The 15 Most Comfortable Shoes of 2025, Editor and Podiatrist-Approved

Posted by

July 1, 2025

On July 1, 2025

Nothing ruins our mood more than wearing uncomfortable shoes—whether that’s a pair of high heels or narrow flats that cause blisters and chafing. If our shoes are killing us, all we can think about is the end of the night when we can finally kick them off and soothe our soles. Of course, if you have concerns such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, or flat feet, wearing a supportive shoe is even more important.

The good news is that with more and more brands designing comfortable heels and flats, it’s no longer necessary to sacrifice style for comfort. To compile a shortlist of the best available options, we consulted with several podiatrists. We utilized their expertise to evaluate shoes based on their cushioning, arch support, stability, heel height, materials, and fit, to find the most comfortable shoes that offer both style and support.

Credit: New Balance

Sizes: 5-12 | Material: Suede, Mesh & Recycled Polyester | Width: Standard, Wide

New York-based podiatrist Dr. Tyler Miranda recommends this brand because of how supportive they are on the arch of your feet, especially when walking and running around. This style features a special soft foam and a tough polyurethane midsole—the perfect combination for the support and comfort you need on those long commute days.

Credit: Amazon

Size: 5-12 | Material: Rubber, Recycled Plastic | Width: Standard

These comfortable and eco-friendly shoes are for just about anyone seeking versatile, all-day footwear. Wherever you choose to wear them, these utilitarian-style kicks are comfortable and practical, equipped with a bouncy and foamy material and a midsole with heel cupping for arch support. There are even adjustable straps (made of 100% recycled plastic!) to ensure you get the right fit.

Credit: Tory Burch

Size: 23-37 | Material: Nylon, Suede, Leather | Width: Standard

Tory Burch proves that a designer sneaker can be comfortable with this chunky, sports-inspired style. It’s embellished with an embossed rendition of their classic logo and muted neutral hues, in addition to being constructed with an oversized ergonomic sole that adds lift, a cushioned tongue and collar, and a molded foam footbed.

Credit: Vince

Size: 5-11 | Material: Leather | Width: Standard

Wearing sneakers to the office might have been deemed unconventional a few decades ago, but as office life has evolved, so has our wardrobe. While Vince has been creating a stellar variety of pieces for workplace wear, they have also crafted high-quality and comfortable shoes to match, such as this smart leather and suede pair.

Credit: Camper

Size: 5-10 | Material: Leather, Calfskin, Recycled Polyester | Width: Standard

Camper’s shoes remind us that fashion is—and always will be—fun. The designs feel youthful and nostalgic; these are anything but your middle school ballerinas (no toe cleavage found here, IYKYK). Credit their coolness to the sleek leather and slightly squared-toed shape, and comfort to the high-performance foam cushioning. We’re pleased to say, ballet flats are most definitely back.

Credit: Cariuma

Size: 5-13 | Material: Canvas, Leather, Suede, Recycled | Width: Standard

Cariuma checks off all the boxes we’re looking for in a comfortable everyday sneaker. The low-top design pairs well with all outfits, the materials are lightweight and breathable, and the vegan insole provides all-day support. Seriously, we walked 15,000 steps in this brand and our feet felt fine. Factor in the use of sustainable materials and a wide range of colors and finishes (including canvas, leather, and suede), and it’s no wonder these are a celebrity favorite.

Cariuma Oca Low Grey Premium Leather Sneakers

Credit: Maisonette

Size: 6-10 | Material: Vegan metallic Leather | Width: Narrow with square toe

According to Dr. Miguel Cunha, a podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare, if you want to avoid foot aches in heels, it’s best to avoid stilettos. Instead, opt for a small block heel, like this one from Frances Valentine, to ensure comfort all day, every day. We especially love these because they’re crafted from luxe-looking metallic vegan leather that will add a sense of occasion to even the most pared-down of looks.

Credit: Urban Outfitters

Size: 5-11 | Material: Recycled Polyester | Width: Narrow, Standard

These are a favorite of workout influencer and marathon runner Lexi Watts, who can be seen sporting them on #RunTok. “These make me excited to run again,” says Watts, an excitement that can be attributed to their poppy colorways, from pomegranate to turquoise. They’re equally as great for low-impact sports and your next hot girl walk, because they have tons of features from exceptional shock absorption to their featherlight design that effectively alleviates foot fatigue.

Credit: Thousand Fell

Size: 5-10 | Material: Vegan Bio Leather | Width: Standard

Not only are these sneakers unequivocally stylish, but they’re downright comfortable. They’re breathable, lightweight, and—get this—odor-resistant so that you can wear them for extended periods without concern. And they’re made from food waste and recycled materials, so you can curb your carbon footprint (pun totally intended).

Credit: Ally

Size: 4-12 | Material: Lambskin leather upper, Italian leather sole, suede lining | Width: Narrow, medium, wide, extra wide

While a point-toe slingback isn’t usually associated with comfort, when they’re handmade by Ally Shoes, you can be assured that they will. The brand crafts each pair of shoes to order after taking a fit quiz, ensuring you receive exactly the right width and size for you. We can attest to the accuracy of this process and the comfort of this shoe, as well as its timeless elegance.

