Your dad might say that his beat-up New Balances are the most comfortable sneakers, and while we won’t disagree, there are definitely some better-looking options that are equally easy on the dogs.
The balance of form and function is never far from our minds here at GQ, which is where the most comfortable sneakers step boldly into your closet, casting aside inadequate pairs of kicks. For a pair of shoes you can wear most days of the week—from the boardwalk to a beach town, from the TSA line to a breezy coastal bar—they’d better be built the right way. But there’s a difference between a merely good pair of sneakers and a truly great pair of sneakers, the kind of sneakers named after sporting icons (lookin’ at you, Stan Smith) or worn with aplomb by stylish celebrities coast to coast.
Don’t get it twisted: Comfort needn’t mean giving up style. In fact, the best comfortable sneakers for men serve up breezy seasonal style in spades (say that five times fast). Here are 10 pairs we dig right now.
The Most Comfortable Shoes, According to GQ
Built with top-of-the-line running technology, these trail running sneakers from Norda strike the right balance between a chunky, on-trend silhouette and incredible comfort. Should you decide to scoot out of the city, the abrasion-resistant upper gets the job done in extreme conditions, while the brand’s custom midsole is geared to absorb maximum impact. Colors like Stealth Black even exude a bit of futuristic Alien-inspired appeal.
Blink and you’ll miss it: These sneakers seem to call to mind the kind of box-fresh footwear you’d excitedly lace up to head back to school, what with an instantly recognizable swoosh and a mix of sporty stripes (just not those stripes). Rubber in two types of stitch keeps them super sleek, enough to warrant a second glance. And a mesh upper delivers breathability and comfort, but the best thing about these fresh Nike sneakers? Zoom outsole and midsole technology for a ton of spring in your step.
Comfort comes from the ground up, naturally, and Salomon takes as innovative an approach as anyone in the business. That means building these durable, go-anywhere sneakers with the brand’s proprietary Agile Chassis System, which gives these shoes a super-mobile, flexible feel. Better still is the ultra-breathable mesh upper, further complemented by midnight navy rubber detailing and a reflective finish. The next time you want a super-stealthy #OOTD in shades of navy and black, these just might be the move.
If there’s a sneaker brand that’s made very few missteps as of late (pun intended), it just might be New Balance. The brand’s collaborations always seem to be fresh, its colorways are always cool and crisp (literally, in this case) and comfort remains at the forefront. That goes for the thick rubber outsole as much as it does the breathable mesh upper, making these fit for long-distance runs or a short stroll to the coffee shop.
Hoka sneakers have long defied convention—sneakers that perform at a high level during workouts and training sessions, while also delivering reliable comfort off-duty? All the while embracing a sort of forward-thinking aesthetic that’s gripped the feet of legions? Dramatics aside, Hokas are assuredly some of the most comfortable on the market, featuring the brand’s own made-to-move Meta-Rocker technology and a removable OrthoLite and EVA insole. Plus, a massive array of colors delivers style in every step, no matter your sensibility.
A pair of the most comfortable sneakers is of the essence when training and pounding the pavement, but don’t discount comfort for long, leisurely strolls. Mephisto sneakers are specifically made for walking, so lace up another pair for the gym. But the rest of the time, look to these streamlined, sporty kicks in a variety of handsome suede and leather options. Speed lacing makes them an easy-on, easy-off option, while the rubber outsole is geared toward cushioning and comfort.
Materials matter, and an unconventional approach can take a pair of shoes from good to great. The suede upper is protected by a rubber midguard to keep the notoriously easy-to-ruin material a layer of protection without taking away from its overall appeal. The rich Olive colorway will lend levity to light-wash jeans, dark tan chinos or grey canvas pants.
Asics sneakers, like our other favorite pairs of the most comfortable sneakers, have weathered trends across the past decade-plus and ended up right where they left off: on the feet of comfort-seeking, stylish aficionados everywhere. Asics’ own GEL technology powers these kicks for some serious bounce, rebound, and support. The industrial-inspired design should also add particular flair to relaxed-fit jeans or rugged canvas work pants (Dickies, anyone), as should the chunky outsole. And in case you fancy using them for their intended purpose—i.e. running— they’ll pull double duty with ease.
As “GORP-core” continues to weave its way into the fabric of many a wardrobe—that blend of alpine-inspired functionality and modern street style—Scarpa sneakers seem to be having a moment. The sporty design evokes alpine hikes (and perhaps a cold beverage back in town on a cozy cobblestone-lined street). The real trick in terms of comfort lies in the dual-density EVA midsole, plus a reinforced arch for another level of support. Hurry up and snag your pair, as sizes notoriously go quickly.
The most comfortable sneakers on the market have a high bar to clear: Comfort in every step, and a sense that you’re also lacing up a stylish pair of kicks. With the retro-inspired, chunky design of the SAS Journey, you’re getting the best of both worlds, and then some. Minimal color options deliver streamlined style, but it’s the use of proprietary technology—like added arch support and exceptional rebound at a trio of pressure points—that make these kicks a true breeze to wear.
