If, like me, trainers are your go-to footwear, having a pair of the most comfortable trainers is key. And I’m not just talking about a bit of extra padding or cushioning here – wearing trainers all day long and all year round means I require footwear that has comfort at the forefront of its design. But that doesn’t mean I want to compromise on style.
Thankfully, there’s a plethora of stylish and comfortable trainers available now. And between us here at woman&home, we’ve tested a fair few of them. From running errands to travelling, we put the top trainers to the test over the last few months, with various team members trying our picks to ensure we had different sizes, tastes and problem areas accounted for. There are brands we constantly come back to as our favourites for comfort and style – many of which you’ll find in our list of the best white trainers too.
The good news is our six favourites will keep your feet comfortable all day, but they look good while doing so – and there’s a range to suit a variety of tastes. From the five star rated FitFlop sneakers to the fashion trainers you’re seeing everywhere at the moment, scroll down for the most comfortable trainers for women, as voted for by a range of testers on the w&h team.
The quick list
Superga 2750 Cotu Classic White
You might be wondering why this simple canvas pair of trainers is on list. I have owned several pairs of Supergas over the years, and they are super comfy as a pair of everyday shoes and are better suited to casual outfits than the more padded, chunkier options listed. I wouldn’t want to be doing 20K steps in them all the time, but they’re a great, slightly more stylish version of a very comfortable trainer. They’re such a great price, plus they’re a firm favourite in Kate Middleton’s trainer collection, which is high praise indeed.
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Future Content Director Lucy Searle owns a pair of FitFlop’s Rally trainers, which she put to the test on a day out at the Chelsea Flower Show. Despite suffering with mild plantar fasciitis in both her feet, and arthritis in her right foot, Lucy was a great trial person to try out the brand’s ‘Anatomicush’ technology. Fitflop says it creates an “anatomically contoured footbed that increases foot-to-midsole contact for maximum comfort”. Lucy rated the trainers a solid five out of five stars, saying ‘at no point did I feel any discomfort.’
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woman&home Editor Kerrie Hughes has two pairs of Sambas in her wardrobe, and she raves about how versatile they are, particularly this classic black and white colourway. She wears hers all year round, mostly with wide leg trousers, so often only the cool taupe against the bright white can be seen. They really are everywhere at the moment, so in her review she reveals whether they live up to expectations (spoiler alert: they do). They’re the perfect fusion of fashion and function.
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Women’s Summits Artistry Chic Sneaker
The beauty of these trainers, according to woman&home Fashion Writer Molly Smith, is the super easy slip-on design. It makes them convenient for anyone with mobility issues or simply not enough time to spend lacing up trainers! The navy colourway is that bit more practical than white, and the memory foam cushioned comfort insole is a real treat for your feet. The mesh finish makes them very lightweight too.
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VEJA Women’s Volley Trainers
Veja is another brand loved by the likes of Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle. You’re probably familiar with the Esplar and Campo styles, but the Volley is a great option for anyone looking for trainers to wear with dresses. They’re not the most cushioned style on our list, but this vintage-inspired look has a more minimalist, contemporary feel. The V on the side is instantly recognisable, and they’re available in either leather or suede options.
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Air & Grace Sadie Platform Trainers
In classic white leather, these will go with everything. There’s a reason Trinny Woodall is a fan of platform trainers – your legs immediately feel much longer! I personally tested these and found them to be very comfortable, but also much smarter than most of the other trainers I already own. The cushioning really set these apart from the competition for me, and whilst they are a bit more expensive than others, Air & Grace styles are built to stand the test of time, with the brand saying “for us, buying fewer and choosing better is what matters.”
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Most comfortable trainers for women: tried and tested
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Most comfortable trainers: best for everyday
(Image credit: Molly Smith)
Our tester for these was woman&home Fashion Writer Molly, and her feedback was that these are some of the best trainers she’s tried. They combine comfort with a classic minimalist feel that has plenty of versatile styling options, making them a must-have staple. From the best wide leg jeans to a midi dress and cardigan, they go with almost anything and are perfect for keeping your feet and ankles supported and comfortable.
