What Are the Comfiest Shoes for Work

We updated this guide in October 2021 to ensure all products tested and vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab were in stock, available and included updated prices. We also added a new Black-Owned shoe brand, Arch NYC.

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When it comes to shoes, comfort is key. If your shoes are uncomfortable, it truly doesn't matter how cute they are: You'll be dreaming of the moment you can take them off. Luckily, comfort doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style. The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab found the most comfortable shoes that you'll want to wear day after day.

In the Lab, we evaluate walking shoes and other sneakers for comfort, fit and support based on feedback from testers and podiatrists. From analyzing thousands of data points, we found the top shoe brands that'll keep your arches supported when walking all day. Our textile pros used their expertise to review tons of styles, finding the most comfortable sandals, flats, heels and boots based on brands that have performed well in our Lab tests and earned rave online reviews. Here are the most comfortable shoes of 2021, vetted by our experts:

1

Most Comfortable Walking Shoes

Women's Tree Runners

Allbirds allbirds.com

$95.00

Whether commuting to the office or traveling abroad, these machine washable sneakers from Allbirds are popular for their ultra comfy footbed. The brand uses Tencel fabric, which reviewers say feels breathable while moving. One reviewer even said "they're the comfiest pair of sneakers I own." Plus, you don't even have to wear socks with these sneakers!

• Breathable Tencel fabric
• Super comfy footbed

• No half sizes

2

Most Comfortable Lightweight Shoes

Women's FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneaker

New Balance amazon.com

$43.35

Starting at just under $45, these sneakers are one of the most affordable styles we evaluated while also having excellent performance. Testers raved that these sneakers were comfy to wear when walking and working out. These were alsoone of the lightest sneakers we evaluated, so they're easy to pack in a gym bag. They're available in over 25 shades — we want one of each!

• Great value
• Lightweight and portable

3

Most Comfortable Sneakers

Gel-Quantum 180 4 Women's Running Shoe

With the top performance in our walking sneaker test, these sneakers from Asics were popular among testers for being comfortable and supportive when running or walking. Podiatrists who evaluated these sneakers said theyprovide excellent stability and control, ideal for people with flat feet. All testers reported that they liked these sneakers more than their current ones and would continue to wear them.

• Great support for flat arches
• Top scores for customer satisfaction

• Less flexibility for people with wider feet

4

Most Comfortable Running Shoes

Womens Ghost 12 Running Shoe

Brooks amazon.com

$133.72

These running shoes from Brooks are popular for offering excellent stability, making running a bit easier.  There's cushioning on the heel with the brand's "Segmented Crash Pad" outsole, which refers toa system of shock absorbers for a smooth ride. Ideal for beginners and experts alike, thousands of online reviewers rave that Brooks sneakers provide great control, preventing foot pain. Note that these sneakers aren't recommended for underpronators.

• System of shock absorbers
• Designed for stability

• Not recommended for underpronators

5

Most Comfortable Fashionable Sneakers

GrandPro Rally Leather Sneakers

Cole Haan zappos.com

$91.00

Cole Haan shoes are known for being designed with comfort in mind. These stylish low-top sneakers have a memory foam insole and a high traction outsole. The leather upper is available in four stylish shades, including rose gold and light pink. One reviewer said they were "ridiculously comfortable while also being perfectly on trend."

• Stylish leather upper
• Memory foam insole

• Some reviewers found them to be too narrow

6

Most Comfortable Booties

The Glove Boot ReKnit

Everlane everlane.com

$155.00

Witha pointed toe and a two-inch block heel, the Glove Boot ReKnit earned more than 1,200 reviews raving that they are the ultimate booties. Perfect to wear to the office or dance floor, these shoes are comfy and breathable. The knit upper is made from recycled water bottles (nine per pair!), so they're also a more sustainable pick. Reviewers especially love how easy these shoes are to style, saying they're both "trendy and classic."

