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Business Insider
22-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Business Insider
21 affordable must-haves every New Yorker needs in their life
Hello, New York! I moved to the city five years ago and, like any good New Yorker, quickly learned how to stretch a dollar without sacrificing style or sanity. What do Angelinos know about schlepping? Not as much as the average Brooklyn granny, I'll bet you that. It takes a shrewd knowledge to keep up with the hustle and bustle here, so with the help of my fellow New York-based colleagues, I've curated all the best products for urban living. New York is an expensive place to call home, but with these affordable finds, you can make life here more comfortable, practical, and efficient. A chic granny cart Lauren Savoie/Business Insider Schlepping is a careful science. My roommate and I invested in our own Hulken, and it forever changed the way we buy groceries. Learn just why we love it in our full Hulken review. A portable fan for hot summer subway rides Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan Several of our editors swear by this mini fan for the summer. In addition to a fan with two speeds, it's also a portable battery charger and a flashlight. Check price at Amazon Highlights Compact and cute design Up to 19 hours of continuous cooling time Doubles as a phone charger and flashlight Wait any longer than five minutes for the subway in a stiflingly hot station, and you'll be wishing you'd scored on this deal. Our deputy executive editor loves this Amazon mini fan because it's portable enough for her purse and inexpensive. A big blanket for when the whole friend group gets together Lauren Savoie; Les Shu/Business Insider Our New York-based editors came together at a park near our office to test the best picnic blankets. We liked this beach blanket because it's big enough for large groups but folds up compactly for storage, and it stays put in windy weather. If you and your friends are regulars at Jacob Riis, you'll appreciate this ultraportable beach blanket. Headphones that block out all the city noise Noise-canceling headphones saved my sanity when construction began across the street from my apartment. These over-ears let you switch between quiet and aware modes with a simple tap. This way, you can enjoy stillness and be aware of your surroundings on the train while you listen to music. Read our full guide to the best noise-canceling headphones. A shoe tray so you won't track sidewalk grime into your apartment Ottomanson Multi-Purpose Boot Tray This waterproof tray's raised edges mean your wet shoes won't leak onto the floor. You can also use it as a pet food bowl tray or a place for draining plants. Check price at Amazon I live in a "shoes off" apartment. I leave mine on a rack near my door, but when it's wet outside, I slide this shoe tray out from underneath the bottom shelf so there's no mud, rainwater, or heaven-knows-what-else leaking from my shoes onto the floor. Anti-chafe balm for long city walks Sweaty summer walks can cause uncomfortable chub rub, so we recommend this anti-chafe stick for the thick-thighed girlies. A cute carry-all that zips closed Style editor Samantha Crozier has tested dozens of totes in search of the best work bag for women. She touts this affordable nylon work bag as both weather-resistant and lightweight, making it ideal for rainy commutes. Buckets of hand sanitizer Pack thousands of people into small spaces like the subway and germs are bound to spread. My first year in NYC, I got sick roughly once a month. Now I keep one of these compact spray hand sanitizers in my bag wherever I go. A TV you can move around your shoebox apartment Samantha Crozier/Insider "I first saw LG's portable StanbyMe TV on TikTok," writes Samantha. "As a New York City apartment dweller, I'm always looking for space-saving options." You can easily wheel it over to your workspace, kitchen, or bedroom for portable entertainment. Read our full LGStanbyME review. A sturdy umbrella that can withstand city wind Summer rainstorms can happen in a flash. To save precious space in your tote bag, we suggest this pick from our guide to the best umbrellas. It's super light and compact, and it won't collapse as you walk down the wind tunnel-like streets of Manhattan. Memberships that make city life a little easier Paying a chunk up front can save you money in the long run, especially in a city like New York. The most essential memberships for city dwellers are Citi Bike, Instacart, and Class Pass. Citi Bike is often the easiest and most direct way to get around, but bike rides and unlocks are significantly more costly if you're not a member. Bundling a membership via Lyft essentially gets you three subscriptions in one: Citi Bike, Lyft Pink, and Grubhub+ — and it's $20 cheaper than the base Citi Bike membership. You need only make the mistake of buying a $10 stick of butter at Gristedes once to swear off most city grocery stores. Unless you're right near a Trader Joe's, I've found it's actually cheaper (or comes out to about the same cost) to order groceries via Instacart. You can shop around for the best prices and get bags and bags of groceries delivered right to your door — no schlep required. The annual Instacart+ subscription gets you lower fees and comes with an NYT Cooking and Peacock streaming subscription, which makes it worth the cost. New York