The 19 Most Comfortable Shoes for Every Occassion (2024)

Looking for something a little more budget-friendly that will still keep your feet comfortable after long hours out and about? These sneakers by New Balance are one of the most affordable styles we evaluated, but don't let the low price fool you. They're both high-performing and high-quality. Our testers raved that these sneakers were comfy to wear when walking and working out. These were also one of the lightest sneakers we evaluated, so they're easy to pack in a gym bag and take on the go. Plus, their slim style is easy to squish down and fit inside a carry-on bag or tote. We also like that they're available in both regular and wide sizes, although we did find they tend to run a little small.

This model from ASICS is an updated version of the top-performing shoe in our walking sneakers test, and it can even function as a great pair of running shoes. They're a favorite of our testers, popular for being comfortable and supportive no matter the activity. Podiatrists who evaluated these sneakers said they provide excellent stability and control, making them ideal for people with flat feet. All our testers reported that they liked these sneakers more than their current ones and would continue to wear them. The added cushioning and moisture-managing liner help keep your foot comfortable during a variety of activities, and we like that they're available in half sizes as well to help get you the right fit, but we have found that they have less flexibility for those with wider feet.

Running late? These classic slip-ons make it easy to run out of the house in no time. Rothy's has a cult following for its comfy sneakers that require minimal breaking in for ultimate comfort. This pair of slip-on sneakers has a contoured insole and a knit upper that are entirely machine washable (the brand recommends taking out the midsole before washing). We've laundered Rothy's flats in the Lab and found that the material really washes well. These are the ultimate travel sneakers, according to one user who takes them on every trip and loves how lightweight they are for packing in a carry-on bag. Plus, they can be paired with casual exercise clothes or dressier outfits to match whatever you bring in your suitcase. They come in sizes 5 to 13, including half sizes, and 15 colors and patterns, so there's bound to be a style you love.

Not all sneakers need to be designed for running or working out, and these fashionable ones from Cole Haan are cute enough to wear out to dinner, around town or to the office. Cole Haan shoes are known for being designed with comfort in mind, so you don't have to sacrifice your outfit for comfy toes. These stylish low-top sneakers have a memory foam insole and a high-traction outsole. The heel is reinforced with extra padding for additional comfort, and the trendy platform sole is lightweight. There are several stylish colors and prints to choose from. One online reviewer said, "These are by far the cutest and most comfortable fashion sneakers I own." Keep in mind that some reviewers found them to be a bit narrow, so they might not be a good fit for those with wider feet.

Everybody needs a classic bootie in their shoe arsenal, and this extremely comfortable pair will have you accepting compliments from all of your friends without having to put up with blisters or toe pain. With a pointed toe, a 2-inch block heel and a stylish ribbed upper, the Glove Boot ReKnit is the ultimate bootie. Perfect to wear to the office or on a night out, these shoes are comfy and breathable, thanks to the stretch knit material. They're even made from recycled water bottles (nine per pair!), so they're also a more sustainable pick. Commerce editor, Jacqueline Saguin hasn't worn this pair but loves her shoes from Everlane, sharing that they get "comfier with time," and online reviewers of these boots agree, adding that they last for years and mold perfectly to their feet with wear. Some online reviewers have found that the outsoles can be slippery.

Have no fear keeping your feet cozy and comfy tromping through the snow during the winter months with these furry boots by Columbia. Great for snowball fights, a winter walk or just trekking to work, they do a remarkable job of keeping your feet toasty while still providing a comfortable sole. Featured as our best overall pick in our best winter boots round-up, these mid-calf snow boots keep you dry even when walking through deep snow. The boot shaft is 9 inches tall for protection from winter weather, and the soles are designed to provide traction in slippery conditions. The brand claims its Techlite technology keeps the midsole light while still providing ample cushioning and support. You can only choose between a few styles, but there are wide options and half sizes available.

This may look like a typical strappy sandal, but they're secretly orthotic shoes! This pick is our textile experts' favorite walking sandal, and we particularly like how comfortable they keep your feet thanks to the microfiber-wrapped footbed that's ultra soft. They're available in both regular and wide sizing and come in a few different styles perfect for a look that can transition from a daytime walk on the beach to a nighttime dinner on the boardwalk. The heel strap keeps your foot secure and comfortable and prevents heel slippage, and with four different points of adjustability, you'll be able to personalize the fit to your foot size and shape. We did however find these shoes to be on the heavier side at 8 ounces per shoe.

Take that hike without worry when you strap on a pair of these hiking shoes from Salomon. Lightweight, flexible and offering impressive traction, these shoes are a particular favorite among both our pros and consumer testers. They continue to earn some of highest scores for comfort of all of the hiking shoes we've tested and consistently excel on multiple types of terrain including rocky spots, muddy creek areas and flat dirt trails. Our testers found these shoes to feel extremely stable, durable and protective even during more difficult treks. This style has a larger toe box than its previous versions, so you don't have to worry about squishing your toes during long walks. The substantial toe cap and synthetic leather upper keep your feet protected during all sorts of hikes. While testing, we did find that they can run a little hot.

