These Podiatrist-Approved Shoes Are Both Comfortable and Chic (2024)

• Our Picks

• What To Look For

• Why Trust Byrdie

Sizes: 5-12 | Material: Suede, Mesh & Recycled Polyester ​​| Width: Standard, Wide

Chunky soled trainers have been sported by (what feels like) everyone, from Kendal Jenner to Rihanna to my bestie, who calls these New Balances “cushiony” and “ridiculously comfortable.” And like my best friend, a podiatrist will tell you the same: They’re pretty dang comfy. In fact, foot docs like New York based podiatrist Dr. Tyler Miranda recommends the brand because of how supportive they are on the arch of your feet, especially when walking and running around. This style has a special soft foam and tough polyurethane midsole—the recipe for the support and comfort you need on those long commute days.

Size: 5-12 | Material: Rubber, Recycled Plastic | Width: Standard

Teva has long been a favorite of outdoor enthusiasts, but you don’t have to be a serious adventurer to enjoy the perks of this eco-friendly shoe. Arguably, this style is for just about anyone, from those seeking versatile all-day footwear, something to flaunt at a festival, or something easy to throw on to hit the beach. Wherever you choose to sport them, though, these utilitarian style kicks are comfortable and practical, equipped with a bouncy and foamy material and a midsole with heel cupping for arch support. There are even adjustable straps (made of 100% recycled plastic!) to ensure you get the right fit.

Size: 23-37 | Material: Nylon, Suede, Leather | Width: Standard

Tory Burch proves that a designer sneaker can be comfortable with this chunky, sports-inspired piece. Embellished with an embossed rendition of their classic logo and muted neutral hues, it’s a shoe that pairs well with anything and everything—from a tennis skirt on the court to a midi on a night out. Plus, it meets our requirements of being a very comfortable shoe (emphasis on very). That’s because it’s constructed with an oversized ergonomic sole that adds lift, a cushioned tongue and collar, and a molded foam footbed.

Size: 5-11 | Material: Leather | Width: Standard

Wearing sneakers to the office might’ve been deemed unconventional a few decades ago, but as office life has revamped, so has our wardrobe. While Vince has been aiding in creating a stellar variety of pieces for said workplace wear, they have also been crafting high-quality shoes to match. See also: This pair from the brand. Crafted with a timeless, sporty design from 100% leather, these are clean and crisp pairs of shoes that’ll step up your stand-up meeting attire.

Size: 5-10 | Material: Leather, Calfskin, Recycled Polyester | Width: Standard

Camper’s shoes remind us that fashion is—and always will be—fun. The designs feel youthful and nostalgic; these are anything but your middle school ballerinas (no toe cleavage found here, IYKYK). Instead, these revitalize the once-called “nightmare” of a shoe for your back, knees, and foot arches into a cool, minimalist, pain-free design. Credit their coolness to the sleek leather and slightly squared-toed shape and blame their comfort on their high-performance foam cushioning. As they say, ballet flats are back.

Size: 5-13 | Material: Canvas, Leather, Suede, Recycled | Width: Standard

Cariuma checks off all the boxes we’re looking for in an everyday sneaker. The low-top design goes with all outfits, the materials are lightweight and breathable, and the vegan insoles support provide all day support. Seriously, we walked 15,000 steps in this brand and our feet felt fine. Factor in the sustainable materials and wide range of colors and finishes (canvas, leather, suede), and it's no wonder these are a celebrity-favorite.

Size: 3-13 | Material: Italian Leather | Width: Narrow, Medium, Wide

According to Dr. Miguel Cunha, podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare, if you don’t want your feet to ache in a heel, it’s best to avoid pointed and narrow toe boxes and—to no surprise—stiletto heels. Instead, opt for a versatile block heel, like this one from Margaux, to ensure comfort all day, every day. We especially love these because they’re crafted from luxe-looking Italian leather yet have a hidden foam padding, proving that you don’t have to trade off comfort for fashion. And they come in narrow and wide sizes as well.

