When I’m researching comfortable shoe options, I often dive into the comment section at various retailers to see how other customers rated the ones I’m interested in. During a recent search, I pulled out a few top-reviewed standouts with over four stars for myself (including my new favorite Birkenstocks) and also some to recommend to others. Naturally, I’m sharing said picks with you below. But I also wanted to take it one step further to showcase more ways the styles could rate in terms of actual comfort. To do so, I tapped Benjamin Tehrani, DPM, of Kings Point Foot & Ankle.
I sent him links to the current shoes I thought were chic and also could be comfortable, and he weighed in on the key factors that in fact make the styles more comfortable than others. Intrigued? Keep scrolling to check out the silhouettes in question—everything from sandals to boots to loafers to flats—complete with actual customer testimonials as well as advice from Tehrani. If you scroll a bit further, you’ll also uncover more comfortable shoe picks to wear now and into next season.
Customer review: “Just got these today and they are so fun and comfy. I normally size up .5 in Sam Edelman sandals but I took the advice of reviewers and ordered my usual size and they fit perfectly.” — Missinthebeach. Tehrani: “Slides such as the ones by Sam Edelman have a firm, high-quality inner sole usually made of fiberglass or Kevlar for comfort.”
Customer review: “I have owned several pairs of the classic Arizona and when I saw these I knew I wanted to give them a try. If you have had classic Birks you understand how awful it is when they get wet. I’m working seasonally in Alaska this summer and needed something that is okay with the moisture up here. I’ve had these for about a month now and I love them. The EVA foam is actually softer and more comfortable than the cork in my opinion and they are perfect when wet. They weigh nothing. So lightweight and easy. Plus they have all of the looks of the Birkies you love so much. Half the price too. Can’t beat it!” — Bethany. Tehrani: “Slides are super stable because they’re flat.”
Customer review: “These are a show stopper. Compliments and comfortable. A gorgeous addition to a casual outfit or business savvy day.” — Savvyshopper0585. Tehrani: “Did you know leather breathes? This is great for leather shoes because the material lets air in to cool your feet and stop them from sweating and thus rubbing, which is what causes a lot of corns, calluses, and blisters on the feet. Leather is very durable.”
Customer review: “LOVE these boots! They are super cute, very comfy and give me a little extra height, which is an added bonus. I normally wear a size 7.5-8 and ordered a size 7 which fit perfectly.” — NE123. Tehrani: “I’ve owned a pair of leather Dr. Martens boots for over eight years. Leather also prevents shearing, which is essentially the skin slipping on the inner sole when it’s a synthetic material, and this causes your foot to do more work while you walk and leads to faster foot fatigue.”
Customer review: “Love these shoes! They are so comfortable and don’t hurt your feet at all! I recommend order half size down. I want to buy another pair!” — Ck2727. Tehrani: “Wedges are excellent compared to stilettos because they have a wider base of contact, meaning more of your foot makes contact with the ground, which gives you more support and less chance to turn your ankle. Wedges support your arch, and they allow more of your foot to touch the surface area, giving you better control and taking the pressure off of your feet. They usually use slip-resistant outer soles like rubber or wood to increase stability and grip against the ground.”
“Looks so cute and very comfortable.” — Lucarli
“Very comfortable and true to size. Looks very good in person.” — Kassidy
“Run true to size and are very comfortable because of the padded footbed. I was worried that the fabric or the velcro ankle strap would rub my skin and irritate it, but the technical weave fabric is soft and moves with your foot.” — Jess
“Oh my goodness, best pair of shoes I’ve ever owned! I get so many compliments on them and I love how the leather is breaking in! Absolutely perfect!!!! I can’t ever take them off. They’re truly my favorite :). Everyone needs a go-to pair of shoes like these in their lives!” — Olivia
“Super cute for the summer in white and so comfy as are all Birks!” — DiscoCappi
“These boots are gorgeous! I love the low heel and how comfy they are! Can’t wait to wear them.” — Dallasown
“Super comfortable! Easy and stylish slip on. It’s going to be one of my go to sandals this summer. I got the saddle color but already want to get the black too!” — DianaE811
“I knew these were keepers when I realized they went with everything, were really comfy, and even trendy. Win-win-win.” — Jen336
“These sandals are cute and comfortable and such a staple. If you are usually between sizes I would recommend sizing up a half size. I am typically between a 7 and 7 1/2 and 7 1/2 were a perfect fit.” — Kaylee24
“Wonderful comfy classic shoe to have in your collection.” — Swaylala
“Absolutely love these Doc’s! They are well made and comfortable. I can wear them with dresses, shorts, and pants.” — Sadunn
“These fit true to size and are very comfortable. The perfect gym shoe to dress up or down. You could wear these with so many outfits.” — Owlgirl
“The shoes are very comfortable since the first day I’m wearing. The leather is soft and durable, and it fits my feet perfectly. I wear it everyday. Definitely recommended.” — Sy Lai
“This sandal is so comfortable! An easy shoe to pair with nearly everything. Size up. I wear a size 9, so 40 is the way to go.” — LoveShopbop35
“My favorite boots! they’re so comfortable and I love the detailing of the studs on the front! Might want to size up!” — bootsmakemewannaparty
“I love them, really comfortable.” — Judy_1
“Instantly comfortable, no blisters. Impeccably made. Super impressed, I love them!” — Bets
“These are not only very stylish to dress up with my baggy black cropped pants, but also go well with skinny jeans and even skirts. Very comfortable—could wear 8+hours and had no problems. Vagabond makes a great shoe with even better comfort.” — Eosm
“Great quality, very comfortable and I love the colors.” — Dahyana12