Take a spin on the dance floor in these comfortable sandal heels that will keep you party-ready at all times. Naturalizer designs comfortable heels like this one with a molded, cushioned footbed. This pair has a height of just under 3 inches, and the block-shaped heel provides extra support and stability. The strappy shoe features an open toe, which is often more comfortable than an enclosed style that can cram your toes together. Available in a ton of neutral shades and some bolder hues, this heel is perfect for all occasions — from wedding season to a day in the office. We appreciate the adjustable buckle at the ankle and the availability of wide sizes, but some online reviewers said they wished the footbed had a bit more cushioning.

Slip these incredibly convenient sandals on for a quick walk or trip to the beach and spend the rest of the day relishing the comfort they provide. Most flip-flops are completely flat with no support or cushion, but this pick from Vionic has a molded footbed for comfy arch support. The lightweight EVA midsole will conform to your specific foot shape. It just takes some time, so the brand recommends wearing the shoes for a few days before judging the fit. (Don't worry. There's a 30-day return window.) There are many colors to choose from, including classics like black and tan and fashion colors like rose gold, army green and seafoam. One user said she loves her Vionic sandals because they look good with everything and feel good on her feet, describing them as "all-purpose" and the "most comfortable sandals [she's] worn." While these sandals are specifically designed for those with flat feet or plantar fasciitis, they aren't meant for long walks and shouldn't be worn as your go-to walking shoes.

These wedges from Clarks are constructed with supple leather and a soft, cushioned midsole. The cork platform design gives you more lift without extra strain. Because these sandals run a bit narrower according to online reviewers, some recommend going up a half size. We also appreciate that they're available in wide sizes so you can opt for that if you're worried about them running too narrow for your foot. An adjustable strap with a loop closure and velcro will help the shoes stay in place all day long. They're also available in two different colors, a light and dark neutral, so you can wear them with almost everything.

For those with extremely finicky foot sizes, this might be your knight in shining armor in shoe form. If you struggle to find a shoe that fits you perfectly, you'll hopefully have some luck with Atoms Model 000 sneaker. It's available in a whopping 63 quarter sizes from 5 to 16.5. If, for example, you normally don't quite fit into a size 7 but find a 7.5 to be too large, you can opt for a 7.25 in the Model 000 shoe instead. The shoes are designed with a foam midsole that one GH Analyst described as super bouncy and comfortable. She shared they're easy to slip on and off without untying. Just note there may be some discoloration (yellowing) in the wash.

Hoka sneakers are a popular pick among those with plantar fasciitis because of the brand's signature footbed. With a structured foot frame, this sneaker keeps your whole foot supported — from your toes to your arches — preventing strain. The rubber outer sole has a rocker design, encouraging you to move from heel to toe and making walking a bit easier with each step. The knit fabric upper is comfy and soft and we like that some of the colors are available in wide sizes as well. One user who switched to Hoka running shoes shared that she's "never felt better" after a run and loves how "structured" they feel. We did however find that these shoes are a bit heavier than other picks.

Those who need a bit of a roomier shoe may have better luck with a clog style like this one from Dansko. With over 9,000 five-star Amazon reviews, these shoes are especially popular among nurses, chefs and those in any profession where you have to be on your feet all day long. Although a bit pricey and on the heavy side, these clogs are designed to last. They're made with a 100% leather upper, and the material is easy to clean and wipe down at the end of the workday. You can choose between a narrow, standard and wide footbed, and it's available in dozens of colors and patterns, so it's a breeze to find a pair you like.

These mules from Arch NYC are by far the trendiest shoes on our list. Featuring a cushioned memory foam footbed with a soft lining, they impressed our Textiles pros who found them comfortable after all-night wear — while also looking super chic. Available in fun shades of pink, orange and green, the faux fur outer fabric is totally unique. The 3.5-inch heel is a chunky wooden block heel, which provides added support and stability, perfect for a night out. Keep in mind that thanks to their adorable faux fur, they're more difficult to clean than some other options on this list.

Popular for its comfortable cork and latex footbed, this pair of Birkenstock slides is contoured and molds specifically to your foot shape for excellent arch support. This Soft Footbed version of the classic Arizona slide is designed with an additional layer of foam to provide extra cushioning with each step. One user shared that they're the only shoes she wears while standing for 12-hour days at work because they keep her pain-free through the end of the day. It's a great pick for both men and women and is available in regular/wide and medium/narrow options, along with dozens of other colors. We appreciate that they have adjustable straps to help create the perfect fit and a molded cork and latex footbed for comfort. Just don't take them into the water since this style isn't waterproof!

Keep your feet comfy, cozy and supported while in the house with this shearling-lined slipper. This pair of moccasins from L.L.Bean is a customer favorite — the brand claims that a pair is sold every seven seconds in December. Many online reviewers share that they've been wearing their pair for years and are impressed that the slippers are still performing well with minimal noticeable wear. The slippers are designed with quality materials including a sheepskin suede outer, shearling liner and durable rubber soles. Underneath the shearling liner is a memory foam insole that cushions the foot for a comfortable feel. Medium and standard sizes are available, along with sizes for the whole family to match. Keep in mind that they're spot-clean only.

The textiles experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test all types of shoes — from hiking boots to walking shoes to high heels — for a variety of factors including comfortability. We also evaluate characteristics like weight, material and washability in our Lab and send shoes to consumer testers with a wide range of shoe sizes and foot shapes to receive real user feedback. Testers share their thoughts on appearance, comfort, traction, support, cushioning and more. Through Lab and consumer testing, we have amassed thousands of data points covering all types of styles.