• 2" block heel
• Breathable, sustainable knit upper

• Slippery outsole, according to some reviewers

7

Most Comfortable Winter Boots

Women's ICE Maiden Snow Boot

Columbia amazon.com

$79.95

As featured in our best winter boots round-up, these mid-calf snow boots from Columbia keep you dry even when walking through deep snow.Techlite technology makes the midsole light while still providing ample cushioning and support. They have over 22,000 rave reviews with one commenter saying, "They're truly waterproof and comfortable, without being ugly."

• 9" shaft for all winter weather
• Lightweight midsole with cushioning

• Few color options

8

Most Comfortable Work Shoes

Trino Loafer

Italeau italeau.com

$259.00

These luxe loafers are made with Italian leather and sacchetto construction (inside stitching), so they'll stay in great shape for years. The outer leather is treated so that it's water resistant and stain proof, preventing damage. We love the cushioned memory foam footbed with arch support for the ultimate comfy work shoe.

• Supple Italian leather
• Cushioned memory foam footbed with arch support

• Expensive

9

Most Comfortable Flats

Women's Tree Breezers

Allbirds allbirds.com

$95.00

Ballet flats are known for being an uncomfortable style of shoe — but the Tree Breezers from Allbirds may change that. They have the brand's signature foam footbed and castor bean oil insole for more comfy walking. They're available in 6 shades in sizes 5 to 11 (including half sizes!), so you'll want one of these in every color.

• Available in sizes 5 to 11, including half sizes
• Comfy foam footbed

• Some reviewers note they run a bit small

10

Most Comfortable Sandals

Women's Rest Farra Backstrap Sandal

Available in both standard and wide sizing, these walking sandals from Vionic also have an adjustable back strap to ensure a proper fit. Thefootbed is covered in a smooth microfiber materialfor a soft feel with each step. Plus, the footbed is designed to absorb shock for easy all-day walking. Some reviewers recommend ordering a half size smaller than your normal pick.

• Wide sizing available
• Super soft footbed

• Recommended to go down half a size

11

Most Comfortable Heels

Women's Danya Dress Sandal

Naturalizer designs comfortable heels with a molded footbed. They have asmall platform with a heel height that's a bit over 3 inchesand a criss-cross design that reviewers loved. Available in a ton of neutral shades perfect for wedding season, you'll want a pair to go with every formal outfit!

• Adjustable strap
• Platform with about 3" heel

• Some reviewers wish the footbed had more cushioning

12

Most Comfortable Wedges

Women's Annadel Eirwyn Wedge Sandal

Amazon reviewers love these wedges from Clarks because of the supple leather and soft, cushioned midsole. The platform design gives you more lift without extra strain. Because these sandals run a bit narrower according to reviewers, some recommend going up a half size or opting for wide sizing.

• Platform sole
• Soft leather upper

• They run narrow

13

Most Comfortable Flip Flops

Casandra Flip Flops

Vionic vionicshoes.com

$69.95

Most flip flops are completely flat, but this pick from Vionic has a molded footbed for comfy arch support. The lightweight EVA midsole will conform to your specific foot shape, so the brand recommends wearing for a few days before judging the fit (and there's a 30-day return window).

• Shock-absorbing midsole
• Leather upper

• Not waterproof

14

Most Comfortable Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Clifton 8

Hoka One One zappos.com

$129.95

Hoka One One sneakers are a popular pick among plantar fasciitis sufferers because of the brand's signature footbed. Witha structured foot frame, this sneaker keeps your whole foot supported from your toes to your arches, preventing strain. The rubber outer sole has a rocker design to make walking a bit easier with each step.

• Structured foot frame for extra support
• Knit fabric upper

• Heavier than other picks

15

Most Comfortable Nurses' Shoes

Women's Professional Clog

Dansko amazon.com

$129.95

With over 19,000 rave Amazon reviews, these shoes are especially popular among nurses, chefs and any profession where you have to be on your feet all day. Although a bit pricey, these clogs are designed to last as they're made with 100% leather. Reviewers love that they're easy to wipe down at the end of the work day. Available in over 100 (!!!) colors, it's a breeze to find a hue you like.

