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 have a fused ankle and so many of these shoes are extremely painful for me to wear. Brands I have been able to wear successfully are Kuru, New Balance and SAS sandals.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I am 67 years old and only wear a size 3 kid shoe. They don’t make heels in that size. Clarks were my favorite and they used to make them in 3 or 4. Now 5 is their smallest and they don’t have the machinery any more to make the smaller sizes if you want to order a pair. So, heels, and their sister, dresses are off my list. I wear jeans and tennis shoes (Reebok) everywhere. Even church. It’s even hard to find a Reebok in plain white.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You may have to search to find them but they do make kid size heels, I have a 10 year old who wears a kids 3 that adores wearing heels. I promise they’re out there, though might be an issue if you have foot problems as I do….(bilateral pes planus, tarsal tunnel, and plantar fasciitis, bone spur in right big toe). Gonna check out some of these brands for myself, especially the flats and sandals. Though I love my croc sandals!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I can’t believe I’m not seeing anyone talk about AEROSOLES!! I have neck/shoulder pain, with arthritis in my neck and can often get migraines from bad alignment. I have worn Aerosoles shoes/boots, even when on my feet for 8 hours working retail, and came through like a champ.
Good support, and nice styles – you don’t look frumpy! Also, they have boot styles with adjustable calf widths for those gals with voluptuous calves that may not fit into standard boot shafts when Fall boot season arrives.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My Mom and I both have Plantar Fasciitis and we have tried just about everything. I do like Fit Flops quite a bit for slip on shoes. Crocs are only comfy for short spurts if you have foot problems, same for Skechers, which have little support, but I used to wear them almost exclusively in my younger days. I have quite a few pair of Nikes, but they are not tops for comfort when wearing for an extended stretch. I like Hokas, Brooks, My new New Balance 1080’s are one of my faves, as are my Asics-Gel Nimbus, as long as you size up. I just bought my mom a pair of Kurus and she says they are her most comfortable pair yet, I may have to try them. Clarks are comfy, albeit a little matronly. I have not tried the Vionic or Algeria, but the Danskos and Born are just meh, IMO.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have had quite a few Vionic and also have plantar fasciitis – love that I can wear shoes without my big clunky orthotics and my heels don’t hurt.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My most comfortable shoes are Fitflops.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I pronate in on my right foot and I love Vionics. They are now my go to sports shoe. It’s embarrassing how many pairs of Clarks I have. My sister loves her Eccos. She wears them everywhere. I may have to check out a few of these others. I really can’t wear heels anymore so I’m always looking for something that looks cute and dressy. Great article!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I also have 6 pairs of Clark’s the are by far the most comfortable shoe.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My very favorite comfortable brand is SAS, San Antonio Shoes, for women and men. Stylish, many sizes and widths, great workmanship and materials. Guaranteed quality.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Not as well known as some of the ones above, but take a look at Arcopedico. They have an incredible arch support, walking heel and they come in so many cute styles and colors. I’m not a fan of any of the rubber shoes mentioned above. I know they can be comfortable, but after working for a podiatrist for many years; I saw flat, flat feet, and lots of athletes foot from shoes that retain seat and bacteria.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m not seeing a lot of brands with wide widths. I have bunions and am tired of wearing only New Balance. Don’t get me wrong, they are great but fashion forward? Not so much.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Try the Hoka brand. They run wide and have some cute models. I don’t really have a wide foot but try to buy shoes with a wide toe box for my Plantar Fasciitis.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I wear Okabashi rubber-type sandals all summer long for everything BUT my serious walk and they are totally wonderful. Great support, no slip, and very reasonable (Like 12-15) at Fleet Farm. They come in great colors – I have bronze/turquoise and hot pink.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I bought a pair of Ellen Degeneres (ED) brown leather “sneakers” last year and have worn them everywhere. I’m going to Europe in October and bought a black pair. They are one of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned – and I have 6 pair of Birkenstock sandals & 2 pr. of clogs!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.A few years ago I began to have serious problems with my feet. seemed like new pains in new places every day (think from too many years with too high heels) and I purchased many different brands that were supposed to offer good support etc. …… but still had problems. My son and daughter talked me into trying a pair of birkenstocks and I have never looked back. amazing shoes and worth everything. wear them year round and absolutely no more foot pains or problems.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Try ryka, brand only make shoes for women, from Australia, a little hard to find but extremely comfortable. Average pricing also.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love my ryka – wore them all over italy and never had a bad leg/foot day.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Bernie MeV. They are all elastic. They stretch over the bunions and they are CUTE! Come in many colors and styles.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.These are lovely shoes…however w retirement income (a whooping 800 a mo) I can’t afford these…and with diabetic feet (think 11 xxx wide) I have a great deal of trouble finding shoes for a simple trip to the grocery. Can anybody, (anybody at all) help me here???
