Non-Sneaker Shoes That Are So Comfortable You Can Walk for Miles

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Hunting for non-sneaker shoes that are so comfortable you can walk for miles? Readers had a great discussion recently, so we thought we'd round them up! Which are your favorite non-sneaker shoes that you can walk for miles in, readers?

Here was the original reader question: Do you have non-sneaker shoes you could walk a mile in? With no socks? If so, pls post links. I need these shoes and through FAFO am realizing I don’t actually have them.

Been there! I'm on the hunt for something similar myself, so I was very interested to see what the readers said.

But first, a story! When I first graduated, I would regularly walk for miles and miles in the same shoes I wore to work — mainly Steve Madden shoes, some with block heels. I look back on these walks as being extremely dumb, to be honest, and have resulted in a lot of blisters, bunions, and more. So just because you CAN walk for miles in business casual shoes, it doesn't mean you should.

When Do You Need Walking Shoes That Aren't Sneakers?

I tend to be on Team “Shoes Should Always Be Comfortable,” but there are plenty of occasions where sneakers aren't quite the right choice. Whether you're heading to a conference, traveling for work, walking a trade show floor, commuting, or packing for a vacation where you'd like to look a bit more polished, sometimes you want shoes that can handle miles of walking without looking athletic.

What Makes a Shoe Comfortable Enough to Walk for Miles?

Whether you're commuting, traveling for work, or walking a convention center all day, the same features tend to matter:

• arch support
• a wide toe box (don't make the same mistake I did and walk for miles in pointy toe shoes!)
• cushioning
• a proper fit
• security on your foot — for example, a shoe with a strap or a tie is superior to a ballet-style flat

Our Favorite Brands for Comfortable Walking Shoes

Business Casual Shoes That Are Really Comfortable

Sperry Loafers

Readers have sung the praises of Sperry — their loafers, particularly. I tend to think of them for their more boating-focused shoes, but they do have a number of simpler styles for just about every work outfit.

Cole Haan Oxfords

Cole Haan shoes are almost always on this list (although yes, everyone misses the collab they had with Nike Air back in the day). Their lace-up oxfords are a great choice if you're used to wearing sneakers but want something more polished for work.

(Another brand to check out for these kinds of oxfords: The Office of Angela Scott.)

Naturalizer Maxwell Flats

Readers specifically called out the Maxwell flats form Naturalizer as being very walkable, and they look great. I particularly like that they're part of Naturalizer's “True Colors” line, so if you're looking for a nude-for-you flat that matches any color of skin, this should be your first stop.

Paul Green Loafers

Paul Green is one of the more comfortable shoe brands out there in general, so I'm not surprised readers gave a shoutout to their loafers — specifically the ones with a thicker sole. As the commenter noted, “I could do it in the thin sole but the thick sole are nearly as good as my athletic shoes and as good as many fashion sneakers.”

Dansko Loafers

Readers particularly called out loafers from Dansko as being non-sneaker shoes so comfortable that they could walk for miles in. I've always been a fan of Dansko shoes for their sturdy soles and comfortable fit — I tend to think of them as having generally thick soles and chunky heels, so I was surprised to see some sleek loafers in the mix.

Comfortable Sandals for Work – Know Your Office!

Sandals aren't appropriate for every office, of course — so know yours. (We always say to wait until you see a midlevel wear the item in question if you're new to the office.) Some of the specific styles readers called out included…

Sofft Sandals

Sofft sandals got a shout out from the readers, also — in my experience this has always been an extraordinarily comfortable shoe brand!

Børn Sandals

Børn shoes have loooong been reader favorites — the Julianne flat was a huge hit a few years ago, and is still sold today. These gladiator sandals (pictured) look like a fresh, fun option if you've got a lot of walking to do — for some reason I'm seeing them with a slightly above-the-knee skirt.

These Børn sandals (not pictured) are incredibly highly rated if you're ok with a lot of leather.

Cobb Hill Sandals

Cobb Hill and Rockport are both owned by the same parent company, and both have been big comfort brands for years now. I haven't looked closely at Cobb Hill shoes in a while (and the reader didn't mention the exact style of sandal she loved), but these strappy sandals look great for work outfits.

They remind me of another much-loved sandal for summer walking: Naot!

BZees Sandals

I haven't checked out the brand BZees in a few years — I was pleasantly surprised by some of the cute offerings they have. The reader who loved her BZees for walking for miles didn't say the exact style, but I really like these strappy wedge heel sandals for work outfits.

Weekend and Travel Shoes That Are Really Comfortable

I wasn't too surprised about this list… a lot of these have been weekend favorites for a LONG time!

Birkenstock

Readers called out a few different Birkenstock styles, including the Gizeh, one of my personal favorites. The newer styles have large buckles like the one above. I've also heard good things about their sneakers!

keen

Keen specializes in a lot of hiking-friendly shoes — while the reader didn't call out exactly which style she liked to walk for miles in, I could see any of them being great. This strappy style is a bit different from Keen's usual one, but I think if you have an office on a really casual side or just don't want to wear hiking shoes with a non-hiking outfit, these would be great.

Rainbow Flip Flops

There are a number of flip flops with arch support — Rainbow is one of them, but also keep your eye out for Reef, Olukai, and Teva. I like this option with a braided strap!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can flats really be comfortable enough to walk all day?

Yes! You just have to find the right shoe for your foot and treat the shoe well — for example, it's best to give shoes a day to “air out” between wearings. Another good tip if your feet are uncomfortable: try some foot exercises, they're surprisingly effective.

Are sneakers appropriate for conferences?

Sneakers can absolutely be appropriate for some conferences. I can't tell you whether they're appropriate for your conference, but I would offer two pieces of advice.

First, see whether the event has a hashtag — even dorky lawyer conferences often do. (Ask me how I know!) Scroll through recent photos to get a feel for what attendees are actually wearing.

Second, if it's your first time attending, err on the conservative side. It's not the end of the world if you skip sneakers for a few days — as long as you have comfortable shoes that are appropriate for the event.

What's the best shoe for business travel?

Walking through airports, standing all day at a conference, driving between client meetings, or taking the train all place different demands on your shoes. In general, I'd look for something lightweight, supportive, and easy to pack. A comfortable loafer or flat is often the most versatile choice, and brands like Vionic make several lightweight styles designed with travel in mind.

How many pairs should I pack?

Whenever possible, I'd pack at least two pairs. Rotating your shoes gives them a chance to air out and dry completely between wearings, and it also gives your feet a break from the same pressure points day after day. That said, if you're packing light, one versatile pair can certainly get you through a short trip.

Stock photo via Stencil.