21-04-2025
22 of the best cheap sneakers that are also comfortable, starting at $65
If there's one fashion item people can't seem to get enough of, it's shoes. And with spring and summer days finally upon us, you might be in need of something more breathable to keep your feet feeling fresh as the temperatures rise. Whether you need a pair for work, daily wear or to hit the gym with, getting shoes that are comfortable and have a fashion-forward design shouldn't break the bank. That's why we asked podiatrists, editors and style experts for their favorite cheap sneakers that are worth adding to your rotation.
New Balance Men's 574 Core
Despite his newfound love for ultra-cushioned Hoka shoes, senior tech editor Mike Andronico said he can always count on his trusty collection of New Balance 574 sneakers when it's time to mix things up. 'They're as easy to put on as they are to take off, provide ample support and look good whether I'm wearing them out to a concert or slipping into them in my sweatpants when I'm still waking up and getting ready to walk the dog,' Andronico said. New Balance Women's 574 Sneakers
Andronico isn't the only fan of the 574 sneakers. Podiatrist and board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Nicole M. DeLauro also likes these sneakers, which have all the supportive benefits found in other New Balance shoes — like soft midfoot cushioning and a wide, roomy fit — but with a lightweight feel that's perfect for daily wear.
New Balance Unisex 530
Maybe you've heard already, but dad shoes are having a major comeback and these New Balance 530 sneakers will have you perfectly on trend. Michael Foley, vice president of merchandising at Warehouse Shoe Sale, likes that these shoes are retro in style, but have the modern comfort you need thanks to the Abzorb cushioning that helps reduce the force of impact as you move. Plus, the breathable mesh uppers keep your feet comfortable during all-day wear.
Reebok Court Advance Sneaker
Blending function with stylish form, these unisex Court Advance sneakers by Reebok are made with OrthoLite foam soles to ensure feet stay comfortable, cushioned and cool every time you slip them on. Senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus said she took a pair very similar to these Court Advance sneakers on a two-week trip to Europe last summer. Though the exact style she has is no longer available, Kraus said the cushioned OrthoLite soles were lifesavers for keeping her feet fresh during high mileage walking days. Plus, the leather construction lends itself to an effortlessly cool look too.
New Balance Women's 327 Sneakers
A sportier answer to the New Balance 574 shoes, these 327 sneakers are retro-inspired and have a lugged rubber outsole that extends up the heels for better traction. Made with a combination of suede, mesh and leather, these make for a versatile pair of lifestyle sneakers that you're sure to get your money's worth out of.
Ryka Women's Devotion X Max Walking Shoe
Home and gifts editor Amina Lake Patel said these Ryka sneakers have become her go-to walking shoes over the past couple months. 'I'm obsessed with how comfortable and supportive they are,' Patel said. 'I can wear them on long, 3-plus mile walks multiple times a week without any pain or discomfort.' She also appreciates that in addition to having roomy toe boxes, these shoes are available in wide-fit options. Adidas Men's Stan Smith Shoes
Dr. Nicole M. DeLauro, podiatrist and board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, called these Stan Smith shoes from Adidas 'classic laced slip-ons with good support and leather construction.' Inspired by the shoes worn by American professional tennis player Stan Smith in the '80s, these minimalistic leather sneakers are designed to deliver a clean look and keep feet comfortable all day with OrthoLite sockliner insoles.
Adidas Women's Stan Smith Shoes
Though you can grab the classic, all-white unisex Stan Smith shoes, you can also opt for styles with subtle pops of color on the heels, like green or navy, or grab some fully metallic shoes in bronze or silver shades. Nike Men's V5 RNR
Foley said these RNR sneakers from Nike blend the supportive structure of running shoes with the stylish versatility you want in your choice of everyday footwear. Lightweight and responsive — despite their chunkier look — these make great shoes for commuting or casual wear, according to Foley.
Nike Women's V5 RNR
With a silhouette inspired by Y2K fashion, these sneakers make a great addition to your favorite athleisure look. The plush collar lining helps create a snug fit through the ankles while the mesh uppers keep feet feeling cool so you can get where you need to go comfortably.
