We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's.
1. A pair of super-sturdy, high-quality Chelsea boots everyone should own a pair of. You'll instantly realize how smart of a purchase you made when you discover these can go with literally any outfit you pick out.
Promising review: "Durable and flexible! Picked them out for a trip to the UK. They worked great in the cities, restaurants, museums, etc, then did just as well hiking. Easy and comfortable transition between dress boots and hiking boots. I should have given them a couple more days to break in before we left, but they were good to go within a day of hard walking (9 miles on day one). Look almost the same now as when I got them — bit more worn now, but all the better really after two weeks of heavy use. Note that they are a bit more narrow in look than other Chelsea boots." —Jen M.
Get them from Amazon for $160 (available in sizes 5–11 and in seven colors).
2. Or the iconic Dr. Martens Chelsea boots with a bit of a thicker sole and heel if you want a little lift that'll make you feel confident. Dr. Martens are known for their high-quality construction and long-lasting materials they use, and this design is no different! Get ready for these to be your go-to pair of boots no matter the season.
Promising review: "I have been wearing Docs for years now, and this pair has to take first place for comfort. They're incredibly cute and versatile, can be dressed up or down, and just like any other pair of Docs are faithfully durable. Docs always run big so I sized a full size down and still comfortably wear them with thin–thick socks. I brought them on a long trip, wore them in various weather conditions like rain/snow/forest trails, and they worked great." —Stacy Cruz
Get it from Amazon for $121.14+ (available in sizes 5–11).
3. A pair of waterproof Columbia hiking boots so you can embrace your outdoorsy side.
I own these hiking boots and I absolutely love them! When I bought them, I was looking for something with ankle support because I have really weak ankles and was sick of rolling them whenever I misstepped while hiking. They do a great job at keeping my feet protected and supported during hikes, and I love that I don't have to worry about it raining or being soggy on the trail thanks to the waterproofness. Lastly, I love that they're not too heavy or bulky — if you're already climbing up a mountain, the last thing you need is extra weight on your feet!
Promising review: "These were my very first pair of hiking boots and they are absolutely perfect! Durable, lightweight, and comfortable. My husband and I took an anniversary trip to Arizona and these were just what I needed. Highly recommend for anyone looking for an amazing hiking boot! Side note…I did have a few blisters on my toes but I did NOT break them in before our trip so I would suggest doing that before actually hiking in them." —Ashley Arnold
Get them from Amazon for $59.99+ (available in sizes 5–12 and 12 colors).
4. Or these more fashion-forward lace-up boots from Thesus that you can wear straight from the hiking trail to brunch with your besties. This fashion brand is all about sustainability, so these boots are made with recycled wool and repurposed plastic.
Thesus is a POC woman-led small business based in Ontario, Canada, creating sustainable outdoor footwear that looks good and is comfortable. They use material that's 90% sustainable and traceable.
Promising review: "I really love these boots. They are extremely comfortable and there was no breaking in period. I sized up as recommended, and they fit perfectly. I can wear them with an insole and thick socks. If you plan to wear them with just a thin sock, you could probably stick to your usual size. I’ve gone on several hikes since getting these, and they don’t rub at all. I think I’ll end up getting another color because I like them so much. And they look cute!" —Norah
Get it from Thesus for $198 (available in EU sizes 36–46 and 11 colors).
5. A pair of gold Birkenstock sandals, which might just be the most reliable pair of shoes you'll ever own. They'll give your feet lovely support while also looking gorgeous and on-trend with any outfit you pair them with.
I am a hugeeee fan of Birkenstock, and this is my second pair I've owned. My first pair were basic black, and they still look good after about eight years of wear. I bought these was because I loved how the gold straps looked, and two years after buying them, they are without a doubt my most-worn shoe!! That's me on the right on my honeymoon — I wore them all throughout Italy, whether we were on the beach, on a boat tour, or walking around cities for miles on end. I love wearing them with dresses because the gold really *pops* and you end up feeling so comfortable, unlike when I wear less supportive sandals or heels. To make these last even longer, don't forget to use their shoe care kit to protect the cork and make the shoe waterproof!
Get it from Birkenstock for $110 (available in sizes 4–11.5 and in narrow widths).
6. A pair of clogs that'll give your outfit a polished yet quirky finish. Thankfully the wood base of the shoe is extra sturdy and long-lasting because you're going to want to wear these beauties basically every day.
Promising review: "I love love love these shoes! After reading the reviews, I decided to order a size larger than what I normally wear, and I'm glad I did. So order a size up! These shoes are so cute, comfortable, durable, and most importantly easy to walk in!" —Amazon Customer
Get them from Amazon for $121.35+ (available whole sizes 5–11 and in 11 colors).
7. A pair of Brooks Ghost 15 shoes for the most supportive, long-lasting running shoe your feet can be blessed by. Even if you aren't planning on logging lots of running miles anytime soon, these are great walking shoes as well.
