Sneakers are many things to many people — from professional athletes who need the latest tech to the sneakerhead who stacks boxes high just to have a few pairs on ice. But one defining aspect is that they are the most comfortable shoes in a field full of uncomfortable footwear.
But finding a sneaker that stays secure without being overly tight, offers all-day support that won’t fade, and doesn’t feel like a sweatbox is not an easy task. Not to mention, our feet contain about one-quarter of all the bones in the human body, and arch height, foot width, and pressure points vary wildly. Point being: not every sneaker will be comfortable for every person.
With that in mind, however, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most comfortable shoes on the market that you should consider picking up right now. From New Balance and adidas to the most comfortable Nike shoes on the market. Scroll on for a selection your feet will thank you for.
Shop the Most Comfortable Sneakers of 2023 Below
norda 001 M
norda shoes are designed and made by lifelong endurance athletes with decades of combined shoe industry experience. They care about your feet and how they feel, whether you are out training on the trail or simply out and about in the city.
norda is one of those brands that have nailed the perfect combination of fit, cushion, weight, materials, and breathability. Enter the norda 001 M. The shoe rocks a seamless upper made entirely of Dyneema® — a bio-based composite unidirectional laminate that offers excellent energy absorption and enhanced protection, all in a lightweight solution. The material makes the 001 M one of the lightest trail-running sneakers on the market.
001 M LTD Edition
norda
001 M
norda
001 M LTD Edition
norda
ASICS SUPERBLAST™
The latest hero product to release from ASICS' BLAST series, the brand has packed some serious tech into this runner. Crafted to withstand long-distance runs, the shoe is both lightweight and responsive.
Weighing in at only 239 grams for a U.S. men's size 9, the super stacked midsole includes the brand's lightest FF BLAST TURBO foam technology stacked on top of its FF BLAST PLUS foam which results in a super bouncy and energetic performance.
Superblast Sneakers
ASICS
Mizuno x Highsnobiety Wave Rider 10
Five years ago, Mizuno launched its Sportstyle range which combines its cutting-edge tech and dedication to craftsmanship with a focus on style and lifestyle sneakers. From that line, the Wave Rider 10 has proven to be the most popular, a re-issue of a 2007 performance running shoe featuring the latest iteration of Mizuno’s signature Wave cushioning technology.
Created together with Hikmet Sugoer, an OG in the German sneaker scene, and this very magazine, we naturally believe this to be the best-looking iteration to date.
Wave Rider 10
Mizuno x Highsnobiety
New Balance 990v3
New Balance is at the crest of the dad sneaker trend which remains as strong as ever. And rightly so, its reputation for comfort has meant that we couldn't agree more with pops' footwear choices.
The New Balance 990 hit the headlines when it was launched in the early 1980s and became the first running shoe with a three-figure price tag and this new iteration of the sneaker continues to focus on high-quality craftsmanship. Predominantly made from pigskin suede and mesh, the sneaker is outfitted with ENCAP midsole cushioning that provides all-day support.
M990GY3
New Balance
M990TO3
New Balance
M990WB3
New Balance
ASICS Gel-Quantum 180 VII
ASICS has been releasing hit after hit once Kiko Kostandinov joined the creative team. Silhouettes like the Gel-Nimbus 9 and the Gel-Sonoma 15-50 have been updated with gorgeous colorways that offer a unique take on the legacy running brand. Though when it comes to comfort the Gel-Quantum 180 VII is easily one of ASICS most comfy sneakers to date. Unlike the other models, this all-black sneaker is designed with the brand's SCUTOID GEL™ that essentially molds to your feet to create a more personalized fit.
Gel-Quantum 180 VII
ASICS
Nike React Infinity Run 3 Flyknit
The Infinity Run 3 is designed to shield you from injuries. The sneaker is comfortable and breathable thanks to a combination of its Flyknit material and springy React foam. The sneaker's wide forefoot and flared midsole give you proprioceptive cues — this helps to stabilize your stride. It's a shoe that will keep you comfortable on racing days or while simply trekking around the city.
Infinity React 3
Nike
New Balance 550
The only real contender to the Nike Air Force 1 (more on those later), the New Balance 550 has garnered immense hype thanks to its classic basketball-inspired look. But there's more to it than aesthetics; dive into its tooling and it's borrowed a few tricks from New Balance's range of runners. Considering it's a retro sneaker, the cushioning and snug fit make these easy to wear all day long.
