Buzz
Unless otherwise noted, all sizes in this post are for women's shoes.
1. Water-resistant Dr. Scholl's slip-on sneakers that you can easily slide on and off, perfect for everything from passing through security to those days when you just don’t have the energy to deal with shoelaces. Travelers rave about their roomy toe box, cushioning, flexibility, and removable (a.k.a. replaceable) insoles, which one reviewer with plantar fasciitis calls a total game changer!
2. Waterproof Columbia hiking boots featuring reinforced toes, heel protection, and an extended outsole designed to protect high-wear areas, ensuring that once broken in, they’ll be ready for years of outdoor adventures ahead.
3. Reebok Club C Sneakers that 1) are incredibly comfortable and 2) pair effortlessly with nearly everything, so there’s no need to pack multiple pairs when one pair will get the job done.
4. Some versatile Chelsea boots with a slight heel and a convenient pull-on/off design, offering both comfort and style without needing sneakers every single day.
5. Square-toe Rothy's May Janes made from the brand's signature ultra-comfortable thread (which is crafted from recycled plastic bottles), and yes, they are MACHINE WASHABLE! When they start to get a little *funky*, simply remove the soft insoles and toss the shoes into the washing machine for a fresh new look.
These also come with the brand’s In Love Insole, providing full heel-to-toe cushioning for ultimate comfort.
Highly rated: "I’m already thinking about buying a second pair. Bought them right before my vacation and wore them everywhere; super comfy and went with everything." —Valencia R.
Grab yours from Rothy's for $159 (available in women's sizes 5–13 and six different colors).
6. Some Birkenstock Bostons that have been keeping feet comfortable since 1979. If that’s not a solid track record, I’m not sure what is.
Highly recommended: "I’ve been a Birkenstock fan for years. I’ve been eyeing these clogs for a while and finally went for them. The soft footbed was a new experience, but after reading the reviews, I decided to give them a shot. Pure heaven! Soft, supportive, and totally dorky! If you’re going to wear Birks, you have to embrace the style and wear them with pride. I even got compliments on them. I’m in love!" —Zappos Customer
Find them on Birkenstock or Zappos for $160 (available in women’s sizes 4–4.5 to 12/12.5, men’s sizes 6/6.5–17/17.5, in regular/wide and medium/narrow widths, and in seven colors).
7. Or opt for some similar suede clogs 👀 available for just $40 if you’re watching your budget.
8. Allbirds Tree Runners are perfect if you’re the type to say, "It’s only 25 minutes away? We can totally walk there!" even when you realize you’re in the suburbs, not NYC.
Highly recommended: "I adore my Allbirds. After foot surgery on one foot three months ago, I just took a week-long cruise and wore them every day. They were incredibly comfortable. Now I want a pair in every color." —Diana G.
Find them on Amazon (available in sizes 5–11 and in eight colors) or Allbirds for $98 (available in sizes 5–11 and 14 colors).
9. Trendy waterproof leather boots designed to tackle everything from cobblestone streets to rugged trails. Featuring sealed seams and Thinsulate insulation, they’ll keep your feet dry and warm no matter where you're headed.
10. Durable and ultra-comfortable Dansko Britney clogs that one reviewer raved about, saying they wore the same pair for 13 years!
11. Thesus Weekend Boots — perfect for adventure seekers with their water-resistant, seam-sealed upper, anti-slip rubber lug sole, and temperature-regulating lining. While they’re ideal for hikes and other rugged activities, their versatile design works just as well for brunch, shopping, or strolling around town.
These boots generally fit true to size, but if you plan to wear thicker socks or find yourself between sizes, it's recommended to size up.
Thesus is a small, mission-driven business based in Ontario, Canada, creating outdoor footwear that is gentle on the planet, the eyes, and your feet! Their materials are 90% sustainable and traceable — with plans to reach 100%. This brand focuses on the finer details, taking years to develop each collection and traveling the world to find the best materials for both people and the planet.
Promising review: "I took these hiking in the Rockies, and they held up really well. The thicker sole also provided excellent cushioning against rocky terrain. They also look great!" —Alice
Get them from Thesus for $198 (available in EU sizes 36–46 and 14 colors).
