The Best Sneakers for Women, Tested and Reviewed

The standout feature of the Adidas Ultraboost 1.0 Shoes is the midsole made from Boost, the brand’s proprietary technology that uses expanded thermoplastic polyurethane particles to provide unrivaled energy return and cushioning with every step. Flexible and durable enough to withstand miles and miles of impact in a wide range of conditions, this Boost midsole enabled T+L editor Erin Cavoto to wear the shoes right out of the box for a full day at Walt Disney World with no repercussions. In her words, “Not only did I walk over 20,000 steps, I spent most of the day on my feet in lines and never experienced any foot, leg, or back pain.” She also managed to avoid blisters despite being prone to them in other sneakers. 

The Primeknit textile upper is designed to conform to your foot, stretching with every movement and providing excellent breathability. We liked the socklike, tongueless construction and the fact that despite its lightness, the material felt both thick and durable. However, we wouldn’t recommend it for colder climates since it offers very little insulation. Other features include a molded heel counter to keep your foot securely in place as you walk and a rubber outsole for reliable traction on a variety of wet and dry surfaces. We found the fit true to size and were impressed with how little wear the soles of the shoes showed after testing. There were a few scuff marks on the light-colored fabric, but generally they resisted dirt better than expected.

The Details: Sizes 4.5-12 | Lace-up | Textile upper, thermoplastic polyurethane midsole, rubber outsole

Available in ivory white or black with a white sole, the Kizik Women’s Vegas Sneakers are game changers when it comes to step-in technology. We love that you can step straight into the shoes without untying them or bending over to pull them on, because the flexible heel is designed to compress and then snap quickly back into place. They’re also very versatile, with a premium, full-grain leather upper that you can dress up or down for a wide range of occasions, making these our go-to sneakers for trips when suitcase space is limited. 

Other features include the brand’s Rabbit Foam outsoles, which blend bounce-back with durability for supportive cushioning with every step. We found them comfortable from the outset with zero break-in required and loved that the sole, while thick and bouncy, did not feel too chunky. The shoes conformed well to our arches, and with rubber traction pods on the toe and heel areas, we feel confident wearing them on a variety of wet and dry surfaces. Ideal for shoes that are best worn without socks, the insoles are both removable and washable. 

The Details: Sizes 6-13 | Slip-on with laces | Leather upper, foam outsole, rubber traction pads

The Sorel Ona Ave Women’s Low Waterproof Sneakers look like your classic court sneaker, upgraded with a three-quarter-inch platform sole, making them a great platform option for when you need a little lift. They come in a range of styles, with upper materials varying slightly between colorways. Some of the colorways are predominantly leather, some are predominantly suede, and others combine both with patches of houndstooth textile. Whichever you choose, the upper features waterproof bootie construction which we tested in wet grass, mud, and snow with no issues. We love that the waterproofing makes them easy to clean, too. 

Our test pair required some breaking in because the left shoe was a little too small. Despite this, we managed to wear them in until they were comfortable without developing blisters—but would recommend sizing up if you’re unsure of the correct size or have unevenly sized feet. Otherwise, the sneakers’ removable EVA insole, molded rubber midsole, and foam injected outsole provided ample cushioning and energy return. They don’t offer much arch support, though, which was fine for us but may be an issue for some. 

The Details: Sizes 5-12 | Lace-up | Leather, suede, textile upper, EVA insole, molded rubber midsole and outsole | Waterproof

Converse’s Chuck Taylor All Star Canvas High-tops started out as an elite basketball shoe in 1917. In the decades since they’ve become a cross-cultural icon—instantly recognizable by their Chuck Taylor ankle patch and All Star license plate, their contrasting laces, and rubber toe caps. I’ve owned a pair for 20 years and feel as at home in them now as a work-from-home mom as I did as a teenage emo kid. Though definitely a casual shoe, the fact that I’ve worn them for everything from backpacking trips to rock shows, dog walks, and kids’ playdates shows their versatility. 

The high-tops do require a breaking-in period, and the canvas can feel stiff at first. But once they’ve molded to your feet, they’re comfortable enough for hours of wear even without any real arch support. OrthoLite cushioning gives some energy return, and if you tie the laces just right, you can slip them on and off without undoing them every time. I love their durability. My current pair have put up with four years of near-constant wear, and although the white parts are a bit grubby, they’re still structurally sound. They come in almost every color and even offer a fun customization option.  