Dr. Scholl's x Milk Bar Rebel Sport Sneakers
Testing and updates writer Michelle Rae Uy said she loves these Dr. Scholl's Rebel Sport sneakers. Part of a collaboration with pastry and dessert shop Milk Bar, these shoes are adorable and trendy, but also supportive thanks to the anatomical cushioning and arch support. Uy vouched for the comfort of these shoes too, noting that her feet stayed pain and blister-free during multiple long days of walking. Reebok Unisex Nano X4 Training Shoes
Available in sleek monochromatic and bright, eye-catching colors, these Nano X4 Training Shoes from Reebok are designed to give your feet the support they need for weightlifting, plyometrics and any sort of cross-training, without excess weight and bulk to drag you down.
Reebok Women's Nano X4 Training Shoes
'I've had these cross-training sneakers for over a year now and they've fully won me over,' said updates writer Ellen McAlpine. 'They're comfortable, offer lots of stability during weightlifting sessions while maintaining support while walking on the treadmill, stair climber or elliptical.' McAlpine also likes that while these shoes are functional in the gym, they're also easy to style with any workout or athleisure outfit.
Skechers Men's Slip-ins Arch Fit 2.0
Skechers has long been a brand where you can find affordable and comfortable shoes for the whole family, and these slip-in shoes are no exception. Designed to fit snug like your favorite pair of socks, these sneakers also boast the American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Acceptance for promoting good foot health. And if that's not enough, they're also machine-washable and have removable insoles so you can create a more custom fit with orthotics if you'd like. Adidas Men's X_PLR Path
Breathable mesh uppers and plush Cloudfoam midsoles keep these Adidas sneakers light and comfortable for all-day wear. Foley also likes the modern look of these shoes that makes them easy to pair with everything from joggers and shorts to jeans and casual trousers.
Adidas Women's X_PLR Path
Perfect for exploring new city streets or wandering through your local parks and neighborhoods, these Adidas sneakers also have enough support to handle light runs, making them a versatile and affordable option at $ Balance Men's Fresh Foam 680v8
Podiatrist and current president of the American Association for Women Podiatrists, Dr. Elizabeth Piselli, said if you don't have any active issues with your feet, like plantar fasciitis, these New Balance 680 sneakers can be a great option for every day running or walking. The men's version of these shoes comes in three widths: standard, wide and extra-wide, and sizes up to a US 15, all with soft underfoot support to help feet rebound with each step.
New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 680v8
These sneakers can be a great option for those looking for more affordable shoes they can wear for both running and casual daily wear. At 7.7 ounces, the women's style is almost a whole 2 ounces lighter than the men's version and comes in seven colors, plus standard and wide Men's Knu Skool
Skatewear-inspired shoes that are sure to draw looks, everything about these Vans sneakers is oversized. From the thick laces to the puffy tongue, these shoes have a dramatic silhouette that's perfect for those who like to rock relaxed, loose or baggy kinds of fits.
Vans Women's Knu Skool
Though these shoes make a nod to the iconic silhouettes popular in the '90s, they're not simply fashion sneakers. Made with Vans' signature rubber waffle outsoles for increased traction, the wide heels are made for easy on and off too, so while you won't be setting any record breaking mile times in these, they're a fun option packed with personality.
Puma Speedcat OG Sneakers
Stylish streetwear shoes that still deliver on comfort, these Puma sneakers are modeled after the same shoes worn by Formula 1 drivers. Personal stylist and style coach Samantha Dawn likes that the leather upper and rubber soles on these shoes give a casual but elevated feel. Plus, the range of color options from neutrals like black, gray and brown to statement shades like red, blue and yellow mean there's a perfect hue for everyone. Allbirds Men's Tree Toppers
Associate testing writer Joe Bloss said he's had a few different Allbirds shoes over the years but these Tree Toppers are the lightest he's tried by far. 'The eucalyptus 'tree' material is about as heavy as a sock,' Bloss said. 'I know these are going to get a ton of use in the summer heat.'
Allbirds Women's Tree Toppers
Whether you're looking for good travel shoes or something that can stand up to hours of walking without leaving your feet a sweaty mess, these Tree Toppers will give you more protection than sandals and are machine washable for easy cleaning.
Vionic Women's Kearny Lace Up Sneaker
Grab a pair of these chic platform sneakers from Vionic if you want to make your podiatrist (and feet) happy. They're made with heel cups to keep the feet properly aligned, shock-absorbing midsoles for comfort and they carry the AMPA Seal of Acceptance.