BB550WGU
New Balance
BB550LBW
New Balance
BB550PWC
New Balance
HOKA Bondi X
If there’s one thing HOKA is known for it is big midsoles, which make them some of the most comfortable sneakers around. While most HOKA shoes could have made this list, we’ve opted for the Bondi X due to the fact that it has a carbon fiber plate in the midsole that further improves its smooth transition through the gait cycle. Anyone who has ever worn a pair of HOKA sneakers will be able to vouch for their cushioning and it doesn't get any better than the Bondi X. Seriously, give these a chance.
Bondi X
HOKA
Bondi X
HOKA
Merrell Winter Moc 3 1TRL
A lot of these shoes are comfortable thanks to the technology in their sole unit and while this shoe does have a lightweight EVA foam midsole, it has another feature that makes it one of the comfiest pairs of shoes around. Being a slip-on model not only provides ease of access but also makes it feel like you're walking around in just your coziest socks.
Winter Moc 3 1TRL
Merrell
Winter Moc 3 1TRL
Merrell
Winter Moc 3 1TRL
Merrell
Salomon XT-6 Advanced
Salomon sneakers are usually comfortable, yet sturdy trail beasts. And the XT-6 is no exception. A model that goes all-out when it comes to comfort, it’s incredibly lightweight — when you slip it on you’ll be tempted to double-check that you’ve even got something on your feet — and a full-length Agile Chassis System works alongside dual-density EVA cushioning in the midsole to ensure stability and soft landings each step of the way.
XT-6
Salomon
XT-6
Salomon
XT-6
Salomon
XT-6 RECUT
Salomon
Nike Air Force 1
The Nike Air Force 1 is one of the most recognizable sneakers in the game and, thankfully, one of the most comfortable Nike shoes as well. The comfort fresh out of the box is questionable, but after a couple of wears, it’s undeniable. The substantial sole doesn’t degrade and contains a hidden Air pocket for all-day comfort. While they’re a bit on the heavier side, they aren’t so clunky they become obstructive.
Air Force 1 Low Retro
Nike
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12
New Balance makes some of the most comfortable sneakers in our closets. So, when they say, "we've designed our most cushioned Fresh Foam experience," we believe it and can't wait to have these in our rotation. Coming in a crispy white, the 1080 comes equipped with a Fresh Foam X midsole foam with approximately 3% bio-based content. Meanwhile, the hypnoknit material is super flexible and designed to contort to your foot.
Fresh Foam X 1080v12
New Balance
adidas Ultraboost 22
The adidas Ultraboost was already one of the most comfortable sneakers on the market when it first dropped in 2014. At the end of 2021, just when we thought adidas wouldn’t — no, couldn’t go any further — the German sportswear giant unveiled another new iteration of the sneaker which is even more comfortable.
The Ultraboost 22 features a closer focus on performance that's carried over from the Ultraboost 21. A higher heel means that the sole unit is packed with even more Boost goodness and you really feel the difference. It’s hard to believe, but you wouldn’t be making a mistake swapping your OG Ultraboosts for a pair of 22s.
Ultraboost 22 Sneakers
adidas
New Balance x Stone Island FuelCell RC Elite v2
Aside from this sneaker being one of the most comfortable shoes out there, it is one of the sexiest. The sneaker comes packed with futuristic technology and eye-catching co-branded detailing. This same upper is made from a 3D-printed knit material that's lightweight, breathable, and that won't cause any blisters as these sneakers become your daily driver. Under your foot, you will find FuelCell technology designed with a full-length carbon fiber plate for maximum energy return and support. It's another favorite of ours for the Fall season.
FuelCell RC Elite v2
New Balance x Stone Island
FuelCell RC Elite v2
New Balance x Stone Island
Mizuno Wave Prophecy Beta
Wave Prophecy Beta
Mizuno
Wave Prophecy Beta
Mizuno
Chances are you've seen this eye-catching silhouette around since Mizuno's first Wave silhouette was released in 2011. Well known for its overall comfort and durability, the new Beta model sports the same specs as its predecessors but comes in a lightweight finish. Crafted from a breathable technical mesh with premium leather overlays, the latest addition to its Wave Prophecy line excels in cushioning thanks to its 4UiC foam midsole. The outsole is lined with a durable rubber compound that protects the thermoplastic Wave foundation from being damaged during daily usage.
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