Comfy shoes that won't make us feel... not cute? A major win. Oprah and podiatrist-approved? Where's my wallet? (Getty/Vionic)(Getty / Vionic)
As someone who lives in New York City and walks everywhere, finding consistently comfortable shoes that aren’t ugly is like hunting for the holy grail, minus the killer bunny and the coconut horse hooves. I always end up with foot pain and a blister or two (for what it's worth, these are my go-to blister bandages). So, I did what any helpless gal would do and popped on over to social media to see what comfortable shoes the masses are wearing nowadays. The winning brand according to my neighborhood Facebook groups? Vionic.
So, what makes the shoes so great? First off, the brand focuses on making comfortable shoes that don’t compromise style. They have an array of styles, including sneakers, flats, sandals and boots. All of these are designed to aid discomfort and provide support for those with plantar fascitis, pronation, flat feet or general foot pain. Vionics is also certified by the American Podiatric Medical Association, so we know they’re legit.
It’s not just podiatrists and normies like us who love them — Oprah is also a major fan of Vionic, shouting out multiple styles in her Favorite Things list over the years. And, as we all know, Oprah’s recs are always trustworthy. So, ready to be chic and comfy? I went through the brand's lineup so you don’t have to and plucked out a few of my favorites — shop them below.
A classic pair of white kicks is a closet must-have. These rubber-soled babies offer that timeless lace-up look that you can pair with jeans and a tee, flowy pants or a dress. If you’re not into the white, they’re available in five other colors, including a festive gold.
More into slip-on sneakers than laces? The lightweight platform and stretch goring panels make them ideal for all-day, everyday wear. I’m a huge fan of pairing fun shoes with an otherwise simple outfit (think all-black or generally neutral colors) and adore the snakeskin look, but you can also grab them in six other colors, including white leather and denim blue.
Mary Janes are inarguably the It Girl shoes of 2024. Unlike most Mary Janes, this pair is actually comfortable — and notably podiatrist-approved. Available in three colors, they come with a cushioned insole and arch support as well as a deep heel for stability and a flexible square toe. Oh, and they’ll look so cute with a pair of blue jeans.
Channel your inner Cowboy Carter this fall with these stylish Western-inspired suede booties. They’re made with a modern lug sole and contoured heel cups to keep your foot and ankle aligned. And don’t be scared of the small heel, the arch support will keep that stride nice and balanced so you can look good and feel good from the office to happy hour.
Spice up your day-to-day wardrobe with a pop of red, like these jewel-toned loafers. Available in 18 colors (including neutrals) in both leather and suede, these slide-on-and-go shoes feel so much more comfortable than you think. They’re also made to be perfectly packable thanks to the collapsable construction.
Pamper your tootsies all season long by keeping them warm and supported with this pair of slippers — especially on those days when you have zero plans to go outside. An updated version of Oprah’s favorite pair, stay cozy with the luxe fabric and adjustable closure.