Asics GT-2160 Sneakers
Though deals editor Jacqueline Saguin said she originally got these Asics GT-2160 sneakers as a stylish option to pair with trousers and jeans, she reaches for them when heading for a stroll outside or a walk on the treadmill. If these dad shoes aren't quite your style or you're looking for more options, Asics offers a ton of discounted styles through their Road Tested Footwear program, which gives gently used shoes a chance at a second life. Hoka Men's Transport
Andronico said these Hoka Transport sneakers might be the most comfortable shoes he's ever worn. The thickly cushioned heels help deliver the plush bounce Hoka shoes are known for and though some of the brand's shoes can be quite bright and busy, Andronico appreciated the clean look of the all-white Transport shoes.
Hoka Women's Transport
Piselli said that if you are looking for more durable shoes, try a pair made with Vibram soles, like these Hoka Transport sneakers. The addition of the more rugged Vibram soles means these shoes have better traction across a variety of surfaces, giving you better grip on things like dirt and gravel as well as concrete and asphalt. Kizik Men's Vegas
What makes Kizik shoes unlike any other is that they're designed to be put on with the laces fully tied. All you need to do is slide your feet into the shoes and stomp on the back of the heels to secure them. On top of being super easy to put on, these Vegas sneakers are also made of full-grain leather so they make a great choice if you're on the hunt for classic-looking everyday sneakers to add to your wardrobe.
Kizik Women's Vegas
Available in both black and white, these sneakers have removable and washable insoles, so you can switch them out for a custom insert. Kizik claims the real magic in its sneakers is the outsoles anyway. Made with the brand's proprietary Rabbit Foam technology, the outsoles are designed to keep a bouncy spring in your step so your feet stay feeling fresh all day long. Xero Shoes Men's Prio Barefoot Athletic Sneaker
CNN Underscored travel editor Kyle Olsen is a fan of these barefoot-style Xero shoes for long travel days. The zero-drop design helps to reinforce the natural alignment of your feet and the wide toe boxes leave plenty of room for the front of the feet to move, so your toes will never feel cramped or squished.
Xero Shoes Women's Prio Barefoot Athletic Sneaker
Though they don't offer plush cushioning or a ton of stability support, these lightweight shoes do have adjustable heel and instep straps to securely hold the backs of your feet in place as you roam. These shoes are ideal for the minimalist who just needs something for daily wear that offers a bit of protection to their Men's Pegasus 41
Athletic sneakers designed for road running, these Nike Pegasus shoes can still appeal to those looking for a sporty street style option. DeLauro liked that these shoes have plush foam midsoles for cushioning and still provide a lightweight feel thanks to the breathable mesh upper construction.
Nike Women's Pegasus 41
Available in regular and extra-wide sizes, the Pegasus 41 shoes have an upgraded design from previous Pegasus models, including wider bases for extra stability, more reactive foam in the midsoles for better energy return and a taller stack height for increased shock absorption to protect the feet and article
How 'sportstyle' sneakers took the resale market by stormAdidas Women's Sambae Shoes
Finding casual sneakers that could stand up to commuting through New York City, while still being comfortable and stylish took a few tries to get right, but after I thrifted a pair of these Adidas Sambae sneakers, it was basically game over for the other shoes in my closet. I love that the platform rubber outsoles give me a little lift and the leather uppers are easy to wipe clean. Though I usually have a hard time with trendier shoes since I find they tend to run more narrow, I'm always shocked by how my toes feel like they have room to breathe when I sport these Sambae shoes. And if you want less of a platform, the OG Sambas sneakers make a great choice too.
Veja Esplar Leather White
Dawn said that Veja's shoes have a 'less is more' design that makes them look more luxe than their $150 price point lets on. She added that once the break-in period for these leather sneakers is over, the materials will mold to fit your feet, giving you a fit that's comfortable and a look that's chic enough to style with an array of outfits. Even if you're looking at lower cost options, Piselli said you should never compromise on the fit and durability of your shoes. 'You can supplement arch support with orthotics but durability and fit cannot be swapped,' Piselli said. You might also be able to find quality-built sneakers at a reduced price by shopping styles that are not the most current releases. Shopping slightly older styles can be helpful for runners or anyone who puts a lot of miles on their shoes and needs to replace them every couple of months.
