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35 Walking-Friendly Shoes You Can Safely Buy If Blisters And Foot Pain Are Your Mortal Enemy
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We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide. Because you should be able to 1, 2-step without getting one or two blisters. Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's. Promising review: "The perfect casual platform tennis shoe. Comfy. Cute. Easy to clean and well-made. And love them just as much as I did back in the '90s. 😊 I ordered and returned six pairs of other white sneakers, looking for the perfect pair, until I found these." —Jill Wilds Promising review: "Nice looking shoe with A LOT of support. I am aging, so I have stopped running, but I am walking about three miles per day. My stability running shoes kept giving me aches and pains, so I finally decided to try a neutral pair, and this is what I settled on. Thankful (and surprised) that the pain is gone. I do think that a lot of the current running shoes are getting too spongy, 'cause I like good support and there is a little of that, but still supportive enough for my fussy feet. I have run in Saucony, Brooks, and New Balance and love my shoes until they mess up the foot bed... Hopefully they will leave these alone for a little while." —Janiene Get them from Amazon for $89.95+ (available in sizes 5–12, including wide fits and 26 colors/styles). Promising reviews: "I bit the bullet and paid up for these sandals! Amazing fit, style, color, soft, pliable leather, and arch support… AND space for my protruding left bunion! Worth every cent! Noat will be my go-to for future shoes! 💐" —SM "I bought these sandals the day before my trip to Europe. From the second I put them on, it was like walking on clouds. No breaking them in, no rubbing, no blisters. We spent eight days in Provence and the French Riviera, walking more than 20,000 steps per day, up to 30 thousand some days. I hiked up and down cobblestone-lined streets to the most remote cathedrals on the highest peaks with ease, and my feet DID NOT HURT at the end of the day. I seriously would not shut up about how comfortable my feet were and how relieved I was that I bought these sandals at the last minute! They are secure, don’t slip, and look cute with pants or dresses. I love Naot and will definitely buy more!" —Karen Galanti Get them from Amazon for $66.72+ (available in sizes 4–13, including wide fits, and 41 colors). Promising reviews: "These shoes are a lifesaver! I stand and walk most of my workday and have had foot issues in the past. With these shoes, I can stand and walk on various surfaces without fatigue or pain in my feet. The cushioning is just right, supports my high arches. They are waterproof and ideal for any work environment. They are slip-resistant." —Margarita "I knew what to expect when ordering these brand-new steal of a deal Dansko clogs, but they were even BETTER in person! The tooled, deep navy blue design with a patent-leather finish is absolutely gorgeous! I love wearing the XP 2.0 version because my feet NEVER hurt in them, even when walking all day, and the extra height in the heel/base is perfect for a 5'5" shorty like myself. I wear a size 8.5 in footwear that requires socks, so the size 39 is perfect and never fails. Dansko is super consistent with their manufacturing and sizing, so this is one of the few footwear brands I can count on and purchase with confidence online." —Jenna B. Get them from Amazon for $82.89+ (available in sizes 4.5–13, including wide fits and 42 colors/prints). Promising reviews: "This is the fourth pair of Hokas I've bought since being diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Also, I am a nurse and on my feet on day. I wear my Hokas with my sole insert. They are so comfortable and relieved me of the pain associated with plantar fasciitis. They usually don't last more than six months, but that is about standard for a nurse." —Holly Berry "I have disc degeneration in my spine and have been experiencing severe pain in my shoulders, neck, and back when walking any distance more than 100 yards. I was recently diagnosed with spinal stenosis. We are retired and love to travel, but I have recently felt very reluctant to do anything involving standing or walking. When researching online, everyone kept recommending the Hoka Bondi 9. I have worn high-end sneakers with good support, but never spent over $100 on a pair of "workout" shoes. I decided to go for it! As soon as I put them on, I knew I had to have them. They are remarkably comfortable and seem to magically relieve the stress on my spine. I wear them all day, every day. I love them!!" —Jan Get them from Hoka for $140+ (available in sizes 4–12, including wide and x-wide fits, and 19 colors). Promising review: "I never thought I would own a pair of Crocs, but everyone kept telling me how comfortable they were. I definitely still do not like the clog style, but these looked worth a try. I wanted something super comfy and breathable, and easy to clean for my next trip to Disneyland. Let me tell you that I walked over 10,000 steps in these and had no foot, leg, knee, or back pain. I