has so many great boutique fitness studios and classes to try out that it's hard to commit to a single gym membership. ClassPass offers a way for you to take classes or book gym time at studios all across the city, and the rates are typically better than booking each class à la carte. You can try a free trial for two weeks before you commit. An AC that you don't have to worry about dropping out your window Windmill 10,000 Btu Inverter Window Air Conditioner with WhisperTech If aesthetics are important to you, Windmill makes one of the most attractive and easy-to-install ACs on the market. This 10,000 Btu unit should comfortably cool up to 450 square feet and is WiFi enabled so you can control it from anywhere. Check price at Amazon This is a great air conditioner for New Yorkers because it's super easy to install, meaning you won't have to worry about dropping the unit out of your apartment window. Sneakers that can handle 20,000 step days Gabrielle Chase/Business Insider I've tested a lot of walking shoes all over my neighborhood. As much as I love stepping out in some fashion-girl shoes, I keep this OOFOS pair by my apartment doorway because they pull on easily, so I can slip out to the bodega at a moment's notice. A white noise machine to drown out traffic Homedics SoundSleep White Noise Sound Machine The Homedics SoundSleep White Noise Sound Machine is a fantastic entry-level sleep machine that is easy to use and effective, with six types of relaxing noise settings. It's smaller and more lightweight than most white noise machines, making it perfect for traveling. Check price at Amazon Getting a good night's rest with blaring car horns outside a street-facing bedroom window is no easy task. A lightweight white noise machine by Homedics lets you drown out busy traffic sounds in your home or abroad. Read more about how this portable white noise machine can help your sleep routine. A powerful roach bait so you don't have to share your apartment with creepy crawlies Combat Max 12-Month Roach Killing Bait Common, small roaches don't require anything too complicated, and Combat Max 12-Month Bait Stations are plenty effective — and discreet. Roaches are an unfortunate fact of life in any NYC apartment building — no matter what your realtor tells you. If you want to keep the insects from infiltrating your unit, a solid bait will keep them at bay. Read more in our guide to the best roach killers. A sleek cordless vac that doesn't take up much space Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum For a Dyson at the lowest price possible, you can't go wrong with the basic but mighty Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum. It offers two cleaning modes, three attachments, and a cleaning time of up to 40 minutes. Check price at Amazon My old clunker of a vacuum was heavy, loud, and took up too much room. Dyson makes tools like hair dryers and vacuums that are a genuine pleasure to use. I find myself cleaning with this cordless unit out of habit more than necessity. My roommates and I love how it stows neatly onto a wall mount, letting us reclaim our closet space. Read more in our guide to the best cordless vacuum cleaners. A phone mount you can use on a Citi Bike Lamicall Bike Phone Holder This adjustable phone mount secures your device to the handle of your bicycle so you can navigate hands-free. Check price at Amazon The most common (and potentially deadly) Citi Bike offense I witness is people navigating busy city streets while looking down at their phone. With this bicycle phone mount, you can keep your eyes on the road and find your bearings more easily. Sandals that'll still feel good after miles of walking These supportive, waterproof slides, featured in our guide to the best walking sandals for women, are better for city streets than any other slides we've tried. Their strap comes over the top of your foot rather than down around your toes, so they stay in place better. Plus, the platform gives you a little separation between the sidewalk and your toes. An air purifier to filter out city smog Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier If you need a powerful, energy-efficient air purifier for medium to large rooms, the Airmega AP-1521HH Mighty is your best option. It includes three filters and ionization, and the fan speed adjusts based on the air quality. Check price at Amazon Check price at Walmart What we like Performed the best at removing air pollutants and VOCs HEPA filter lasts up to a year Lowest energy consumption of all the models tested Energy Star Certified What we don't like Noisy on the highest setting Bulky shape No remote Specifics CADR:Smoke: 234, Dust: 248, Pollen: 232 Room size:Up to 1,748 square feet Weight:13.2 pounds Size:9.37" x 16.81" x 18.30" Auto-mode:Yes Filter type:True HEPA and carbon Heidi Borst/Business Insider Do you remember that strange summer day when the Canadian wildfires turned our sky orange? I do, because I have a distinct memory of showing my friend our guide to the best air purifiers before she could impulse-buy anything subpar. This air purifier will help clear your apartment from harsh pollutants and can improve the overall respiratory health of your household. Gabrielle Chase Senior Associate Style & Beauty Editor Gabrielle Chase is a style and beauty expert who has worked in the fashion journalism industry for five years. As an editor and reporter, she has covered viral products, luxury