We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Style Shoes & Accessories Shoes The 25 Most Comfortable Shoes of 2024 These sneakers, sandals, flats, and more are proof that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style. By Nina Bahadur Nina Bahadur Nina Bahadur is a writer and editor based in NYC who specializes in beauty, kitchen, and organizing content. Highlights: * Writing has appeared in SELF, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, The New York Times, Health, SHAPE, Food52, and more * Former Deputy Editor for HuffPost Women * Former Deputy Culture Editor for SELF.com Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Amanda Prahl Amanda Prahl Amanda Prahl is a freelance writer who has been writing about home, culture, and lifestyle topics since 2016. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on January 17, 2024 Fact checked by Emily Estep Fact checked by Emily Estep Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics that range from film and beauty to science and the automobile industry. Her plant biology degree has a focus on sustainable agriculture, and she’s an expert on growing your own food, environmental sciences, and all topics relating to houseplants. Our Fact-Checking Process In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Reviews How to Shop FAQs Take Our Word for It Real Simple / Kristin Kempa Gone are the days when your only options for comfortable shoes involved clunky, outdated styles or pricy custom-made insoles. Nowadays, comfortable shoes are available in various styles, prices, and colors—including lightweight sneakers perfect for your daily jog and stylish heels you can dance in all night. “A good way to test the support of a shoe is to hold it at the heel and toe and try to twist it,” says Daniel Pledger, DPM, a podiatrist and founder of ePodiatrists. “If the shoe twists easily, it may not provide enough support. Also, try pressing your thumb into the arch area of the shoe. If it gives easily, it may not have enough support." To find the most comfortable shoes, we spent hours researching various sneakers, boots, slip-ons, and more. We narrowed down the list based on style, materials, and size ranges. In addition to Dr. Pledger, we also got expert input from Dan Geller, DPM, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and advisor for Kane Footwear. Whether you’re running errands, crushing a workout, or hitting the dance floor at a wedding, there’s a pair of comfortable shoes here for you. Adidas Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Running Shoes Amazon View On Amazon $61 What Stands Out These incredibly lightweight, comfy shoes weigh just 4 ounces each. What Could Be Improved The fabric is not super breathable, so this shoe may not be great in hot weather. The Adidas Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Shoes are the definition of lightweight—each sneaker weighs about 4 ounces. This shoe has a Cloudfoam midsole and a memory foam sock liner for a soft, cushioned feel. The textile upper is Adidas’ Primegreen fabric, which is made from recycled materials. While this material is soft and comfortable, it is not super breathable, so this shoe may not be a great choice if you’re prone to overheating or want to avoid sweaty feet. These shoes also come in 17 colors, so there’s a style for everyone. Size Range: 5–11, including most half-sizes | Material: Textile upper, synthetic outsole Birdies The Vesper Flat Birdies View On Nordstrom $50 View On Zappos $130 View On Birdies.com What Stands Out These chic loafers have an extremely comfortable footbed. What Could Be Improved The heel may not provide enough support for people with heel pain. Birdies is known for its slipper-like shoes that have a layered footbed for ultimate comfort and support. The layers include a lightweight quilted insole, arch support, heel support, two layers of high-density foam, a shock absorption layer, and a memory foam later. The Vesper loafers are made from super-soft suede and come in seven colors (including some metallic options). They have non-slip rubber soles and a very slight, 10-millimeter heel raise—this might not offer enough heel support for some shoppers. These loafers are ultralight and mold to your feet, so the brand recommends sizing up if you have wide feet. Size Range: 5–12, including most half sizes | Material: Suede, rubber Cariuma Salvas Leather Sneaker Cariuma View On Cariuma.com What Stands Out These stylish sneakers are made from ethically sourced leather, with rubber soles and removable insoles for a bouncy feel and maximum comfort. What Could Be Improved They might not be the best pick for