For the Most Comfortable Shoes, Look No Further
A while back, I asked my readers: “What are the most comfortable shoes you’ve ever had?” I received hundreds of replies, and I was determined to read them all!
As I did, I started noticing that certain shoe brands were being mentioned more frequently than others. I started keeping a tally out of curiosity, but quickly decided that information was too useful to keep to myself!
In this post, you’ll find the results of that tally, in the form of the top 10 most comfortable shoe brands, according my amazing OGT readers! For each brand, I’ve included comments that speak to what readers like about their shoes, plus a button that will take you to Amazon where I’ve collected links to each brand’s most comfortable shoes, from walking shoes to sneakers to slip-ons!
10 Brands for Most Comfortable Shoes, According to OGT Readers
1. Clarks
Clarks have been making shoes for nearly 200 years, and I guess they’ve gotten pretty good at it! ;-) Readers mentioned that their WaveWalk sole are great walking shoes for people who are on their feet all day, as it creates a rocking motion that’s supposed to help reduce foot strain and fatigue.
“They’re the only thing I wear to work. I work in retail management and work 12-14 hours a day – 90% of the time on my feet.” – Treasure
“Clarks [WaveWalk]. Walked all over Europe for 2.5 solid weeks in them. Zero problems!!” – Heather
2. Skechers
In addition to their everyday sneakers, Skechers has a performance line that includes styles like vion and on-the-GO. Readers mentioned the GOwalk line in particular as being incredibly comfortable, and a few of them even have multiple pairs!
“Skechers Go Walk shoes – embarrassed to say how many I own. Need them in various colors, right?” – Sandi
“Best shoes ever. I’ve got 4 pairs and am in love with them!” – Nizamra
3. Dansko
Dankso shoes were mentioned frequently by readers, specifically as their work shoe of choice. Several Dansko styles have even been awarded a Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Dansko clogs are a classic style that remains popular today, but they offer plenty of trendy new designs as well.
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“I wore them as a cashier at a grocery store and loved them. I even became pregnant while I had that job and had no problem with standing because of those shoes.” – Randi
“Dansko clogs! I wore for many years of teaching. They are my favorite shoes.” – Deborah
4. Vionic
If you’re serious about support and foot health, look no further than Vionic. Their flats, slippers, and sandals all have a footbed that was designed by a podiatrist to promote healthy foot alignment. Vionic’s boots and heels all have advanced arch support, as well as increased cushioning for the ball of your foot.
“Got caught walking in Las Vegas with bad flip flops. Stopped and bought my first pair of Vionics and walked for hours. No leg, foot, or leg pain after.” – PJ
“Vionic blows all others out of the water.” – Maria
5. Crocs
Crocs might be one of the most polarizing comfort shoes brands out there, but the people who love them really love them! If you’re in the market for cheap comfortable shoes, Crocs could be the brand for you.
They’re mostly known for their comfortable, lightweight foam clogs, but they have a surprising variety of other styles too. In fact, some of their styles are downright sleek, while maintaining a comfortable fit that can be worn all day.
“I have [Crocs Leigh Ankle Strap Wedge] in five colors. No one laughs at me. They’re the most comfortable shoes I own.” – Jackie
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“If loving Crocs is wrong, I don’t want to be right!” – Kathy
6. Birkenstock
Birkenstocks have made a big resurgence in popularity in the last few years! Fans of Birkenstocks are really passionate about the company’s signature cork footbed, which is not only supportive but actually molds to the shape of your foot over time.
After a few months of wearing them, it supposedly feels like you’re wearing shoes that were custom-made just for you. (At least that’s what my daughter tells me — she wears her Birkenstock sandals all summer!)
“I prefer being barefoot, but I wear Birkenstocks when shoes are mandatory.” – Elizabeth
“Worth every penny!” – Lori
7. Alegria
Alegria is another brand that was mentioned frequently with regards to comfortable work shoes. They’re not particularly cheap comfortable shoes, but they do offer a wider range of shoe lengths and widths than many other brands. They’re also supposed to be very comfortable!
“I love, love, love Alegrias! They have saved my feet. I get them from QVC because they always have my size.” – Lisa
“Alegrias fit my freakishly wide/short feet.” – Kathy
8. Born
Born is another brand that is definitely not on the cheap end of things, but they do have an intensely loyal following of customers. They use high-quality materials, real leather and several layers of supportive foam in the construction of their shoes though, so I suspect you are getting what you pay for with Born!
“I love them! I have so many different pairs. They are sassy and oh so comfy!” – Wanda
“I love all of the Born wedge sandals.” – Nathalie
9. Nike
Nike is primarily an athletic brand known for their sneakers, so it makes sense that their shoes would be supportive and comfortable! The Nike Air and Nike Air Max lines are supposed to be great for walking, and they have so many cute and stylish options to choose from.