companies, and durable closet staples. She applies a healthy dose of skepticism to the fashion trends on social media — still, she's never above a good designer joining Business Insider in 2023, Gabrielle interned with Interview Magazine, and then wrote for Elle Magazine's online series, The her role on the Reviews team, Gabrielle tests clothing, shoes, and jewelry for their durability, quality, and, of course, style. She brings her eye for fashion to every story she writes or edits, whether she's helping readers get dressed for work or find their new favorite pair of jeans. Gabrielle is also an expert when it comes to finding great deals on clothing and shoes, from finding affordable hidden-gem brands, to showcasing the best discounts around deal upholds Insider Reviews' rigorous product testing standards, recommending only products that look good, feel good, and last for season after Women's shoes and clothing Apparel deal hunting Viral fashion trends Designer dupes EducationGabrielle graduated from the University of Rhode Island with degrees in Journalism and Spanish. There she started runway modeling, which gave her an intimate look at how much work goes into producing a single garment. Backstage she'd overhear designers passionately retelling their creative process, so she switched her focus from broadcast journalism to fashion of workGabrielle enjoys K-pop girl groups, horror movies, and science fiction books. She is based in Brooklyn. Read more You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@
Business Insider
29-04-2025
- Business Insider
The 11 best walking sandals for women that are perfect for summer travel
Best overall: Vivaia Sport Sandals I own a pair of boots by Vivaia and they're easily one of the comfiest pairs I've ever slipped on my feet — so, needless to say, I had high expectations for these sandals. Fortunately, they didn't disappoint. By the way — Vivaia has made our list of the best travel shoes, most comfortable heels, best flats, best loafers for women, best ankle boots, and best knee-high boots. They have lots of cushioning. My first few steps in the Vivaia Sport Sandals felt like walking on a cloud. That's likely due to the cushioned insole, and dual arch support. I feel secure wearing these. Thanks to the durable, anti-slip outsole, these sandals feel ultra-stable on my feet regardless of what kind of ground I'm walking in. They're super adjustable. What I really appreciate about these sandals most is that the criss-cross straps across the foot are extra stretchy. That means whether you have narrow or wide feet, these will git like a glove. Not only that, but the ankle strap has an adjustable buckle. Plus, the style I have — the Kara — comes in 10 different colors, from classic neutrals like grey and black to fun, playful hues like salmon pink and lime green. Best budget: Dr. Scholl's Island Glow Dr. Scholl's is known for making shoes that prioritize comfort — after all, the brand was founded by a podiatrist back in 1906. The Island Glow Sandals in particular are a solid pick for warding off discomfort during your travels — not to mention, they're incredibly lightweight. It's so easy to pull them on and off. The side buckles on these sandals confused me at first, but then I realized they were nonfunctional. Honestly, the faux buckle still looks nice and I actually prefer the Velcro strap closure, because they're much faster to put on and take off this way. They're surprisingly cute. I got a few compliments when I was wearing these sandals to a casual family gathering. I wasn't surprised, either: They look like real leather, and the wood—like low wedge heel is a nice visual touch. They're really versatile. These sandals go with literally everything, from jean shorts and flowy skirts to leggings and maxi dresses. They're versatile enough that I can wear them while sightseeing and then head straight to lunch at a nice restaurant with no footwear changes. They're very supportive. Between the contoured footbed and cushioned insole with arch support, these sandals definitely prevented discomfort — even after standing and walking around in them for nearly six hours. Best waterproof: OOFOS Oomega Ooahh Sandal Oofos makes post-workout recovery shoes — which are obviously popular among athletes, but also a great fit for anyone who spends long hours on their feet. In our Oofos review, Deputy Editor Les Shu said wearing their shoes feels like "walking on air." I have to agree. These sandals are a great pick for beach and resort getaways because they're waterproof. On the hunt for the best sandals for Disney World? Look no further. The slip-on design is so convenient. I love a pair of slides while traveling because I can't be bothered taking extra time fasting or lacing up shoes when I have places to be. Because these slip on and off so easily — and are water-resistant — they're great for waterparks, or just hanging by the pool at your hotel. They take a lot of pressure off my feet. Oofos shoes are designed to absorb 37% more impact than other shoes, taking stress off my joints while supporting the natural arch of my foot. The foam material feels bouncy but firm. I love that the footbed flares out at the widest part of my foot, and I swear my posture seems better when I'm walking in these. Did I mention these shoes are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)? There's literally no risk in trying them. I love that you can try