• 100% leather
• Over 100 colors

16

Most Comfortable Travel Shoes

Slip On Sneakers

Rothy's rothys.com

$125.00

Rothy's has a cult following for their comfy sneakers that require minimal breaking in for ultimate comfort. This pair of slip-on sneakers has a contoured insole and knit upper that are entirely machine washable (the brand recommends taking out the midsole before washing). Easy to pair with casual exercise clothes or dressier outfits, these are the ultimate travel sneakers.

• Machine washable
• Slip-on design

• Midsole cannot be washed

17

Most Comfortable Mules

Moscow Mule

Arch NYC archnyc.co

$160.00

Featuring a cushioned memory foam footbed with a soft lining, these mules from Arch NYC impressed our textiles pros by being comfortable after all-night wear — while also being super chic. Available in pink, orange and green, the faux fur outer fabric is totally unique and special, making these luxury shoes worth every penny.

• Trendy faux fur materials
• Memory foam cushioned footbed

• Pricey

18

Most Comfortable Hiking Shoes

Women's Siren Edge Hiker Hiking Shoes

Merrell amazon.com

$95.00

Merrell hiking shoes aced our tests by having excellent traction and stability. This pick has an EVA contoured footbed to keep your foot secure to prevent foot pain and strain after a day on the trails. The breathable mesh fabric keeps your feet cool. With thousands of rave Amazon reviews, these shoes are praised for being great on hiking adventures, international vacations and more.

• Breathable mesh fabric
• EVA contoured footbed

• No ankle support

19

Most Comfortable Shoes for Wide Feet

Plantar Fasciitis Women's Sneakers

Orthofeet amazon.com

$134.95

Offering standard, wide and extra-wide sizes, these sneakers from Orthofeet are perfect for people with wide feet. The stretchy knit fabric upper also helps accommodate a variety of foot shapes as well as bunions. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, these shoes are also a great option as they feature anatomical arch support.

• Standard, wide and extra-wide sizes available
• Supportive memory foam footbed

• Some reviewers found them less fashionable than other picks

20

Most Comfortable Slippers

Songbird Slides

Birdies birdies.com

$120.00

Wear these stylish slippers from Birdies around the house for a bit of luxury at home. Thequilted satin footbed will feel soft on your toes while the memory foam base will provide arch support and cushioning. Birdies also offers stylish flats, which feel like comfy slippers with fashionable details.

• Quilted satin footbed
• Memory foam arch support

• Pricey for slippers

21

Most Comfortable Slides

Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal

Birkenstock nordstrom.com

$134.95

Popular for the molded cork and latex footbed, this pair of Birkenstock slides molds to your foot shape for excellent support. The contoured footbed offers arch support and an additional layer of foam for extra cushioning with each step. Built with a unisex design, these shoes are available in five shades, perfect for both men and women.

• Molded cork footbed
• Adjustable straps

• Not waterproof

22

Most Comfortable Commuting Shoes

Luisa II

Anothersole anothersole.com

$125.00

These cute flats from Anothersole are a ballet flat and sneaker hybrid, creating a super comfy shoe that looks great on the street and in the office. The stylish leather design contains an ergonomic footbed that absorbs shock as you walk, with one reviewer saying they feel like they're "walking on a cloud." The shoes are super lightweight and available in a ton of cute colors and patterns like oranges, metallic and flamingos. Make sure to check out the size chart to ensure a proper fit.

• Shock-absorbing footbed
• Stylish leather upper

• Need to check the size chart carefully

Emma Seymour, Good Housekeeping Institute Product Testing Analyst, Textiles, Paper and Plastics Lab Emma Seymour is a test analyst in the Textiles, Paper and Plastics Lab at The Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates fiber-based products ranging from bedding to clothing.

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What Are the Comfiest Shoes for Work

Source: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/clothing/g33264582/most-comfortable-shoes/

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