The Details: Sizes 5-18 (regular); 5-15 (wide) | Lace-up | Canvas upper, rubber sole

T+L updates writer Anne Taylor calls the Hoka Bondi 9 Sneakers “the most comfortable walking shoes I’ve ever worn.” As great as they are for walking, they’re purpose-built for high-impact running on hard terrain with a supercritical foam midsole and a rearfoot-focused Active Foot Frame—features that essentially translate to plush cushioning and fully supported landings. We found them comfortable right out of the box and loved the springiness of the thick, padded sole. The arch support was great, and we never experienced any pain or rubbing while wearing them. 

We also like that the shoes are lightweight despite their exaggerated stack height. They come in wide and extra-wide versions, which we can confirm provide ample room in the toe box without feeling too clunky. Other running-oriented features include a 3D-molded collar for reliable ankle support, a structured knit upper for breathability, and Durabrasion rubber patches on high-wear zones to increase longevity. Overall, we feel this is a high-quality shoe that will last a long time. Colorways range from neutrals to bright designs like lavender and orange.

The Details: Sizes 4-12 (regular); 5-12 (wide and extra-wide) | Lace-up | Polyester upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole

Though some people use running shoes for both running and walking, they’re actually built differently, and the Ryka Podflow Walking Sneakers are designed especially for fitness walking and walk/run interval workouts with articulated pods in the EVA foam midsole and rubber outsole providing targeted support. “The pods on the bottom are unique, adding noticeable stability and cushioning for walking long distances,” says senior testing editor Jackie Cucco, who owns these sneakers. She found the shoes comfortable from the moment she put them on, with a light, bouncy feel and ample arch and heel support. She also liked the ankle support provided by the higher-than-average padded collar. 

The laces are quite stiff, which can make them tricky to tie; however, it also keeps the tongue securely in place. The sneakers have been lab-proven to provide a high energy return and a smooth heel-to-toe transition, while the uppers are made from a breathable mesh fabric with reflective accents to make you more visible to traffic after dark. The shoes come in black, yellow, blue, or white (all with a white sole), and we think that the fit is true to size. Overall, this is a comfortable, specialized shoe that offers impressive quality for under $100. 

The Details: Sizes 5-12 (medium); 6-12 (wide) | Lace-up | Mesh upper, EVA foam midsole, rubber outsole

If you’re looking for a well-made sneaker that’s as good for the environment as it is for your feet, check out the Allbirds Women’s Couriers. Made from all-natural materials, they offer a slightly retro vibe in a range of neutral, multitonal colorways that pair well with most outfits and look athletic without being too sporty. The sugarcane-based SweetFoam midsole provides all-day cushioning and support with enough energy-returning bounce to keep foot fatigue to a minimum, while a soft lining makes them comfy with or without socks. 

We found them comfortable right out of the box with no breaking in period required. Allbirds only offers whole sizes, which can be an issue for some feet, but we were especially pleased with the fit of this pair, which hugged our heel securely. The upper is made from breathable, durable organic cotton and eucalyptus fiber, while the outsole harnesses the grippiness of natural rubber. Our only criticism: light colors get dirty quickly and are difficult to spot clean, so consider opting for a darker shade if you’re headed somewhere wet. 

The Details: Sizes 5-11 | Lace-up | Cotton and eucalyptus fiber upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole

The Brooks Ghost Max L Sneakers are a special, leather-upper edition of a brand favorite. We liked the added durability and ease of cleaning provided by the leather but found that it negatively impacts the shoes’ breathability, so we would not recommend them for especially warm or humid climates. The overall quality is excellent, however, and we found the sneakers comfortable after a minimal break-in period. At no point did we experience rubbing, blisters, or hot spots, and we found the arch and ankle support good. 

The sneakers offer the brand’s highest level of cushioning with a high stack for maximum protection and decreased pressure underfoot. The rocker construction reduces impact on your ankles and knees by allowing for easy, assisted transitions with every step. When we wore them on slippery terrain on the way back from the gym, we were impressed by the level of stability and traction the sneakers afforded. Two points to consider: their bulky build can take some getting used to, and we had to size up to get the right fit. Color choices are limited to black or white. 

The Details: Size 5-12 (medium and wide) | Lace-up | Leather upper, rubber outsole

As their name suggests, the Vans Classic Slip-on Sneakers are another instantly recognizable icon. First launched in 1979, they’re synonymous with skateboarding but are also an on-trend pick for any casual activities. Choose yours in the original black/off-white iteration, or choose from a wide range of other checkered colorways. These shoes are built to last with sturdy, low-profile canvas uppers and waffle-cut rubber outsoles that provide reliable traction whether you’re on a skate deck or sidewalk. 

