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?
Merrell – the soles of their shoes have that nice rocking motion and great support – their hiking shoes are the bomb!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Easy Spirit shoes work for me.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’d like to see a post on the most comfortable shoes for women in size 5 that are affordable!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I would like to recommend Fit Flops. My friend and I both have Plantar Fasciitis and they are the only really comfortable shoes for summer. These shoes are made for this problem and believe me, they are comfortable. I have been wearing them for at least 10 years. Hard to find so usually I order over the internet. Amazon has a great selection. Other companies have copied them but they just aren’t right somehow.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great post! I would also add Earth and Vionics to your list. I have plantar fasciaitis and the arch support and stable shank are very important. Vionics has that. Earth are just so comfortable due to their rounded square toe box and good construction.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Merrel, keen and dansko/ sanita clogs ( same clog ). Really are the best. All the ” well known ” brands do not have the support. They cost more but are well worth the money. You can also find sales on discontinued items and colors that haven’t sold well. Check next time you are in a restaurant or hospital and see how many chefs and nurses are wearing dansko clogs. For added support in any shoe try sole inserts with cork bed. My sole.com. Best insert out there.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Has anyone ever tried Hoka brand shoes?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve worked in shoes for 20 years…oh the things I could say about shoes….
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you so much for this post, because I had major surgery on my foot and leg. It’s hard to find comfortable shoes. I just gave up finding shoes that do no hurt my feet after one hour of wearing them. Because of your wonderful post, I now have other shoes I can give a try. Shoes I never thought would possible be pretty and comfortable to. Thank you!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have a multitude of foot problems, and my podiatrist said Sketchers are the a WORST shoes . I had several pair i loved but had to get rid of. He was in agreement with most of the other brands . Others he recommended were Montrail, New Balance, Naot. All are pricey but can be found on sale periodically.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Merrell! I can walk all day even in their “dressy” shoes! My feet have been so happy since I started wearing Merrell several years ago!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I had a seasonal retail job a couple of years ago, and thought that my Skechers would be the right shoe for standing all day. Wrong! Love them for walking and tai chi, but standing is not their strong point. The leg cramps at night were miserable. I happened upon a pair of Dansko shoes in the style of a tennis shoe. They are too heavy for playing tennis, but any time I am going to be standing for long periods of time, they are my go-to. I can wear them sunrise to sunset without cramps or aches in my arthritic feet or knee joints. I also have several pairs of clogs by Dansko and by Born that are absolutely perfect. I was glad to see that my shoe choices are the same that others make.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.New Balance is the only brand still made exclusively in the USA. One Good Reason to buy them!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.SAS (San Antonio Shoemakers) Made in San Antonio, Texas. How ’bout helping the South Texas economy.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.GREAT comfortable shoes which my podiatrist approved in a variety of styles. Pricey (to me) but I have three pairs that can be worn all day and my feet thank me. One pair is twenty five years old and still working good with support from my local shoe repair shop. Can be ordered on-line (very nice support staff) or in stores.
Another fine shoe company is Wolky. They are Dutch. I wear Clarks and Wolky most of the time. Walking on the New York City concrete pavement is hard, but I have few problems due to these supportive shoes.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have heard over and over again that Nike’s are the WORST sneakers for your feet. I still wear them tho bc I love some of the styles.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Aetrex sandals provide excellent arch support and they’re stylish. I have three pair of the Jllian quarter strap style. The have adjustable straps. I have custom orthotics for my closed shoes but I can walk a distance in these sandals without pain.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I also have a pair cast off Eastland shoes from my sister. I’m surprised this brand wasn’t on the list. I have slightly wide feet and high arches, so finding a truly comfortable pair can be a challenge.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Joseph Siebel and Echo are 2 of the very best shoes for comfort. I have A LOT of feet issues and they are by far superior.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I agree with most of your comfort choices, but please add Jambu to your list. The dressier shoes and boots are just as comfortable as their sandsls!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Wow – all great brands, including New Balance. I have very wide feet and wear SAS shoes and sandals (except for New Balance sneakers). They are very expensive but are worth every penny. I have had my shoes and sandals for 6 yrs and they still have quite a few more years and miles to go.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I find Munro shoes very comfortable. They are worth the price and I consider the purchases an investment. Nordstrom’s sells Munro. My Podiatrist recommended this brand because of the arthritis I have in my feet.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Fit Flops should have been on your list!! These are the greatest for people with foot (especially heel) problems. Clarks work for short term wear, but then out come the FFs. Check them out!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I totally agree with you on that shoe. I was surprised they were completely left out.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hotters. Some orthopedic styles but most of them are attractive, low heel to flat. They emphasis good fit for hard to fit sizes.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have hard to fit feet, and always welcome comfy shoes. But a random sampling of the shoes listed above show that the vast majority are NORMAL sizes — almost none smaller than a 6, and just as few in widths wider than a B. A shoe is not comfy if it doesn’t fit! How about a post on shoes that come in a realistic range of sizes and widths — starting at a size 5, and widths as wide as E or EE for some? I read once that there are two items almost all women wear that are the wrong size for them — bras and shoes! Help!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I agree with AuntKathy!
Widths that are narrow would be great also.
Lower heels in dress shoes! When we wear tall heels the bones in our feet are shoved to the front of our foot causing mega foot problems down the line.
Our feet are one of the most important parts of our body, and they are treated as just another of the one size fits all myth.
So tired of the fashion industry that dictates to us.
Another one of my pet peeves is that clothes are made for the younger people instead of having clothes for every age group.
And don’t start me on dressing children as mini adults.
Sorry for the vent….bad day.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.New Balance for me. Have had many different brands, but always go back to New Balance. I am 70 and walk 3 miles every day. I still spend quite a bit of time on my feet. I am not an obese person but over weight by some standards. I will stick with New Balance.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Allbirds, stylish and comfortable
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