I started running a few years ago, and after buying (and hating) many running shoes, I tried out the Brooks Ghost shoes on a recommendation from a friend, and I will never wear anything else for running!! They have a super sturdy and cushioned sole without being heavy. I have flat feet, and these give me the support I need to keep running for miles without any discomfort. These are specifically designed for road running, so if you're training for a race outside, you can count on them to last through all kinds of terrain throughout your entire training period. I started out with the Ghost 13 (only replaced them because it's recommended to get new running shoes every 300–500 miles) and I've been wearing the Ghost 15s for a few months now. I'm about to start training for my first half marathon, and I'm confident that these will be the best part of my training experience!
Get it from Brooks Running for $140 (available in sizes 5–13 and 15 colors).
8. A pair of huarache sandals from Nisolo if you're looking for a go-to pair of sandals you can wear with any and all outfits during the summer. You'll be instantly impressed with how well-created these sandals are — in fact, they're so sturdy you'll be able to wear these for multiple summers to come.
Every Nisolo purchase ensures a living wage to 100% of the people creating the products in their factory and enables the brand to pursue living wages throughout the rest of their supply chain.
I got a pair of these last summer, and while they did take a while to break in, once I *did* break them in, they were super comfortable and basically felt like a second skin! The flexible, sturdy leather of the sandal paired with the grippy rubber sole is a perfect combination that really keeps durability in mind. I'm looking forward to the summer so I can start wearing these again!
Get them from Nisolo for $81+ (available in sizes 5–11 and 10 colors).
9. Cushy Clarks flip-flops so you can say goodbye to those flimsy ones you bought years ago that are basically falling apart. The supportive base and the well-constructed straps will keep your feet comfortable and stand up to miles and miles of walking.
Promising review: "These are the most comfortable sandals I have worn in a very long time. I always used to use Nikes, but it’s been really hard to find a good pair of slip-on sandals until Clark’s came along. They're comfortable, stylish, and durable, and I love them." —Nancy
Get it from Amazon for $21.74+ (available in sizes 5–12 and in 40 colors).
10. Or these Sanuk Yoga Mat Flip-Flops with a base made out of material that feels like a yoga mat, which means you'll be achieving levels of comfort you've only dreamed of when wearing these babies. Many reviewers have shared that they've owned these flip-flops for years and they still look and feel brand-new!
Promising review: "My recent orders for four pairs of Sanuk Flip-Flops (two for me, two for my daughters) were made simply because of my EXTREME satisfaction with my first pair! I have been living in my original pair for over 18 months. When I say living in them, I am not exaggerating! We live in Arizona where flip-flops are year-round footwear. I wear my Sanuks all day, inside and outside and cannot tell you how comfortable they are. I have been buying flip flops for decades, in all price ranges, and there has never, EVER been a pair that can touch these in comfort and durability. They were comfortable from the minute I put them on and seem to just get more comfortable as time goes by." —Kathy F
Get them from Amazon for $28.42+ (available in sizes 5–11 and in 22 styles).
11. A sustainable pair of Allbirds "Tree Dasher 2" sneakers — they do the nearly impossible job of supporting you during a run and also looking streamlined and polished when you wear them post-work out. Say goodbye to bulky, chunky, ugly workout shoes of the past.
Promising review: "The most comfortable running shoe I have ever owned! I've been in the market for new running shoes for a while now (mine had holes, paint on them, and were yellowing with age). I was trying to find something from a company that valued sustainability, but didn't sacrifice quality. A few of my family members swore by Allbirds as their everyday shoes, so I finally made the jump when the race season started up. I have ZERO regrets. I can run in these for hours without my feet getting sore, they're durable (I've been running about every other day for almost a month and they still look near-new), and as a bonus, they're cute! I keep slipping them on just to run errands, so at this point I'll probably buy a separate pair just for casual use." —Jada G.
Get them from Allbirds for $135 (available in sizes 5–11 and 17 colors).
12. Or a pair of Wonesion nonslip sneakers because who doesn't love making a statement with their footwear?! The best part is they provide insane support and cushion, so you'll be tempted to wear these nearly every day.
Promising review: "They're cute and comfortable shoes!! Might wanna make sure you get a half size bigger than your usual shoe size. Love these shoes!! They're durable, comfortable, and breathable. I work outside and on my feet all day. My feet are supported and super padded, but yet breathable. No sweaty, wet socks!!" —Mindy
Get them from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in sizes 5.5–10.5 and 17 colors).
13. Sleek slip-on sneakers with memory foam soles that'll make you feel like you're walking on clouds. These are a must-have if you're always running late in the morning and need a footwear option that you can just slip on and go.
Some reviewers say these shoes run big and recommend ordering a size down.
