In a sea of widely varying foot-related needs (your wider widths, your plantar fasciitis), attempting to boil down the definitive most comfortable shoe would be a wild-goose chase. So, let it be known: we purposefully left the categories — from sneakers to sandals and heels, oh my! — wide open to interpretation, making space for each individual to choose what the descriptor of "comfort" means to their feet. To some, it took on the expected form of marshmallow-soft slides or arch-supporting sneakers; to others, a hot cup of tea was spilled on their go-to pair of supportive heels (gasp).
Click through the slides ahead to find a comfy diamond in the shoe-shaped rough. We can't say for certain that you'll find a pair that perfectly resonates with your barking dogs, but we can say with confidence: to Refinery29 staffers, THESE are the comfortable shoes.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
FitFlop Leather Clogs
"Besides my go-to comfortable basics (Birkenstocks and sneakers), these clogs are actually my most comfortable shoe. Apparently, FitFlop is known for their footbed technology and I will admit they are quite comfy and my feet feels really supported even in this slip-on style shoe."– Kate Spencer, Creative & Updates Editor
Shop FitFlop
FitFlop Leather Clogs, $, available at FitFlop
Dansko Professional Shearling Clogs
“These fuzzy puppies may be out of season at the moment — but, that doesn’t stop me from knocking around the house in them mid-summer. To say that I lived in them throughout this past fall and winter would not be an exaggeration. They offered incredibly cozy support to my flat chilblain-prone feet (don’t google it). From mornings to evenings, they were my chosen WFH house shoes. So comfortable I sometimes forgot I had them on as I typed away at my desk; so cute and durable that I would proudly take them for spins outside when walking my pup or running an errand. Dansko just knows how to make a good comfort shoe. Plain and simple.” – Elizabeth Buxton, Deputy Director
Shop Dansko
Dansko Professional Shearling, $, available at Dansko
Reebok Club C Double Sneaker
"These are my absolute go-to (very apparent by how dirty they are!) for whenever I'm running around different subways in NYC or at the airport. In general, I'm a big fan of Rebook when it comes to comfort and stylish shoes, they haven't failed me yet. Because I have flat feet, it's super important that my shoes have that arch support and these have just the right amount (not too much to hurt but not too flat either!). Plus, they go with every outfit!"– Mercedes Viera, Associate Deals Writer
Shop Reebok
Reebok Reebok Club C Double Sneaker, $, available at goop
Hoka One Ora Recovery Slide
"I have plantar fasciitis, so just about every pair of shoes I own has to qualify as comfortable in some way. You won't catch me wearing these recovery slides out of the house, but for pure comfort, they're the best I own. The cushioning is great for days when my soles get that tell-tale pinprick pain associate with plantar fasciitis, and the footbed keeps my feet and ankles supported. I stick with the Birkenstock Arizona sandals for just about everything I wear outside during the summer, but when I'm home, my feet are in these" – Marshall Bright, Freelance Affiliate Editor
Shop Hoka One
HOKA One Ora Recovery Slide, $, available at HOKA One
Nike Killshot OG Sneakers
"So, here's the thing about Nike Killshots: I'm fairly certain that just about every man I've ever been romantically involved with has owned a pair of these shoes (which likely reflects poorly on my eclectic taste in men and their equally eclectic sartorial choices). That said, when I saw them available in little boy sizes at a fraction of the standard cost, they called to me - and frankly, they've become my shoe of the summer. They pair excellently with jean shorts, they're ultra-light, they make for great biking and walking shoes, and they do a hell of a job dressing down the occasional ball gown. I'd call them an all-terrain shoe, but the terrain I'm referring to is merely pavement and maybe the occasional grassy park expanse. That said, I never want to take them off - and I can't recommend them enough for folks who spend a lot of time on their feet." –Eliza Dumais, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Shop SSENSE
Nike Tan & Grey Killshot OG Sneakers, $, available at SSENSE
