Latest news with #AllbirdsWoolRunners
Forbes
01-05-2025
- Forbes
The Best Travel Shoes For Men, According To Well-Traveled Experts
The best travel shoes for men blend support, style and functionality, minimizing pain and discomfort during your next trip. After considering recommendations from foot-care experts and insights from Forbes Vetted's well-traveled staffers, a number of favorites emerged: The On Cloud 5 won as our best walking travel shoe for its ultra-soft cushioning, while the Allbirds Wool Runners stood out for its comfortable yet sophisticated design that's ideal for business travelers. The best travel shoes for men blend support, style and functionality, minimizing irritation and ... More discomfort during your next trip. 'Most men buy travel shoes based on looks—but function should always come first,' says Dr. Mohammad Usman, foot and ankle specialist and surgeon at Michigan Avenue Podiatry. 'Look for support, not just style.' All the picks in our guide offer cushioned support, reliable traction and breathable materials—plus fashion-forward designs. Here, the best travel shoes for men to shop right now. On Size range: 7 to 14 | Arch support: Yes | Colors: 16 total, including Hay/Frost and Glacier/White | Return policy: Free returns within 30 days What you'll love: Keep in mind: Swiss brand On's bestselling shoe excels in its supportive features. Its air-pocket cushioning absorbs impact, while its breathable mesh construction cools your feet. Notably, the Speedboard running along the shoe works like a springboard, helping to propel you forward, so walking long distances feels a bit easier. The Cloud 5 also earned the top spot in our best walking shoes for men guide for its abundance of trek-friendly features—we particularly like the fact that it has removable insoles and a very lightweight design. Allbirds Size range: 8 to 14 | Arch support: Yes | Colors: 6 total, including Dapple Grey and Hazy Indigo | Return policy: Returns within 30 days What you'll love: Keep in mind: Work-friendly shoes are often made of refined but heavy materials (i.e., leather) that can weigh down your feet on the go. Allbirds' Wool Runners solve this problem with their lightweight, ethically sourced ZQ Merino wool fabric. The material is naturally thermoregulating and gives this sneaker a sleek, business-casual aesthetic. It also has a cushioned midsole for extra comfort and, as added bonus, the entire shoe is machine-washable so you can toss this pair in the laundry after your trip. Kizik Size range: 4.5 to 15 | Arch support: Yes | Colors: 7 total, including Chestnut and Coronet Blue | Return policy: Free returns within 30 days What you'll love: Keep in mind: Kizik's Vegas sneaker has a springy yet durable 'Rabbit Foam' outsole and a soft leather upper that's flexible with a minimal break-in period. For days when you're stuck in long security queues, the sneaker is engineered with a collapsible rubber heel that snaps back into place when you step into it—a.k.a, it's incredibly easy to slip on and off in a pinch. Forbes Vetted engineering director Caleb King reaches for these when he wants a dressy style without sacrificing comfort. 'I wear these to the office because they are sophisticated enough to pass for work shoes,' he says. SUAVS Size range: 8 to 14 | Arch support: Yes | Colors: 10 total, including Oatmeal and Olive Green | Return policy: Free returns within 30 days What you'll love: Keep in mind: What slip-ons often lack in arch support, the Suavs Zilker makes up for with its grippy outsole that gives plenty of security and traction across all terrains. This one's particularly lightweight and slim, so its flexible body can be packed flat in your carry-on without taking up any excess space. Bonus: Its responsive, moisture-wicking fabric means you can wear it with or without socks (regardless of your foot type), and this p ick accommodates those with wide feet, too. Hoka Size range: 7 to 15 | Arch support: Yes | Colors: 3 total, including Barley/Oat Milk and Rye/Bark | Return policy: Free returns within 30 days What you'll love: Keep in mind: If your next trip involves nature trails or unpredictable terrains, the Hoka Anacapa Breeze Low has earned the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance for its extensive features that promote foot health. This includes a ventilated knit upper for optimal airflow, a grippy Vibram outsole for traction and a forked heel that allows for ease of movement on uneven surfaces. With its symmetrical foam cushioning, expect plenty of responsive toe-offs and a smooth ride overall. 'These are perfect for every stage of travel,' says Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigilotta. 'Their ventilated upper keeps my feet cool, and the cushy midsole makes it easy to walk for miles in pain-free comfort.' Here at Forbes Vetted, our fashion team has researched, written on and tested a wide variety of footwear, from the best workout shoes for men to the best casual shoes for men. When assembling this list, we researched bestselling men's sneakers from top-rated brands like On, Allbirds and Hoka. 'When traveling, we often double or even triple our normal step count, which can exacerbate underlying foot problems,' says Dr. Matthew Conti, foot and ankle surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Before making a purchase, here are some important factors to consider that can minimize injury risks: 'Appropriate arch support is essential for travel,' says Dr. Conti, who recommends avoiding flimsy footwear that lacks cushioning. The Kizik Vegas' almost spring-like cushioning, for example, offers a blend of comfort and support. 'Cushioning is essential to maintaining the foot in a neutral position, which results in proper alignment and reduces stress on muscle groups,' notes Dr. Mohammad Usman, foot and ankle specialist and surgeon at Michigan Avenue Podiatry. Choosing the right fabric for your shoe can be the difference between constant irritation and redness or a blister-free journey. This is especially true if you're prone to hammer toes: a.k.a., corns that develop on your toes due to over-straining muscle groups, says Dr. Usman. He suggests you go for materials that rub minimally against your feet. 