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.
More Ideas You’ll Love
“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
More Ideas You’ll Love
“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?
You did not mention SAS shoes. I’ve been wearing them for many years. I have a pair of sandals that are more than five years old and I still wear them. Their shoes are not very fancy but they are practical and the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. They are also USA made. I have another pair that are even older. They are expensive. My sandals were about $150. You’ll never go wrong.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve been wearing nothing but SAS (made in San Antonio, Texas) for more than 40 years. The oldest pair just fell apart. I have maybe 10 pairs, various dressiness, various colors.
I agree with others that it depends on your feet. Crocs are just painful for me, but I do wear Crocs knock-offs.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.How do you keep your shoes from getting stinky
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Put dryer sheets in them over night and the stinky is gone in the morning.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My sister-in-law loves Vionic. She has slippers, sandles, dress shoes. She claims that her knees no longer pose a problem. Bit pricey. My husband has looked into them but hasn’t committed. He has needed knee replacements for years and did stem cell therapy which lasted 2 years. Maybe I will get him a pair.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.It’s worth mentioning that there are many reasons that someone’s feet might hurt. For a long time I believed that what I needed was a softer shoe, but I needed something that was more supportive. It is also true that a hard soled shoe is better for spending your day walking on a concrete floor. There is a reason that nurses and teachers so frequently wear clogs. I love Dansko.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Question: when I clicked to go to a specific brand, it always takes me to your Amazon storefront page of 96 pairs of shoes (1/3 have no price) and not one has the brand or shoe name. Is that an Amazon thing so that I will click on each pic and, hopefully, buy SOMEthing? Or am I missing something that I didn’t click on the blog page? I love this post because I need good supportive (but not too ugly) shoes with a wide toe box. Work on concrete for many hours a day. Am still hoping this promising page with links will help in my search. Any assistance would be great, THANKS!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Deborah! Thank you for bringing this to my attention – this post is a little older and the links have gotten a little messed up. I’ll fix it soon, but until then, all the shoes are here: https://amzn.to/2C1DrFY
The Amazon page doesn’t show the price until you click on it – I don’t know why they do that!
For a wide foot, I would suggest Birkenstock’s and Vionics. Sorry for the hassle and thank you Deborah!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.ABEO from The Walking Company have been my go to shoes for everything. They have a variety of foot support options like metatarsal support, which I need. I walk 3 to 5 miles a day, as well as teaching first grade. I’m on my feet all day.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My fave comfy shoes are Naots. They’re an Israeli brand, known most for their candles. They are just as supportive as Burks and if the sole wears out, they’ll replace it for free, for life. But I love Clarks too. Great list
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The best thing about Wearing Crocs is there is virtually no foot odor!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Asics and Vionic!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Can not believe Fitflops didn’t make the list! I own 14 pair of them, from thongs to boots. Wear for hours without tired feet or low back pain.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.They sound great, I’ll have to give them a try!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You did not mention Orthofeet in your comfortable shoes list. Their shoes are THE most comfortable, and reasonably priced. Their shoes come with an arch support, and two thin insoles that can be put into the shoe to guarantee a perfect fit. They are the perfect shoes.
I love FitFlops also. They are the only brand of shoe I wear. I am a dog walker and these are more comfortable to me than sneakers.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.But the best part is that I am way over 60 and my butt and my thighs are tight and toned. Just by walking.
Can any other of the brands say that?
Okay, I’m 70, lol. Am short and love that extra few inches. Am 5’2″ but everybody thinks I’m taller.
Yes, I was surprised that fitflops were not included.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have a pair of S.A.S. that are comfortable and New Balance I also think its better to get shoes at a store that sales just shoes . I’v gotten better shoes when there are people who help you find the best fit. I have a bad back and I broke my right foot 7 years ago its harder to fit then the left foot .