didn't have any blisters or raw spots at the end of the day. They fit well with no slipping or flopping. I wear a size 8, and I purchased an 8. I am thinking of getting another pair!" —Marilyn E. Stover Get them from Amazon for $29.95+ (available in sizes 4–11 and 21 colors). Promising review: "10000/10 recommend!!! I bought these and planned for them to just be evening-out shoes, but wound up wearing them literally every single day on a nine-day walking tour through Italy!! We literally walked over 50 miles on this trip across concrete, cobblestones, asphalt, and gravel, and I never once had an issue with achy feet, back pain, or foot or leg cramping!! I will def be getting more of these in different colors!!!" —Amie Volentine Get them from Amazon for $159 (available in sizes 5–13 and four colors). Promising reviews: "I play at least four hours a day, and every other shoe that I tried gave me blisters. These shoes fit perfectly and are SO comfortable. They also look great; I’ll definitely be getting another pair!" —Melanie B. "My feet are so happy! I just received my first pair of PB5star shoes, and I'm thrilled to report they are comfortable right out of the box. I received them on Tuesday and had two PB sessions that day. I wore them to both my lesson and the ladies' ladder league that night. I always experience Achilles tendon pain after several sessions, but not anymore. The shoe design seems to eliminate my foot pain and discomfort. They also have great grip, stability, and agility while on the court. I highly recommend these shoes." —Sherri W. Get them from PB5 Star for $99 (originally $129; available in sizes 5–12 and 15 colors). Promising reviews: "After developing several plantar fasciitis from previous work shoes, these Kurus made it nearly pain-free to be in my feet all day. I work in a greenhouse, out on trail, and in uneven terrain all the time, and these shoes make that possible. I am excited to try the waterproof version next. These were my first Kurus and made me a believer. I have since bought six other pairs in less than two years. Love them!" —Sasha "I bought these for a trip to Europe, which means walking. I wasn't sure I'd be able to do it since my feet hurt after about an hour of regular walking. I researched for months, tried a few, and finally got two pairs of Kurus in a bundle, and man, am I ever glad I did. The ATOM trail is sturdy enough for all the different situations you'll encounter while on vacation, great for all-day walking, and for seeing out-of-the-way places, like cliffs or mountains. Now I'm using them for walking the dog, and I love them!" —Marnie Get them from Kuru for $169 (available in sizes 6–12 and four colors). Promising review: "If you've been looking for a platform sneaker and you're thinking about this one, go ahead and buy it. I bought these shoes before going on my Greece vacation! They were adorable and comfy with all of my dresses! I didn't even have a chance to break them in before I went because I ordered a size 7, which is my size, and they were slipping off the back of my foot. So I returned them and went down to a size 6.5, which was a perfect fit. I had no issues breaking them in during the trip! No blisters, no issues. There is a nice memory foam support on the inside, so I was extremely comfy during all the walking I did. Will probably buy again. I just wish the Keds label wasn't blue and it was truly all white." —NiksKnacks Get them from Amazon for $32.26+ (available in 4–11 and 29 colors). Promising reviews: "Like a cloud. ☁️ These are the most comfortable shoes I have worn; they feel like a pillow hugging your foot. The same day they were delivered, I ordered another pair in a different color. I’m a healthcare worker, and these are perfect for standing and being on your feet a lot. Walking feels very smooth and low-impact. I never leave reviews on anything, but these are amazing." —Ian Durham "As someone who owns a pair of Hokas, in my opinion, these are better. I have plantar fasciitis and work in a hospital. Believe me when I say this, I HAVE ZERO FOOT PAIN when I'm wearing these! For half the price and comfort, I will 100% recommend these to anyone." —Jennifer Emilien Get them from Amazon for $59.49+ (available in sizes 5.5–11 and eight colors). Promising reviews: "These shoes are the comfiest heels I own! I was worried about the edge of the strap on my feet, but I have had no blisters or redness so far. I have gotten compliments on the color, and I love that the style goes with jeans, dresses, rompers!" —Morgan Gering "I LOVE these shoes! They are perfect for people who hate wearing heels but want to look nice. The color is a beautiful nude and matches with anything. Because they're Crocs, you could walk 20 miles in these shoes. I wore them to a ceremony where I had to stand for long periods, and my feet never hurt. I also find that if I sweat, my feet won't slide around in these." —Sommer F. Get them from Amazon for $55.20+ (available in sizes 4–11 and three colors). Promising review: "I’ve worn Atoms at work now for about two years, but I never really wore them while walking long distances. I had a trip to Madrid planned over winter break, and I thought, "Why