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
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
HOKA MAFATE SPEED 2
HOKA’s rise to prominence is solely linked to the French brand’s knowledge and craftsmanship of high-quality running sneakers. Founded in 2009 by ex-Salomon employees, the brand is known for its chunky silhouettes that support everyone from marathon runners to folks that value sturdy, all-day cushioning.
Though all of the brand's models are notable when considering a comfortable sneaker, the Mafate Speed 2 easily take the cake. With a wide footbed and an early stage meta-rocker that provides a smooth ride while running or walking, the shoe is also outfitted with a Vibram Mega-grip outsole that excels on various terrains.
For those that are fans of lightweight, aesthetically pleasing sneakers the Mafate Speed 2 is an easy choice.
MAFATE SPEED 2
HOKA
ASICS Superblast
When it comes to comfortable running sneakers perhaps no other brand has positioned itself for success as much as ASICS. From classics like the GT-II to more recent models like the GEL-NYC™, the Japanese brand remains consistent with its approach to quality and comfort.
The Superblast is one of ASICS premier running sneakers and shares some similarities with its Supernova silhouette but contains more cushioning, easier transitions and is even more lightweight than most of the brand's models.
Superblast Sneakers
ASICS
New Balance Fresh Foam X Trail More v3
When folks think of New Balance it's easy to forget the brand's line of running sneakers is up there with the best of them. The latest addition is its Fresh Foam X Trail Moore v3 and honestly, it might be it's comfiest sneaker to date. With a 44mm heel stack, the trail-running shoe is engineered to absorb shock from the toughest terrains and also contains a soft, yet stable midsole. Equally lightweight and supportive, the Fresh Foam v3 is an ideal choice for daily wear, intense workouts and pretty much everything in between.
MTMORLY3
New Balance
Fresh Foam X Trail More v3
New Balance
Nike WMNS Air Max 1 '87 'Crepe'
Though Nike's line of Air Max's seems never-ending, if we had to choose one to rule them all it's easily the Air Max 1. From the premium upper to the tonal mudguard and gum sole, the sneaker is the perfect embodiment of casual style and comfort, and provides impact absorption with its durable rubber outsole.
WMNS Air Max 1 '87 'Crepe'
Nike
On Cloudsurfer
Any shoe that features On's signature Cloudtech technology is bound to be ultra-comfortable, but the Cloudsurfer has a few extra tricks up its sleeve to maximize cushioning. Those are Helion™ superfoam which ensures a smooth ride and works together with an updated Cloudtec rubber sole that offers fast feedback from the ground. And though it's geared towards short of long distance running, the overall comfort the Cloudsurfer is packed with more than suitable for daily wear. After all, it is the first shoe the brand produced that helped them achieve a global audience and the updated model is definitely worth the investment.
Cloudsurfer
On
adidas Ultraboost Light
The adidas Ultraboost was already one of the most comfortable sneakers on the market when it first dropped in 2014. At the beginning of 2023, 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 Light features a closer focus on performance that's carried over from the Ultraboost 22. A lighter heel means that the sole unit is packed with the latest technology and you really feel the difference since the shoe weighs around 43g less than its predecessor. Whether you're going about your daily activities or running a quick 12k, the Ultraboost Light is sure to keep your soles comfy every step of the way.
Ultraboost Light
adidas
Mizuno Wave Prophecy LS
Nearly 25 years ago, Mizuno launched its Wave series which combines its cutting-edge tech and dedication to craftsmanship with a focus on style and lifestyle sneakers. From that line, countless iterations have emerged with silhouettes like the Wave Mujin TL GTX and Wave Prophecy LS proving to be the most popular. Both sneakers are engineered using premium textiles and utilize details like its signature Wave plate and Enerzy track midsole for enhanced cushioning.
Wave Prophecy LS
Mizuno
Wave Prophecy LS
Mizuno
Nike Motiva
The latest in Nike's line of performance running sneakers is none other than the Motiva which released earlier this year. The wide-fitting shoe contains more room in the toe box, arch, and forefoot guaranteeing an adequate amount of space for anyone. Unlike other Nike sneakers, the Motiva has a 12mm heel-to-toe offset and extra cushioning which assists folks that prefer running at a slower pace.
Motiva
Nike
New Balance 991
New Balance has long surpassed the dad sneaker category and has transcended into one of the hottest sneaker brands in the world. Each of the lifestyle silhouettes comes from a lineage of cutting edge running sneakers made to perform on all terrains.
Celebrated by all walks of life, the 991 has remained a go-to sneaker in the brand's long line of lifestyle footwear. First released in 2001, the sneaker is known for its comfy C-CAP cushioning, ABZORB midsole that reduces shock, and its premium pigskin upper that's assembled at the brand's UK factory.
M 991 BGG
New Balance
Saucony 3D Grid Hurricane
Like many of Saucony's lifestyle sneakers its 3D Grid Hurricane boasts the brand's grid technology system that provides stability and exceptional cushioning by centering the heel on impact. With several colorways in its lineup since it was first released in 1997, the sneakers are crafted with a mix of premium and lightweight materials that offer all-day breathability.
3D Grid Hurricane
Saucony
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
norda
001 M
norda
HOKA Project Clifton
A futuristic update to its renowned Clifton L silhouette, the Project Clifton is one of the latest models from the now Califronia-based brand. Unlike other models the sneaker features a ripstop mesh upper with aquagaurd zipper that repels water and keeps your feet dry during unpleasant weather. Utilizing the brand's signature early stage meta-rocker for smooth transitions during walking or running, the chunky and durable outsole is sure to bring you comfort in any setting.
PROJECT CLIFTON
HOKA
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