NYC Writers Share the 12 Most Comfortable Walking Shoes

When you live in New York City, lazy weekends don’t exist. With more than 170 museums, 29,000 acres worth of parks, and 38,000 landmarks to see across the five boroughs, it can be hard to justify staying in and doing nothing. As an NYC resident, my weekends are essentially long walking tours, where I explore new neighborhoods and clock thousands of steps while soaking in the sights and sounds the Big Apple has to offer. 

Since I walk everywhere, comfy footwear is essential. I surveyed Travel + Leisure‘s NYC-based writers and editors to round up our ride-or-die shoes. These sneakers, sandals, and flats are the best of the best, and we trust them to keep our feet supported and pain-free while walking miles in the city. Keep reading for the 12 most comfortable shoes we own, including New Balance 530s, Crocs sandals, and Birkenstock clogs, starting at $50. 

Best Editor-loved Walking Shoes:

New Balance Unisex 530 Sneakers

“Whenever I’m heading out for a city walk—whether it’s to the grocery store, around the park, or out to lunch, these New Balances are the sneakers I reach for every time. I’ve also worn them on multiple trips, and they’ve stayed comfortable through long days of exploring. They’re effortlessly stylish and pair with anything from a crewneck and biker shorts to jeans and a T-shirt. Truly, no complaints.” — Rosie Marder, Shopping Writer

Crocs Women’s Brooklyn Strappy Low Wedge Sandals

“If you catch me out in Manhattan on a summer evening, nine times out of ten, I’ll be wearing these exact wedge sandals from Crocs. They have thick platform foam soles that absorb shock, plus textured footbeds that prevent your feet from slipping on hot, sweltering summer days. The straps are made from a soft, silky rubber material that doesn’t cut into your skin, and the adjustable ankle strap adds extra stability.” — Amelia McBride, Associate Shopping Editor

Adidas Women’s Ultraboost 1.0 Sneakers

“These Adidas shoes are extremely comfortable and supportive for long days of walking around the city or even just running errands in my neighborhood. I love the cushioned base that gives me plenty of support, while the knit upper is super breathable and flexible, so my feet never feel constricted, even if I’ve been standing or walking for a while.” — Erin Cavoto, Shopping Editor

Brooks Women’s Glycerin StealthFit 22 Running Shoes

“I remember when I tried the Brooks Glycerin StealthFit style for the first time—I was blown away by the fact that I could slip my wide feet in easily without having to untie the laces or contort my toes. These running shoes have a knit construction that molds around the shape of your foot, plus a stretchy, sock-like opening at the top that stretches to accommodate swelling, making them stellar for long days walking around the city. I’m obsessed with this retro-inspired yellow colorway of the StealthFit 22; it’s comfy yet cute enough to wear with jeans and shorts.” — Amelia McBride, Associate Shopping Editor

Teva Women’s Flatform Sandals

“My go-to summer shoe is the Teva Flatform Sandals because they have all the comfort and support I love from Teva sandals with the added bonus of a high platform that keeps my toes far, far away from the unpredictable city streets. The platform base is extremely comfortable, providing a ton of support for long days on my feet (I’ve clocked over 100,000 steps on a single Disney World trip with these shoes!). 

I also love the adjustable straps to get the best fit on my toes and ankle. I tend to reach for these almost exclusively in the summer in the city and love to pair them with casual outfits for running errands or meeting with friends for lunch.” — Erin Cavoto, Shopping Editor

Birkenstock Unisex Suede Boston Clogs

“I’ve been a loyal Birkenstock fan since high school, and the Boston Clogs are only the latest (and most comfortable) addition to my expanding collection. Growing up in New Hampshire, I’m always drawn to ‘crunchier’ styles, so I love how effortlessly cool these shoes make every outfit, and the cork insoles have molded perfectly to my feet, so they’re always supportive during long days walking around New York, traveling, or just running errands. I pair them with everything from dresses to denim shorts, and I have no doubt this is a style I’ll be wearing for years to come.” — Merrell Readman, Senior Shopping Writer

New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Roav Running Shoes

“I tore a muscle in my foot after walking more than 10,000 steps in unsupportive shoes, but my podiatrist steered me in the right direction by recommending New Balance sneakers. These are my go-to walking shoes whenever I’m traveling because they’re lightweight and keep my feet and back pain-free (even after wearing them for 12 hours at a music festival).” — Rylee Johnston, Shopping Writer

Crocs Women’s Classic Platform Clogs

“I don’t care what anyone says—I wear my Crocs with pride. When I first tried on these platform clogs, I was surprised at their comfort. Over time, I’ve only become more impressed. They’re not only my go-to shoe when I’m hurrying out of the house to run errands; they’re also comfy enough for long days on my feet. I’ve walked all over the city in these shoes, and even after years of wear, they won’t need to be swapped out anytime soon.” — Genevieve Cepeda, Shopping Writer

Everlane Women’s The Day Fisherman Sandals

“Finding a comfortable pair of elevated sandals has been no small feat for me, and after trying countless options that have ripped my feet to shreds, these fisherman sandals from Everlane have been a welcome respite. The straps are made from unbelievably soft leather that requires no break-in time, and they’ve never dug into my skin or caused blisters and irritation. 

I love that I can wear them with almost everything in my closet, and I’m even considering snagging another pair in brown. I’m not a huge fan of having my toes exposed while walking around cities, either, so the caged design is perfect for offering a little more coverage while keeping my feet cool.” — Merrell Readman, Senior Shopping Writer

Sam Edelman Women’s Michaela Mary Jane Flats

“The Sam Edelman Michaela Mary Jane Flats are my ride-or-die flats because they’re one of the only pairs I own that don’t leave me with a single blister. For someone whose feet are usually shredded by cute shoes, they’re a miracle. I have them in red, which adds the perfect pop of color to any outfit. Whether I’m heading to the office or out for date night, they’re always a reliable choice.” — Rosie Marder, Shopping Writer

Adidas Women’s Samba LT Sneakers

“Adidas Sambas are one of the most popular shoes of the year, thanks to their sleek design and comfort. Inspired by the trend, I searched high and low for a pair that I wouldn’t frequently spot on other subway passengers, and ultimately, I landed on the Samba LT Sneakers. They feature the same simple design, plus a fold-over tongue that puts a unique spin on the retro sneaker. 

While I bought these shoes for style, they’re so comfortable that they quickly became my go-to sneaker. Now, I wear them anytime I walk the dog, stroll through Central Park, or serve as a de facto tour guide when friends come to visit.” — Genevieve Cepeda, Shopping Writer 

Naturalizer Women’s Jaya Slingback Pumps 

“These slingback pumps never let me down: they’re super comfortable, have an adjustable strap that doesn’t irritate my skin, and can instantly dress up an outfit. I’ve worn them to the office and even to a wedding where I was on my feet all day, dancing for hours on end. By the end of the night, my feet were tired, but my back was pain-free and there wasn’t a blister in sight.” — Rylee Johnston, Shopping Writer

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