Sam Edelman Lorraine Bit Loafers in brown

Credit: Sam Edelmans

Size: 4-14 | Material: Leather, Velvet, or Fabric | Width: Standard

These Sam Edelman shoes serve as classic loafers, so much so that they’re reminiscent of the Gucci Horsebits—but at a more forgiving price. We’ve had them for over three years, and they still look and feel as good as new. We can’t get enough of how soft they are, with an almost slipper-like feel, and how many colorways and material options there are; pick from fabric animal prints to patent leathers.

Credit: Frankie4

Size: 8-13 | Material: Leather | Width: Standard

The perfect poolside lounge shoe comes in the form of these leather slides. Designed with luxe leather and gold hardware, and featuring hidden heel, arch, and forefoot support, these shoes add ease to your day. They’re podiatrist-designed, with triple-layer support and a cushion system to prevent and alleviate common foot pain. Consider them the myth-buster to the claim that shoes that help your feet can’t be cute.

Credit: Amazon

Size: 6-12 | Material: Leather | Width: Standard, Wide

If you want your everyday boot to have some added comfort features, these are for you. They’re a classic Chelsea boot that also happens to be water-repellant. Oh, and they’re designed with a lug sole and a cushioned footbed, making them an expert choice for braving any weather condition, from rain to snow.

Credit: Vivaia

Size: 5-11 | Material: Recycled Knit | Width: Standard, Wide

These square-toed flats are full of cushy features, meaning they’ll be one of the comfiest shoes in your closet. At a glance, these look like structured flats but feel more like slippers. That’s because they’re equipped with a heel cushion to avoid blisters, insoles for added comfort, extra arch support, and four-way stretch. Their fabric is made from recycled knit, so they glide right on and feel incredibly soft and pillowy. The best part? These come in over 40 colors and patterns.

Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 23 Running Shoe

Credit: Amazon

Size: 5-13 | Material: Recycled Polyester | Width: Medium, Wide, Narrow, Extra Wide

Fun fact: Brooks Athletic Sneakers have the highest number of seals of acceptance by the APMA. Dr. Ashley Lee, a podiatrist in Illinois (who also wears Brooks!), notes that this is due to how they promote good foot health during activities ranging from low to high intensity. Ask any runner about these performance-driven shoes, and you’ll probably get a similar analysis: These are cushioned, supportive, road running sneakers that provide a soft ride that goes for miles.

What to Look for in Comfortable Shoes

Heel Height: One of the biggest comfort factors is the heel height. Amina Means, founder and creative director of the luxury shoe brand Nalebe, recommends sticking to heel heights below 4 centimeters, paired with either a chunky heel or platform, for comfort and balance. “The bigger the heel composite, the more balanced the gait is, and that’s so important in maintaining a good posture,” she adds.
Toe Shape: “A roomy toe box gives your feet enough room to breathe and prevents toe cramping, which can otherwise lead to problems like bunions and hammer toes,” says Dr. Bradley Schaeffer, a board-certified foot surgeon. Means agrees, pointing out that square or rounded oval toes offer the most space.
Cushion: “Shoes with underfoot cushioning will keep your feet comfortable while protecting them from the impact of walking on hard surfaces,” says Dr. Schaeffer. “The best kind of cushioning incorporates shock absorption, too.”
Firmness: According to Caroline McCulloch, podiatrist and founder of Frankie4, the softness and or firmness of the shoe’s sole and footbed are of great importance when making a comfortable selection. “I’m a firm believer in a shoe that has a sole and a footbed that are not too hard and not too soft,” says McCulloch. “This is optimal to reduce foot and leg symptoms.”
Arch Support: “Arch support prevents your feet from rolling inwards (pronating) as you walk, which is very important for foot health,” says Dr. Schaeffer.

FAQ

Individuals with flat feet should look for insoles with structured support, particularly those with a low or medium arch height and a deep heel cup. It’s best if the insoles aren’t too hard or rigid, allowing for extra cushioning and flexibility. Brooks, one of the brands on our list, is known for insoles that fit this description.

Those with plantar fasciitis should opt for shoes that prioritize arch support, cushioning, and a firm heel counter. It’s also a great idea to wear them with compression socks, which help with blood flow and reduce swelling and inflammation.

Meet Our Experts

We spoke to the following experts to determine what to consider when purchasing the most comfortable shoes:

Dr. Miguel Cunha is a podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare.
Lexi Watts is a workout influencer and marathon runner.
Dr. Tyler Miranda is a New York-based podiatrist.
Dr. Ashley Lee is an Illinois-based podiatrist.
Amina Means is the founder and creative director of luxury shoe brand Nalebe.
Dr. Bradley Schaeffer is a board-certified foot surgeon.
Caroline McCulloch is a podiatrist and founder of Frankie4.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Morgan Sullivan has over five years of experience in the beauty and fashion industry, writing for some of the most prominent magazines and websites. Along with writing about beauty and fashion, she also frequently covers relationship, wellness, and lifestyle topics.