not at least bring them as a backup?" Firstly, I love the color, secondly, I love that they just look nice and you can tell they’re quality. I chickened out wearing them the first two days, afraid of what over five miles in them would feel like, but on day three, I had to switch because my foot felt like I was developing blisters. I was really nervous because we were going to Toledo, Spain, and this is a really old town with uneven paths and just a lot of up and down walking. I had zero foot pain. Everyone in my group was slipping and sliding along the stones, and I never lost my footing. My feet felt great, and the foam absorbed the stones so well that it was never a problem. In 3.5 hours, I did nine flights of stairs, about five miles of walking both up and downhill, and I have zero regrets about wearing them, well, one regret, I should have been wearing these since day one. I took advantage of the amazing sale and purchased three more pairs. I’m keeping one pair specifically for this summer for my tour of Europe, but I cannot sing the praises of these shoes anymore. Buy them, wear them, and you’ll see that the hype isn’t hype, it’s just straight up facts-these shoes are phenomenal." —Katie C. Get them from Atoms for $145 (available in sizes 5–16.5 and 11 colors). Promising reviews: "These have been my everyday shoes for about a year, and they are still doing great. They got me through a week at Disneyland with no pain! They are great quality for the price and go well with all kinds of outfits. I have pretty wide feet, and these have not caused any issues." —Megan "These sneakers are terrific. No heel blisters, no toe corns. Just comfort all day, every day!" —Lola Get them from Amazon for $74+ (available in sizes 5–11 and four colors). Note: Some reviewers suggest ordering one size down. Promising review: "I asked for these for Christmas of 2022 (I've had them 1.5 years now) because I thought they were cute, BUT THEN they saved my life. Not exactly, but sort of. I badly sprained my ankle before a bachelorette party at a four-story mansion (lots of stairs), where I taught six women a Bollywood dance for my bestie's wedding in India the next month. THEN I had to travel to India (lotsss of walking) and perform that dance at the Sangeet. When I say these shoes are the only reason my ankle made it, I mean it. They are sturdy around the ankle and foot, cushioned and so so comfortable, lightweight, and the toe box is wide (great for your feet). Plus, they're adorableee and go well with many outfits. I'm going to buy another pair soon in case they ever stop selling them!" —Heather Get them from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in sizes 6–11 and 15 colors). Promising reviews: "OK, I gotta say, I love these shoes. I'm a retail worker, and I am on my feet for 8–9 hours a day. I'm a personal shopper, so my job requires me to walk several miles a day. I am very picky about shoes. I need something very comfortable with good support, or else I am in severe pain after my shift. I noticed several of my coworkers wearing these, and I was curious, so I got a pair. I was NOT expecting to like these so much! My tried and true preferred work shoe has been Crocs. For years, that was all I could wear to work and be comfortable. These shoes, though, are actually better for me. They are surprisingly comfortable and supportive for my flat feet, and I love the memory foam soles. I am not in pain anymore thanks to these guys. I've only been wearing them for about two weeks now, but I'm already noticing a remarkable difference. They also look pretty cool, and I love the colors. I actually get a lot of compliments on them, and people ask me where I got them. Anyway, yeah, if you need a comfy shoe, get these! I want other colors now." —Hannah Get them from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in sizes 5.5–10.5 and 15 colors). Promising reviews: "I always get the worst pain in the bottom of my feet and near my ankles with other shoes if I'm walking for a while. I absolutely love these! I can wear them on an over three-hour walk around the city and not feel any pain or discomfort. They fit perfectly (true to my normal size), and I love the color." —Anonymous "I purchased these shoes because I walk A LOT and I have a weak ankle, but since I wear these, I no longer get pain in my ankle, and I seriously enjoy my walks that much more. I talk about these so much that my friends and my mother-in-law got them, too, and they are happy, too. :) Definitely will get another pair in a different colour." —sofffiez01 Get them from Lululemon for $158 (available in sizes 5–12 and six colors). Promising reviews: "I love these. My original pair is three years old. I have worn them while walking around Alaska, Yellowstone National Park, and the trails in Estes Park. The fabric still looks brand new. They run about a half size small, so size up! Highly recommend! Kizik is now my go-to walking shoe. buy them, you won't be disappointed. ♡" —Schmitt "Bought these for an overseas trip to wear during a 30+ hour flight. Did not disappoint. Wore these shoes for over 30 hours and over four miles walked with zero discomfort — plus they were so easy to