Who is it for: Anyone who needs to stand for long periods of time, whether working long shifts, attending a music festival or sightseeing in a new city.
How we test: On days commuting to work, walking around New York City and strolling through the park, I logged up to 25,000 steps in the process.
One tester said: “The shoes are lightweight and comfortable — I could easily stand in them all day without pain or discomfort. I would recommend these to a healthcare professional or someone looking for something simple and not too flashy to walk in. They are a comfortable choice and really feel great, even after wearing them all day.”
Best shoe for walking around town all day: Lululemon Cityverse
What it does: Comfortable, casual, and classic, the Cityverse is a simple sneaker that you can wear every day without getting tired of. It has a very comfortable, balanced feel that’s great for long walks, and a streamlined look that pairs well with most outfits (“Every time I wear these, I get compliments,” said one of our testers).
Who is it for: Sports enthusiasts; attractive girls who keep the trend alive; anyone with a big trip coming up.
How we test: We wore these clothes everywhere and for all kinds of activities, including vacations, dog walks, meeting up with friends, and day trips.
One tester said: “These are the most comfortable athleisure sneakers I’ve ever worn, and I’ve bought a lot of different styles. Somehow Lululemon made cool sneakers that feel like super-cushioned running shoes. My feet are so happy when I wear them!”
Best comfortable high-top: Converse Weapon
What it does: We love it when a sneaker hits the nail on the head when it comes to form and function, so naturally, we love the Converse Weapon. It’s supportive across the foot and ankle, super comfortable, and, frankly, just really cool. It has a retro look that still feels modern, and unlike other fashion-forward sneakers, it’s anything but flimsy (just look at that chunky sole!).
Who is it for: Anyone who is equally interested in street style and staying comfortable.
How we test: While strolling the city sidewalks for hours on end and playing squash and pickleball.
One tester said: “These were super stylish and fit like a glove! They’re similar to Jordans, but much more affordable and accessible. I wore them to an MLB game, and my date commented on how cool he thought my shoes looked.”
Most Comfortable Athleisure Sneakers: Allbirds Wool Runner 2
What it does: This stylish everyday sneaker shines thanks to its main material, merino wool, which is naturally sweat-wicking, temperature-regulating and, of course, incredibly soft. Your feet should stay comfortable yet cool in the Wool Runner 2, which is a huge bonus if you stick with sneakers through the colder months of the year. And if your pair starts to get a little dirty, they can go straight into the washing machine and come out looking like new.
Who is it for: Anyone who lives in sneakers and needs a new comfortable staple they can wear year-round.
How we test: On walks around the neighborhood, electric bike rides and trips to cafes.
One tester said: “These are probably the most comfortable non-running shoes I’ve ever worn — I felt like I could ride for hours in them if I needed to, and they worked well on the e-bike too (my feet didn’t slip off the pedals or anything). They’re so comfortable and supportive, and they don’t interfere with my stride either; my toes can bend in the right place and my feet can move naturally.”
Best Cool Old-School Athleisure Sneaker: Puma Easy Rider
What it does: Looking for the next Samba, Cortez, or Gazelle? We’re betting on Puma’s Easy Rider, a vintage design that debuted in the late ’70s. It has a similar sporty-chic, old-school look to the aforementioned of-the-moment shoes, plus a super-grippy sole and a supportive, slightly bouncy feel. One thing to note is that they run narrow, according to our tester, so consider sizing up if you have wider feet.