people on a budget. White, low-top leather sneakers are so versatile that you can pair them with anything, from a cute dress to workout gear. These Cariuma sneakers (a Real Simple editor favorite), are so comfortable that there’s no breaking-in period—that means you can wear them right out of the box without worrying about blisters. They’re made from ethically sourced leather, with a gold rating from the Leather Working Group, and have a breathable recycled mesh lining. They also boast a rubber sole, insoles made of cork and foam, and laces made from recycled materials and organic cotton. They’re available in seven different styles, including one black shoe with white details and six white options with details in contrasting colors. Size Range: 5–13, including half-sizes | Material: Leather, rubber Vivaia Round-Toe Chunky Heels Vivaia View On Vivaia.com What Stands Out The recycled fabric uppers allow your feet to move flexibly, while the block heel distributes your weight evenly. What Could Be Improved The insole contains herbs, which may be uncomfortable for people with sensitive skin or allergies. If you’re looking for truly comfortable heels, check out the Vivaia Julie Pro Heels. These round-toe shoes have a chunky, 1.77-inch heel and pressure-relief insoles with a padded diamond design and a heel patch for extra comfort. The fabric uppers are made with recycled materials to support your feet while allowing for flexibility and movement. The insole contains the plant Artemisia argyi (aka silvery wormwood or Chinese mugwort) to help reduce odors, which is something to take note of if you have allergies. Size Range: 5–11, including half sizes | Material: Knit uppers, rubber outsole Keen Women's Elle Backstrap Sandal Amazon View On Amazon $64 View On Zappos $95 View On Keenfootwear.com What Stands Out These stylish, lightweight sandals have plenty of cushioning and a flexible foam midsole. What Could Be Improved You can’t adjust the straps, so this shoe may be too loose for people with narrow feet. If you want cute sandals for everyday wear, opt for this lightweight style from Keen. They have a midsole made from EVA foam, which is super flexible and responsive to your foot’s shape and movement. The wide straps, including a strap over the back of the heel, provide plenty of support for your ankle and can prevent your foot from sliding around—just note that the straps aren’t adjustable, which makes these tricky for people with narrow feet. The rubber soles have deep grooves for traction, making them great for long walks. They’re available in many colors and prints, including tie-dye, two-tone, and patterned options. Size Range: 5–11, including half sizes | Material: Textile, rubber Allbirds Sneakers Allbirds View On Allbirds.com $110 View On Dick's $110 View On REI $50 What Stands Out This soft, everyday shoe comes in a fashionable low-top style and is made from comfortable, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant wool. What Could Be Improved It’s not ideal for people who need a more structured shoe. The main draw of these low-top shoes is the wool blend upper, made from merino wool that’s ZQ certified for sustainability, animal welfare, and traceability. Wool is incredibly breathable and wicks away moisture without holding on to odors. You don’t need to wear socks with these shoes, and the wool material is super comfortable in hot and cool weather, just like your favorite wool socks. The shoe’s midsoles and outsoles are made from the brand’s proprietary SweetFoam, a bouncy, impact-absorbing material that offers cushioning and support. And the shoelaces, made from recycled plastic bottles, are soft to the touch and easy to tie. Size Range: 5–11, whole sizes only | Material: Merino wool, foam Birkenstock Women's Arizona Sandal Amazon View On Amazon $90 View On Nordstrom $130 View On Zappos $130 What Stands Out The cork and latex footbeds are designed for excellent foot support. What Could Be Improved You may need to break in the cork soles before they're comfortable. There’s a reason these classic Birkenstocks have been around since 1973: The comfort is unbeatable. The Arizona sandals have two leather straps with metal buckles and natural leather insoles that get softer and more comfortable with time. The soles are cork and latex, which lightly cushions your step and customizes to your feet as you break them in. The footbeds have a deep heel cup, extended arch support, and a raised toe bar that helps your feet grip the shoe properly. The Arizona sandal comes in various colors and leather types, including suede, nubuck, and patent, so you can find a sandal that suits your style. There are