(Note: Prices and availability are subject to change.)
BEST FOR EVERY DAY: TRETORN NYLITE PLUS
Price: $70 | Buy them at Zappos A classic style and a durable, substantial sole make these Tretorns perfect for a casual day running errands or meeting up with friends. They’re also streamlined enough to pair perfectly with everything from jeans and workout pants to casual skirts and dresses.
BEST CLASSIC: KEDS CHAMPION
Price: $40 | Buy them at DSW Why not rock the same shoes you wore as a kid? These canvas Keds go with everything and look great with no-show socks. A cushioned insole keeps them comfy, and you’ll still find the iconic blue tag on the back of the heel.
BEST FOR MORE SUPPORT: SKECHERS PREMIUMS
Price: $40 | Buy them at Zappos Great for someone who needs more day-to-day support, these Skechers have a shock-absorbing midsole, amply padded collar and tongue, and a flexible, non-skid rubber sole. They also come in extra-wide widths.
BEST ’80S THROWBACK: REEBOK LIFESTYLE PRINCESS
Price: $50 | Buy them at Zappos If you lived through the ’80s, chances are you had a pair of snow-white Reeboks, or you knew someone who did — and wanted their shoes. Relive the magic with these sleek synthetic leather sneakers. Features include a soft terry lining and a cushioned footbed.
BEST SLIP-ON: KEDS CHAMPION LEATHER
Price: $50 | Buy them at Zappos Prefer leather? It doesn’t get any sleeker than this pair of classic, stretch-to-fit Keds. Also available in narrow and wide widths, they feature a slight wedge heel and a textured rubber sole that provides plenty of traction.
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BEST SUPPORTIVE WALKING SHOE: EASY SPIRIT REGINE
Price: $50 | Buy them at DSW This traditional-looking walking shoe earns raves for its support. You’ll get a durable leather upper, secure-fit lacing system, removable foam insole, shock-absorbing rubber sole, and plenty of padding throughout. Wide widths are available.
BEST WALKING SHOE FOR WIDE OR NARROW FEET: NEW BALANCE 411 CUSH
Price: $60 | Buy them at Kohl’s These New Balance sneakers have all the supportive features you need in a walking shoe, but in a slightly sleeker package. The perforated leather upper keeps air moving, and the shock-absorbing heel keeps you stepping confidently. They also come in wide and narrow widths.
BEST RUNNING SHOE: NIKE RUN SWIFT
Price: $70 | Buy them at DSW If your fitness routine involves more than walking, grab these supportive Nikes. The foam-injected sole and removable cushioned footbed make for a soft landing if you’re pounding away on the treadmill, road, or tennis court.
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BEST CROSS-TRAINER: NEW BALANCE WX608V4
Price: $70 | Buy them at Zappos A traditional cross-trainer that can handle everything from aerobics to weight-training, this pair of leather New Balance sneakers has plenty of padding and ample shock absorbtion. They come in narrow and wide widths, too.
BEST MESH SLIP-ON: SKECHERS GRATIS MESH BUNGEE
Price: $45 | Buy them at SkechersLet your feet breathe easy in these casual slip-on sneakers. They have bungee laces and an air-cooled memory foam footbed, plus a shock-absorbing midsole to keep your feet feeling great on long, errand-packed days.
BEST MESH LACE-UP: NIKE TANJUN
Price: $65 | Buy them at DSW Prefer regular laces? These Nikes keep things airy and sleek with a mesh no-sew upper that will mold to your feet. The midsole has plenty of cushioning and shock absorption, while the outsole is flexible enough to handle active days with aplomb.
BEST CHEAP ATHLETIC SNEAKER: CHAMPION GUSTO PERFORMANCE CROSS TRAINER
Price: $25 | Buy them at Payless You can still get a comfy pair of fresh white kicks without overspending. These Champion trainers have a breathable upper, padded collar, memory-foam insole, and lightweight outsole.
BEST WOOL: ALLBIRDS WOOL RUNNERS
Price: $95 | Buy them at Allbirds If you’ve got a little more to spend, try out these merino wool sneakers for the ultimate in softness. Yup, they’re still water-resistant, as well as moisture-wicking and odor-resistant. Toss ’em in the washer if they get dirty.
BEST SPLURGE: ECCO SOFT 7
Price: $150 | Buy them at Nordstrom Treat yourself to plenty of comfort and style with these Eccos, featuring a full-grain leather upper, stylish toe cap, and removable comfort insole. A subtly contrasting logo and heel add to the allure.
BEST FOR FASHIONISTAS: STEVE MADDEN LANCER
Price: $55 | Buy them at Zappos Just pull on these Steve Maddens for ample street chic. The neoprene and rubber upper is embellished with laces that traverse the entire shoe, and a pull tab makes putting them on a cinch.
BEST FOR FASHIONISTAS: PUMA BASKET HEART
Price: $40 | Buy them at 6pm Striped oversized laces make these synthetic leather Pumas into definite head-turners. A cushioned footbed and padded tongue and collar keep them as comfy as they are cute.
BEST BOAT SHOE: SPERRY TOP-SIDER PIER VIEW
Price: $55 | Buy them at DSW Opt for a fresh nautical style with this pair of canvas Sperry slip-ons, which are versatile enough for everything from bermudas and capris to your favorite sundresses. They’re embellished with distinctive leather laces for boardwalk-ready style.
BEST RETRO HIGH-TOP: CONVERSE CHUCK TAYLOR ALL-STARS
Price: $55 | Buy them at Zappos For years, All-Stars have been the go-to white high top — and why not? You get the classic rubber toe cap, subtle red and blue piping, a padded footbed, and a sleek canvas upper embellished with that iconic star logo.
BEST STREET STYLE: VANS SK8-HI CORE CLASSICS
Price: $65 | Buy them at Zappos Go a little sleeker with these tone-on-tone high-top Vans, featuring a suede and canvas upper, cotton lining, a padded, triple-stitched collar, and a foam insert.
