- On-Trend Ballet Sneakers: Vivaia Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina (Cristina), $159; vivaia.com.
- Super Easy to Slip On: Kizik Brooklyn Slip-On Sneakers, $110; amazon.com.
- For 20,000+ Steps a Day in Europe: On The Roger Advantage, $160; on.com.
- Actually Comfy Flats: Franco Sarto Oakes Mary Jane, $95 (was $135); francosarto.com.
I live in New York City, so needless to say, I walk a lot—usually at least 10,000 steps a day. So over the years, I’ve mastered the art of finding comfortable shoes that I can wear all day long without getting foot pain or developing blisters.
Some of my favorites include Hoka running shoes, Birkenstock sandals, and Vivaia ballet sneakers, and you can shop them all below.
Shop Writer-Loved Comfortable Shoes
- Vivaia Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina (Cristina), $159; vivaia.com.
- Kizik Brooklyn Slip-On Sneakers, $110; amazon.com.
- On The Roger Advantage, $160; on.com.
- Franco Sarto Oakes Mary Jane, $95 (was $135); francosarto.com.
- Rothy’s The Casual Clog, $109 (was $159); rothys.com.
- Birdies The Vesper Driver Loafer, $116 (was $165); birdies.com.
- Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle Sandals, $155; zappos.com.
- Hoka Clifton 10, $124 (was $155); zappos.com.
Vivaia Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina (Cristina)
“Sneakerinas” are everywhere right now, and they’re a great compromise between flats and sneakers. I have a slightly different style of Vivaia sneakerinas that’s almost entirely sold out, but the Cristina pair is very similar.
To emphasize the ballet-inspired design, the shoes are made of a satin material and have pretty ribbon laces. The sneakers may look flat, but they’re actually extremely comfortable as well as cute.
Kizik Brooklyn Slip-On Sneakers
I’m obsessed with Kizik’s slip-on sneakers. They feature a heel “cage” that prevents the back from squishing down when you put your foot into the shoe, so you don’t even have to bend over when slipping them on.
This canvas style is super cute with the gum sole and suede accents, and the foam insole is so comfy, too. I wear these when I want to be comfortable but also want something a little more stylish than just plain sneakers.
On The Roger Advantage
These were the only sneakers I brought with me on my trip to Europe last year, and I walked over 20,000 steps a day in them. I can’t say enough about how comfortable they are. They have a foam insole that feels like clouds and a flexible sole for easy walking.
While they feel like an exercise sneaker, they look nice enough to dress up. I love that I can wear them with pretty much anything—I wear them with workout clothes when going to the gym, with trousers to go to the office, and with a maxi skirt to go out to dinner.
Franco Sarto Oakes Mary Jane
I notoriously get blisters from almost any shoe that’s not a sneaker, but these Mary Janes shockingly don’t rub my heels. The leather flats have a roomy square toe that doesn’t feel too tight and an adjustable upper strap to make sure the shoes fit perfectly.
My favorite part is that these ballet flats actually have arch support, unlike many similar styles. And Katie Holmes is a fan, too.
Rothy’s The Casual Clog
Clogs have been in for a while now, and if you’re looking for a pair you can dress up a bit, grab this Rothy’s style. They’re so comfy, it feels like I’m wearing slippers outside. The knit upper is soft and flexible, and the contoured footbed is supportive enough to walk all day long.
My feet also feel secure in the shoe, thanks to the slight heel cup in the back. Plus, the clogs are machine washable, so New York’s streets are no concern.
Birdies The Vesper Driver Loafer
These loafers are the perfect basic style to wear with everything; the sleek silhouette looks chic with wide-leg jeans, dresses, capris, and more. They’re made of soft leather that doesn’t irritate my skin, and they have a cushioned, molded footbed that feels more supportive than other flat shoes.
Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle Sandals
These are my all-time favorite sandals. I wear the Birkenstock slides to the beach, to brunch, and to run errands. The contoured cork footbed molds to your foot to provide the exact support you need. Since I’ve had the shoes for several years, they fit my feet as if they were made specifically for me. Thanks to the shock-absorbing outsole and traction, they’re easier to walk in than many sandals that are too flat or have a slippery sole.
Hoka Clifton 10
Hokas are known for being extraordinarily supportive and comfy, and I can confirm that the Clifton 10 style is exactly that. Stepping into the sneakers feels like standing on a pillowy platform.
I didn’t quite understand the rocking technology before trying the shoes on, but after walking in them, I get why runners love it: The sole truly feels like it’s propelling you forward.