two widths (regular/wide and medium/narrow) available, and sizes range from a women’s 4–12.5. Just note that some people may find the cork footbeds initially uncomfortable, especially if they’re used to a memory foam insole or other materials with more bounce. Size Range: 4–4.5 to 12–12.5 | Material: Leather, cork Hoka Women's Clifton 9 Hoka View On Amazon $200 View On Nordstrom $145 View On Zappos $145 What Stands Out These running sneakers have great cushioning and neutral support. What Could Be Improved Non-runners may not need all the athletic features. Hoka is known for its lightweight, cushioned running sneakers, and the Clifton 9 Running Shoes are no exception. They have a breathable engineered knit upper, molded midsole, and rubber outsoles that create the perfect support for everyday running. “The Hoka Clifton provides a great cushion for your feet, neutral support, and a low heel-to-toe ratio,” says Dr. Geller. “Look around and you’ll see Hokas everywhere, not just in your local running groups. Their subtle rocker sole allows an easy heel-to-toe transfer that makes weight transfer very smooth.” Plus, these shoes boast an American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance, which is awarded to products that promote good foot health. Size Range: 5–12, including most half-sizes | Material: Engineered knit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Rothy’s The Point Rothy View On Rothys.com What Stands Out These pointed-toe shoes are flexible and fully machine-washable. What Could Be Improved The fabric isn’t super breathable, and the slim soles might not be supportive enough for some people. These flats are super lightweight (the fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles!), creating a flexible shoe that doesn’t require a break-in period. The classic pointed-toe style and range of over 30 different colors and patterns—including leopard, gingham, and snakeskin—make this a stylish option that can easily traverse from your morning commute to happy hour. The fabric isn’t very breathable, which may be less than ideal for warm weather, but these flats are completely machine-washable. If you want an ultra-supporting shoe, the slim soles on these flats might not be adequate. Rothy's The Point flats come in sizes 5–13 with half sizes, but they run a little small, so plan to order a half-size up. Size Range: 5–13, including half sizes | Material: Recycled plastic, rubber Superga Classic Sneaker Amazon View On Amazon $61 View On Nordstrom $49 View On Zappos $70 What Stands Out These shoes are made from a comfortable cotton canvas with textured rubber soles and come in various sizes and colors. What Could Be Improved Some people may find that the material isn’t breathable enough to comfortably wear in hotter weather. These low-top canvas sneakers are made from classic materials—the lining and upper are 100 percent cotton and the sole is 100 percent rubber. The rubber soles provide plenty of grip and the cotton uppers are durable and comfortable, making this a great shoe to wear during vacation sightseeing or a city commute. While we love the style of the canvas upper, it may not be as breathable as some other materials. There are over 40 colors available, and some styles are available all the way up to a size 15.5. Size Range: 5–15.5, including half-sizes | Material: Cotton, rubber Saucony Women’s Endorphin Speed 3 Amazon View On Amazon View On Nordstrom $160 View On Zappos $170 What Stands Out This shoe has carbon plate technology for extra foot support. What Could Be Improved These shoes are expensive and may not be worth the price tag for non-runners Selecting the right shoes for your workout can improve performance and comfort. Dr. Geller recently began running in the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 shoes and loves the plate technology—they are embedded in the midsole and help support the foot and propel you forward while running. The carbon plate technology “helps [propel] you and mitigates the shock our bodies typically absorb during running,” according to Dr. Geller. The shoe also has a breathable mesh upper and a grippy rubber outsole. You can choose from over 10 color options, with white and color soles available. Size Range: 5–12, including half-sizes | Material: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Kuru Glide Women’s Sandal KURU Footwear View On Kurufootwear.com What Stands Out The ergonomic design helps support your heels to prevent foot pain. What Could Be Improved There’s only one width available, and people with narrow feet may find these shoes to be too wide. The Kuru Glide Women’s Sandals have an ergonomic design for