Oofos sandals risk-free for 30 days. So, even if you bring them on a trip with you and wear them all day long, if you're not 100% satisfied with your experience, you can send them back for a refund at no cost. Best day-to-night: Crocs Brooklyn Heel This lightweight mule made our list of the most comfortable heels for it's lightweight design and highly walkable construction. Style editor Samantha Crozier, who tested over 80 pairs of heels for the article, counts these as one of her absolute favorites. " Crocs' Brooklyn Heel (also available in a frosted version) might be the heel that I wear the most often, which is saying something. These are the absolute best everyday shoes I could ask for. They slip right on and pair with everything from a pair of denim cut-offs to a semi-formal maxi dress," she says. Here's why we love it. You can go straight from a walking tour to dinner and drinks. The silhouette is incredibly versatile, and you can't tell from afar that these are, in fact, made of the same foamy rubber as crocs. If you don't look too closely, they could easily be made of suede or leather. It's almost a full three-inches tall, which is perfect for adding some height — though they don't feel that tall at all. These are a great pair to throw on with a pair of pants that are a little too long. They're also budget-friendly. The Brooklyn Heel is normally $65, but you can often find it for lower. We recommend checking all the links above for the best price. Best arch support: Vionic Walk Max Wanderer If you're not familiar with Vionic, this brand has landed on Oprah's Favorite Things List multiple times — and many of their shoes carry the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance. Their shoes are a go-to for many travelers because they're not only comfortable but also stylish. This pair is no exception. They fit like a dream. The footbed on these Walk Max Wanderer Sandals feels like it was custom molded to my foot. I credit the adjustable straps and VIO MOTION Technology, which includes contoured arch support. Note: These sandals seem like they're ideal for someone with an average/medium to high arch (rather than flatter feet) They're super comfy even on hard surfaces. Typically, walking on concrete and gravel for long hours can take quite a toll on my feet. Luckily, these sandals provide shock-absorbing cushioning, excellent traction, and a deep heel cup to ensure stability to keep my feet happy. They also feature a lightweight nitrogen-infused midsole with maximum rebound. It almost felt like I was getting a foot massage while I was walking in these. The straps are so soft. Straps can actually be a nuisance on sandals, depending on what fabric they're made out of. These have a cushioned feel, so they felt really nice against my skin. The straps — along with the heel tab — also make these a cinch to get on and off. Best leather: UGG Goldenstar Villa Sandals True story: When I first put these sandals on, I actually "oohed" out loud. UGG has come through for me time and again, particularly in the boot department, but these Goldenstar Villa Sandals truly blew me away. The lining is so soft. One feature that makes these sandals extra comfortable is the velvety soft material lining the heel, footbed, and strap across the toes. It feels way better than stiff leather on my skin and goes a long way in preventing blisters on the back of my heel. It's all in the details. The gleaming buckles on these may take an extra few seconds to fasten, but I don't mind since they're such a beautiful, eye-catching accent. I love the overstitched binding and box stitch details, too. A pull-on heel tab adds to the convenience factor, and the combo of Nubuck and genuine leather makes these look — and feel — extra refined. They're practical to walk in for long periods. Thanks to the flatform design with a reasonable height, and contoured footbed, I had no trouble wearing these for long periods. I plan to bring these on urban getaways where I'll be doing a lot of exploring downtown — plus, as an added perk, they're stylish enough that I can get away with wearing them out at night. Most stylish: Sorel Rein CB Criss-Cross Sandal Sorel has long been one of my go-to brands for rugged but on-trend shoes — particularly boots. This is my first pair of sandals by the brand, and I was so impressed by how comfortable they are without sacrificing style. They look so chic. Walking sandals aren't necessarily known for being stylish, but these defy all stereotypes. The criss-cross leather straps, metal D-ring, and lugged platform sole give these leather sandals an edgy but timeless look. They're also surprisingly comfortable. Wearing these felt like walking around in slippers. Admittedly, I was a little worried that the leather straps would feel tight — particularly because I have pretty wide feet — but that wasn't an issue whatsoever. They almost seemed to stretch, accommodating my feet perfectly, with wear. I tend to get blisters on the back of my heel from straps that wrap all the way around the back of the ankle but that didn't happen with these, either. I love the molded midsole and cushy footbed, and the flatform style and modest 1.5-inch heel height made these super reasonable for long walks. The sole is clearly durable. The lightweight but sturdy rubber soles on these made my feet feel supported on a range of terrain, from soft grass and soil to solid concrete. Best for hiking: Teva