Allbirds has become a big name in comfy footwear in the last few years, and one of their most stylish silhouettes is also super comfy—win-win. Made with a soft, cushiony foam and organic cotton canvas, the Piper sneakers are made with both comfort and sustainability in mind. As a rare bonus, these sneakers are actually machine-washable; the brand recommends removing the insoles and laces before cleaning on a gentle cycle.
What our reviewer says: “I specifically purchased these shoes wanting a low-top pair of white sneakers that would look cute with dresses, and they have not let me down. From casual cotton minidresses to linen maxidresses, everything in my wardrobe complements them. As an added bonus, they are the best walking shoes; I wore them on a recent trip to Italy, where we had back-to-back long days of walking and exploring, so they are Euro-summer approved. I also love that they’re made of natural materials, which makes them feel ultra-breathable. Worth noting: the shoelaces are a tad shorter than I’d like, and I usually double-knot to ensure they stay tied.” — Austen Tosone
Courtesy of brand
What we love: Heel-first design; great arch support
What could improve: Limited colors
Heel-focused footwear brand Kuru upgraded its original Atom design with a better fit, springier cushioning, and improved heel support, all of which are important criteria for the most comfortable sneaker. We wish the design came in more colors, but we recommend the black or white colorways if you’re looking for something simple and walking-friendly.
What our reviewer says: “I’ve been searching for a pair of durable sneakers to handle my intense CrossFit workouts—and I finally found them. Feast your eyes on Kurur’s Atom 2. These sneakers feel like I’m literally walking on a cloud. They’re not only super comfortable and supportive, but also stylish—perfect for everything from walking to high-intensity training. Best of all, I didn’t even have to break them in.” — Chantal Waldholz, Glamour senior global director of audience development, social media, and analytics
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Courtesy of brand
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Original photo from Sarah Chiwaya testing Vionic Walk Max Sneaker
What we love: Breathable, water-repellent uppers; wide sizes available
What could improve: Not as versatile as some other sneakers
If you find yourself reaching for orthotics, you may want to add the Vionic Walk Max sneakers to your cart; everything is already built in. They’ve even received a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association, so you can feel good about slipping into these for several hours knowing that podiatrists have signed off.
What our reviewer says: “I have pretty bad plantar fasciitis and I often walk 10,000 or more steps a day, so I’m super-particular about comfortable shoes. I’ve tried out a lot of sneakers, but the Vionic Walk Max remains my favorite. I’ve had my pair for years and have worn them for traveling, music festivals, casual hikes, and my day-to-day life in New York City, and they are still going strong. And, importantly, they don’t look like orthopedic sneakers!” — Sarah Chiwaya, editor and influencer
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Courtesy of brand
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Original photo from Austen Tosone testing Converse Hi-Top Platform Sneakers
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lift High-Top Sneakers
What we love: Adds height; classic style; under $100
What could improve: Sizing runs large; laces can wear over time
