We Asked A Doctor The Best Sneakers For Everyday Wear

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Regardless of whether you're super active or not, having comfortable and supportive sneakers will undeniably make your life easier. While we already know that high heels can cause quite a few foot conditions, flat shoes are also capable of causing pain. Blisters, strains, sprains, as well as painful feet at the end of the day are all signs your everyday sneakers might not be as great as they look. Luckily, Dr. Dana Figura, a board-certified podiatrist and social media health educator, has exclusively shared with us her best tips on how to find the perfect shoe — one that will make your feet feel like you're walking on clouds.

"From a medical perspective, some of the most important features to look for are proper arch support, cushioning in both the heel and forefoot to absorb shock, and breathable materials to help keep the feet cool and comfortable," Dr. Figura explains. "A wide toe box can make a big difference in preventing compression of the toes, especially for people with bunions or hammertoes." There are ways to treat bunions at home so you don't need surgery, and ensuring enough toe space is one of them. "It's also important that the shoe offers stability through the heel and midfoot, while still having some flexibility at the front to allow for a natural push-off when walking," the expert says, adding that "the exact features that matter most depend on your individual foot type and any issues you may have, but these are generally good starting points."

With so many sneaker types and trends on the market, it's easy to get overwhelmed when trying to find the right one for your needs. If comfort and proper support are what you're looking for, Dr. Dana Figura recommends going for either a versatile walking shoe or a classic cross-trainer shoe. "These types of shoes usually strike a nice balance between cushioning, support, and stability, and they're designed to hold up across different activities," the expert tells us exclusively. "Good shock absorption is key to protect the joints, and the shoe should help promote natural alignment rather than letting the foot roll too far inward or outward." 

Again, Dr. Figura stresses that this is not a one-size-fits-all approach, as your foot dictates what your perfect everyday shoe should be. "Some people may do best in a neutral style, while others with flat feet or overpronation may benefit from a stability shoe," she adds. "The best choice will always come down to your specific foot structure and activity level, but as a general rule, these styles tend to work well for everyday use." Of course, if you do find that you have trouble finding sneakers that feel comfortable, consulting a podiatrist might provide you with some insight into what you specifically need to pay attention to. Otherwise, a well-trained employee of a shoe store should also be able to provide some help. 

While we at Glam love focusing on trends — like letting you know that the bold sneaker color taking over fall 2025 is the new neutral — we also know that there are more important aspects of footwear than just being stylish. An uncomfortable shoe for the sake of fashion is acceptable only every now and then, but for everyday, you definitely need to prioritize your foot's health. Besides, with so many options out there, finding a cute and doctor-approved sneaker isn't really that difficult.

Not all shoe brands focus on making a great sneaker for everyday, which is why Dr. Dana Figura gave us even more specific tips. The expert shared some of her specific recommendations, also revealing just what shoe brands you should consider when looking for a comfortable everyday sneaker. "There isn't one brand that's right for everyone, but a few stand out for consistently producing supportive, well-cushioned shoes," she shares exclusively with Glam. "Brooks, New Balance, and HOKA are all strong options. The Brooks Ghost is a reliable everyday sneaker, New Balance's Fresh Foam 1080 is popular for its comfort and versatility, and HOKA's Bondi offers maximum cushioning that can be especially helpful for anyone with joint sensitivity or heel pain."

Dr. Figura notes that "other brands like Asics, Saucony, or On Running" could also work. "The key is to find a shoe that feels comfortable when you first put it on and continues to feel good after you've walked in it, since the 'best' shoe is always going to depend somewhat on the individual wearing it," she confirms. You can order your everyday sneaker online, but we definitely recommend visiting a store to try a few options on before you commit — if possible, of course. While it is sometimes difficult to instantly spot any discomfort — especially as shoes often show their bad side effects after prolonged wear — trying a sneaker on before you buy it can help minimize the probability of it being ill-fitting.