all-day comfort and a simple but stylish look that can easily become a wardrobe staple. A comfortable heel-cupping design flexes with each step to protect your heels, according to the brand. The shoes also have layers of lightweight ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam to absorb shock and contoured foam for arch support. The leather straps have a pigskin lining and a sheepskin footbed that hold up to long-term wear and walking, and they come in three colors in sizes 5–11. Size Range: 5–12, whole sizes only | Material: Leather, EVA foam Vionic Kensley Loafer Courtesy of Amazon. View On Amazon $130 View On Nordstrom $78 View On Zappos $135 What Stands Out The trendy lug sole on these shoes offers plenty of traction. What Could Be Improved These shoes run large and wide, so they might not be the best option for people with narrow feet. These leather loafers have a trendy lug sole with a .75-inch platform and a 1.5-inch heel, providing plenty of support for your arches. Vionic has an innovation lab run by podiatrists, and many of its styles have the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance—including these loafers. Available in three colors, these loafers run large and a bit wide, so they may not be best suited to people with narrow feet. They also might take a while to break in, as the brand recommends wearing your new Vionic shoes for a couple of hours in the first few days to help your feet get used to them. Size Range: 5–11, including most half sizes | Material: Leather, EVA New Balance FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneaker Amazon View On Walmart $126 View On Zappos $65 View On Newbalance.com $50 What Stands Out These lightweight shoes have a fabric loop at the heel to help you get them on and off. What Could Be Improved This particular style doesn’t have enough support for serious running. These sleek-looking walking shoes have synthetic mesh uppers and a New Balance Memory Sole footbed for a comfy, supportive feel. The midsole is made from REVlite material, which the brand says “delivers incredibly lightweight cushioning and provides a responsive ride” so you can wear the shoes all day. Plus, a fabric loop at the heel makes it easy to pull these shoes on and off without fully unlacing them, which is ideal for those with limited mobility. There are 11 colors and patterns available, including a black and leopard print option, and sizes range from 5–12. Size Range: 5–12, including half-sizes and wide sizes | Material: Mesh, memory foam Dr. Martens 1460 Women’s Pascal Virginia Leather Boots Amazon View On Amazon View On Drmartens.com What Stands Out The soft leather used in these boots requires less breaking in. What Could Be Improved The laces can take a while to tie up. The 100 percent authentic leather uppers in these classic boots are made with Dr. Martens’ “Virginia” leather, which is softer and thinner than the leather used in some of its other styles. This means that, unlike classic Dr. Martens, these versatile boots don’t have an extended break-in period. There are eight grommets for the shoelaces, so you can tie the boots as tight or loose as you prefer—just know that re-doing the laces can take a while. The thick rubber soles provide arch support, while the extended boot adds ankle stability. Size Range: 5–11, whole sizes only | Material: Leather, rubber Teva Women's Original Universal Sandals Amazon View On Amazon $45 View On Nordstrom $36 View On Zappos $55 What Stands Out These sandals have a multi-strap system that’s fully adjustable, helping you get a great fit. What Could Be Improved The lightweight soles may not be supportive enough for people who need firm arch or heel support. These sporty sandals have fully adjustable straps, making it easy to get a great fit that works for your specific foot shape. They are made from 100 percent polyester webbing, which is quick-drying and odor-resistant. Each Teva sandal weighs about 5.5 ounces, and while the footbeds are designed with a heel cup and arch support, they might be a little too lightweight for some users. The Teva Original Universal Sandal is available in over 30 colors, including fun patterns in floral and southwestern styles. They come in whole sizes 5–12. If you wear a half-size, the brand recommends rounding up. Size Range: 5–12, whole sizes only | Material: Polyester, rubber KURU Luna Chelsea Boot KURU View On Kurufootwear.com $165 What Stands Out The built-in arch support makes these boots super comfortable. What Could Be Improved They’re ideal for fall and winter but may be too hot for summer wear. These comfortable, Chelsea-style ankle boots are made with full-grain