12. The much-loved, Aussie-favorite Blundstones that can endure muddy puddles, snowbanks, and even cow manure, all while bouncing back every time.
13. Some faux-shearling Sorel boots featuring molded EVA footbeds and microfleece lining, providing the cozy comfort of slippers.
14. Hoka Clifton 9’s are exceptionally cushioned to ensure your feet remain comfortable, even after walking over 20,000 steps in a single day.
15. Charming and casual Sperry sneakers that boast a durable design, featuring rustproof eyelets, an elastic back that stays intact even when you easily slip them on and off, and a lightweight, removable footbed that also offers great arch support.
16. Simple flats that are perfect for slipping on and off at the airport and pack up so compactly, leaving room in your bag for that sweater you might regret not packing for your Caribbean trip—just in case, right?
17. Adidas Cloudfoam sneakers are the ultimate solution to avoid the nightmare of getting a blister on day one of your trip—a blister so bad that you either have to cancel your sightseeing or endure the pain while limping through it. Dante really should’ve mentioned that in the Inferno.
Promising reviews: "The most comfortable shoe I have ever owned. Adidas, please don't stop making this shoe!!!!" —Lore
"Good quality and true to size. The design also stands out — stylish enough to wear casually but functional for athletic activities. The breathable material keeps my feet cool, even during intense use, and the grip on the soles gives confidence on various surfaces." —Uliana28
Get them from Adidas for $75 (available in sizes 5–12 and in 14 colors).
18. Dr. Martens Chelseas which can not only keep up with daily wear for more than a decade (I attest to this!) but also add some serious edge to your silk midi skirt + sweater combo.
I've been absolutely hooked on Dr. Martens, partly due to my four years at a Doc-loving liberal arts college. My collection of Chelseas, platforms, and 1460s is embarrassingly large, with some retired pairs that I can't bear to part with. These boots last a lifetime, and even those I no longer wear are in pristine condition—they're just from phases I’ve outgrown (like florals). My favorites have been with me for 10 years, and the soles and leather are still amazing. As with all Docs, there's a break-in period, but once that's done, they’ll serve you well.
Promising review: "I work as a barista, and I'm on my feet all the time. I wore them on my first shift, and they were comfortable from the start—no issues with my ankles, heels, or toes! I’m a true 9.5, so I always order Docs in a size 9, and they fit perfectly! Also, they go with everything and give you a confidence boost. Buy them! (:" —elizabeth v.
Available at Dr. Martens for $210 (sizes 5–12 in various colors and leather types).
19. Hunter Rain Boots crafted from 100% waterproof rubber, making them perfect for splashing around in any puddle you encounter. They also feature a convenient pull tab, so you can easily slip them on and off!
20. Everlane Italian leather "glove" flats have earned the love of countless reviewers thanks to their ultra-soft leather design, which gradually conforms to the shape of your foot for a nearly personalized fit.
Plus, these shoes come with tiny side vents to help keep your feet cool and dry during those long walks!
Promising review: "These shoes are so comfy, they carry me through a full workday, a dinner date, and weekend errands! The rubber sole is discreet, making them look dressier. When traveling and needing a formal evening look but still want to walk comfortably, I just add jeweled shoe clips and voilà! I've got these in six colors and am waiting on another. They're that good!" —StyleAndComfort
Get them from Everlane for $97+ (originally $138; available in sizes 5–11 and nine colors — not all colors in every size).
21. Lightweight New Balance 608 V5 Cross Trainers — because who would've thought that 'mowing the lawn' dad shoes would become the latest trend?!
22. Converse Run Star Hikes feature sleek, futuristic touches like a bold two-tone, oversized outsole, rounded heel, and chunky platform that'll give you a bit of extra height.
I have these in two colors, and I absolutely love them!! The oversized sole provides extra support, and the jagged two-tone design not only looks striking but also enhances grip.
Promising review: "I wore these to my album release party, where I had to carry heavy gear and be on my feet all day. They are so supportive and comfy. Plus, the high ankle support makes my feet feel secure throughout the day." —Dorothy P.