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Skechers are pretty affordable and come in extra wide sizes! Here’s a link to just their extra wide selection, some of them are on sale :-) http://jillee.co/2x60pJB
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Try https://www.thewalkingcompany.com/, this store carries all sorts of brands such as Dansko, Abeo, Tao and Vionic, all have great support. Look for the sales (if problem you can return at store) and clearance. If you like a pair but not sure, go to the store try them on, then order online when on sale. Most shoes mentioned might be able to find on Amazon. Good luck.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hotter shoes. They come from England with free shipping. I have a friend that recommended them. They were a little pricey for me, but I told another friend who needs comfortable shoes and she ordered them and has been ordering nothing but them for several years now. They have a good return policy, too.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have horrible feet and have researched shoes a lot. In summer I wear Merrill sandals….comfort and support -I prefer the toe wrap ones but they have many cute styles to chose from. I recently bought Merrill tennis shoes and love these too. I have tried many tennis shoes and these are the only I can wear in comfort.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Winter is all about my Ugg boots. Total comfort…and all I will wear. Worth the price.
I I cannot thank you enough for this post! I’ve had multiple sclerosis for years and years, but about two years ago it became clear it was taking charge. After two years on therapy and continual exercising and refusing to give in I still struggle to find a shoe I can walk in with the assistance of my walker. I need comfort, light weight because my legs cannot always lift my feet when I attempt walking. I cannot tie shoe laces so they must he lace free, a back strap at very least, and rubber soles to prevent slipping, a flat or a small wedge, I use elastic laces for my exercise shoes can sometimes fight with a loose fit. In the last couple of years I’ve taken a huge hit in my monthly income, a whopping $962.00 per month to live off. So my options are only thrift stores, even when the shoe itself is vital for my ability to function.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have no idea why I never thought of it before, yes I do (not used to asking for help). They must have discount stores, do you know of any? You seem terribly savvy and am hoping for a response.
Hi Rebecca! Thrift stores take some dedication, but you just might find the perfect pair – and you can’t beat those prices! Otherwise, I really like using a website called CamelCamelCamel for sales. You can search for your favorite shoe on their website, and check out how the prices have changed over time. You can even ask them to send you an email when the shoe goes under a certain price, so you never miss a great deal! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Do not forget HOTTER shoes! They are superbly crafted AND cute (which is a problem with many of the brand listed). Seriously: Your life will be changed.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have Princess and the Pea feet !!!!! You must include Earth brands shoes, B-Zees and Merrells. I have never had a pair of Merrells that weren’t out-of-the-box comfortable. And I really love the arch support and bouncy comfort that exists in the Earth brands shoes. I’ve recently had issues with a bunion though I never have been a pointed toe or high heel shoe wearer and B-Zees are not only so comfy in the footbed but most of them have stretchy upper fabric vamps that allow for bunions without feeling like your foot is cramped in the top of the shoe. I highly recommend ones that have a Mary Jane strap as this adds to the security of such a soft shoe on the foot. Trust me on these ladies.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Rykas! Designed by women. I bought a pair and did the San Francisco Bay to Breaker race without needing to break the shoes in. No blisters! Never went back to any other shoe for every day use- walking, running, standing.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Has nobody ever wore Jambu? They are the most comfortable I’ve ever wore!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.1 have Jambo. Great shoes. I highly recommend them.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’d also like to seeded some recommendations for people with narrow feet!
I’ll check out these, but I’m so often frustrated that only shoes for wide feet seem to be what’s available.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Almost all of my shoes are Keens (LOVE THEM) but for dress shoes, I have some Indigoes (by Clark) that rock, and two pair of Teva wedge sandals that are SO comfortable and summer chic!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have a very ‘skinny’ foot and wear a 3A in width. Do any of these comfy shoes come in narrow widths??
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Most of these brands offer narrow sizes! :-)
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