Size: 5-11 | Material: Leather | Width: Medium

These oh-so-chic puffy strapped flatforms from Vionic are giving us major ‘90s nostalgia. These are a dream for your feet, with a lightweight lug sole ensuring stability and a sturdy yet oh-so-squishy insole. But comfort aside—they’re crafted from sleek leather with double straps that ensure your feet stay firmly in place (no slipping here); they're the ultimate fusion of edgy and sophisticated. Plus, they’ve received the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) Seal of Acceptance, so you know they’re as good for your feet as they look on ‘em.

Size: 5-11 | Material: Recycled Polyester | Width: Narrow, Standard

These are a favorite of workout influencer and marathon runner Lexi Watts, who can be seen sporting them on #RunTok. “These make me excited to run again,” says Watts, an excitement that can be attributed to their poppy colorways, from pomegranate to turquoise. But you don’t need to be running 300 miles (pro tip: Watts says that’s how many miles she gets before having to trade in for a new pair) to add these to your closet. They’re equally as great for low-impact sports and your next hot girl walk, because they have tons of features from exceptional shock absorption to their featherlight design that effectively alleviate foot fatigue.

Size: 5-10 | Material: Vegan Bio Leather | Width: Standard

Not only are these sneakers unequivocally stylish, but they’re downright comfortable. They’re breathable, lightweight, and—get this—odor-resistant, so you can wear them for extended periods without concern. And they’re made from food waste and recycled materials, so you can curb your carbon footprint (pun totally intended). Plus, that rubber back with an embossed logo, coming in every color from hot pink to bright blue? Talk about giving some personality to your Little White Shoe.

Size: 4-14 | Material: Leather, Velvet, or Fabric | Width: Standard

These Sam Edelman shoes serve as classic loafers, so much so that they’re reminiscent of the Gucci Horsebits—but at a more forgiving price. We’ve had them for over three years, and they still look and feel as good as new. We can’t get enough of how soft they are, with an almost slipper-like feel, and how many colorways and material options there are; pick from fabric animal prints to patent leathers.

Size: 5-11 | Material: Leather | Width: Standard

ICYMI: Clogs are cool. And this puffy iteration of the revived leather mule? Even cooler.These feature a leather covering and a rubber outsole, with added padding on the wedge for all-day comfort. And despite having a platform, they’re easy enough to schlep around the city, making them a must-have for those seeking practical yet trendy shoes.

Size: 8-13 | Material: Leather | Width: Standard

The perfect poolside lounge shoe comes in the form of these leather slides. Designed with luxe leather and gold hardware and hidden heel, arch, and forefoot support, they’re a shoe that adds ease to your day. They’re podiatrist-designed, with triple-layer support and a cushion system to prevent and alleviate common foot pain. Consider them the myth-buster to the claim that shoes that help your feet can’t be cute.

Size: 6-12 | Material: Leather | Width: Standard, Wide

If you want your everyday boot to have some added comfort features, these are for you. They’re a classic chelsea boot that also happens to be water-repellant. Oh, and they also happen to be designed with a lug sole and a cushioned footbed, making them an expert choice for braving any weather condition, from rain to snow.

Size: 5-11 | Material: Recycled Knit | Width: Standard, Wide

These square-toed flats are full of cushy features, meaning they’ll be the comfiest pair in your closet. At a glance, these look like a structured flat but feel more like slippers. That’s because they’re equipped with a heel cushion to avoid blisters, insoles for added comfort, extra arch support, and four-way stretch. Their fabric is recycled knit, so they glide right on and feel pillowy. The best part? These come in over 40 colors and patterns.

Size: 5-13 | Material: Recycled Polyester | Width: Medium, Wide, Narrow, Extra Wide

Fun fact: Brooks Athletic Sneakers have the highest number of seals of acceptance by the APMA. Dr. Ashley Lee, a podiatrist in Illinois (who also wears Brooks!), points out that this is due to how they promote good foot health during everything from low to high-intensity activities. Ask any runner about these performance-driven shoes, and you’ll probably get a similar analysis: These are cushioned, supportive, road running sneakers that provide a soft ride that goes for miles.