What drew us to these trainers was their cool, classic design, which mimics an iconic canvas tennis shoe. Not only do they go with a multitude of outfits, they can easily transition between the seasons. In the warmer months, their canvas material makes them ideal for styling with dresses and skirts; however, in the winter, they will look just as good with barrel leg jeans and a knitted jumper or your favourite cosy coat.
As someone who is prone to blisters, Molly expected some rubbing, but they felt light and super comfortable all day long with no rubbing at all. She barely noticed the trainers on my feet – they were simply there and didn’t give her any hassle. She wore them for running errands around the city and for busy morning commutes, and even whilst travelling abroad. They truly exceeded all expectations. And although they don’t have a padded insole like other more sporty trainer brands, they offer more than enough support for everyday wear.
For cleaning and care you can also machine wash the Cotu Classic trainer, adding to the list of reasons you should buy this style. Another standout feature is they are a lot more affordable than leather trainers, yet you don’t have to sacrifice style or comfort.
You can read more in the full Superga 2750 Cotu Classic Canvas Review
Most comfortable trainers: best for wide feet
(Image credit: Future)
Our tester, Content Director at Future, Lucy Searle, is a seasoned trainer fan who wears them all day long, and needed an all-rounder style that would see her through a day at work, dog walks and evenings out.
She said the Rally was her first foray into the world of FitFlop’s trainers, after years of being a fan of the brand’s sandals. After initial concerns that they might look a little heavy, she was pleasantly surprised by the streamlined look and sleek suede panels.
She did twenty thousand steps in them at the Chelsea Flower Show, and found them to be incredibly lightweight. She has mild plantar fasciitis in both feet and potentially arthritis, but she said: “wearing them felt a little like walking on a springy memory foam, which meant that at the end of the very long day, my feet felt nowhere near as achy as usual. For me that’s the biggest sell.”
They’re great for wide feet, scuffs came out with a damp cloth, so they’re easy to keep looking clean and fresh.
You can read more in the full FitFlop Rally trainers review
Most comfortable trainers: best fashion trainers
(Image credit: Future)
woman&home Editor Kerrie Hughes was sceptical about the Samba at first. They’re everywhere at the moment, so surely it’s a case over style over substance, right? Wrong.
She says “I bought my Sambas back in January this year, and have worn them almost daily ever since – without a single blister. They are the most versatile trainer I own, working with everything from casual joggers and jeans, to more formal workwear in the office.”
She found them to be comfortable immediately after buying them, which is perhaps testament to their seventy-something-year history, and their start as a style to play football in. They’re lightweight with a flexible gum sole that offers plenty of cushioning and grip.
The instantly-recognisable three stripes and retro charm of the Samba is undeniable, but Kerrie was really impressed with how they manage to be both casual and chic, noting that the mix of materials elevates them.
This does, however, make cleaning them a bit tricky. But with a shoe protector spray and a suede brush, they’ll go the distance. They might not be the cheapest pair on our list of finalists, but they will go with every single outfit and are available in a rainbow of colours, so the cost per wear is worth it.
You can find out more in the full adidas Samba review
Most comfortable trainers: best overall
(Image credit: Molly Smith)
If you’re looking for plush trainers with an insole, these are the perfect pair for you. After trying this style, woman&home‘s Fashion Writer Molly now understand why Skechers has such a good reputation for designing comfortable trainers.
The first thing that struck her was the cushioned memory foam insoles, offering a true respite from the traditional flat, and often quite uncomfortable, high street trainers. The memory foam immediately moulded to the bottom of Molly’s feet, offering excellent support and comfort.
They didn’t feel too bulky or heavy, with a light and comfortable design that is extremely wearable and practical. She wore them on morning park walks, running errands and for weekend coffee dates, and can confidently say these are some of the most comfortable trainers she’s ever worn. Another bonus was the slip-on design, meaning there are no laces, making them extremely easy to put on and take off, this is especially handy if you have a busy schedule or mobility issues.
