The Best Comfortable Sneakers for Everyday Wear

Out with high heels, in with comfy sneakers! One of the best fashion trends to come out of the pandemic is, without a doubt, that casual attire is the new normal. And that includes our renewed love for sneakers. Paired with every outfit from suits to sundresses, sneakers are now ultra-chic, complementing attire way beyond athleisure. Not only are they easy to wear and comfortable all day, you can sport them everywhere from the grocery store to running errands to doing yardwork or taking Zoom calls without looking like you just got home from the gym.

How to Buy Comfortable Sneakers

While sneakers are relatively easy to order online in your regular size and get a nice fit (unlike boots or heels, which can be trickier), keep a few pointers in mind before buying.

First, you should look for three main features in sneakers for everyday wear: cushioning, shock absorption and a deep-seated heel, says Jackie Sutera, D.P.M., FAFCAS, a board-certified doctor of podiatric medicine and surgery in New York. A deep heel is helpful for stabilizing your foot and keeping everything in alignment. You should also look for sneakers with a slight heel-to-toe drop—i.e., a sole that's thicker and tapers down toward the forefoot. In other words, platform sneakers aren't the best choice (however trendy they may be on social media). "Sneakers with a platform may not be the best choice for all-day, everyday [wear] … because they can be too flat," Sutera adds.

When trying sneakers on, consider the fit. They should not feel tight, but they should fit snug, "like the shoes are hugging your feet," says Sutera. Your toes should have enough room to spread and wiggle, but don't make the common mistake of measuring your foot only to accommodate your big toe—as some people have longer second toes, she adds. As with any shoe, make sure you don't have any spots that rub while you're trying on sneakers. If they're not fitting right to begin with, they'll only continue to get more uncomfortable when you actually wear and walk in them. Getting a good sneaker means you shouldn't have to "break them in," says Sutera. Likewise, you should avoid buying shoes that slip off your heel and that require padding inside to make them the right size.

When to Replace Sneakers

If your favorite sneakers become a pair of shoes you're wearing quite often or for everyday use, Sutera advises replacing them around the 12-month mark (or sooner, depending on your individual wear). She recommends an evaluation she calls the "tabletop test." Set your shoes on a tabletop, then get eye level with them and examine them for asymmetry, signs of wear and lopsided soles. Also look inside and turn them upside down, looking for any holes or smoothing tread. You'll be able to tell from this method whether it's time to replace your sneakers.

Should You Wear Socks with Sneakers?

The answer to this age-old question is: It depends. It really comes down to preference, comfort (socks offer a layer of protection against blisters), warmth and, sometimes, the look you're going for, says Sutera. The bottom line, however, is that going sock-free will ultimately shorten the lifespan of your sneaks. "Your shoes will start to smell a lot sooner, inevitably, due to the sweat that gets absorbed inside the sneaker," says Sutera. If you do decide to go barefoot in your shoes (knowing that you run the risk of sweating and also developing athlete's foot, irritations, blisters, dermatitis or other skin conditions from doing so), make sure to let them air-dry between wears. Sutera also recommends using an antifungal shoe spray after each use to deodorize them.

The Best Comfortable Sneakers for Everyday Wear

Here are some top picks for comfortable everyday sneakers.

Cole Haan Generation ZeroGrand II