12 Most Comfortable Shoes for Walking, Work, and More

ASICS sneakers have stood out in our Textiles Lab evaluations year after year, and the latest Gel-Cumulus 26 is no exception. The shoe was a top performer in our most recent round of tests, earning top marks from consumer testers who were impressed by the comfortable feel. They're designed with thick gel-infused foam cushioning to improve shock absorption, and one tester who wore the shoes said it felt "like walking on a cloud." A GH analyst who tried this pair also said, "They felt just as comfortable out of the box and after wearing them for 10,000 steps."

For ankle stability, the shoes feature a padded back tab and heel, which testers said felt structured and supportive, but they still found the shoes to be easy to slide on and off. According to the brand, the sneakers are best for those who have neutral feet or those who underpronate (foot rolls outward), meaning it's not ideal for overpronaters (foot rolls inward).

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These sneakers from New Balance are available for under $70 (and are often on sale), but don't let the low price tag fool you. They may have been one of the most affordable pairs in our tests, but the shoes have tens of thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon and were loved by our consumer testers. Many online reviewers described the shoes as "comfortable," "cute," and "supportive," with one who said that they're the "best shoes I've ever worn."

The sneakers are high-performing and high-quality and earned top scores in our tests for overall comfort from users who wore them for workouts and walks. One tester shared, "Right when I put them on, they started molding to my feet. I didn't have to break them in like I would normally have to." The slim and sleek shoes were also one of the lightest styles we evaluated and are made of flexible material, so they're easy to squish down and pack in a gym bag. Our testers noted that the shoes ran a little small, but they come in wide sizes for some added room.

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The Tree Runners from the popular shoe brand Allbirds have a huge following for good reason. Perfect for traveling, the lightweight shoes have an "ultra-comfortable footbed," according to GH analysts, testers, and our panel of GH readers who provided us with additional feedback on Allbirds shoes—a whopping 1,300 data points for review. And 91% of our panelists gave the shoes a perfect rating for overall comfort. One panelist shared, "They don't weigh me down when I am walking or running like my regular sneakers do," and a tester described wearing the shoes as "like walking on a cloud," even after wearing them all day long.

With an upper made of Tencel, a breathable material that's derived from chemically processed wood pulp, the sneakers are a more sustainable option as well. One tester said that the shoes appeared dirty more quickly than other styles she's worn, but the sneakers are machine washable for easy cleaning, and they performed well in our Lab's washability tests without major changes in appearance. The shoes aren't available in half sizes, so the brand recommends sizing up for those in between traditional sizes.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Allbirds Sneakers

If you're running late, these classic slip-ons from Rothy's make it easy to get out of the house in no time. According to our testers, the shoes require minimal breaking in. The slip-on sneakers have a cushioned midsole and contoured insole for a comfy yet supportive feel, and our testers who have worn shoes from the brand are impressed with the flexible knit outer, which they said doesn't squish their toes like some other flats and slip-ons.

Designed to be easy to care for, the shoes are machine washable. Simply pull the insole and midsole out of the shoe, wash them on a delicate cycle using mild detergent and cold water and let air dry, and they're ready to wear again. One GH analyst who purchased shoes from the brand shared that she loves bringing the lightweight shoes with her while she's traveling, but she said that the knit material started to unravel within just a few wears. Other testers said the shoes kept their shape with regular use and after being washed repeatedly.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Rothy's Shoes and Bags

These running shoes from Brooks offer excellent stability, which makes hitting the pavement (or treadmill) a bit easier on your legs and feet. They're our picks for the best walking shoes and the best shoes for nurses, so they're sure to feel comfortable whether you're walking, running, or on your feet all day long. One tester who claimed the Ghost 15 is her new go-to style said, "The shoe felt supportive while standing for long periods of time (like at a concert) as well as when walking around a city."

The versatile sneaker has a cushioned heel to absorb pressure and ease foot pain, and it utilizes the brand's signature "Segmented Crash Pad" outsole to absorb shock. One tester with chronic foot pain shared that she typically finds "no shoes comfortable to wear, but these are amazing." With a larger heel drop of 12 millimeters, the shoes may not be ideal for runners who typically land on the front or middle of their feet, but they earned top scores overall for traction, cushioning, and support from consumer testers.

RELATED: Best Brooks Running Shoes

Available in wide and extra-wide sizing, these sneakers from New Balance ensure that your feet won't feel squished or cramped all day long. Plus, the shoes have a flexible knit upper with lots of wiggle room, meaning they're a solid pick for someone experiencing bunions and the breathable mesh material helps prevent sweaty feet.

