The Oprah Daily Guide to the Most Comfortable Shoes You Can Buy (2024)

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Comfortable sandals

As we approach the height of summer, invest in a comfortable pair of sandals that offers some respite for your aching, hardworking feet. “There are five key things to keep in mind when you're shopping for a quality pair of sandals for women,” says Anthony Weinert, a board-certified podiatrist in Troy, Michigan. First and foremost, look for sandals that have supportive arches to prevent excessive stretching of the plantar fascia, which can cause heel pain. A soft cushion gel footbed can also increase comfort, as it helps with shock absorption, says Weinert.

Additionally, silhouettes that have a wedge and a deeper heel cup provide more stability for walking, he explains. It's also important to opt for functional features, such as a heel strap, to keep your foot secure and minimize the risk of tripping or falling. Lastly, a lightweight sandal can help prevent potential shin splints or tendinitis.

Comfortable white sneakers

Fresh white sneakers manage to be simultaneously on-trend and timeless. The right pair offers endless versatility, pairing with just about everything from pretty summer dresses to your favorite white jeans and a tee.

Comfortable high heels

Are comfortable high heels a style oxymoron? We are here to tell you that though they may have been in the past, in recent years, supportive and stylish heels are now readily available in the footwear market. To find a pair that work for your feet and needs, consider the following points. Block heels offer more stability than stilettos (and are great for “beginners” or those getting reacquainted with heels), while design features like ankle straps and wider front straps help secure the foot in place. Also, keep an eye out for any style that has arch support, cushioning, or a contoured footbed—these technical components all contribute to the comfort factor in shoes and help reduce foot fatigue.

Comfortable wedding shoes

Wedding season is in full swing. Whether you’re the blushing bride, the mother of the bride, or a guest, you've likely already got the perfect dress and stocked up on waterproof mascara because ceremonies always make you teary-eyed. Now you just need comfortable wedding shoes to get you through your big day and dancing the night away.

The ideal pair of party shoes will have a cushy footbed and arch support. Of course, lower heel heights tend to be more walkable, providing more stability and balance than skinny stilettos (although we did find a few worthy pairs of the latter). Regardless of what you choose, remember this Oprah Daily editor-approved tip: Try to break in new shoes before wearing them for the big event. And when in doubt regarding color, metallics go with everything!

Comfortable wedges

Sometimes you just don’t feel like teetering around in stilettos, but you still want the height benefit of a heel. Enter: comfortable wedges. Summer wedges are perfect for outdoor weddings or celebrations where you may be on grass, sand, gravel, or other unpredictable terrains.

Comfortable flats

Whether you need a pair for walking, a dressy ballet style for work, or a design that fits wide feet, the same guidelines for comfortable flat shoes applies. “When we walk around, it causes a lot of strain and pressure on our plantar fascia, heel, and arch,” explains podiatrist Brad Schaeffer of Sole Podiatry NYC and star of TLC’s My Feet Are Killing Me. “This can be alleviated by wearing the proper support: well-fitting shoes and a good insole to support our arch. With each step you take in flats, you want to make sure that you have a neutral foot position.”

“It's important to look for a stable sole with a great heel counter,” Schaeffer says. “Most shoes come with thin, non-contoured insoles that wear out quickly and typically provide little to no cushioning or support.”

Podiatrist-recommended shoes for bunions

Finding the right shoes for bunions can be difficult but imperative for keeping pain at bay and even preventing the development of further issues. When shopping for the best shoes for bunions, Tim Oldani, podiatrist at Missouri Foot And Ankle, has a few tips.

Pick shoes with a wide toe box that will help prevent added pressure from being put on the bunion deformity. According to Oldani, the best shoes for bunions have a round toe box that doesn’t narrow near the toes. Consider the shoe material, and find styles that will conform to the bunion. “A soft leather or pliable synthetic material such as neoprene is a great option,” said Oldani.