I’ll admit, as someone who spends a lot of time testing sneakers, I’ve tried many pairs that cost over $150 that are truly worth the splurge. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to shell out that much to get a good, comfortable pair of sneakers.
Over the years, our editors have tried plenty of shoes that deliver on support, cushioning, and more, all for under $100. These include sneakers for everything from long runs to walks and everyday wear from popular brands like New Balance, Rothy’s and more.
Keep reading for our top editor-approved picks.
Best walking sneakers under $100
“Normally, the first thing I do when I walk in the door is kick off my shoes. When I’m wearing these shoes, though, my feet are so comfortable that I often forget to take them off,” one freelance writer shared about these affordable walking shoes. “For starters, because the mesh feels like a thick pair of socks, I don’t always wear socks with them. Sometimes, I even think of them as my socks and forget I’m wearing shoes altogether.”
Associate editor Annie Shigo calls these shoes “super comfy.” She adds, “I have really easily blistered feet so anytime a sneaker feels weird, I’m in immediate pain, but not with this pair. These are super cushiony, and the arch support is great for uneven terrain.”
These New Balance sneakers were named the best walking shoe overall during our previous Shop TODAY sneaker awards. Editor Shannon Garlin shares that they saved her feet during a multi-day theme park trip — and they looked super stylish, too. “According to my Fitbit, we clocked over 15,000 steps a day. My back normally starts hurting and my feet begin to throb around midday, but thanks to these shoes, I was going strong at 7 p.m.! I didn’t have those familiar pains at all. (My mother, who was wearing a simple tennis shoe, was not so lucky).”
Best running shoes under $100
One of our testers tried these sneakers over the course of five months and was impressed by how little wear and tear they had, even with constant use. The shoes have a thick midsole, which the brand says helps with shock absorption while you’re running.
“I usually do a mix of running and walking a couple of times a week, and these sneakers are perfect for both,” says Garlin. “They’re really lightweight and my arches feel supported the entire time.”
Best lifestyle sneakers under $100
“These shoes are incredibly comfortable and supportive,” says deputy managing editor of partnerships, Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil. “They are also lightweight. I found myself reaching for them again and again during the testing period, even over some of my own favorite sneakers. They’re so comfortable that sometimes I forget I’m wearing shoes.”
Editor Vivien Moon loves that these sneakers aren’t just on trend, but they’re surprisingly comfortable, too, even given their slim bottom. “These are comfortable and easy to style with so many outfits, so I can feel cute over the weekend without putting in too much effort.”
Writer Jannely Espinal says that she loves “the elastic upper and comfortable footbed of this Ryka shoe,” as it helps her feel supported all day. “If someone told me I had to walk 20 blocks, I would feel prepared in these shoes. Whether you need to get around town or go for a walk, this is the perfect pair. Its true performance lies in the EVA midsole and knit material, which promote flexibility and all-day support.”
Writer Danielle Murphy shares that these cute sneakers are durable, even with months of use. “Although they’re not the comfiest sneaker I own, I still love the way these feel on my feet. They are on the snugger side, but I find that this fit offers more support. These also give me a little bit of height, which I like.”
They feature a cushioned Rabbit Foam Midsole, which she says makes them well worth the price.
These have become my go-to wear-everywhere sneakers for office days, vacations, brunches and more. While they lean casual, they can easily be dressed up with trousers or a long skirt. They’re super comfortable and I’ve worn them for long travel days where I’ve walked 15,000-plus steps and never had any issues with foot pain or blisters.
Murphy calls this the “best sneaker I own, hands down.” She adds, “These are incredibly soft and comfortable. They’re also super lightweight but not in a flimsy way. I also love the hands-free slip-on feature. I wear these any chance I get, but the white is easy to stain, so I just need to be wary about my surroundings. These look great with workout outfits and even more casual looks.”
She says they’re “100% worth” their normal $100+ price tag — though select styles are currently on sale, so the decision to add them to your cart is even easier.
One former Shop TODAY editor shared that she “immediately fell in love” with these sneakers as soon as she slipped them on. “Not only are they super stylish and trendy, but they are uber comfortable as well. Oftentimes, you sacrifice function for fashion, but not in this case.”
How we chose
Our editors have tried countless sneakers through the years, ranging from running shoes to casual sneakers. To create this article, we asked editors for their favorite pairs and sourced previous recommendations that are under $100.