leather, rubber soles, and a synthetic lining. The built-in arch support makes these comfortable for all-day wear, even for people who regularly experience discomfort in their feet. The boots also have an 8-millimeter drop between the heel and the toe to distribute pressure evenly from your heel to forefoot. Plus, the stretchy side inserts and loop at the heel make it easy to slide the boots on and off. Size Range: 6–11, including half sizes | Material: Leather, rubber Skechers Go Walk Joy Slip-On Sneakers Amazon View On Amazon $50 View On Walmart $40 View On Dsw.com $60 What Stands Out This lightweight, breathable slip-on sneaker is a versatile and comfortable option for everyday wear. What Could Be Improved People with narrow feet may need laces to get a supportive fit. Slip-on shoes are perfect for running errands, chasing after your kids in the yard, and taking a daily walk around the neighborhood. You can get them on in just a few seconds without fiddling with laces. These sneakers are super lightweight (just 5.25 ounces per shoe), and the mesh uppers are made from a breathable fabric perfect for warm weather. The 1.5-inch heel offers support and structure, and the midsole has responsive cushioning. Plus, these shoes are available in 29 colors and both normal and wide widths. Size Range: 5–13 with half-sizes, narrow, and wide sizes available | Material: Athletic mesh, foam Frankie4 Australia Women's Winnie II White Suede Shoes Frankie4 View On Frankie4.com What Stands Out The podiatrist-designed footbed offers support for your heels and arches. What Could Be Improved The shoes are expensive, and the suede material can be difficult to clean. Podiatrists founded Frankie4, so its shoes are supremely comfortable and supportive. The highlight of the Winnie II White Suede sneakers is the supportive footbed, which has a contoured design to cradle and cushion the heel. It also offers arch support, keeping you comfortable no matter how long you’re on your feet. These lightweight sneakers have stylish perforated suede uppers and are available in regular, wide, and narrow fits to suit your foot shape. White sneakers are versatile enough to pair with anything, but suede can be difficult to clean, so this may not be the best pick for all-weather excursions. Size Range: 6–13, with some half-sizes available | Material: Suede, leather Oofos OoAhh Slide Sandal Oofos View On Amazon $60 View On Nordstrom $60 View On Nordstrom $60 What Stands Out The footbed of this shoe offers arch support and helps reduce overuse in your ankles. What Could Be Improved Most people’s feet can slip out of slides easily, so these shoes are better suited for wearing around the house or on quick errands rather. These slides are intended to be recovery shoes for runners, but like other comfortable slides, they’re also great casual shoes for wearing around the house or out on short errands. They’re made with a proprietary foam technology, which absorbs more impact than traditional footwear foam to reduce joint stress, according to the brand. Another highlight is the patented footbed, which supports your arches and minimizes ankle overuse. The shoes are machine washable, have the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance, and come in 10 colors. Just note that the slides come in whole sizes only—if you wear a half size, size up. Size Range: 6–15, whole sizes only | Material: Foam Charleston Shoe Co. New Monterey Charleston Shoe Co. View On Charlestonshoeco.com What Stands Out The lug soles provide both grip and flexibility, and the elastic straps allow your feet to move naturally. What Could Be Improved These shoes run small and narrow, so they’re not ideal for people with wide feet. These sandals come with lug soles, which are thick soles with indents—a style that offers extra traction and flexibility. They have elastic upper straps for a flexible, close fit without fiddly buckles—especially at the ankle, where the strap is wide for extra support. There’s a padded insole, a 1-inch platform, and a roughly 2-inch heel, so you get the look of a high heel without the pain. These machine-washable shoes can be dressed up or down and are available in four colors and sizes 5-11. The brand notes that these run small and narrow, so we recommend sizing up. Size Range: 5–11, whole sizes only | Material: Elastic, rubber Reef Cushion Vera Cruz Slide Reef View On Amazon $70 View On Zappos $70 View On Reef.com What Stands Out It’s well-contoured support makes it soft and comfortable for everyday wear. What Could Be Improved The chunky two-strap design and limited color options might not make it the most fashionable shoe choice. The Reef Cushion