Get them from Converse for $110 (available in sizes 4.5–14.5, three colors, or customizable design).
23. Teva quilted slip-on shoes feel like a cozy sleeping bag for your feet. Made from recycled ripstop, these shoes feature collapsible heels so you can wear them as mules too.
24. Square-toe Vagabond booties featuring an angular, chunky heel, providing all-day comfort and easy walking, so you won't even feel the need to wear sneakers.
Promising review: "I’m a big fan of boots, and I own several pairs from brands like Frye, Madewell, and Vagabond. So far, these are my absolute favorites! The design is fantastic, and they’re super easy to wear. The material is top-notch, and I pair them with everything from jeans to dresses. I wear them to work, and they’re also perfect for weekends when I want to look stylish. Plus, they’re way more affordable than other similar styles like Vince. If you're seeking versatile, comfortable, and high-quality boots, these are the ones!" —Karango
"I bought these boots in late 2019, and I’ve worn them over 500 times since. They’re so loved! These boots are incredibly comfy, stylish, and versatile. Vagabond leather is always high quality, and I have multiple pairs from them that have lasted for years. As soon as these boots wear out, I’m getting another pair." —Maddycollier
Get them from Vagabond or Nordstrom for $200 (available in sizes 5–12).
25. Water-repellent, stain-resistant, ultra-flexible pointed Vivaia ballet flats that require no break-in period, and even get the thumbs up from a BF writer who claims to be 'allergic to ballet flats'!!! 😂
Here's what BF writer Emma Lord had to say:
"You’ve probably seen the brand name all over Instagram with posts saying 'I DANCED THE NIGHT AWAY IN THESE HEELS!!' for the heeled version, and I have to admit, they're right. These shoes didn't hurt my heels at all, and they were so comfy I walked as easily as I would in sneakers—maybe even more comfortably because they’re incredibly lightweight. I wore them on a recent trip to London, walking over 20,000 steps a day, and they held up great in the rain (and believe me, we had a lot of rain). Also, when they got dirty, a quick scrub with soap and water cleaned them up. I'm thrilled to have found flats that are comfortable enough to wear all day long, and now I’m trying hard not to buy them in every color!"
Promising review: "I needed a pair of stylish, durable shoes for my two-week European trip… and these did not disappoint! I easily walked 8-10 miles a day. They're comfortable, high-quality, stylish, padded, waterproof, and stretch to perfectly fit your feet. Oh, and did I mention they’re comfortable? Get them, you won't regret it!" —Me D.
Get them from Vivaia for $79+ (originally $97; available in sizes 5–11, and in 45 different styles).
Don’t forget to check out the Instagram-famous Vivaia heels for even more choices!
26. Handwoven leather loafers that you can easily slip on and off in an instant. No more hunting for a quiet spot to bend over and tie your shoes without causing a scene on the busy sidewalk.
Miuccia Studio is based in Indonesia and is known for crafting *the most dreamy* handmade shoes and bags.
Promising review: "I absolutely love these!! I had been searching for the perfect mules for months and I’m so glad I finally ordered them. They match with everything and are incredibly comfy. The shipping was right on time, if not a little earlier than expected." —Stacie Carlson
Get them from Miuccia Studio on Etsy for $76.50 (originally $90; available in European sizes 36–43 and six different colors).
27. And patent leather or suede knee-high boots that come in EIGHT CALF WIDTH OPTIONS, perfect if you’ve struggled to find the right fit for, oh, I don’t know...your entire life!!!
DuoBoots is a pioneering women’s footwear brand that started offering boots in varying calf widths back in the 1970s.
Promising review: "It’s so refreshing to find a brand that actually sizes boots from foot to knee. These are stunning, made from soft leather, and fit like a glove. Plus, they’re incredibly comfortable." —Deborah S.
Get them from DuoBoots for $380 (available in sizes 5–11, calf widths 30–50 cms, petite, standard, and tall fits, and in two colors).
You, rocking your new shoes:
Reviews in this post have been edited for brevity and/or clarity.
