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 2021 Below.
ASICS Novablast Sneakers
ASICS has been doing its functional thing for ages now, but as the world of style turns closer and closer to the engineered, performance designs that brands like ASICS have been pumping out for years, these brands take on a new life. With a focus on comfort and functionality, silhouettes like the ASICS Novablast have hit the big time in recent years and we foresee the label becoming a mainstay in this arena.
Novablast 2 SPS
ASICS
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
adidas
Reebok x Maison Margiela Classic Leather "memory of"
It's fair to say that almost everyone had a pair of Reebok Classic sneakers for gym class in school, so I'm sure you're able to remember how comfortable they are from that alone. This pair with Maison Margiela adds premium details into the mix, including deconstructed detailing, high-grade leather, and an EVA sole.
Classic Leather "memory of"
Reebok x Maison Margiela
New Balance 990v3
New Balance in general 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. As the model is made in the USA, it boasts New Balance USA branding as well as reflective “N” logos that shimmer in the light.
Made in USA 990v3 Core
New Balance
New Balance 327
Pretty much every New Balance sneaker is comfortable, so it was hard to settle on which pairs will make it to this list. Ultimately, we decided to go for two pairs of lifestyle sneakers and one pair of performance sneakers (below).
The New Balance 327 is one of the label's most noteworthy new silhouettes of recent years, with its 70s-inspired design and wraparound lugged outsole. Sure, you can splash the cash on a pair of tech-savvy runners, but when it comes to a casual footwear model that offers comfort at an affordable price, this is the shoe for you.
327
New Balance
Crocs Classic Clog
Crocs have always been known for their comfort. But in recent years that comfort has been utilized by more than just keen gardeners causing the label's clogs to be crowned 2021’s Shoe of The Year. Much of its success can be credited to the brand turning itself from meme to big-time collaborator, tapping the likes of Justin Bieber, Post Malone, ALIFE, and more for high-profile projects.
PLEASURES Sandals
Crocs
Nike React Infinity Run 2 Flyknit
The Infinity Run 2 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.
React Infinity Run Flyknit 2
Nike
HOKA Bondi X
If there’s one thing HOKA ONE ONE 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
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 '07 Sneakers
Nike
adidas YEEZY Foam Runner
One of the newest and most memorable YEEZY iterations, the adidas Originals YEEZY Foam Runner is a definite eye-catcher. In typical Ye style, it looks set for the space-age future, but it’s also one of the most comfortable shoes that YEEZY has to offer thanks to its sustainable algae upper and the holes that offer supreme breathability. Sometimes YEEZY's aren’t just all about the hype and this is the perfect example.
YEEZY Foam Runner
adidas
ASICS GEL-Nimbus 9
While ASICS’ Novablast above represents the brand’s modern-day foray into the world of ultra-comfortable sneakers, the Japanese brand also dropped several pairs of the Gel-Nimbus 9 redesigned by Kiko Kostadinov. Inspired by scenic landscapes, the lifestyle sneaker features mixed-material upper and a GEL-infused sole unit that’s perfect for any outdoor exploration.
UB3-S Gel-Nimbus 9
ASICS
New Balance Fresh Foam 880v11
New Balance Fresh Foam is the brand’s premier performance running technology. It’s soft as clouds and looks interesting too. What sets New Balance’s performance shoes apart from its competitors is the rounded heel at the back, which cradles your Achilles and prevents the wearer from getting blisters. The engineered mesh upper adds to the overall comfort thanks to its breathability and lightweight design.
Fresh Foam 880v11
New Balance
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
On The Roger Cloubhouse
Swiss sportswear brand On is known in running circles for its CloudTec cushioning, which is heralded as one of the best on the market. The Roger Clubhouse is the brand’s best entry into the lifestyle market to date. Backed by tennis legend Roger Federer, his eponymous sneaker combines the aforementioned CloudTec with a classic tennis shoe aesthetic. The result is a clean sneaker that can be dressed up, down, and worn all day.
Performance All Day is On’s motto when it comes to The Roger, which blends On’s performance know-how with a more stylish and street-ready aesthetic. The simple, yet highly comfortable sneaker features a sleek upper.
The Roger Clubhouse
On
adidas Streetball 2
Are you trying to add a little oomph to your step? Because that’s exactly what the new adidas Streetball 2 will do, thanks to its Boost tooling at the heel. Make no mistake, this sneaker is made for casual wear, but it incorporates the technology adidas has developed for its basketball sneakers to ensure peak comfort.
Streetball 2
adidas
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