slip on and off going through security. I have bunions and typically feel discomfort after just a few hours in most shoes — but not in these! True to size. Highly recommend." —jeremy davis Get them from Amazon for $59.97+ (available in women's sizes 6–16.5 and men's sizes 4.5–15, including wide fits, in eight colors). Promising review: "I love Tevas so much! In my opinion, they are better than Chacos and many other similar brands. Tevas are great for comfort, wide feet, and with this color, they can be dressed up a little or worn for very casual and outdoor activity use!" —Amber Vaughn Get them from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in sizes 5–11 and in a variety of colors/styles) Ma’am Shoes is a woman-owned small biz creating staple shoes that are built to last and, most importantly, are comfortable enough to see you through your busy day. They use environmentally responsible packaging and work exclusively with local LA-based manufacturers to reduce carbon emissions. Here's what BuzzFeed editor Danielle Healy has to say about these: "Sometimes it feels like my feet are made of paper with how easily they blister. So when a brand markets itself as focused on stylish comfort, I am all ears. Fresh out of the box, I wore these red beauties out to dinner (a 20-minute walk each way), and my feet were no worse for wear. So I decided to put them through the ultimate test — a wedding. Even after hours of dancing, my feet felt great, and I got loads of compliments. A statement shoe that really does look and feel great? *Big swoon.*" Promising review: "I adore these heels! First off, they look great with a casual dress, shorts, and even jeans. Beyond that, they’re amazingly comfortable from the first wear. I would definitely recommend this high-quality product." —Molly Swanson Get them from Ma’am Shoes for $150 (originally $300+; available in sizes 4.5–11 and five colors). Promising reviews: "A game changer for me… I hate heavy clunky boots… These are so lightweight that I almost forgot that I was wearing them. They are cute, comfortable out of the box, offer great ankle support, and have a cushioned feel while walking. I put them to the test in light rain and slushy snow today while walking my 100-pound lab that pulls me along the way, and discovered the traction is fabulous, and at the end of my experience, my feet were dry!" —Lisa "These are my first pair of hiking boots. I bought them so my feet don’t get wet when walking my dog through the grass in the early morning. I have such a hard time finding shoes I can walk in due to foot surgeries and a bunion. The size 9.5 wide fits well, and my feet don’t feel weighted down when I wear them. These are pretty comfortable, and my feet stayed dry. I would definitely recommend!" —H Sorrell Get them from Amazon for $38.47+ (available in sizes 5–12, including wide fits, and six colors). Promising review: "Review time! I bought some new shoes for Court. I hate wearing closed-toe shoes and anything with a heel because I’m clumsy af! I’d give this brand 100 ⭐️ if I could! Comfy, snug fit but not tight. No blisters. Stable heel for my Bambi learning to walk self. I bought five pairs in various styles and colors. Life Stride for the win!" —Jenny Padgett Get them from Amazon for $31.50+ (available in sizes 5–12, including wide fits, and eight colors). Promising reviews: "These shoes are so cute! This was my first order from Vivaia, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The comfort and quality exceeded my expectations. The brown is a rich, neutral brown that matches with everything. I wore them all day and even took a several-mile walk in them, and they didn’t hurt at all. Of course, the bunny design is the cutest! Will be ordering more for sure." —Kelly M. Get them from Vivaia for $139 (available in sizes 5–11 and 19 designs). Promising review: "Just received these and tried them on immediately. Very well-made shoe! Correct sizing. It is a very comfortable and soft fabric on the interior. I’ve had plantar fasciitis in my past and am a shoe snob. I am impressed! 🥰😍"—Kathy Jennings Get it from Amazon for $33.26+ (available in sizes 5–11 and 16 colors/styles). Promising review: “Best purchase ever! Wasn’t sure they'd actually live up to the hype, but they were fantastic on my trip to Iceland! Didn’t have to break them in at all, and they were so comfy, definitely waterproof, and so easy to get on and off. Highly recommend spending the money.” —Sammie Get them from Vessi for $180 (available in sizes 5–11 and six colors). Also available in a low-top version. Promising review: "Thought the shoes were cute and read raving reviews, so I bought them. Wow! Sooo cute and extremely comfortable! I’m so excited about these! It feels like you’re walking on a cloud, and I cannot believe the price I paid for them. Amazing deal. Highly recommend! I bought my size, an 8, and they fit perfectly. They are not too narrow, and they definitely don’t look like 'clown shoes' as someone mentioned. Adorable 10/10!" —Talia Get them from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in sizes 5–10 and 11 colors). Promising review: "Very comfortable shoe. I wear them at work where I do a