'I highly recommend mesh fabrics,' he says, 'as these can regulate temperature and reduce moisture, which has an added benefit of preventing fungal infections.' Our mesh-filled favorite on our list, the On Cloud 5, fits the bill and is known for its breathability. Certain foot types may need special attention. According to Dr. Usman, those with flat feet should 'look for shoes with motion control features, rigid heel counters and firm arch support to prevent excessive inward rolling of the ankle.' The Hoka Anacapa Breeze Low, for instance, offers an array of heavy-duty features to enhance foot stability while on uneven terrain. Alternatively, for feet with high arches, shoes with ample cushioning should generally suffice, he says. If you have wide feet, you'll likely need something something flexible like the Suavs The Zilker. 'Those with bunions will also need a wider toe box to prevent the toes from chafing against the top of the shoe,' Dr. Conti adds. To learn more about your foot type, talk to your podiatrist for a personalized evaluation.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ina Garten says these 'incredibly comfortable' walking shoes changed her life
Hello, I'm Britt, and I'd like to apply for the role of Ina Garten's greatest fan. I know, I know, thousands of people likely feel qualified for that position — but that just speaks to the Barefoot Contessa's down-to-earth personality, home cook-friendly recipes, unfussy style ... I could go on and on. While we're on the subject of style, it appears Ina's quite the loyalist when it comes to footwear. The Food Network star wore what are apparently her go-to walking shoes on a trip to Paris last year: the popular Allbirds Wool Runners. Now, given her gorgeous kitchen(s) and enviable cookware collection, you might be wondering just how much these sneakers cost. Well, they're actually a reasonable $98 at Amazon and Allbirds — and if there's one thing we'd be wise to invest in, it's our feet. Keep scrolling to see why these are shoes worthy of a culinary queen. (Psst: For additional options, check out our roundup of the best walking shoes for women.) As part of the Today Show's coverage of the 2024 Olympics, Ina appeared in a series of Instagram videos that featured her in Paris (yes, I've watched every single one in its entirety). Of course, she's wearing her signature denim button-down, colorful scarf and black pants ensemble, but you can also see that her shoes are the all-black Allbirds Wool Runners. (The closest Amazon carries is the black and cream sole sneaker, but you can get Ina's pair from Allbirds directly.) While this was my first foray into Ina's footwear preferences, it seems she's been a fan of the brand for years. In an interview with Glamour in 2020, she says, "I think they are just fantastic," and even included the sneakers in a gift guide, saying, "These shoes changed my life! I first bought them thinking they would be really comfortable for cooking, and now I wear them everywhere. They give extraordinary support, they're made of wool so they're incredibly comfortable, and the best part is, you can just throw them in the washing machine." She's still wearing them today, so you know they must be good. Designed to be an "everyday" sneaker, this is a lightweight walking shoe that sports a cushioned midsole to keep your feet comfortable for hours. What really sets it apart, though, is its wool upper, which, yes, will help keep your feet toasty when it's cold outside — but it's also moisture-regulating to prevent sweating during the summer. The wool also gives the sneaker a more elevated look (would we expect anything less from Ina?), meaning you can wear it casually or out to brunch and a show. Allbirds also emphasizes sustainability, and this shoe is crafted from materials like ZQ-certified merino wool, sugarcane-based green EVA and recycled plastic bottles. Ina isn't alone in her love of these sneaks — here's what Amazon customers had to say. "Always on the lookout for a nice-looking, comfortable walking shoe," said one five-star reviewer. "Lightweight, feels good on the foot, wearable with or without socks. Looks good with shorts, jeans or a short skirt. This is my go-to gonna-walk-all-day shoe." "This is my second pair of these shoes," wrote a repeat buyer. "They fit my wide feet so comfortably. The wool keeps my feet dry and I can wear them for hours on the hottest of days, and my feet do not feel clammy and gross." "These shoes are fantastic," raved a third fan. "From the time I put them on they were comfortable, and have given me no issues since. ... The shoes did not squeeze my toes, which I have an issue with ... great for long walks and vacations with lots of action." "These are the most comfortable sneakers I've ever worn," swooned another. "They are lightweight with good arch support and they hug my foot like a slipper. The wool is soft and warm without being too warm. Just on comfort, I'll be wearing these shoes every chance I have!" Some shoppers did have notes about sizing. "I wanted to love these shoes," wrote a reviewer, "[but] because these shoes come only in whole sizes, they didn't provide a good fit. ... The bed of the shoe felt very comfortable, and I liked the wool material." "They seem to run a bit small, as I can't wear thicker socks with these," shared a generally satisfied shopper, "but that's okay, as even with thin socks, my feet stay warm. Will definitely buy another pair in the future." While I haven't tried these shoes (yet), Ina and I do share one thing in common — our love of this Lodge pan. If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.) The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