Style-wise, they have a sporty-ish feel, however, they do pair well with laidback everyday outfits, such as denim jeans or wide leg tailored trousers. Their minimalist, sleek design makes them appropriate enough to wear to work and for weekend outings too. We opted for the navy colour, although if you prefer brighter shades they offer plenty of more vibrant other options too.
For cleaning and care, they are hand wash only, so require cleaning with a damp cloth and soap.
Skechers Summits are an excellent pick for anyone who wants a pair of trainers that are supportive and comfortable if you’re always on the move and don’t want to sacrifice looking good.
Read our review in full here: Skechers Summits review
Most comfortable trainers: best for dresses
(Image credit: Molly Smith)
The Veja Volley trainers perfectly combine comfort and practicality with style and design. Few brands have been able to do this, but Veja seems to consistently succeed, and they’re made with sustainability in mind too. No wonder Kate Middleton’s a fan!
In terms of comfort, the Veja Volley is lightweight and comfy for wearing all day, and although the insoles aren’t plush or bouncy, they still offer a supportive feel. From wearing them to park walks to busy commutes, these were an excellent choice for Molly, ensuring her feet were supported and blister-free. The leather panels are soft and supple, which makes these easy to wear and perfect for those who are blister-prone. Another winning factor was that there was no breaking-in period; as soon as she put these trainers on they were ready to wear. The leather exterior makes them easy to wipe clean too, although, I would recommend a protective spray for the suede panels.
In terms of style, these trainers nod to the volleyball shoes from 1970s Brazil, making them a vintage-inspired design with a modern twist that is effortlessly chic. These are a brilliant option if you’ve been on the hunt for a practical trainer that will add a luxe, elevated touch to your daytime looks. What makes these standout is that they look effortlessly cool with dresses and skirts as well as trousers or jeans. Finish off a smart office outfit or a special occasion look with these Volley trainers and they won’t disappoint.
Overall, they might not have a cushioned insole, but they offer a supportive, fuss-free fit that’s sleek enough to wear with any dress.
You can find out more in the full Veja Volley review
Most comfortable trainers: best platform
(Image credit: Future)
I tested these trainers myself, and as a platform trainer novice, my hopes weren’t as high as the sole. How wrong I was!
For me the benefit of these trainers is how elevated they feel. No pun intended. First of the packaging feels really premium, and unboxing them felt like such a treat. I immediately did what you’re definitely not supposed to do in brand new trainers: walk a mile. The platform sole took a few minutes to get used to, but when my feet because accustomed to it I completely forgot about the chunky sole.
They felt a lot smarter than some of my other trainers. I’m very used to trying to find somewhere to subtly swap my trainers for shoes ahead of an evening out, but I wore these to a dinner and they felt as fancy as I wanted them to. I wore them with a pair of wide leg trousers and they had a very flattering, elongating effect.
You can really feel the cushioning beneath your ankle and at the heel, which makes them incredibly comfortable and they were much lighter than I expected. Certainly the sole isn’t as flexible as a thinner sole, but if it’s a platform style you’re after these are a great option.
I would say they are a little on the smaller side so personally I’d say go up a size. They feel very premium, and I love the perforated A detailing on the side. Minor marks have come off easily with a damp cloth and weeks later they still look really fresh.
Read more in the full Air & Grace Sadie platform trainers review
How we tested
Finding a pair of trainers that fits you perfectly and offers all-day comfort is a tricky task. It can depend on so many different factors and personal choice, so we made sure to ask several members of the team to test a variety of styles, so we could have a broad range of voices to help narrow things down.
Alongside price and brand, these are the main factors we considered when testing:
- Comfort and support: this was of course the biggest factor. We road tested each style to see how well they performed during everyday tasks like a day at work or a walk in the park. Blisters were of course a no, but we also asked how lightweight they felt, how cushioned they felt and whether they seemed true to size.
- Style: If you’re going to be wearing these trainers every day, you want them to look good. And work with a wide variety of outfits, too. We thought about colour, quality of fabrics and how you might want them to look and feel. Retro trainers are a huge trend right now, which led us to styles like the adidas Samba and the Veja Volley, but for others, a classic style like the Supergas will age well.
