I've Already Decided—2025 Will Be the Year I Swap My Heels for These Comfortable Trainers

For years, I was all about style before comfort. Following a gnarly Achilles injury, I've been learning to lean into comfort. As a casual-shoe lover, I've been on the hunt for a pair of trainers that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also comfortable while ideally providing ample arch support. While comfortable shoe choices aren't always the pinnacle of stylish, I was determined to dig through the internet to find a foot-friendly solution to a very important question.

To my surprise, I uncovered a range of comfortable trainer options for every kind of fashion person. From ultra-trendy styles that are reminiscent of fun, high-fashion moments to comfy picks from everyday brands you're probably familiar with, I've handpicked good-looking kicks suitable for a variety of tastes. They're backed by our editors and customer reviews. Ahead, click through to discover your next go-to comfortable trainer style—but first, the essential criteria I kept in mind during my search.

What Makes a Comfortable Trainer?

When trying to pin-point out the most comfortable trainers, I tuned in to a few important factors. Firstly: the material. I want my kicks to be breathable and durable, geared up to withstand whatever the weather throws at it. Canvas is nice and lightweight in the summer months, but it quickly becomes stiff and scratchy in the slightest downpour. Natural fabrics like leather are generally a safe bet, but if you're vegan, you'll also be pleased with the comfort mesh sneakers can offer.

As mentioned, I also wanted some kind of arch support, or at least a cushioned footbed that I could add my own insoles too. Something foamy that would mould to my foot after just a handful of wears, but not so soft that it would quickly lose shape.

And finally, in my eyes, to be truly comfortable a trainer should be lightweight. Thick, sculptural soles might look cool, but they're not exactly practical if you're in a hurry—they will quite literally drag you down. Instead, the sole should be firm and supportive, but lightweight with it. It might sound like a tall order, but I'm confident the following pairs fit the bill.

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1. Nike Cortez Trainers

Style Notes: Nike put a pause on its Cortez style momentarily, but now that it's back, you should get on board. With its '70s silhouette and newer released versions in trending colourways, it'll offer a nostalgic touch to your current outfits without compromising on comfort. Because of the round toe, reviewers do recommend going up half a size.

Pros: With a foam midsole and roomy toe area, this is a trainer truly designed with comfort in mind. It also has reinforced side panels to help keep your foot in place.

Cons: Many of the models feature suede panels, which are known to be vulnerable to the rain. Additionally, the wider toe area may not suit those with narrow feet.

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2. Loewe Flow Logo-Appliquéd Shell, Leather, and Suede Trainers

Style Notes: Loewe makes some of the best statement shoes (its rose and nail polish heels won't leave my brain), but its trainers make for a great investment. Inspired by 1970s track shoes, they offer a retro flair while still featuring minimal details, like the cursive logo and slim silhouette.

Pros: These designer kicks are crafted from high-quality materials that are made to last. Despite the durability of the leather and rubber, Loewe has managed to keep the design remarkably lightweight.

Cons: Ultimately a fashion shoe, the Flow trainers aren't as technical as other styles from sportswear brands. They also come with a significantly higher price tag.

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3. New Balance 574 Trainers

Style Notes: New Balance has a large variety of sneakers and collabs, but the classic 574 style is a top pick. After wearing them to walk over 10k steps in NYC, I can confirm their immense comfortability. Customer reviews can also back me up—one reviewer compared it to "walking on clouds."

Pros: With generously cushioned heels and midsoles, it's no wonder this model is so popular. New Balance also incorporates recycled and bio-based materials, keeping your ecological footprint low (pun intended).

Cons: Some customers have found the sizing to run small on these particular trainers, so it might be worth sizing up for a more comfortable fit.

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4. Adidas Sambas Trainers

Style Notes: The trainers still on many people's minds? Adidas Sambas. The football shoes hit viral status last year and have shown no sight of slowing down. A black or white pair is a classic choice, but fashion folk have been all over the colourful styles too. They're also comfortable, which can be seen by the 8.4k Adidas reviews of the trainers and near five-star rating.

Pros: The Samba definitely wouldn't be so popular if it was an uncomfortable shoe, so that already says a lot. But it's also known for its flexibility, and the slim design means it's comparatively lightweight.

Cons: You won't find a great deal of arch support in this Adidas icon, and its narrow design means it's not the best option for wide feet.

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5. Asics GT-2160 Trainers

Style Notes: The fashion crowd never shies away from a controversial shoe trend, and in the past few seasons, there's been an uptick in "ugly" trainers like Asics. Like New Balance, Asics was popular due to its comfort but now has been rebranded as the current fashion must-have.

Pros: As it's catered towards runners, you can expect a significant level of support from this model. It also comes equipped with GEL® technology inserts in the midsole, giving it an ultra-cushioned feel.

Cons: This trainer might be comfortable enough to wear every day, but its unique design makes it trickier to style than something like the Samba. It's also quite stiff on first wear, so it will takes a few outings to properly break in your new kicks.

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6. New Balance 550 Basketball Trainers

Style Notes: There was a time when you couldn't find an in-stock pair of New Balance 550s even if you tried. They may not be the It trainers of the moment, but their style power sees no decline in Who What Wear's book. You can keep things simple or play with the fun shades available.

Pros: The Ortholite insole provides ample support underfoot, combined with a breathable mesh upper and durable leather panels.

Cons: This is a chunkier design, so it's notably heavier than others on this list. The less flexible sole also means it's a little stiff to begin with.

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7. Reebok Club C Trainers

Style Notes: I still remember buying my first pair of Reebok Club C trainers when I was an intern at Who What Wear, and they feel just as cool as they did a few years ago. They go with any outfit and have that vintage look that everyone wants from their trainers currently.

Pros: The cosy terry lining really boosts the comfort levels of this pair. The Club C is also known for being lightweight and easy to style, making it perfect for all-day wear.

Cons: This isn't the most supportive trainer you can get for your money as it's lacking up-to-date innovations you'd find on more modern trainers, but it does strike a hard-to-beat balance between style and practicality.

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This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.