Some testers found the style to be a little bulky for their taste, but others appreciated the thick, cushioned sole. One tester shared, "I felt like it gave me a boost on long walks and hill work," and another commented, "My feet felt less tired, and it definitely gives a spring to the step." Overall, testers gave the shoes high scores across the board for properties like fit, comfort and cushioning, and we were impressed by the quality construction during our evaluations.

Not all sneakers are 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 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 support, and the trendy platform sole is lightweight, so they won't bog you down.

There are several stylish colors and prints to choose from, including metallic shades and options with trendy terry cloth details. 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.

The new "it" shoe, Mary Janes are everywhere, and this pick from VIVAIA perfectly balances the trendy style with a comfortable feel. Loved by thousands of online reviewers and GH analysts and editors, the chic square-toe shoes work for the office or a casual day out, and according to our testers, you can comfortably walk in them all over the city all day long without feeling achy. The insoles are padded, as are the heels, and there's a shock-absorbing material in the heel for added cushioning comfort. One GH analyst shared, "These are the most comfy flats I own. The stretchy upper fits my feet nicely while feeling breathable."

The shoes are made from recycled plastic bottles and are machine washable for easy cleaning, which is great because some testers said the shoes appear dirty rather quickly. VIVAIA offers half and in-between sizes, and the unique "AdaptAll Strap" is covered in holes, meaning you can adjust it to any size to achieve the perfect fit. For a fun, custom look, the brand also carries charms and bows that slide onto your shoes.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: VIVAIA Shoes

Our best overall pick for sandals, this pair from Chaco earned top marks in our Lab evaluations and with consumer testers. The sandals may seem simple, but they're equipped with details that provide the ultimate comfort. The footbed features the brand's "Luvseat" technology, which is a molded design that contours to the foot and provides arch support. One GH analyst who has high arches was impressed by how supported she felt and shared that it's rare for her to feel so comfortable in sandals. The outsoles are gripped to help you walk comfortably through all types of terrain, and the brand suggests wearing them everywhere from a wet river walk to a rocky mountain hike.

With a continuous adjustable strap, the sandals can accommodate a variety of different foot shapes, but it can be a little tricky to adjust the sandals at first. The brand thankfully provides helpful instructions to help you achieve the proper fit. One tester called the sandals a "game-changer," and another was impressed with the versatility of the shoes, sharing that they work well with both casual and dressier outfits and that they're a great pick to pack for vacations.

While these shoes may look like typical strappy summer sandals, they're actually orthotic shoes. Vionic's shoes combine the best of fashion and function with chic, on-trend designs, and shock-absorbing midsoles and orthotic insoles. This pair is one of our favorite walking sandals, made to hug your arches for the ultimate long-lasting comfort, whether you're headed out for a daytime walk on the beach or a night on the town.

With four easy-to-use, adjustable Velcro straps and wide options available, the shoes are a great option for those who deal with swelling or discomfort in their feet. Plus, they feature a microfiber-wrapped footbed for the ultimate cozy feel. These sandals are a bit heavier than others we've evaluated because of their structured design and rubber outsole, but online reviewers said the soles have nice grip and prevent slips.

One of the most popular sandals of all time, the Arizona slide from Birkenstock is equally as stylish as it is comfortable. The sandal is available in plenty of colors and different materials to coordinate with your wardrobe like the featured leather style, more affordable waterproof options, and the big buckle variation. Designed with a contoured footbed and the brand's iconic cork midsole, the shoes provide cushioning comfort that molds to your specific foot shape. The slides are also lined with soft suede material for an ultra-cozy feel.

A GH writer shared, "I started wearing the Arizona from Birkenstock about 10 years ago, and I've been addicted ever since." Another user with chronic foot pain who loves her Arizona slides told GH, "I've had multiple foot surgeries and really love the support these sandals give me," adding, "They're super comfortable."

The sandals come in regular/wide and medium/narrow sizing and have adjustable straps to help you achieve the right fit, but some online reviewers have experienced difficulty finding the correct size. Luckily, the brand does accept returns within 30 days of purchase for unworn shoes.

Slide 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 Hari Mari has a molded design with firm arch support and a soft footbed. Plus, the strap is cushioned with memory foam for an extra soft and comfortable feel.

Along with enhanced comfort, the flip-flops are also water-resistant and are designed to float in the water if they happen to fall in while you're lounging at the pool. And the sandals have rubber soles with traction to help prevent slips on wet surfaces.

There are many colors to choose from, including classics like grey and fashion colors like navy and sea glass and for a slightly more elevated look, try the brand's leather styles. One tester was impressed by how secure the flip flops felt, adding that they don't shift or slide around like some other styles, and several online reviewers described them as the "most comfortable" flip flops they've ever worn. While these sandals are more supportive than traditional flip-flops, we don't recommend wearing them all day and instead suggest trying a pair of comfy walking shoes for longer durations.