go to your local running store and get evaluated. I need extra arch support and the laces need to brace my foot in place. Please note: You don’t have to stick to women’s shoes when shopping for shoes (the general rule is to subtract two full sizes when converting men’s sizes to women’s, but look carefully at the size charts). Focus on fit, technical features and durability above all else. And when in doubt, size up, as your foot often needs more room in sneakers.
Recognize that sneakers can be bad for the environment.
Sneakers have a very high carbon footprint, in part because we often make them of synthetic materials that are not biodegradable. It’s not ideal to buy used sneakers, as the fit and support can wear out with heavy use. But tons of companies are working to offer much more durable options (and many are on this list!) without sacrificing overall comfort. Plus, some brands like Nike have a recycling program where you can give them your old sneakers to reuse or donate.
Know that you are getting your money’s worth.
Another problem with cheaper, less well-built sneakers is that we do not design the materials for long-term use. So if you buy a pair of cheap canvas sneakers and expect them to last for hundreds of days of commuting (and bad weather), you’ll probably be disappointed. The higher cost of some of these sneakers translates into better quality and durability. So, even if you’re just looking for a fashion sneaker, strive to keep the price to wear as low as possible.
Here’s how we picked out all these lovely selections.
The DeliverItX team is constantly scouring the internet to bring you the best, most relevant options, like it’s our job (because it is, heh).
We’re very picky about recommending clothing and accessories. Every one of our shopping items adheres to the 15 percent promise. And you can be sure that we read these product reviews (and test many brands IRL) so you don’t have to. You’re welcome!