- Cleaning and care: for me this is a big consideration. Everyday trainers will inevitably lead to wear and tear, so it’s important to think about how much maintenance each style will need. The Supergas are machine washable, whilst a pair with a mix of suede and leather will need protector spray and a suede brush.
For a more detailed look at the process of whittling down the most comfortable trainers on the market, read our detailed guide on how we test trainers.
How to choose
There’s a lot to think about when buying trainers. Unlike picking a lot of your wardrobe, shoes is a lot like trying to find the best bras – finding the right size is crucial, and there’s so many elements and features to choose between. Our best advice? When picking the right pair of trainers for you, it’s worth factoring in the following:
- Price: how much do you want to spend? How much wear will you get out of them? I used to spend less on trainers, but buy more. However, now I see the value in spending more money and looking after one pair and having them on rotation in my capsule wardrobe.
- Size: this is something you have to get right. Shoes that are too or small can lead to bisters and ingrown toenails, but you can of course add an insole if they are a little on the roomy side. When trying on trainers, there should be a bit of wiggle room around the toes, and you should be able to fit a finger down the back between your heel and the shoe. Think about what socks you’re likely to wear too. A thin trainer sock will feel very different to a thick sports sock. Check the returns policy when buying online so it gives you breathing room to try on trainers, and walk around at home to see how well they fit before you make up your mind.
- Extra support: it’s worth asking yourself what you need from your trainers. If you’re on your feet or walking around all day then a plush insole would be helpful. Or if you’re only walking to your car and around an office, you can get away with a less sturdy sole.
- Colour: what will you be wearing your trainers with? It’s so easy to fall into a white trainers trap, but black looks incredibly sleek, and darker colours like navy are more practical. Or a pop of your favourite colour can be really fun! Think about how they will fit into your everyday style, and how much of the shoe you’ll be able to actually see if you’re wearing them with wide leg trousers, for example.
FAQs
What brand has the most comfortable trainers?
We asked celebrity stylist Martine Alexander where she stands on the most comfortable trainers debate. She told us: “for me, the brand that is the most comfortable trainer – and I’m talking as a personal stylist and celebrity stylist for 19 years – I would say Air & Grace. A couple of my clients have arthritis and bunions and the Tender Loving Air footbed works a treat for them. It cushions the foot and it’s also a stylish trainer.
“They have the technology within the shoe to make it so comfortable and they’ve patented it. If you want a classic white trainer that will go with midi dresses and an ankle-grazer jean or a pair of wide-leg trousers, you’ve got the platform Sadie, which is super stylish, it goes with everything.”
What trainers are good for your feet?
Martine explains: “some people when they buy a trainer will take the insole that comes with the shoe out and put their own insole in. It’s all about maintaining the natural arch of the foot, it’s making sure that isn’t flattened, so if the insole doesn’t have an arch in it, it will flatten the foot as you walk which can cause foot pain, heel pain and leg pain.
“Air & Grace have the memory foam. Adidas do have an insole built in which has a raised arch which will keep the natural shape of the foot, so they’re great. FitFlop do exactly the same.
“Skechers have a trainer that’s great for wide feet, and they also have slip-on styles so you don’t have to bend over to do the laces. They still look stylish but they’re easy to get on and still look contemporary.”
One of the North West’s most sought-after fashion experts, Martine has an extensive client list of celebrities, busy mums, high profile professionals, as well as fashion brands and magazines.
Here to make sure you look and feel amazing, regardless of the occasion, Martine can solve wardrobe dilemmas that include everything from day-to-day outfits to red carpet glamour. Focusing her energies on building client relationships, Martine wants to understand the finer nuances of each individual, their lifestyle, and insecurities to best meet their wardrobe needs.
Alongside working privately with clients, Martine’s celebrity roster includes Kym Marsh, Rebecca Adlington, Liz and Kevin Fletcher and Christine McGuinness.
Martine can also be found on set, styling brand campaigns and magazine shoots, regardless of the fashion demand, Martine has you covered.
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