T+L associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker says they’re heavier than other slip-on styles she owns, but that she quite likes the extra heft because it makes them feel more substantial. She also commented that the padded collar “is way softer on the foot than canvas, which meant the shoes did not create the insane blistering I’ve gotten with similar styles from other brands.” They are comfortable from the get-go, albeit with a bit of breaking in required to loosen up an initial feeling of tightness. Elastic side accents allow you to slip the shoes on easily, although care is needed to ensure the heel goes on properly. 

The Details: Sizes 5-19.5 | Slip-on | Canvas upper, rubber outsole

Costing 2.5 times less than our overall winner, Dr. Scholl’s Madison Lace Sneakers are an affordable option for anyone who appreciates sustainably-made versatility. They come in a wide choice of colorways, all with a contrasting chevron stripe on the side. Depending on which you choose, the upper is made of either faux leather or fabric, all with a lace-up front for a secure, adjustable fit. We like how they’re comfortable to walk in while also having a versatile look that you can dress up for office-wear or work trips with the right outfit.

The double-layer EVA midsole gives just the right amount of cushioned support, and a platform sole is made from flexible, grippy rubber. Despite the sole’s 1.3-inch height, strategic coring keeps the shoes lightweight. Two final features that we particularly like: the sidewalls are treated with an easy-clean repellant while the insole uses antimicrobial technology to keep odor at bay. Our pair still looks clean and smells fresh even after nearly a year of consistent use. We have noticed some buckling where the sole meets the upper after 10 months of wearing the shoes.

The Details: Sizes 6-11 | Lace-up | Faux leather or fabric upper, EVA midsole, rubber outsole

Crafted from genuine Italian leather, the Vince Warren Platform Sneakers exude quality with a sturdy build and uppers that seem to repel water and mud. They’re durable, cute, and easy to slip on without using your hands thanks to the elastic goring on either side. A padded heel collar offers some protection at the back of your foot; however, it wasn’t enough to stop us from getting a blister the first time we wore them when the fit felt narrow and tight. After testing these, we’d say it takes around three wears to break them in, and then they became more comfortable with each wear.

The sneakers have a cushioned insole that molds to the shape of your foot to provide support. The 1.5-inch rubber platform is hollow, keeping the shoes lightweight and making it possible to wear them for hours with no fatigue. We love that the soles kept us steady on our feet while out and about in rainy Seattle and that the platform upgrades the overall look so that we can wear them as easily for an outing with friends as we can for running errands. The sneakers run true to size and come in black or white with other colors available in suede and nubuck variations. 

The Details: Sizes 5-12 | Slip-on | Leather upper, rubber sole | Water resistant

With a white or off-white leather upper and colored accents on the logo and heel collar, the Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Shoes are inspired by classic ‘80s tennis shoes. We love their versatile retro look and were surprised to find that they were comfortable from the first wear despite initial misgivings due to their relative flatness. Updates writer Anne Taylor says, “These sneakers have always felt comfortable on long walks and for all-day wear. Although they don’t have much built-in support, my feet never feel tired or sore at the end of an outing.”

We especially like the soft, removable EVA foam sockliner and the lightweight cushioning provided by the EVA midsole. The outsole is made from diamond-patterned rubber for traction on wet or polished surfaces. Overall, we feel this is a high-quality shoe with a substantial build and no signs of wear and tear after months of frequent use. The white color inevitably attracts dirt; however, the sneakers are easy to wash or wipe clean. The fit is generally true to size although we suggest that those with wide feet try a half size up. 

The Details: Sizes 5-15.5 | Lace-up | Leather upper, EVA midsole, rubber outsole

Sneakers that are specially designed for the trail like the Hoka Women’s Anacapa 2 Freedom Sneakers can be a great alternative to heavy, suitcase-hogging hiking boots. Despite having laces, these are designed as slip-ons with a special heel that flexes and springs back into place for getting them on and off hands free. Stretch gusset upper construction offers a socklike fit that made our feet feel snug and eliminated the risk of chafe-causing movement, while the ample cushioning reduced strike impact and helped with joint pain in our hips, knees, and ankles. 

The sneakers were comfortable right off the bat. We were impressed with the arch support, too, although the ankle support cannot compare to that of full-height hiking boots. The rocker style adds propulsion to every step, helping to save energy out on the trail, and the Vibram Megagrip outsole offers maximum traction on all kinds of wet, dry, uneven, or loose terrain. We liked the sneakers’ solid build and appreciated that they still looked brand new after several test hikes. 

The Details: Sizes 5-11 | Slip-on | Mesh and nubuck upper, EVA midsole, rubber outsole

Those that struggle with overpronation—the excessive inward rolling motion of the foot as it makes contact with the ground—should try the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v14 Running Shoes. The sneakers’ design prioritizes support and stability, and although it can feel strange at first (almost like your feet are being forced to roll outward), we found that it helped to reduce the strain on our hips and knees significantly. The design is also lightweight enough to prevent fatigue, with a mesh upper that’s both breathable and quick drying. 