Vera Cruz Sandal features a signature cushioning design with anatomical arch support, providing exceptional comfort for a quick errand or a full day of activities. In fact, we featured this shoe in our roundup of the best comfortable slides and it came out on top. During testing, we took note of the soft and flexible, yet sturdy synthetic leather that offers immediate comfort without break-in time. We also really loved how secure the shoe felt on different terrains, plus it held up well after extended use. The moderate price point is a plus, but the slightly clunky design and only three color options may not resonate with those looking for a statement piece. Size Range: 5-11, including most half-sizes | Material: PVC-free vegan leather Rothy’s The Square Mary Jane Rothyâs View On Rothys.com What Stands Out These shoes are soft, versatile, and machine-washable for easy cleaning. What Could Be Improved The top straps can’t be adjusted to customize the fit. It may look like a simple Mary Jane shoe, but Rothy’s The Square Mary Jane offers a lot more. We previously tested these shoes in our roundup of the best comfortable flats, and it earned our “Best Overall” superlative. What we loved about this shoe was how comfortable and supportive it felt for various activities ranging from long walks to quick errands. We also noted the shoe’s light weight, and how easy it was to dress up or down. Plus, the shoes are washable and knit from materials derived from recycled plastic bottles. While they do have a top strap for security, it can’t be adjusted which might make the fit a bit awkward if the strap is too tight or loose. Size Range: 5-13, including most half-sizes | Material: Recycled plastic Blundstone Women's Style 558 Chelsea Boots Blundstone View On Amazon View On Blundstone.com What Stands Out It’s durable, supportive, and features comfortable details like a soft lining and removable (or addable) footbeds for a more customized fit. What Could Be Improved It’s not ideal if you’re looking for shoes that require minimal care. Made from real, quality leather, the Blundstone Women’s Style 558 Chelsea Boots offer a classic look and customizable fit. The star of the show is the footbed, which not only offers strong arch support and shock absorption, it can be adjusted for a customized fit. You can remove the footbed for more room, or add the extra footbed if the shoe is too roomy. The leather exterior is solid and comes in several colors, but because it’s real leather, it requires a more careful care routine than a synthetic shoe. The size range is narrower than some competitors, but the insole/footbed adjustments do allow for some flexibility. Size Range: 6-11, including most half-sizes | Material: Leather interior and lining; TPU plastic outsole Dream Pairs Low-Chunk Low Heel Pump Sandals Amazon View On Amazon $38 What Stands Out The shoe’s elegant look makes it great for dressier events. What Could Be Improved The shoes tend to run a little large, and the toe strap may irritate sensitive skin. Fancy occasions are some of the trickiest events to find comfortable shoes for, but the Dream Pairs Pump Sandals have it covered. The low, wide heel provides more support and better balance while still maintaining an appropriately dressy look. With over 30 color options, including colorful faux leather, suede, and more, the shoes are easy to match with most outfits. Depending on your choice of material and your foot’s shape, the toe strap may or may not irritate, especially with long wear. However, the adjustable ankle strap and lightly cushioned insole are built to hold up for any all-night celebration. Size Range: 5-12, including most half-sizes and some wide sizes | Material: Faux leather, suede, or glitter exterior; Latex padded insole, TPR rubber sole How to Shop for Comfortable Shoes Like a Pro Type When shopping for comfortable shoes, consider your favorite styles and frequency of wear. If you live in a warm climate, you may want a supportive but stylish sandal, while those who run errands in a busy city may prefer a sneaker. If you tend to walk shorter distances, a heavier shoe may be more comfortable, but for long-distance walking, you may prefer something on the lighter side. After determining what type of shoe best suits your lifestyle and preferences, evaluate the materials of your desired shoe. “The materials used in shoes can impact their comfort level,” says Dr. Pledger, DPM, founder of ePodiatrists. “Leather, mesh, and other breathable materials can help keep your feet cool and dry, while flexible materials like nylon or canvas can allow for natural foot movement.” Dr. Pledger also notes that cushioned