Whether it’s embarking on our regular commutes, standing in line outside the newest brunch spot, or even just walking to our cars, we spend a lot of time on our feet. And if you happen to be heading on a vacation sometime soon, there’s a good chance you’ll be getting in even more steps than you usually do. As exciting as sightseeing can be, one thing that can definitely be a downer is sore and uncomfortable feet. However, when you have the best walking shoes in the biz to take you from place to place, that’s something you won’t have to worry about.
As you start packing for your upcoming trips, having comfortable shoes is pivotal to your experience—especially when your main mode of transportation is going to be walking. Since we know how stressful planning a trip can be, we took it upon ourselves to give you a head start, at least in the footwear department. From the chunky hiking sandal that’s become the easy sli-on flats, we’ve rounded up 14 of the most comfortable shoes that customers are raving about.
J.Crew doesn’t only prioritize style, but comfort, too. “I feel like I could walk a thousand miles in these espadrilles! They are so crazy comfortable. Perfect fit, and almost therapeutic feel. I have tendon issues in one foot and arthritis in the other. These shoes cause no flaring of these issues. The upper fabric has a subtle sheen to them which gives them a classy bump. Very well made—no loose fabric, string, or glue. Jackpot!”— J.Crew reviewer
The fashion set isn’t just wearing these because they look cool. “I broke these in on an all-day Disneyland trip and they were incredibly comfortable and felt so lightweight. They were on for 12 hours straight and I didn’t have any issues. I’m ready to order another pair.”— Nordstrom reviewer
Whether you’re working out or like to incorporate a touch of athleisure in your everyday wear, these will offer the support you need. “When I first tried these on, I was unsure of the laces situation. It’s sort of a stretchy cord that you can’t lace (although they do come with standard laces, as well). Still, I’ve had luck with On shoes before and decided to give these a chance, I brought these on vacation to Spain, and with minimal breaking-in, these were comfortable for walking 9+ miles every day. I typically struggle with sufficient arch support but had no pain and no issues with these. As an added bonus, these shoes are easy to slip on and off if you need to go through security. I already purchased a second pair as I want to live in these for all my walks around town, errands, and more.”— Nordstrom reviewer
Tevas are also Mary-Kate Olsen-approved, which is an approval we take quite seriously around here. “I feel like I’ve put off buying Tevas for years, but as I was preparing for a trip to Mexico, I decided to finally get some. I loved them more than I ever thought I would. They were so comfy. I was able to wear them on the days when we talked a ton, on days when we went to rocky beaches, as we went swimming in the cenotes, etc. They are really all-around, all-purpose shoes. And they were perfect for the humid heat as well. I definitely wouldn’t have wanted to wear anything heavier than Tevas there. They are amazing and I love them! Best purchase.”— Nordstrom reviewer
These will never go out of style. “I love these shoes. Never wore Vans before but I ordered them because I liked the print. They were comfortable from the very beginning and I wore them all day without any discomfort. They are somewhat heavy but not a problem. I will probably buy more Vans.”— Nordstrom reviewer
These easily go with everything. “The suede Boston with the ‘soft’ footbed provides terrific support and comfort after 20 or 30 hours of wearing so that the cork footbed can conform to your feet and your feet adjust to the aggressive arch support. The Boston is made in a narrow version, which Nordstrom sells as ‘medium’, and in a regular version which fits wider feet. A woman should add 31 to her American size and a man should add 33. So, a women’s 10 becomes a 41 and a men’s 10 becomes a 43. The narrow (medium) version might feel snug on the first day of wearing but the cork footbed compresses over time and the suede will stretch. After 40 or 50 hours of active wearing, that snug fit relaxes noticeably. The soft footbed is softer than the traditional Birkenstock footbed it is still much firmer than most people are used to. If you wear your Bostons three or four days a week, firmness becomes your new normal, and other footwear will feel mushy and unsupportive. After you and your Bostons have adjusted to each other, you can wear them 12 hours a day and your feet, ankles, and knees will still feel fine.” — Nordstrom reviewer
Worn by dads and supermodels everywhere. “I love these sneakers. I traditionally wear 6-6.5 in shoes and 7 in sneakers. I bought a 6.5 and they are perfect with thinner no-show socks. I had these on my wish list for a month and I’m really glad I decided to buy them. I wore them all day the first day I bought them with no adjustment time needed.”— Nordstrom reviewer
The perfect white sneaker does exist. “Great quality, comfortable and affordable. Can’t go wrong! I’m normally a 7/7.5 and bought a 7.5. Perfect fit.”— Shopbop reviewer
The square toe is so very sleek. “Excellent flat for day to night. I purchased the bright pink and I started receiving compliments on them the first day I wore them with a black and white dress. They are my new ‘pop of color’. I especially appreciate the extra room in the toe box, so the toes don’t get pinched. They’re soft and ready to wear right out of the box. The additional padding in the sole makes these an all-day shoe.”— Nordstrom reviewer
The oversize metallic buckles offer a fresher look than regular Birkenstocks. “These are my fourth pair of Arizona style over the last 20 years. These are narrow and lighter than my older pairs but soo comfortable! I just put the tightest setting on the buckle but I have a narrow size 9 feet—I ordered a 40 and it is perfect. I got the oiled cognac leather with gold buckles. It’s a great neutral to go with everything!”— Nordstrom reviewer
Even if you aren’t a runner, your feet will thank you for these sneakers. “I can jump, do jumping jacks, run, walk, and I have absolutely zero discomfort at any part of my foot! I always struggle with front foot discomfort and toes. I’m so happy and want more now.”— Nordstrom reviewer
When you’re rushing in the morning, these are easy to slip on and head out the door. “APL creates perfect shoes that are TechLoom Bliss. These are the most comfortable and cute sneakers I’ve ever had. I literally ordered some in different colors and got rid of old sneakers with laces that I had. All sneakers should be without laces!” —Shopbop reviewer
