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?
Asics
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Merrell makes excellent shoes that are comfortable, support the foot and wear well. I’ve had some pairs for 10 years and they’re still going strong.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I was just going to suggest Merrells! Couldn’t have said it better, Mayo! Love mine!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Wow! great post! I have big flat size 11 feet–Hobbit feet, lol. Thank you thank you for this great list.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.New Balance makes great shoes and inserts.
Wear Tevas all the time during warm weather. Extremely comfortable. Can be worn in water. Even hiked in them!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My mom also has a pair of Clarks. This pair was actually cast- offs from one of my sisters.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I agree with all your recommendations.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.One of the shoes in the Sketchers link is my favorite brand, Easy Spirit!
Suellen
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I kind of have the same problem too with wide feet. I have a pair of Born clogs, they are so comfy.My mom and I actually got them second hand . I think from a garage sale.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I do like Nikes. Too bad comfortable shoes are not very attractive
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’d like to add Brooks running shoes , aerosols,abeo,seelander abd naturalizer too. Oops almost forgot life stride!! Love your picks and I always wear sketchers when I travel!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.If you have high arches like I do, New Balance sneakers are fantastic. Also, my husband has flat feet, and wide- and they found a perfect one for him as well. The people there know how to fit you and it sseems like there’s a fit and style of sneaker for every kind for foot. We’re in our 60’s now and just won’t look elsewhere.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I am with you on this one. I love my Birks for Sandler but new balance for everything else I can get away with!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I find it is very hard to find wide fitting shoes. Not everyone has skinny long feet! A lot of women have this problem. Maybe you could do a blog on wide fitting shoes – that would be extremely helpful. I live in Canada and find that a a lot of shoe sellers DO NOT ship to Canada, so confusing as there is a large market here for wide shoes. I have Danskos from a few years ago that are perfect, very stylish and comfortable. But they are no where to be found. If you have time you would be doing a great service to people like me who were born with wide feet!
Thanks for any help youu can provide.
PS I love your articles and find they are very useful, to the point, and easy t
implement. I am going to try freezing water in my favorite Danskos which are a little pinchy.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks, Diane
PS I think you did a great job in compiling these best loved shoes and that is fall is just around the corner, ,–maybe it is time to do an article on normal shoes (inot sandals) We have a lot of snow here in the wintertime.
Thanks, Diane
new balance or s.a.s.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Interesting list. I have never found a comfortable pair of Clark’s — and I’ve tried. I can’t wear Birkenstocks either. I do love Born, Keen, Skechers, and Dansko. One brand that I love that didn’t make your list are Chacos. I have four pair, and love them!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You missed the very best shoe, Merrells.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.They are the only one for me!
I am an RN, I wear only Brooks running shoes due to 12 hr shifts on concrete flooring, my feet hurt before I started wearing Brooks. One day while searching for solid white sneakers for nursing school I wandered into my local running store, when they heard I was in nursing, they suggested the Brooks.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I can’t believe Mephisto didn’t make the list!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I can’t agree more! Hands down, Mephisto is the most comfortable sandal that I have ever worn! I was in Paris and my feet were hurting so bad (I have terrible feet!) when happened to walk by a Mephisto shop. They saved my vacation!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.SAS although expensive as well are very good too. They come in a variety of styles. I tend to wear the more stylish sandals, but they also have boots, small heels and flats as well as boots. They do guarantee their product which is very hard to find these days in shoes.
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