soles made from foam or gel can also “help absorb shock and provide added comfort.” Generally, you want to steer clear of any shoes made from stiff or hard materials, as these can cause irritation and blisters. Support Support makes all the difference between a comfortable shoe and one you dread wearing. Depending on your unique foot shape, you may want different supportive features, like arch support, a cushioned heel, or a wider toe box. Dr. Pledger recommends shoes “with features like arch support, a firm heel counter, and a sturdy sole” to help maintain your foot’s natural alignment and prevent injuries or pain. Sizing & Fit Shoes that don’t fit well are bound to cause discomfort or pain. When shopping for shoes, consult each brand’s size guide to see if they have any notes on fit. Whether you're shopping for sporty sandals or classic flats, it can be helpful to measure your shoe size at home so you can compare your measurements against potential purchases. Questions You Might Ask What shoe type is most comfortable? Some of the most comfortable shoes are also some of the most comfortable boots. What is most comfortable depends on your unique foot type and gait, according to Dr. Geller. “In general, shoes with a wider toe box, good arch support, and cushioned soles tend to be more comfortable for most people,” he says. “Shoes made of breathable materials like leather or mesh can also help keep your feet cool and dry, which can enhance comfort.” Are soft or hard shoes better for your feet? Hard shoes might be better for some people, while soft shoes are better for others. “Our feet are all different, from bunions, hammertoes, high arch feet, low arch feet, flexible feet, rigid feet, feet with lots of padding to feet with little to none,” Dr. Geller says. “Soft shoes like sneakers can offer cushioning and flexibility, making them comfortable for all-day wear,” Dr. Pledger says. “However, they may lack the structure and support that some people need. On the other hand, hard shoes like boots or dress shoes may provide more support and stability but can be less forgiving on the feet. Ultimately, it depends on individual preferences and needs.” How do you know if shoes fit correctly? Dr. Pledger says to keep the following tips in mind when you’re checking if a shoe fits properly: There should be half an inch of space between your longest toe and the end of your shoe.The shoe should feel snug—but not tight—around your heel.When you walk in the shoes, they should not pinch or rub your feet anywhere. What type of shoe is best for people with flat feet? If you have flat feet, your feet may ache more frequently—or just differently—than those with a higher arch. To avoid fatigue and pain, look for shoes with strong arch support to ensure your weight is effectively distributed. You’ll also want to seek out shoes with plenty of cushioning in the midsole, plus stability features like a sole with good traction and a firm heel counter (the “cupped” part in the back that prevents the shoe from slipping off your heel). How do you measure your shoe size? If you’re in a store, you can have a salesperson assist you or use a Brannock device, the standard foot-measuring tool in most shoe stores. If you’re ordering shoes online, however, you may need to measure your foot yourself. The easiest way to do this is to trace your foot on a piece of paper, then measure the distance from the end of the longest toe to the back of the heel. Then, using a sizing chart (like the one for women’s shoe sizes below), convert that measurement into a shoe size. Note that some brands may run smaller or larger, so be sure to double check the company’s sizing chart to ensure that you’re picking the correct shoe size based on your own measurements. Shoe Size 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 Inches 8.6 8.8 9 9.1 9.3 9.5 9.6 9.8 10 10.1 10.3 Centimeters 21.9 22.2 22.9 23.1 23.5 24.1 24.4 24.8 25.4 25.7 26.2 Take Our Word for It This article was written by Nina Bahadur, an experienced writer and editor who walks at least 5 miles daily and has sworn off uncomfortable shoes, and updated by Amanda Prahl, a contributing writer for Real Simple with over five years of writing lifestyle content. To write this article, Nina spent hours researching comfortable shoes, looking at different styles, materials, and supports. Both writers also also got expert input from Dan Geller, DPM, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and advisor for Kane Footwear, and Daniel Pledger, DPM, a podiatrist and founder of ePodiatrists. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! 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