“I used to wear Clarks and Birkenstocks until my fibromyalgia got so bad that I can only tolerate […] Nike Air.” – Shawn
“Nike Rev 2!!” – Amy
10. Keen
When I think of Keen, I usually think of strappy outdoor sandals. And while they do make plenty of those, they have a lot of other comfortable shoes for women too, including hiking and walking shoes.
All of their shoes have footbeds that are designed to support and cradle your foot for all day comfort. And the soles on Keen shoes tend to have a lot more traction than the less ourdoors-y brands, so that’s a plus!
“Keen all the way.” – Jessica
“Picked up a pair […] at the local thrift store. Like new condition. Soooo comfy.” – Mina
What other comfortable brands of shoes would you add to this list?
I would say ditch all of those tennis shoes and get Xero shoes. I’ve learned with age my stability is not like it should be so I tried the Xero shoe and you would think that it not having all of the padding it wouldn’t be comfortable but it’s the best shoe I’ve had. My husband who has planters fascitis was told by his doctor he needed all of these inserts, etc., deals with terrible foot pain. I told him try the Xeros and see what happens. He now has ditched all of his other shoes and is going with just Xeros. We went on a mountain trip with lots of walking and he said for the first time he didn’t have foot pain after.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I would definitely add Oofos to the “most comfortable shoe” list.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Please add KURU to the list! They are expensive when not on clearance but saved me from my years of Plantar Fasciitis pain. I also agree with the other brands on your list now that is under control. Kuru and Vionic are my goto shoes, along with the newer style of Skechers, the ArchFit hands free slip ons.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I almost exclusively wear Sketchers and Clark shoes. I have a lump on the bottom of my foot so I need extra cushioning and I have a small foot (size 5). However, I LOVE my SAS (San Antonio Shoes) leather shoes SOOOO comfortable (mysasshoes.com). Made in US and they have many many widths and sizes–mens & womens
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I like Easy Spirit shoes, they are affordable for me, and are the most comfortable. They are always going on sale. I can’t believe the prices on shoes anymore. I am 80 years old, on social security. Housing is not affordable anymore as well, I have to apply for programs for reduced rate for seniors. In the 70’s and 80’s I could rent a apartment on my own, on the most minimal wage . The homelessness problem today could be eliminated if they had the mindset of people who do rentals in the past, be done today. Not everyone can make a wage, to be independent by themselves. Generally people look down on homelessness. The homeless have to keep on living, so they have to find a place to be. It is trying to be homeless, I had to wander around , without a place to land, find food and a safe place to sleep and keep clean. Cavemen found caves, pioneers figured out how to build places to live in, Indians had tepees made of animal skins, and resources that were available for them at the time. Anybody needs a needs a space to land in. Should the homeless kill themselves. Just saying.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Orthofeet. Sizes 5-12, narrow to EEE (some syles). Fully adjustable straps with enough strap length to keep excess Velcro from showing. Great category selection, great style choices (esp. sandals and athletic shoes but the other categories including dress offer ample choices), a selection of customizable arch supports included with EACH pair, and good color choices too. They’re pricey so definitely wait for a sale which happens frequently (especially pre/post season) with intermittent discounts popping up of up to 35% off. They also send extra dollars off offers periodically as well. I put them on split payments to spread out the cost, since these are the brand my feet love the most following triple arthrodesis on my left foot which involved 3 screws at the ankle, restricting back and forth motion–not to mention bunion screws on both feet. Yes, bad feet run in my family (7 surgeries both feet total.) I had to give away at LEAST 20 pairs of gorgeous shoes (WAILING STILL) following my last surgery-many were some of the brands listed in above posts because my foot needed a specific type of support that these brands couldn’t provide. I have 3 pairs of Orthofeet and buy 2 at a time on sale and again, split payments so I can gradually rebuild my shoe inventory.
Another brand for severely swollen feet is Pandere. I bought a pair of athletic shoes immediately following the above surgery because they were specifically for people with severely swollen feet who need to adjust the shoe depending on the swelling. They work as designed-I loosened them on times I needed to, and as surgical and healing swelling went down, I tighten them. Their selection isn’t as extensive but if severe swelling is your main issue, at least you can get dress sandals here.
Finally, Comfortiva is a WONDERFUL brand with FANTASTIC selections of sandals, dress and casual shoes; boot/booties in widths M-N-SS-W-WW. Yes, really. I have one pair of Comfortiva sandals that survived the surgery. They’re the cutest sandals and I got them on Zulily (alas, no longer in business).