Verra Hiking Sandals When looking for hiking sandals to wear on your future adventures, you want not only a supportive fit but also superior traction that can handle various terrains. The Teva Verra Hiking Sandals fit the bill. They're also way cuter than most hiking sandals I've seen. The fit is just right. The hook-and-loop closure on these sandals allows you to tighten or loosen as needed so the fit is flawless. Plus, the ankle strap is adjustable. They're a breeze to pull on and off. Due to the pull-tab on the heel and velcro straps, I can put these sandals on or take them off in less than five seconds. Also worth mentioning? There's a soft felt-like lining on the inside of the heel and ankle strap, which felt so nice against my skin. The footbed design is so thoughtful. I couldn't help but notice the way the footbed gets narrower or wider exactly where it should, molding to my foot. I also have to say the contoured midsole lends some serious arch support. They provide plenty of stability. Teva really has thought of everything here: There's a cushioned impact-absorbing heel, a nylon shank designed to stabilize my feet on uneven terrain, and a rugged rubber outsole that offers impressive traction for light hikes. Best flip-flop: FitFlop F-MODE Knot Soft Leather Flatform Toe Post Sandals I absolutely love the ease and simplicity of flip-flops. Unfortunately, I've never found a pair that's very practical, especially for longer walks — that is, until I tried these beauties from FitFlop. They're really well-made. These sandals are crafted in luxurious, buttery Nappa leather, with a chunky yet lightweight sole and a sculptural knotted strap for a visually appealing twist. Even the footbeds are made with leather, and the soles are wrapped in premium leather as well. They're the kind of flip-flops you can proudly wear while traversing the streets of a sophisticated district in Greece or Italy. And since there's some decent grip on the bottom, I can wear them worry-free on country paths and light trails. They're comfortable for long hours. I love a flatform because you get a nice lift without all the aching that typically comes with a heel. These sandals are also ergonomically designed to optimize the body's natural alignment, made with a pressure-diffusing midsole, and feature triple-density cushioning that varies at different parts of the foot — with firmer cushioning at the heel, medium cushioning at the toes, and softer cushioning at the middle. By helping to absorb impact, the cushioning system helps reduce muscle exertion. My feet felt great after spending an entire afternoon walking around in these, which explains why they were granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. Thicker straps mean they don't dig in. One of my pet peeves on sandals is skinny straps that dig into my skin — luckily, the straps on these are thicker, and surprisingly flexible considering they're leather. Most versatile: REEF Vista Higher Raya If you're looking for a travel sandal that can work for a variety of situations, the REEF Vista Higher Raya is a no-brainer. They're supremely comfy. The pillow-like padded straps on these sandals don't feel stiff, and never dig into my skin. The adjustable hook-and-loop closure allows me to get a perfect fit every time, and the compression-molded outsole and cushy footbed were a godsend have been a godsend when I'm on my feet for long hours. They can be dressed up or down. I'd slip these on to do some shopping or sightseeing — but also for a dinner out. The 2.5-inch ridged platform and faux leather straps make them feel a bit dressier than most other walking sandals, but they're also casual enough to wear for daytime adventures. They're water-resistant. Since they're made from a water-friendly material, these are a great option for beach days and poolside lounging. Best lightweight: Bared Footwear Sanderlings Rubber Sandals Bared Footwear stands out for several reasons — for one, it was founded by a podiatrist. The company also makes big sustainability efforts, and sources responsible materials. These 100% vegan sandals have a sleek look but are also thoughtfully designed to offer all-day support. They even come packaged in an adorable terrycloth carrying case, that I plan to use as a toiletry bag while traveling. They're easy to clean. These sandals are made from a natural rubber blend, and they couldn't possibly be easier to wipe down. When I got some dirt on them, I was able to wipe it away in seconds with a damp cloth. They're adjustable all around. Both the buckle across the foot and the ankle strap are adjustable, allowing for a custom fit. They're water-resistant. Because these won't get damaged from water exposure, I can wear them to water parks, beaches, and swimming pools. Plus, they're cute enough that I don't have to change my shoes when I want to head straight to drinks or lunch after. I don't have to compromise on comfort. The low wedge style on these sandals makes them one of the most versatile pairs I've ever tested. Like all of Bared Footwear's other shoes, these are designed with the brand's signature contoured and cushioned biomechanical footbed, which boasts an arch shape designed to minimize pressure on the heel, and a heel cup that offers unparalleled support. Typically, sandals with a strap across the toes tend to pinch since that's the widest part of my foot, but thankfully that was not the case with these sandals.
