I am a strong believer that it’s okay to have a million pairs of shoes, especially when you can wear them year-round and dress them up or down. Comfort is key for me; I have had knee problems for a while now, and the wrong shoes can really aggravate them, which is just not worth it. So while I always keep fit and feel in mind when shopping for shoes, I still want to feel put-together and look cute. Things only seem to be getting more expensive these days, so I wanted to round up my favorites that are comfortable, timeless, long-lasting, and worth the money.

vans old skool

My #1 most worn shoes and I’ve worn them for years. These run true to size, go with everything, and come in tons of colors. I like these slightly more than the authentics since you can wear normal socks with them, but those are my #2. I lift weights and since they are flat, they’re great to wear to the gym. 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

I love these Vans 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 offer slightly less support and are more narrow than the Old Skools, so if you are torn between the two, that may make a difference for you.

hokas

I have two kinds of Hokas, Bondi 8 and Clifton 9. 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.

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

I’ve found that some Soludos sneakers can alsmost come across as a Golden Goose dupe at a fraction of the price, and they come in really cute, summery options, like their 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 all day. This brand also makes platform shoes that are comfy and not too heavy, but do run a bit narrow.

nike cortez

The Cortez style by Nike is really popular right now, and i like the support they give as well. 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.