Give these brands a look-I think everyone will be tickled pink to find out that those of us with baaad feet still want to look good while feeling good.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I had to give up my fancy high heel sandals and other shoes because of Arthritis in my feet. I actually found a comfortable pair of dress sandals last year. They are Skechers –
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Cali Lux Foam from Skechers. They are so comfortable with a little bit of heel. Also very attractive shoes. I just checked out the site Valerie was talking about. This is great. I’m definitely going to make a copy. I really have a hard time with the swelling in one of my feet.
I liked your article! I have arthritis and multiple foot problems, especially arch support. I agree that everyone has different needs as far as shoes but we all need good shoes. Your list includes some of those that have made my life so much better! Vionic and Dansko have the best dress shoes for me. They have support without looking like “clod hoppers”! The only athletic shoe I can wear is Brooks. Their Ghost style is the best with a good arch support. All the shoes I wear are kind of high priced but once you find your size you can order online and get them much
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Cheaper. Thanks for all your information- you’re a big help!
I’d just like to add that there is a list of podiatrist approved shoes on the website of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). I learned the hard way (bone spurs on both heels) that some shoes I had been wearing were NOT the best for my feet. So now I use their list for their Seal of Acceptance/Approval Program | APMA not just for shoes but also for insoles.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ll add my agreement on Keen, Born, and Clarks.
I’ll add Chaco, Merrill, and Xero
Please log in or create a free account to comment.It depends on your feet. New Balance for me.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I bought my first pair of Allegria years ago. It was a women’s conference in Savannah, GA. I just thought they were pretty and had no idea about the benefits. I have had several long-lasting and excrutiating bouts with Plantar Fascitis over the years. I wore them for years until the leather pulled away from the top of the sandal. I find their expense so wirth the money as they hold-up so well over time. I also love Keen and I have two pair of Fit-Flop winter boots that are wonderful!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve had to be more careful with my shoe choices. I got diagnosed with Arthritis in my feet about a year and half ago. I had to get Orthopedic shoes for work. I think my Dressy sandals are sketchers. I’ve had good luck with MaddenGirl for casual sandals. My pair I wear lot looks like a fancier pair of Birkenstocks.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have VERY narrow feet. Super slim. I walk right out of all of these brands.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve found Nike to be very narrow (I can’t wear them)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.FitFlop is my go-to shoe brand. They make sandals, sneakers, boots, even slippers. They have several different midsoles to suit different needs. Very comfortable!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I just ran across this post and was surprised at all the brands. Over the years I’ve tried some of them and I really think it’s your feet that say if the shoe will be comfortable. The term one size (or shoe) fits all is just not right. For years it was cowboy boots that were the most comfortable things I have ever worn but once leaving Texas they just didn’t work back East and were hard to find. But the first pair I ever owned were the right ones and just got the soles repaired several times over the years. So went to Easy Spirits and they have been my shoes for as long as I can remember. I get them a half size larger than my foot and have never had to break in a pair. They are comfortable right from the start.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.A few years ago I discovered these RocketDog sneakers, and they are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn.The suede finish makes them look less like sneakers, they have good support, a wide toe, and Velcro closing. They have only two colors, but I buy new ones every 2-3 years, and would be devastated if they quit making them. I buy them direct from the RocketDog website.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Your list of shoes seems to only come in one width. Since I have feet that don’t fall in that category, this list is not for me.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Doc martens Mary Janes – comfy, excellent construction. I gave 4 pairs and they have lasted me over 20 years so far!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.PS They are timeless and never go out of style
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Another great brand is Bionica. I have several pair.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Grasshoppers are definitely the most comfortable shoe I have encountered thus far. They don’t need to be broken in at all, either! I bought my first pair in high school. The day after I bought them I walked more than a mile to school, and they were not unpleasant in the least!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You need to add Aetrex to the list! For the last 3 years I have had a lot of foot pain on the outside edge of my foot and in front of my ankle. I have seen two different podiatrists and an orthopedic surgeon. Thd only thing they could recommend was custom orthodics which I can’t afford. I had been wearing Taos sandals in the summer and Clark’s and Born shoes in the winter. I just got a pair of Aetrex sandals a few months ago and my foot pain is gone! I am pretty shocked. They are a bit pricey but considering how much I spent on all those copays they are cheap and well worth it.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Anybody weared dream pairs ? I think it’s also very comfortable for walking
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I wear NARROW size shoes. Practically impossible to find anymore. No stores carry them so I have to order online. Then, if they don’t fit, UPS. I would love to be able to sit in a store and be able to try them on like I used to do. Not possible.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.For me, the best, most comfortable shoes are PROPET. They come in all widths but must be ordered online. Amazon and Zappos have them.
I have 2 pairs of Ecco brand shoes. One is a golf shoe and so great for walking. The other is an actual walking shoe which I wear for walking when on a trip and even for dancing when I do choreography with the choir I belong to.
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