The best comfortable sneakers for everyday wear

Exit high heels, make way for comfortable sneakers! One of the best fashion trends to come out of the pandemic is, without a doubt, that casual dress is the new normal. And that includes our renewed love for sneakers. Paired with everything from suits to sundresses, sneakers are now ultra-chic, complementing outfits far beyond athleisure. Not only are they easy to wear and comfortable all day, but you can wear them anywhere from grocery shopping to errands to yard work or Zoom calls without looking like you’ve come home from the gym. .

While it’s relatively easy to order sneakers online in your usual size and get a good fit (unlike boots or heels, which can be trickier), keep a few tips in mind before you buy .

First, you should look for three main features in sneakers for everyday wear: cushioning, shock absorption and a deep heel, says Jackie Sutera, DPM, FAFCAS, Doctor of Medicine and Podiatric Surgery in New York . A deep heel is helpful in stabilizing your foot and keeping everything in alignment. You should also look for sneakers with a slight heel-to-toe drop, i.e. a thicker, tapered sole towards the forefoot. In other words, platform sneakers aren’t the best choice (as trendy as they are on social media). “Platform sneakers might not be the best choice for all day, every day [wear] …because they can be too flat,” adds Sutera.

When trying on sneakers, consider the fit. They shouldn’t be tight, but they should fit snugly, “as if the shoes were hugging your feet,” says Sutera. Your toes should have room to spread out and wiggle, but don’t make the common mistake of measuring your foot just to accommodate your big toe, as some people have longer second toes, she adds. . As with any shoe, make sure you don’t get any rubbing spots when trying on sneakers. If they don’t fit well to begin with, they will only become more uncomfortable when you wear them and walk in them. Getting a good sneaker means you shouldn’t have to “break them”, says Sutera. Likewise, you should avoid buying shoes that slip off your heel and require padding inside to fit properly.

If your favorite sneakers become a pair of shoes you wear fairly often or for everyday use, Sutera advises replacing them at around 12 months (or sooner, depending on your individual wear). She recommends an assessment she calls the “tabletop test.” Place your shoes on a table, then bring them up to eye level and examine them for any asymmetry, signs of wear, and unbalanced soles. Also look inside and turn them over, looking for holes or smoothing of the tread. You will be able to tell from this method if it is time to replace your sneakers.

The answer to this age-old question is: it depends. It really comes down to preference, comfort (socks provide a layer of blister protection), warmth, and sometimes the look you’re going for, Sutera says. The bottom line, however, is that not wearing socks will ultimately shorten the life of your sneakers. “Your shoes will start to smell much sooner, inevitably, because of the sweat that gets absorbed inside the shoe,” says Sutera. If you decide to go barefoot in your shoes (knowing that you run the risk of sweating and also developing athlete’s foot, chafing, blisters, dermatitis or other skin conditions), be sure to allow to air dry between uses. Sutera also recommends using an antifungal shoe spray after each use to deodorize them.

Here are some top picks for comfortable everyday sneakers.

Giving new meaning to the term “plant-based”, this spring-perfect sneaker is the first of its kind to feature an outsole constructed from dandelions. Rubber made from the plant provides responsive cushioning inside the “FlowerFoam” sole which is topped with a vegan suede upper made from recycled plastic bottles. The delightfully lightweight shoe is instantly comfortable and comes in four color combinations with names so eye-catching (like Rosette Peach Whip!) they could be a cocktail too.

A best seller from this iconic brand, this single platform sneaker, available in black or white, features a 1-inch platform to add a bit of height without an ounce of discomfort. You’d be hard-pressed to find a look these shoes don’t match, and with such a comfortable cushioned footbed, you’ll never want to take them off again.

At first glance, these sneakers might make you think they’re either too edgy or throwback to the 1980s. they are elegant. A mix of mesh, leather and nubuck fabrics add a cool texture, available in two color varieties.

If you’re the type to pull off a pair of white sneakers when they get a little dirty, consider these your new go-to white shoe. Not only are they lightweight and made with a stretchy, breathable knit for an easy fit, they’re also waterproof and, wait for it, can be tossed in the washing machine for easy cleaning. (Just remove the laces and insoles first and put all the pieces in a bag first.) The marbled white color is classic, but these sneakers also come in seven other colors.

There’s a good reason these casual, laid-back sneakers have over 15,000 five-star reviews — quite a few, in fact. First things first: they come in over 40 colors and styles, giving you an option to match any outfit or mood you can imagine. Second, the certified B-Corp conscious sneaker company prioritizes the earth (for example, using materials that are better for the planet like ethical rubber) and suppliers (working only with companies that respect fair wages and conditions ). Finally, with options starting at $79, they’re affordable enough to pick up a new pair every season. What’s not to like?

If you’re looking for an everyday sneaker that feels more like streetwear, check out this sleek pair in full-grain leather. With a crisp, clean look and flat laces, they’re just as sophisticated with a flowy sundress as they are with black leggings. Inside, the insole is removable and heavily padded, while the extra-long laces can also be adjusted to your comfort level.

These neat sneakers, which come in a variety of pretty pastels (like blue mist, terracotta, and vapor, in addition to black and white), feature a side zip that lets you slip them on without having to to untie them. Particularly ideal for people who have trouble putting on and taking off their shoes, they have a thick heel and a podiatrist-designed inner orthosis for maximum comfort.

You know that saying, “elevate the everyday”? A surefire way to do it: slip on a pair of these shiny (and oh so affordable!) metallic trainers, which add an element of fun to any outfit, from casual to dressy. Keds’ minimalist silhouette is known for keeping things classic, but a lug bottom adds durability to the sole. Plus, the breathable lining lets you log thousands of steps without worrying about your feet.