lot of walking, and these are very comfortable for me. I can literally wear them all day." —Knowledge Get them from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in sizes 5–12 and 14 colors/styles). Promising review: "I never leave reviews, but these shoes deserve it. I got several compliments on these with ankle pants... Super sharp and trendy, but REALLY comfortable! I have a wide foot and foot issues and I was able to wear these all day on my feet with no issues... I was really impressed with these and will buy more from this brand. Affordable, well-made, trendy, comfortable, and true to size... Worth every penny!" —Steven Mulderink Get them from Amazon for $40.99 (available in sizes 6–11 and seven colors). They come with a pair of regular laces, too. Promising review: "These are super comfortable. I purchased them twice now. Wore them to walk throughout Tokyo, Japan, on days when we actually took 35,000–40,000 steps. It was rainy and kind of dirty there, so the suede did get hit pretty hard with grime and dirt, but I was also able to clean it off pretty easily. Good value. Lasted quite a bit. Would recommend." —Amy Get them from Amazon for $56.99 (available in sizes 6–11, including wide fits, and three colors). Promising review: "I absolutely 💯 percent love these shoes. My NP recommended these shoes. Four years ago, I endured agonizing back surgery! Since then, I have experienced excruciating pain in my legs and back. I immediately put on my On Clouds and have been wearing them since I recently received them. This has been a couple of weeks. These shoes deserve the name On Cloud because I feel as if I am walking on clouds! The support I receive from wearing these shoes is unbelievable. I plan to order a khaki color also!! —maxine farmer Get them from Amazon for $149.99+ (available in sizes 5–14 and a variety of colors). Promising review: “I have these in black and navy. Brought them with me on a recent trip to NYC. I walked a total of 22 miles in three days, and these shoes did not disappoint! Toss them in the washer and air dry, come out looking new.” —Gretchen M. Dowding Get them from Amazon for $18.95+ (available in sizes 5–13, including wide fits and 20 colors). Promising review: “I bought these for a trip to Iceland, and they were fantastic. My feet stayed warm and dry walking through streams, hiking over glaciers (they’re crampon compatible), and meandering around Reykjavík. They got soaked through when I was horseback riding and we encountered a chest deep water crossing and I thought surely I’d destroyed them…nope! I rinsed them with cold water in the sink after our trip, and they look almost brand new. I’d highly recommend these!” —Courtney R Get them from REI for $119.73+ (originally $160; available in women’s sizes 5–11 and three colors). Promising reviews: "I liked everything about these tennis shoes. I love the style and the beautiful colors in these tennis shoes. Also, they go with most of my clothes. I would recommend these to my friends; I give them a ten easily." —Barbara Williams "Absolutely the MOST COMFORTABLE shoe ever! I’ve come back to buy more colors. These rank up there with my Brooks (when it comes to comfort while being on my feet all day or walking a lot). Not to mention they are absolutely adorable!" —Amanda Berry Get them from Amazon for $23.81+ (available in sizes 6–13, including wide fits and 35 colors). Promising review: "Absolutely love these shoes! I love pointy toes, but have a bone spur on one foot, so I have trouble finding a comfortable shoe that's 'dressy.' These are perfect! Great price, too! Bought two — maroon and leopard print! Adorable. 💕" —ML Get them from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in sizes 6–10 and 14 colors/styles). Promising review: "These sandals are incredibly comfortable! I was so relieved they fit well because I'm sometimes a size 8.5, but there aren't half sizes, and these fit perfectly! I thought it was so funny reading their website, and their warning says, 'Don't buy these sandals if you don't want compliments.' Well, the first day I wore my sandals, I got tons of compliments, and every time I thought of their warning. It's so true, these are unique and brilliantly styled sandals. The quality is wonderful! I'm 100% satisfied and happy with these sandals! The customer service is also phenomenal!" —ShoreShank Get them from Amazon for $34.95+ (available in sizes 5–11 and 22 colors/styles). * Shoes With Reviews So Glowing, You’ll Want Them On Your Feet Right Now * Comfortable Shoes You'll Want To Pack On Your Next Trip * Pairs Of Shoes Destined To Become Your New Favorites * The Bottom Line Is These 27 Shoes Will Make Your Feet More Comfortable Plus, boots, shoes (or, more specifically, sandals) for your next trip, teacher or server-approved options, and finds from Nike, Nordstrom, DSW, Walmart, and Zappos . Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity. BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way. Kit Stone is a freelancer and former BuzzFeed Shopping writer extraordinaire, as well as a film & TV critic, which is why she loves scouring the interwebs to find the best pop culture knick-knacks to rep your fave fandom.