I am a strong believer that it’s okay to have a million pairs of shoes, especially when you can wear them year-round, dress them up or down, and they’re actually comfortable. Truth be told, I used to prioritize fashion over function, but the wrong shoes can really aggravate my knee problems, so I don’t end up wearing them, which is just a waste of money. I’ve really worked to curate a shoe collection of pairs that I love, feel good in, and can wear anywhere.

Because you’ll always need a sneaker in your closet, I wanted to round up my favorites that are comfortable, timeless, long-lasting, and worth the money.

the best shoes for women

vans old skool

My #1 most worn shoes; I’ve worn them for years and each pair lasts me 5-6 years, which is crazy yet makes them totally worth it. These run true to size, match with everything, and come in tons of colors, so they can also check that “pop of color” box for a capsule wardrobe. I like these slightly more than Vans Authentics since you can wear normal socks with them; I’ve worn them while out exploring cities and walking 10k steps without feeling sore or getting a bluster. I lift weights and since they are flat, they’re great to wear to the gym, too. It’s definitely a plus that you can wear my Vans for both walking around and working out when I’m traveling, as it saves space in your suitcase if you’re looking to pack lightly. They also come in platforms which are really cute and not too difficult to walk in.

vans authentic

Mentioned above, I love Vans Authentics as well, especially the way a white pair complements a dress in the summer or an all-black outfit regardless of the season. I use this to keep them white and avoid stains/ dirt smudges, and these no-show socks from Amazon don’t slip while you walk around. They’re a slightly daintier shoe than Old Skool, so they feel a little more feminine, but they also offer slightly less support and are more narrow than the Old Skools, so if you are torn between the two, that may be the difference-maker for you.

hokas

The ultimate athletic shoe; they’re cute yet comfortable, not trendy, and perfect for those with back/ knee/ ankle/ hip problems. They’re a little expensive compared to other athletic shoes, but worth every penny (even my orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist agree). I have two kinds of Hokas, Bondi 8 and Clifton 9. As far as what I recommend more, I find that the Clifton are a little lighter and feel less bulky, so I prefer these when i’m running errands or have a busy day ahead of me. My Bondi 8’s are amazing for walking and days when i’m feeling extra sore from lifitng or my knee is flaring up and I want extra support. Both are perfect for travel and provide great support. They come in a lot of colorways, so there’s something for everyone (my parents both have some), and they’re 100% worth the price. Both styles run true to size - I get a true size 6, even though I typically get a 6.5 in other athletic shoes (like Nikes).

converse low top

Another timeless closet staple that everyone will love, I like getting low tops in fun colors and wearing them to baseball or football games. I think the low top version is slightly more flattering than the high top, but both are worth the investment since they’re always in style and go with just about everything. For reference, I wear a 5.5 women’s in both my Vans and Converse.

soludos sneakers

This is the “fashion” pick of my list; I’ve found that some Soludos sneakers can almost come across as a Golden Goose dupe at a fraction of the price, and they’re cute without being too on-trend, like certain Adidas models. They’ve got such a summery vibe, yet the embroidery keeps them from feeling immature or cheap; my favorite is the rainbow wave sneaker. They run true to size, but are a bit thinner (less support) so I wouldn’t recommend wearing these if you’re walking around/ traveling all day. This brand also makes platform shoes that are comfy and not too heavy, but they do run a bit narrow.

nike cortez

The Cortez style by Nike is popular right now, yet not so trendy that you see it everywhere and will get sick of it in a couple months. Even more than looking cute, they genuinely have great support as well and feel cushioned without being bulky. These are slightly more narrow than some of the other Nike shoes I’ve bought in the past, but can be loosened with the laces. They run true to size, and I bought mine in a neutral (Cacao) so that they feel less like a workout/ athletic shoe and more like something I can wear out and about or with a casual outfit. I remember reading magazines that said not to pair black with brown, but I personally like the combo when I wear these shoes with an all-black outfit.