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I can’t day enough good things about Merrell shoes! Extremely comfortable fit and support. I’m on my feet all day and tried a lot of the other brand listed, but these were and continue to be the best for me. They have have a full line of styles; everything from sandals and casual shoes to work shoes, athletic shoes and hikers, even boots! I’ve never been disappointed with Merrell. They even got my podiatrist’s seal of approval!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I agree with the Merrells! I am surprised that they did not make the list. I have about 5 pairs of them and their day hikers are the best. We wore them walking through many National Parks and now only wear them even on walks around the neighborhood. I have a narrow foot – size 11 and find they fit pretty well and comfortably – sometimes with the addition of an additional insole or heel pad in the back. They were originally recommended by an orthopedic surgeon after foot surgery.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Any money you spend on good shoes you will never regret. Your feet, knees, hips and back will thank you forever. Plus, they usually last long enough to make their cost worth it.
I also love born and Birks, dansko and Keens are great brands too. Glad to see some listed that I wasn’t familiar with. The ones I would add are Chacos. Similar to Tevas, but the molded foot bed cradles your foot more so your feet don’t slide around, making it less likely that you’ll slip out and turn your ankle. I also like that you can throw them in the washing machine. I used to wear Birkenstocks but in summer, sweat and dirt and water from the pool or gardening can wreck them quickly, so Chacos have been a better choice for me for that stuff. They’re pretty durable, offer good arch support, and are adjustable to your foot. There is a bit of a learning curve in getting them adjusted but are cool and comfy when you do. I can wear my birks when I’m not going to be doing “rugged” stuff. And my b.o.c. (Born) wedge sandals when I want to be dressy.
I even bought my 10 yo daughter a pair that I found slightly used, and she stopped complaining of foot pain and exclaimed they were the “most comfortable shoes ever!” Lol
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Josef Seibel and Rieker are great! I have wide feet and bunions and can tolerate both these brands in their regular size. I love Korks and Kork Ease and can tolerate most of their styles. Some of their flats are too tight for my bunions, but if you have normal width feet, Korks and Kork Ease and very comfortable and stylish also! Nurture brand shoes, exclusively at Dillards, are very comfortable and fit fine for wide feet with my bunions. All these brands are not cheap, but I keep on eye on eBay for great deals! As far as tennis shoes, Salomon fit wide without the price tag of the high end Addidas and are stylish. I watch for deals on Amazon.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Josef Siebel is the most comfortable shoe brand ever. They aren’t cheap, but they are so worth the money. I’m a teacher, and I’m on my feet all day, and by the end of the day sometimes my feet are screaming, but not when I wear the Josef Siebels. You can get them from Zappos.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I found that Earth Origins are another great brand. I have plantar fasciitis and bought a pair of these sandals a year ago cuz my feet hurt. After putting them on, I was able to walk around a mall with my daughter. I also like Vionic, expensive but so worth it. I usually wait for sales
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hands down Clarks sandals I thought I was crazy paying $40.00 for 1 paid sandals but they are SO worth it. I have heel spurs and a bunion I don’t want to resort to surgery and I can walk miles and miles in my Clarks! Love them so much when they came back out this summer in my town I bought 3 pair.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I wear only Anhu shoes. They have solved my issues with plantar fasciitis. The Jackie was my favorite style until they quit making it.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I recently bought a pair of clarks and a pair of crocs. love both!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Merrell’s are hands down (or feet down) my favorite!!!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I will second the vote for Hotter. My all time favorite is Munroe, the only brand that I’ve found that makes my real size – 10 1/2 W. Munroe doesn’t have a lot of styles but they are so comfortable. They’re expensive but I wore a pair of oxfords at least once a week for over 10 years! And they still looked great!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Munroe is one of my favorites, as well, for nice shoes. Thank goodness for Nordstrom! Having thin feet, requiring a slim (AAA) width and an excruciatingly narrow heel, my choices are very limited. For loafers, it’s Trotters and for athletic shoes, New Balance. And that’s it.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.For Summer, I wear DAWGS women’s slides. I can walk for miles & miles.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My favorite brand is Hotter. They are made so well, and come in widths that are super comfortable for my whole family. Second up would be either Toms or Bobs. They are a little thin for cool weather, but they sure are great for summer days.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Unfortunately none of these brands come in narrow so as usual folks with narrow feet are left out in the cold.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Birkenstocks come in Slender. I know, because I buy them for myself. I have several, in sandals and clogs.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Most of these brands offer narrow sizes! Just do a quick google search for the brand you’re looking for. :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Clarks come in widths.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.SAS and Trotters are my go-to shoes for style and comfort. Both American made brands. Clarks is also a good choice.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.