Shoes are my favorite element of any outfit, but with a lengthy daily commute and walking on the concrete, I've had to put comfort first and foremost — without sacrificing my personal style, of course. As a fashion journalist, I've tested hundreds of shoes and have over 100 pairs in my small studio apartment.
While the shoe organization can become chaotic, I've created a reliable footwear repertoire that keeps my feet protected, comfortable and chic (and sometimes warm, depending on the weather forecast).
You need support and a cushioned footbed when you're walking over 10,000 steps a day and racing through the gray pavements of New York City. So, I look for three main features when I shop for shoes: Functionality, comfort and design — but I always put comfort above all.
When it comes to work, events and vacations, there are only seven shoes I trust to keep me going. Below you'll find my most reliable and must-have shoes for a busy lifestyle — and these will come in handy if you walk long distances like me. Also, I added our Shop TODAY Sneaker Awards winner in the lifestyle category and those that are best for work, standing all day and overall, reliable for everyday challenges.
Shop TODAY Sneaker Awards winners | Shoes for my everyday commute | Editor-approved shoes for commuting | Other footwear must-haves | How we chose
Shop TODAY Sneaker Awards winners
Rothy's The Original Slip On Sneaker
Award: Best for work | Sizes: 5-12 | Colors: 11 | Features: Durable outsoles, cushy midsole
Associate editor Allie Wise tested these shoes and attests to the lightweight feel of the pair. "For me, it’s all about efficiency in New York City. Finding shoes that are easy to slip on/off with my busy NYC life is a game changer," she adds. These are great for work and all-day standing, especially if you need to commute by foot.
Adidas Sambas
Award: Most commuter-friendly | Sizes: Men 4-14 and Women 5-15 | Colors: 21 | Features: Rubber midsole, lace closure
"I’ve had mine for about two years now and they’ve stood the test of time. They have wear and tear for sure but nothing incredibly noticeable or wrong. If you’re wearing them a few times a week like me, they’ll be around for a while," says production coordinator Camryn Privette.
While these shoes are flat, they are trendy and fit with most outfits. "They aren’t tight anywhere noticeable and haven’t given me blisters or anything crazy," adds Privette.
Saucony Shadow 5000
Award: Best for standing all day | Sizes: Men 3.5-14 and Women 5-15.5 | Colors: 10 | Features: Shock absorption, rubber traction
Photographer Kara Birnbaum has owned these for over a year and wears them regularly. "These shoes are very comfortable. I have a bad back and am often on my feet all day for shoots and these shoes keep me feeling the best out of any other pair I’ve worn!"
They encompass the feel of an athletic sneaker with the aesthetic of a designer shoe. "I think these are good shoes for people who like younger fashion but have an old person’s back," she quips.
Kizik Milan
Award: Best accessibility features | Sizes: 6-13 | Colors: 5 | Features: Full-abrasion rubber outsole, removable and washable insoles, rabbit foam midsole
Write Danielle Murphy has owned these for a couple of months now and she says they feel durable. "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," says Murphy.
Also, she confesses these are worth the price, thanks to the Rabbit Foam Midsole that feels cushy.
Nike V2K Run
Award: Best all-purpose shoe | Sizes: Men 3.5-15 and women 5-16.5 | Colors: 15 | Features: Dual-density foam midsole
Editorial operations manager Jillian Ortiz owns this pair and wears them mostly every day. However, she has used them for runs and can confirm the longevity of this Nike design.
"Oh, these shoes are so comfortable. They feel like gel on my feet, which I love. I can feel the cushion but it isn’t overbearing. They’re more cushy than they are supportive, so if you’re looking for arch support, I can’t promise they will provide that. They can sometimes feel tight where the tongue is, but if you shift it around a little, you can rid yourself of the feeling," says Ortiz.
Top shoes for my everyday commute
For the traveler: Ryka Echo Knit Slip-On Sneaker
- Easy to slip on
- Comfortable footbed
- Takes time to dry when wet
Size: 5-12.5 | Colorways: 9 | Fit: Regular
I love the elastic upper and comfortable footbed of this Ryka shoe that make me 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.
Clean aesthetics: Dr. Scholl's Savoy Lace Up Sneaker
- Very sturdy
- Comfortable for standing
- Shoe laces hard to untangle
Size: 6-11 | Colors: 2 | Fit: Medium
A white sneaker is always a must-have shoe in your closet. Personally, I love the fit and style of Dr. Scholl's, especially the discreet chunky design of the shoe. I've walked miles and danced for hours in this pair, and my feet are always blister-free by the end of the day.
This shoe is perfect for traveling, commuting and walking for miles. It features a feel-good technology and the construction is light enough, which won't weigh you down. It has double comfort extra layer and enough room on the front for a supportive fit.
Elegant commute: Franco Sarto Carolunn Lug Sole Tassel Loafers
- Comfortable
- Roomy interior
- Not ideal with thick socks
Size: 5-13 | Colors: 10 | Fit: Medium and wide
While this pair has a more rigid construction than other shoes I own, the design has not failed my delicate feet. This shoe has a cushioned footbed that will withstand rough cobblestone streets and subway floors.
I’ve worn this for a full eight-hour shift and on a trip to Japan and didn’t feel any pain at all (thanks to the wide toe box). This is a classic loafer with a sophisticated aesthetic that elevates any outfit. The shoe even survived a rainy day in New York City and came back to its original condition when I cleaned it with a terrycloth. I’ve worn this since 2024 and continues to be one of my favorite shoes for work.