We thought the shoes were exceptionally comfortable with plenty of padding on the inside of the heel and tongue. The Fresh Foam X midsole offers the brand’s highest level of cushioning for superior shock absorption and a cloudlike feel underfoot, while the rocker profile puts a spring in your step and gives you the energy to walk all day. We didn’t have any issues with blisters or hot spots and liked that the traction was sufficient to feel confident on wet, slippery surfaces. We love the overall aesthetic with colors ranging from black to pale yellow. 

The Details: Sizes 5-12 (narrow, standard, wide, extrax-wide) | Lace-up | Synthetic upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole

With the right outfit and accessories, you can wear OluKai’s Pehuea Li ‘Ili Leather Sneakers for almost any occasion from city sightseeing to luxury resort stays. As well as being timelessly stylish, we find them durable, comfortable and easy to slip on, with a buttery full-grain leather upper and a specially designed drop heel that allows the shoes to convert instantly from sneakers to slides. A patterned design on the heel area elevates the overall look by adding an element of subtle interest. 

The interior is lined with soft glove leather that feels great whether you’re wearing socks or not, and the compression of the cushioned midsole is inspired by the sensation of walking barefoot in wet sand. We love the overall fit and just-right amount of arch support, although we would caution those with wide feet about the toe box which can feel a little too cozy at times. Finally, the rubber outsole features butterflyfish-inspired siping for grip on wet surfaces. Color choices are meant to offer maximum versatility and include white, black, and ash gray.  

The Details: Sizes 5-12 | Slip-on with laces | Leather upper, rubber outsole

Available with leather, metallic leather, or suede uppers, the Naturalizer Shay Lace Up Sneakers combine a low-profile silhouette with a chunky platform sole and retro-inspired accents on the side, tongue, and heel. We love the high-quality feel of the material and think the slim silhouette is flattering enough to pair well with dresses and skirts as well as your everyday jeans and leggings. Essentially, they’re the ideal sneaker to pack if you only have space for one pair in your suitcase. 

We thought they felt a bit narrow, which made them feel tighter than other sneakers, but we eventually got used to the snug fit and loved that it prevented our feet from sliding around. They’re also available in a wide cut for those that worry about pinching in the toe box. The cushioned footbed features Contour+ technology for bouncy, all-day comfort and abundant arch support, while the nonslip outsole keeps you steady on a variety of surfaces. Colorways range from pewter to champagne, but we found that the lighter colors tend to get dirty quickly and were difficult to clean.  

The Details: Sizes 5-12 (regular); 6-12 (wide) | Lace-up | Leather or leather and suede upper, rubber outsole

Originally designed for indoor football pitches, the Adidas Samba MN Shoes have become a streetwear fashion staple and are instantly recognizable by their iconic stripes and tan gum soles. The latter is one of our favorite features, offering a secure, steady grip and flexible feel. We loved the stylish leather material that elevated any outfit. The overall quality was impressive, and we liked that they came with both black and white laces for switching up your look. 

The sneakers are completely flat. However, while they’re probably not the most supportive pick for a full-day walking tour or amusement park visit given their lack of arch support, we found them comfortable for everyday wear and never experienced any rubbing, blisters, or pain. We did find that we occasionally had to adjust the tongue, which tended to slip to one side. That’s probably because the shoes come up large and were slightly too wide in our regular size. We agree with Adidas’ recommendation to purchase a half size down. 

The Details: Sizes 5-14.5 | Lace-up | Leather upper, gum rubber outsole

Want to avoid sweaty feet this summer? The Atoms Model 000 Sneakers are designed for flexible breathability with a knit yarn upper and a cutout sole that keeps weight to a minimum. We like the simplicity of the design, which pairs well with most casual outfits, and the fact that the unique stretch laces allow you to pull the sneakers on and off without having to tie them every time. For the most part we found them very comfortable and were able to wear them for extended periods without sweating or overheating even in hot weather. 

We liked the cloudlike cushioning and ample arch support afforded by the two-part EVA foam and rubber sole. We also appreciated the inclusivity of the shoes being available in quarter sizes, making it possible to achieve an almost custom fit. However, we did experience some rubbing on one of our heels (though we appreciate this is unlikely to be a universal issue). A copper-threaded lining claims to kill bacteria to keep the shoes smelling fresh, while the traction was excellent on a range of surfaces. The shoes are machine-washable and come in a range of neutrals as well as a neon yellow option.

The Details: Sizes 5-16.5 | Slip-on with laces | Knit upper, EVA and blown rubber midsole, rubber outsole