Comfort is everything when it comes to shoes. Whether you’re tackling your daily routine, hitting the gym, or exploring the city, the right sneakers can make all the difference. The good news? You don’t have to choose between comfort and style—plenty of sneakers deliver both.
From timeless classics like the Nike Air Force 1 to high-performance game-changers like adidas Ultraboost, this guide explores the most comfortable sneakers for everyday wear, sports, and more.
Most Comfortable Shoes
Finding the most comfortable shoes depends on factors like:
- Cushioning – Soft midsoles absorb impact and provide underfoot support.
- Arch support – Essential for reducing foot fatigue and discomfort.
- Breathability – Keeps feet cool and dry throughout the day.
- Fit – Sneakers should provide a snug yet flexible feel without pinching.
With these factors in mind, let's dive into the best options for different occasions.
Lifestyle Shoes
My go-to shoes for daily wear have changed several times over the years, with fashion trends playing a role in that, but the comfort of different models playing the biggest part.
At one stage in time, I almost exclusively wore Nike Roshe trainers, but nowadays I've broadened my collection. Other shoes have proved more versatile and, crucially, more comfortable for daily use.
Although I've dabbled in everything from adidas Sambas to Vans, the shoes I gravitate towards the most when I'm going out and want to be comfortable are:
For me, these shoes blend underfoot support with upper padding superbly, which coincides with them all coming with fairly large midsole layers.
In Nike's case, support is taken a step further with the inclusion of Air technology. These handy bubbles provide an extra layer of cushioning underfoot for even greater levels of comfort, especially over long periods.
My experience with high tops is more limited, although I have tried popular shoes like Converse Chuck 70s and Nike Blazers.
Blazers have the slight edge on Chuck 70s for me, as they come with a little extra padding in the upper and in the tongue. That said, I'm pretty confident there are high-tops out there that are comfier than the Nike Blazer.
The Jordan 1 High, for example, definitely looks as though it might have the edge—I just can't comment on them personally having never worn them. Speaking of which, here are some shoes that, although I haven't tried them, seem to be regarded as some of the most comfortable around according to online discourse:
Sports Shoes
For sports, whether that's training, running, or anything else active, adidas Ultraboosts reign supreme for me. Boost technology, in general, is incredibly comfortable and provides exceptional energy returns when used for sport.
I have worn a few different adidas shoes with Boost technology, namely a couple of different NMDs, but I have generally found the Ultraboost line to be the most comfortable of all the Boost-infused sneakers.
Although I am a big fan of Ultraboosts, I will admit I haven't explored too many other sports shoes to gain a full understanding of which sneakers stand out as the most comfortable in this field.
I'd say HOKA, Salomon, and ASICS are all pretty noticeable in their absence here, but after doing a little digging into online forums, the following trainers seem to be known for their comfort, and, therefore, should be considered when browsing sports shoes:
What Are the Most Comfortable Shoes?
Choosing the most comfortable sneaker ultimately depends on personal preference and foot shape. However, based on my experience, these are my go-to choices:
- Everyday wear – Nike Air Force 1 (versatile + cushioned)
- Sports & running – adidas Ultraboost (lightweight + energy return)
That said, sneaker technology is evolving every year, so there are always new models pushing comfort to the next level.
Finding the Right Fit
Of course, what shoes you find most comfortable goes beyond personal preference, as not everyone's feet are the same. Some people have small narrow feet, while others require wide-fit shoes for maximum comfort.
RealSport101 has a few size comparison guides to help here, including Nike vs adidas, Nike vs HOKA, and Nike vs Converse sizing.
Final Thoughts
Before wrapping up, I'll reiterate that I've not tested every single shoe in existence. This is simply one sneakerhead's opinion on what shoes I've found most comfortable over the years—hopefully, my experiences will help you find comfortable shoes too.