Cozy feels: Birdies The Starling Golden Oak Suede
- Plush footbed
- Comfortable all around
- Can get dirty quick
Size: 5-13 | Colorways: 21 | Fit: Medium/wide
Flats can be unforgiving if they don't have the right amount of cushioning, but these ones in particular live up to the hype. The first time I stepped into a pair of Birdies, my feet felt familiar and comfortable. There is no need to break them in and the ballerina style is ideal for the busy commuter or long-mile walker.
Unlike other flats, this classic shoe is rated five-star by more than 15,000 reviewers. It combines the classic aesthetic and the coziness of a sneaker, plus is a shoe you can match with multiple outfits. If you're wondering what makes it premium, is the seven layers of pillowy comfort that feels like walking on a foam-like surface.
All-day support: Cariuma Salvas
- Ideal for casual wear
- Suitable for walking
- Comfortable footbed
- Not ideal for custom insoles
Size: 5-12.5 | Colorways: 9 | Fit: Regular
Athletic, casual and sturdy are three things that characterize this shoe. Cariuma is a safe brand to choose from when you need comfort and support. This pair offers a modern aesthetic and matches all my trendy outfits.
With a low profile and minimalist features, this shoe is ideal for the working woman moving in many directions. I have worn this for hours and walked non-stop. I have also stood in line without getting swollen feet and have made it through the night without blisters. The leather is smooth, the outsole provides good traction and the fit is nothing but cozy and dependable.
More editor-approved shoes for commuting
Reliable classic: Reebok Princess Women's Shoes
- Have arch support
- They don't look bulky
- A bit narrow
Size: 5-11 | Colors: 4 | Fit: Regular
One of Shop TODAY's associate partnerships editors, Lauren Witonsky, has been testing this pair for the past two weeks and is a fan.
"OMG, they are exactly what my shoe collection has been missing. They are comfy as sneakers but cute enough that you don’t have to take them off once you get to the office," she says.
This classic shoe is excellent for everyday wear thanks to its simplistic design and white clean aesthetic. Its cushioning technology and timeless design will keep you going for miles after a work day.
For the athlete: Brooks Addiction Walker 2
- Very supportive
- Stable when walking
- Not as slip resistant
Size: 5-12 | Colors: 2 | Fit: Medium/Wide/Narrow/Extra Wide
For long days that require standing for hours, former Shop TODAY intern Bella Druckman swears by this pair from Brooks.
“I stopped wearing my other sneakers because the Brooks are some of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. I wore them throughout the whole shoot day when I was on my feet all day, and my feet never ached,” adds Druckman.
Whether you’re a runner, someone who works on your feet or needs a pair that helps you commute by foot, these shoes will give you maximum support.
For the workaholic: Taos Direction
- Feel lightweight
- Have arch support
- Can fit snug
Size: 6-11 | Colors: 6 | Fit: Not recommended for wide feet
For the woman with taste looking for comfort, this pair is the perfect choice. Shop TODAY editor Vivien Moon wears these constantly to the office.
"Not only do I wear these shoes on a regular basis, but after a night out wearing the wrong heels (which gave me blisters in 10 minutes), I could only think of one pair I wanted to or even could wear the next day to work and it was this pair," says Moon.
One hidden feature these sneakers have is that you can fold down the back to wear them as a slip-on shoe.
"They are very comfortable no matter how long I’ve been on my feet (hello, swelling), and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how clean they’ve stayed despite me wearing them three times a week for months now," adds Moon.
Trust the experience: Adidas Ultraboost 1.0
- Very comfortable
- Good grip
- No finger loop in the back
Size: 4.5-12 | Colors: 18 | Fit: Regular
Sometimes an athletic pair will give you more support than an actual pump. That’s why former commerce partnerships coordinator, Sydney Weber wears this pair on the daily.
“The sneaker is designed to hug the foot, which makes my feet feel secure and intact when I am walking and/or running. Given the nature of the weave, the shoes are also very breathable. I also love that the shoe has the perfect amount of cushion under the toes, combined with a front lift beneath the toe to create a smooth stride from landing to jumping,” shares Weber.
Other footwear must-haves
Protect the heels: Silicone Heel Protector
Production associate Audrey Ekman swears by these heel protectors when it comes to wearing her loafers. If you're someone that gets blisters or requires extra protection, these pads will provide smooth and friendly support to the bottom of your foot.
They have a shock absorbing technology and anti-ski feature that won't slide while you're walking.
Cork for the win: Fulton Custom Molding Cork Shoe
If you have delicate arches or suffer from plantar fasciitis, this cork-made insole is a great alternative. All you need to do is remove the original footbed from one of your shoes and trade them for this.
This brand brings orthotics to a whole different level and provides ultimate support if you tend to pronate. Also, this is an option if you tend to suffer foot pain after walking around all day. They will adapt to your unique foot pressure points and provide that all-day comfort you deserve.
How we chose
I selected closed-toe shoes and sneakers based on comfort, performance and durability. Additionally, editors tested several sneakers which were selected for Shop TODAY's inaugural Sneaker Awards.
Has your product been featured?
Shop TODAY is editorially independent and our team of editors and writers work hard to pick the best products to share with our readers and viewers. We may license our logo to brands or products that have been featured on Shop TODAY. Click here if you’re interested in licensing your inclusion in Shop TODAY content or to learn more from our licensing partner, Wrights Media.
