The 7 Best Sneakers For Women, According To Our Editors

First released in 2014 and now on its sixth iteration, the On Cloud 6 is a universal favorite for comfort. It features air pockets built within the sole and Zero-Gravity CloudTec foam, which gives the shoe a lightweight, cushioned and springy feel. The latest version has a wider opening and a sockliner for an easy step-in experience—ideal for airports, if you have mobility issues, or if you just don’t want to exert a ton of effort into putting your shoes on and off. These aren’t built for serious running, but they’re a great option for walking and they look polished enough for lots of workplaces. To note: These come with both elastic speed laces or traditional laces, depending on your preference.

While New Balance is beloved for plenty of its designs (we’ve featured the Fresh Foam X 880v14 in our list of best shoes for standing all day), their 327 has become a women’s sneaker staple since its debut in 2020. With the vintage look of a 1970s running shoe, this style is lightweight and complements a variety of foot shapes well. I love this pair because I can tighten the laces around my narrower foot but they also offer room in the forefoot for my toes to spread out. Wear them when running shoes feel too casual, and pack them for travel when you’ll be doing lots of walking.

There are few sneaker styles as timeless as the Adidas Stan Smiths, which was first released in 1971. The minimalist leather design and durable rubber sole will ensure these stay in your rotation season after season. This pair comes in eight colors, from metallic silver to collegiate navy detailing at the heel, although we’re partial to classic Kelly green.

Rothy’s shoes are consistently at the top of several of our shoe lists because of their sustainable construction (made from recycled plastic bottles), easy care, comfort and style versatility. They have a soft upper that flexes as you walk, a plush footbed and durable outsoles that can withstand lots of wear. When they get scuffed or stinky, you can just throw them in the washing machine. The Rothy’s Original Slip On comes in 13 wearable colors that can be paired with everything from denim to sleek work pants.

The Hoka Clifton 10 has crossover popularity with everyone from hardcore runners to podiatrists to fashion It girls. The springy outsole features comfortable rocker technology, which helps efficiently harness your gait and is especially good for those with limited ankle mobility. This style is made with breathable mesh and a gusseted tongue to enhance the shoe fit and prevent debris from sneaking its way in. The Hoka Clifton 10 comes in 11 colors, including everything from fun brights to more subdued neutrals.

While some fashion sneakers are showy, Veronica Beard’s Valentinas are an exercise in subtle style greatness. The retro-inspired design offers a two-inch lift—think like a heel, but infinitely more comfortable—and soft suede and leather accents give these a luxe vibe. There are 11 colorways, although they sell out fast so the biggest challenge with this shoe is getting your hands on a pair.

Quince’s pieces are notoriously well made and affordable while also being stylish. This understated, low-top pair is made from soft Italian suede with a padded insole and cushioned arch. Wear it everywhere from off-site meetings to the boardroom to dinners out.

Popular with celebrities and fashion insiders alike, these Brazilian-made sneakers are crafted from soft leather and suede and come in a variety of colors—from neutrals to pastels to bold hues. They have a roomy toe box to accommodate toe splay, and the sustainable rubber outsole is sturdy and durable.

Sometimes, a shoe becomes so popular that it loses its luster, but that’s not the case with Adidas’ Samba OG. While it was originally made for soccer players, it has become a fashion staple for basically… everyone. It features a low profile and durable gum sole, so these are wearable and they will last. 

Inspired by a 1980s tennis sneaker, this perforated toe design looks stylish paired with everything from dresses to denim, and it will give you endless style street cred. The only issue with these: finding them in your size.

Golden Goose practically invented the fashion sneaker with its glamorous spin on low-cut basketball shoes. This style is made in Italy, distressed by hand, and it features glittery accents, making it a with dresses, skirts and other formal clothing. They are pricey, but those who love them swear that they’re worth the investment—you’ll reach for them so often that you’ll get great cost per wear.

If there’s one sneaker that never seems to go out of style, it’s Converse’s Chuck Taylor All Stars. This classic comes in a variety of canvas colors, although we’re partial to the white, black and grey simply because they’re versatile neutrals—meaning, they go with a lot.

Tretorn is a heritage brand that’s been around since 1891, and its new spin on the classic canvas sneaker features an EcoOrtholite insole and a sturdy, stable heel. But what really sets them apart is the retro styling and the classic, crisp colorways.

For a sneaker that’s sleek and convenient, Vince’s best-selling Blair Slip On is a winner. Elastic gores ensure they slip on easily but also have a secure fit. Overall, this low-profile pair is comfortable and breaks in easily, but some say it runs wide. The Blair Slip On comes in smooth leather, suede or perforated leather that offers extra ventilation.