Promising review: "This is my second pair of shoes like this. They are comfortable with padding, easy to wear, durable, and go with everything. Highly recommend!" —mandi
Get them from Amazon for $16.95+ (available in sizes 5–12 and in 22 colors).
14. A pair of Rothy's square Mary Jane shoes for a downright adorable footwear option that you can wear with jeans, dresses, shorts, you name it. The super soft material is actually made from recycled water bottles, and you can even wash these in the washing machine whenever you want to give them a little freshening up!
Note: Rothy's recommends going up half a size for narrow feet and a full size for wider feet.
Promising review: "Beautiful, comfortable, durable! I love my square Mary Janes! I get so many compliments when I wear them! They are timeless in their beauty. They’re very comfortable. I sized up one size and they are perfect. I love that these are pretty enough to wear with a dress for a more formal occasion, but also work paired with jeans or capris and a black tee for a casual look." —Tracy R.
Get them from Rothy's for $159 (available in sizes 5–13).
15. Durable Teva Tirra sandals if you love the durability and comfort of a sneaker but prefer the breeziness of a sandal. Whether you're camping, going for a walk, or just rocking these on a daily basis, you can rest assured you'll have these for literal years to come.
My colleague Danielle Healy loves these! "Here's what she has to say about them: I cannot say enough wonderful things about these sandals. They required ZERO break-in time and were ready for long-term wear right out of the box. For a hiking sandal, I think they still look sleek enough to pair with a casual sundress, and they keep my feet cool while still managing to put an actually supportive sole between my feet and the sidewalk. I've worn them constantly for close to three years now and they still look basically perfect."
Promising review: "Best walking sandals ever! I am now on my 3rd (or 4th) pair of this particular style of Teva. I have worn these for years. They are comfortable for walking and are very durable. I have walked up to 6 miles in them with happy, comfortable feet! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!" —Vickie S.
Get it from Amazon for $59.81+ (available in sizes 5–12 and in 21 colors).
16. Classic waterproof duck boots — they're practically screaming at me to wear them any time I head outside.
Promising review: "Not gonna lie, I’m pretty impressed with these boots. They are incredibly durable for the price. I live in the northern Midwest and for early spring (aka mud season) I needed a pair of boots that were in between my snow boots and my rain boots. I got these and they are perfect. The fuzzy white lining shown to line the ankle cuff actually lines the entire boot on the inside which insulted the boots nicely. My feet don’t freeze from splashing through half frozen puddles with these! Yay! And the solid rubber bottom of the boot keeps your feet dry even when your whole foot ends up submerged in a puddle! I’ve been wearing these pretty much every day for the past month straight and they are holding up great so far! I’m very happy with them!" —Erin
Get them from Amazon for $49.99 (available in sizes 6–11 and in 21 colors).
17. These quilted mid-calf rain boots because you'll want to keep your feet dry whenever you have to stomp around in the rain. These achieve the possible task of being both adorable and functional!
Promising review: "Lightweight, durable, and easy to put on and take off. I wore these to a friend's house that was having a bonfire one night and she ordered herself a pair after seeing mine. Don’t waste your money on expensive name brand boots if you just want something simple and comfortable to wear and don’t care if they get dirty. I normally wear a size 8.5 wide and these fit perfectly." —Acharla4474
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in sizes 5–9.5 and in eight colors).
18. Dr. Martens Blaire Hydro Leather Sandals that transforms the classic boot look into a warm weather-friendly sandal version. You'll be able to tell almost instantly how well made and structured these sandals feel — you could practically traverse any terrain with that sturdy sole!
Many reviewers suggest sizing down in these, though some recommend ordering your usual size in Dr. Martens if you know that.
Promising review: "This is my second pair! I suffer from many foot issues and this is pretty much the only pair of shoes I wear now. They are extremely comfortable and extremely durable and I just can’t say enough good things about them. I hope that Dr. Martens will continue to make more high-quality vegan shoes and sandals." —awdm
Get them from Amazon for $99.95 (available in sizes 5–11 and 13 styles). Check out the Dr. Martens store on Amazon for more styles!
19. Native Shoes Jefferson Blooms for a lightweight shoe option that you can still count on to hold up to frequent wear. These are made with repurposed algae and are super easy to clean by hand, so even if you get caught in a muddy field while wearing these, they'll still look good as new after a quick wipedown!
Promising review: "I own four pairs of these shoes and I wear them ALL year round! Super comfy and great quality! My first white pair is 5 years old and you'd never know. Easy to clean and they look brand-new! Will buy another pair for sure!" —Carrie R.
Get them from Native Shoes for $55 (available in men's sizes 3–13 and women's sizes 5–12, and in four colors).