Sarah Flint Perfect Block Sandal 90
"These are the most comfortable heels I own, but they don’t look like “comfort” heels. The arch support and wider toe box make them worth the splurge if you need shoes for an event where you’ll be on your feet a lot." – Steph Clary, Global VP, Digital Entertainment
Shop Sarah Flint
Sarah Flint Perfect Block Sandal 90, $, available at Sarah Flint
Asics UB1-S Gel-Kayano 14 Sneakers
"They’re supportive and a little wider than most running shoes, in my experience. And I love the unique colorway. They’re perfect for when I’m running errands or out with my toddler." – Steph Clary, Global VP, Digital Entertainment
Shop MyTheresa
ASICS UB1-S GEL-KAYANO 14 sneakers, $, available at mytheresa
Jessica Rich Racy Mule Silver
"Not only do I love these because it's a female black-owned brand, but these are LITERALLY the most comfortable mules in my closet. I'm not a huge stiletto fans because I find more stability in a block heel. But I've noticed I walk so much more confidently in the Racy's because the sole is so comfortable. It's like Jessica built extra foam cushion into the sole that melts into my foot with every step. (Sounds like a dream but I'm not exaggerating.) Super affordable and looking forward to getting them in every color." – Breanna Davis, Associate Social Editor
Shop Jessica Rich
Jessica Rich RACY MULE SILVER, $, available at Jessica Rich
Aquatalia Imina Genuine Shearling Slippers
"I've been wearing these slides non-stop since last winter when I wore them at home as slippers. Now they have become my go-to for everything, from running errands outside to going out for dinner. Slides have long been my shoe of choice when it comes to comfort, and the soft, furry lining takes this style to the next level."–Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Shop Zappos
Aquatalia Imina Genuine Shearling Slippers, $, available at Nordstrom, Zappos
Hereu Horta Espadrille Wedges
"More and more I love challenging the idea of what used to be considered “winter” or “summer” materials. It’s fun when you find a contrast of those traditional ideas all on one clothing item, so finding this versatile travel-friendly leather espadrille was an ultimate win. I also love the tie around the ankle. It adds an extra wink to a shoe that already offers so much. I hadn’t heard of this Spanish brand before. They use really soft leather, which is great for wearing all day and the shape of the toe was the unique sort of design element I’m often drawn to." – Simone Oliver, Global Editor in Chief, Refinery 29
Shop Goop
HEREU Horta Espadrille Wedges, $, available at goop
Nike Air Max Koko Sandal
“I wear these Kokos everywhere in the city, even though I’m pretty averse to showing my toes in public — I mean, whatever, because they’re SO light, bouncy, support my flat feet, and they have this marshmallowy squishiness that I wish I could implant onto my soles. The extra inches in height are a fun bonus too.”– Jinnie Lee, Freelance Fashion Writer
Shop Nike
Nike Nike Air Max Koko, $, available at Nike
UGG Classic Short II
"I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again: I love UGGs. Ever since I slipped on my first pair in middle school, I’ve been hooked on the way they hug my toes and actually keep them warm. My circulation goes AWOL during the winter and my feet are blocks of ice unless I’m under a heated blanket OR if I have my Uggs on. Also, as a person who almost exclusively wears uncomfortable shoes for some reason (I’ve experienced a numb toe here and there), UGGs are my safe haven when I come home from a long day. Definitely invest in a pair now, and you’ll thank yourself in December." – Alexandra Polk, Associate Lifestyle Writer
Shop Zappos
Ugg UGG Classic Short II, $, available at Zappos
Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed
"Birkenstock Arizona’s have long been my go-to comfortable sandal. (Heck, I’ll even do a Birkensock moment and lean into full normcore sometimes.) I’ve tried both the Birko-Flor and soft footbed varieties and love them equally. They’re supportive, beyond comfortable after the initial break-in period, and go with pretty much everything, IMO. " – Karina Hoshikawa, Beauty & Wellness Writer
Shop Zappos
Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed, $, available at Zappos
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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