To check the quality of a shoe, Piselli said you can do what she calls the 'bend and twist test': pick up the shoes and try to bend them in half and twist them as if you're wringing out a towel. You don't want sneakers that bend anywhere but at the toe joints. Even at the toes, you don't want shoes to bend more than 45 degrees since your feet don't need all that excess range of motion to move comfortably. 'If the shoes twist at all, they're not supportive enough and will likely fail in the first month of wear,' Piselli said. 'If you are able to deform the shoes at all with your hands, they're likely not supportive enough as there is more force applied on the shoes with your legs and feet.'
You'll also want to look at the outer soles on the shoes and make sure there is a thick layer of rubber on the bottom that won't wear down quickly. DeLauro recommended looking for shoes made with Vibram soles, which are designed to be more rugged and durable across a variety of terrains.
No matter what price point you're shopping at, Piselli said you want to make sure the shoes you buy fit and accommodate your feet well. 'If you have a bunion and it is sticking out when you try the shoes on, then that area is likely going to fail quickly,' Piselli said. 'If you have bumps on the back of your heels and the shoes taper tight to the heels, you will likely wear holes there.'
DeLauro recommends getting shoes with laces as opposed to slip-ons since the laces can be adjusted for a better fit around the midfoot and forefoot and offer better control and support. Ideally, you also want shoes with cushioned insoles that give some support to the arch. At higher prices, you're often paying for more advanced technology and better materials in your sneakers, but DeLauro said sometimes the main benefit of materials like higher grade foams is that they make for lighter shoes than more budget-friendly styles.
While grabbing a cheaper pair of sneakers can be a short-term money saver, investing a bit more into your shoes often means they'll resist wear and last longer. If you're planning to wear a pair of shoes frequently, like for long days on your feet at work, DeLauro recommended investing a bit more into your footwear to make sure you have the support you need to stay comfortable. 'If you stand all day at your job, you want good arch support to not only support your feet but also support your knees, hips and lower back,' DeLauro said.
The following FAQs have been answered by podiatrists Dr. Elizabeth Piselli and Dr. Nicole M. DeLauro, and vice president of merchandising at Warehouse Shoe Sale, Michael Foley.
What are good budget running shoes?
What are good budget running shoes?
Everyone's feet have different needs and you want running shoes that support the size and shape of your feet properly, no matter the cost. Piselli said you can find good running shoes from popular brands by shopping from last year's styles or heading to the sale sections. Some running sneakers under $100 that our experts recommend include the Nike Pegasus 41 PRM shoes, New Balance's Fresh Foam 680v8 styles and the Adidas X_PLR Path sneakers.
Are Skechers a good cheap sneaker?
Are Skechers a good cheap sneaker?
Associate editor Rachel Dennis recently spoke to podiatrists for her story on the best Skechers shoes to shop. The consensus was that Skechers makes a lot of good sneakers under $100 with features like plush cushioning, padded insoles and arch support that can keep your feet comfortable through walking, hiking or long days at work.
Are canvas or leather sneakers more comfortable?
Are canvas or leather sneakers more comfortable?
Both canvas and leather sneakers can be comfortable, but which materials you choose depends more on how you intend to style them. Foley said canvas shoes tend to be more versatile and style best with laid back looks, while leather ones can offer a more refined, elevated feel. He also suggests a type of leather called nubuck as an alternative to traditional leather. 'Known for its soft texture and premium look, [nubuck] offers excellent durability, holds its shape over time and is easier to clean than suede,' Foley said.
For ultimate breathability, mesh sneakers are the best option and will stretch to offer a better fit, but DeLauro said if you prefer leather shoes, look for soft leather constructions that can better mold to the shape of your feet.
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights.
Samantha Dawn, personal stylist and style coach
Dr. Nicole M. DeLauro, podiatrist and board-certified foot and ankle surgeon
Michael Foley, vice president of merchandising at Warehouse Shoe Sale
Dr. Elizabeth Piselli, podiatrist and current president of the American Association for Women Podiatrists
CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, associate editor Jillian Tracy talked to two podiatrists, a personal stylist, a merchandiser for shoes and an array of CNN Underscored editors to compile a list of the most comfortable and stylish sneakers that won't break the bank.
