She was also impressed by the Time Off’s fit: “They don’t rub or pinch at all, and I say this as someone who is incredibly blister-prone,” she says, adding that its elasticated laces are another nice touch if you want a snug (but not restrictive) sneaker.
- Sizes: US 5 to 13 | Widths: Medium and wide | Materials: Synthetic leather, synthetic fabric, or canvas (depending on the specific model); EVA, rubber
Best for Long Walks: Lululemon Cityverse
“After I got these shoes in May, they’ve been my go-tos for literally any time I have to spend a lot of time on my feet and don’t want to default to running shoes,” one SELF staffer says. She’s worn her pair on vacations, to street fairs, and while running everyday errands with no complaints (or blisters). She also loves how the Cityverses look with her outfits. “I don’t need to think about them at all once they’re on,” she says, which is all we want from a pair of shoes we’re going to wear all day long.
- Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium | Materials: Synthetic materials, foam, rubber
Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Hoka Clifton 9
Hoka’s best-selling Clifton 9 is a favorite among podiatrists and SELF staffers alike for plantar fasciitis pain (which is usually characterized by a stabbing sensation in your heel). It fits snugly, weighs less than previous versions of the Clifton, and, perhaps most importantly for plantar fasciitis sufferers, has a heavily cushioned heel. “These shoes don’t hurt my feet at all, get me through long walking days in New York City, and are also weirdly cute,” one staffer wrote about her pair of Cliftons. “They’ve become my new go-to sneaker!”
- Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium and wide | Materials: Synthetic fabric, EVA, rubber
Best for Arch Support: Hoka Arahi 7
As one of Hoka’s stability shoes, the Arahi is designed to support your arches and prevent your feet from rolling inward—without weighing you down. “These shoes have better arch support than 95% of other sneakers I’ve tried,” says one SELF staffer, who adds that the Arahi defies the “chunky” Hoka stereotype, with a more narrow, streamlined look and feel. “They’re comfortable enough to wear on a walk and cute enough to wear to work sometimes.”
- Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Widths: Medium and wide | Materials: Polyester, EVA, rubber
Best for Work: Cole Haan GrandPrø Topspin Triple Strap Sneakers
As much as we love a sporty sneaker, we know the value of a more elevated one, too, especially when we’re headed to work. One SELF staffer appreciates how incredibly comfy Cole Haan’s GrandPrø Topspin Triple Strap Sneakers feel (even on days when she walked 30,000-plus steps). But they’re just as (if not more) stylish: “These shoes truly match every outfit—a nicer sundress, casual jeans, streetwear, you name it,” she says. Still need convincing? She was actually wearing her pair in the office as she said that.