20. Everlane's Forever Sneaker because everyone needs a reliable, fashionable sneaker that goes with basically everything. This timeless design will look great season after season, which is good because you won't need to replace them anytime soon. And if they get a little dirty, just throw them in the washing machine, and they'll come out looking squeaky clean!
Promising review: "This is the sneaker I've been looking for! I was sold on it by the durability and washability, but these are so darn comfortable! They fit really well around the ankles, which I now realize has not been the case with previous sneakers I've owned." —beccaaudrey
Get them from Everlane for $65 (available in sizes 5–12 and two colors). Check out all the Forever Sneaker styles here.
21. A pair of espadrille platform sandals if you're looking for a little bit of height but still want to be comfortable. If I were packing for a week-long trip and I could only take one pair of shoes, this would be it. It's like having sandals *and* heels in one. Plus, have we mentioned how easy they are to walk in?!
Promising review: "They are truly the most comfortable pair of sandals I have ever owned, no exaggeration. I wore them for an entire wedding, no complaints. Walked two miles in them on vacation, no complaints. Ran through a lightning storm in them, NO COMPLAINTS! I would run a marathon in these if I needed to. Ankle strap is comfortable and stretches enough to put my foot in but fits just right to hold the shoe on comfortably. The two foot straps don’t stretch, but aren’t too tight. These feel even better than name brand shoes! I LOVE THEM!!! BUY THEM!" —tyler fisher
Get them from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in sizes 6–11 with wide options and five colors).
22. A pair of slip-on cowboy boots for an on-trend look that is made for durability. Hey — if they're good enough for cowboys to wear as they're riding their horses, they'll hold up perfectly as you wear them all the time!
Matisse Footwear is a Los Angeles-based small business creating affordable and fashionable footwear.
Promising review: "Extremely comfortable and durable boots. I bought a pair last year and wore them pretty much every day, and put them through some rough situations (hiking, farm work, etc.), and they held up a lot better than I expected. The sole finally came apart in about an inch-wide section after a year of wear, and considering all I put them through, it was expected — especially since these are made more for fashion purposes and not work wear. One small complaint, they're not very water-resistant, but they are not made to be nor does the company claim they are. I just thought I would throw that in there because it's something I noticed about them. I will be ordering another pair to replace my old ones. I hope you found my review to be helpful!" —Stormee
Get it from Amazon for $47.99+ (available in sizes 5.5–11, wide widths, and in 14 styles).
23. Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars — these are classics for a reason! This is the rare shoe that actually looks better after years of wear because they look more lived in and feel more comfortable, like they've molded to the shape of your foot.
Promising review: "I've been wearing these shoes for many years now and I've had at least a dozen pairs of just the basic black Chuck Taylors, and each holds up just as well as the one before it. Definitely an amazing workhorse of a shoe, and also timeless and stylish!" —Shawn K.
Get them from Converse for $65 (available in men's sizes 3–18 and women's sizes 5–20, in standard or wide widths, in 12 colors, and with customization). You can check out other styles here.
24. Kallie & Co. Fiona Flats for a downright gorgeous shoe that looks just as good with a dress as it does with your favorite pair of jeans. The handcrafted flats are made from soft vegan leather that molds to your foot without feeling uncomfortable — aka no blisters here!
Kallie & Co is a woman-owned business specializing in fair trade, vegan footwear. From flats to oxfords, you'll find lots of gorgeous handcrafted shoes for your wardrobe.
Promising review: "I have had these shoes for over a year and am still in love. I was skeptical buying from an online brand that I was unfamiliar with, but could not be happier with my purchase. These shoes are as cute in person as they are online. Although there is little cushion or support, these shoes are quite comfortable, even after being on my feet for long time. Exceeded expectations." —AA
Get them from Kallie & Co. for $69.99 (available in sizes 5–11).
25. Minimalist rubber slides that look (and feel!) like beautiful marshmallows, but are actually much more durable than that tasty treat. Don't believe us? Take it from the 19,000 5-star ratings from reviewers who adore this shoe. x
Promising review: "I wear a 6.5–7 tennis shoe, and I ordered a size 6. They run a tad large. They are very soft, and the soles are durable, but very soft and comfy. Very lightweight. The color is great. I’m ordering a second pair in another color. :)" —Family & Home
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in sizes 5–12 and in 21 colors).
26. Versatile pointed-toe loafers for a work-appropriate shoe that will make you feel confident as you're crushing that presentation you worked on for weeks.
Promising review: "I’ve had these shoes for almost six months now, and they have become my favorite pair! I wear them to work with dress pants, and I wear them casually with jeans. The are so cute and go with almost everything. They are comfortable and also durable. I bought the animal print, and I like them so much that I’m going to buy them in a couple of other colors." —Nyasha
Get it from Amazon for $20.70+ (available in sizes 5–15, wide widths in select sizes, and in 12 colors).
You fantasizing about how long you'll have your new favorite pair of shoes from this list:
