Having a pair of the most comfortable trainers is key, particularly if you find yourself reaching for trainers on a daily basis. We're not just talking about a little bit of extra padding or cushioning here - wearing trainers all day long and all year round means I require footwear that has comfort at the forefront of its design. But that doesn't mean I want to compromise on style.
Thankfully, there's a plethora of stylish and comfortable trainers available now. And between us here at woman&home, we've tested a fair few of them. From running errands to travelling, we put the top trainers to the test over the last year or so, with various team members trying our picks to ensure we had different sizes, tastes and problem areas accounted for. There are brands we constantly come back to as our favourites for comfort and style – many of which you'll find in our list of the best white trainers too.
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The quick list
Both Future's Content Director Lucy Searle and woman&home's Fashion Channel Editor Rivkie Baum own the FitFlop Rally trainers, and they're both big fans. Lucy has mild plantar fasciitis in both her feet, and arthritis in her right foot, plus Rivkie has wide feet. FitFlop says it creates an “anatomically contoured footbed that increases foot-to-midsole contact for maximum comfort”. Rivkie rated the trainers a solid five out of five stars, saying, "They are certainly some of the lightest trainers I've ever owned."
The beauty of these trainers, according to woman&home Fashion Writer Molly Smith, is the super easy slip-on design. It makes them convenient for anyone with mobility issues or simply not enough time to spend lacing up trainers! The navy colourway is that bit more practical than white, and the memory foam cushioned comfort insole is a real treat for your feet. The mesh finish makes them very lightweight too.
woman&home Editor Kerrie Hughes has two pairs of Sambas in her wardrobe, and she raves about how versatile they are, particularly this classic black and white colourway. She wears hers all year round, mostly with wide leg trousers, so often only the cool taupe against the bright white can be seen. They really are everywhere at the moment, so in her review she reveals whether they live up to expectations (spoiler alert: they do). They're the perfect fusion of fashion and function.
You might be wondering why this simple canvas pair of trainers is on this list. I have owned several pairs of Supergas over the years, and they are super comfy as a pair of everyday shoes and are better suited to casual outfits than the more padded, chunkier options listed. I wouldn't want to be doing 20K steps in them all the time, but they're a stylish, comfortable and affordable trainer. They're also a firm favourite in Kate Middleton's trainer collection, which is high praise indeed.
Molly took these on a very active weekend away, and afterwards, she called them "the most comfortable pair of trainers I've ever tried". They are machine washable and are made from sustainable natural fibres. The tough treads offer reliable grip across a variety of surfaces, and the stretchy "no-lace laces" and pull-on tabs make slipping these trainers on quick and easy. The breathable fabric means your feet stay cool and comfortable all day long, however, Molly does note they're not fully waterproof. They're available in four equally striking colour combinations.
In classic white leather, these will go with everything. There's a reason Trinny Woodall is a fan of platform trainers - your legs immediately feel much longer! I personally tested these and found them to be very comfortable, but also much smarter than most of the other trainers I already own. The cushioning really set these apart from the competition for me, and whilst they are a bit more expensive than others, Air & Grace styles are built to stand the test of time, with the brand saying, "for us, buying fewer and choosing better is what matters."
Most comfortable trainers for women: tried and tested
Most comfortable trainers: best for wide feet
Our tester, woman&home's Fashion Channel Editor, Rivkie Baum, is a seasoned trainer fan, who needed an all-rounder style that would see her through long days at work and weekends running around after her toddler.
An all-white shoe with no branding, Rivkie said they feel smarter than other white trainers. Less sporty, more polished, the all-leather design is sleek, and they're not as heavy as they might look. Rivkie genuinely thought the box was empty when they arrived! She called them "some of the lightest trainers I've ever owned... your feet won't feel heavy after several hours of wear."
Future's Lucy Searle also loves these trainers. She recently did twenty thousand steps in them at the Chelsea Flower Show and found them to be incredibly lightweight. She has mild plantar fasciitis in both feet and potentially arthritis, but she said, "wearing them felt a little like walking on a springy memory foam, which meant that at the end of the very long day, my feet felt nowhere near as achy as usual. For me, that’s the biggest sell."
They're great for wide feet, and scuffs come out with a damp cloth, so they're easy to keep looking clean and fresh.
You can read more in the full FitFlop Rally trainers review
Most comfortable trainers: best slip-ons
If you’re looking for plush trainers with an insole, these are the perfect pair for you. After trying this style, Molly now understands why Skechers has such a good reputation for designing comfortable trainers.
The first thing that struck her was the cushioned memory foam insoles, offering a true respite from the traditional flat, and often quite uncomfortable, high street trainers. The memory foam immediately moulded to the bottom of Molly's feet, offering excellent support and comfort.
They didn’t feel too bulky or heavy, with a light and comfortable design that is extremely wearable and practical. She wore them on morning park walks, running errands and for weekend coffee dates, and can confidently say these are some of the most comfortable trainers she's ever worn. Another bonus was the slip-on design, meaning there are no laces, making them extremely easy to put on and take off. This is especially handy if you have a busy schedule or mobility issues.
Style-wise, they have a sporty-ish feel; however, they do pair well with laidback everyday outfits, such as denim jeans or wide-leg tailored trousers. Their minimalist, sleek design makes them appropriate enough to wear to work and for weekend outings too. We opted for the navy colour, although if you prefer brighter shades, they offer plenty of more vibrant other options too.
For cleaning and care, they are hand-wash only, so they require cleaning with a damp cloth and soap.
Skechers Summits are an excellent pick for anyone who wants a pair of trainers that are supportive and comfortable if you’re always on the move and don’t want to sacrifice looking good.
Read our review in full here: Skechers Summits review
Most comfortable trainers: best fashion trainers
woman&home's Digital Editor Kerrie Hughes was sceptical about the Samba at first. They're everywhere at the moment, so surely it's a case of style over substance, right? Wrong.
She says, "I bought my Sambas back in January this year, and have worn them almost daily ever since - without a single blister. They are the most versatile trainer I own, working with everything from casual joggers and jeans to more formal workwear in the office."
She found them to be comfortable immediately after buying them, which is perhaps a testament to their seventy-something-year history and their start as a style to play football in. They're lightweight with a flexible gum sole that offers plenty of cushioning and grip.
The instantly recognisable three stripes and retro charm of the Samba is undeniable, but Kerrie was really impressed with how they manage to be both casual and chic, noting that the mix of materials elevates them.
This does, however, make cleaning them a bit tricky. But with a shoe protector spray and a suede brush, they'll go the distance. They might not be the cheapest pair on our list of finalists, but they will go with every single outfit and are available in a rainbow of colours, so the cost per wear is worth it.
You can find out more in the full adidas Samba review
Most comfortable trainers: best for everyday
Our tester for these was woman&home's Fashion Writer Molly Smith. Her feedback was that these are up there with the best trainers she's tried (and she's tried quite a few!). They combine comfort with a classic minimalist feel that has plenty of versatile styling options, making them a must-have staple. From the best wide-leg jeans to a midi dress and cardigan, they go with almost anything and are perfect for keeping your feet and ankles supported and comfortable.
What drew us to these trainers was their cool, classic design, which mimics an iconic canvas tennis shoe. Not only do they go with a multitude of outfits, but they can also easily transition between the seasons. In the warmer months, their canvas material makes them ideal for styling with dresses and skirts; however, in the winter, they will look just as good with barrel leg jeans and a knitted jumper or your favourite cosy coat.
As someone who is prone to blisters, Molly expected some rubbing, but they felt light and super comfortable all day long with no rubbing at all. She barely noticed the trainers on my feet - they were simply there and didn't give her any hassle. She wore them for running errands around the city and for busy morning commutes, and even whilst travelling abroad. They truly exceeded all expectations. And although they don't have a padded insole like other more sporty trainer brands, they offer more than enough support for everyday wear.
For cleaning and care, you can also machine wash the Cotu Classic trainer, adding to the list of reasons you should buy this style. Another standout feature is that they are a lot more affordable than leather trainers, yet you don't have to sacrifice style or comfort.
You can read more in the full Superga 2750 Cotu Classic Canvas Review
Most comfortable trainers: most sustainable
Molly recently took the Allbirds Women’s Tree Runner Go trainers on a press trip to the Channel Islands, which involved long walks, steep hills, and uneven terrain. She found these trainers handled every surface brilliantly well due to their tough tread soles.
She comments that they’re some of the most comfortable she has tried due to the padded ankle and the cushioned midsole, which ensured that she got no blisters.
Another standout feature has to be the stretchy no-lace laces and pull-on tabs that make putting them on and taking them off super easy. What's more, Allbirds is known for using sustainable natural fibres, so you can feel good about looking good.
In terms of style, the minimal, sleek design of these trainers makes them extremely versatile and easy to style. Not only do they pair well with comfortable gym leggings and sportswear, but they also work with laidback denim and smart casual outfits.
Another bonus is that they are also machine washable, making them a low-effort trainer for keeping fresh and clean. It's just advised that you take the insoles out before popping them in the machine.
Overall, if you’re active and are looking for trainers that can be worn for both outdoor activities and for everyday errands, these are the perfect pair
You can find out more in the full Allbirds Tree Runner Go trainers review
Most comfortable trainers: best for dresses
I tested these trainers myself, and as a platform trainer novice, my hopes weren't as high as the sole. How wrong I was!
For me, the benefit of these trainers is how elevated they feel. No pun intended. First of the packaging feels really premium, and unboxing them felt like such a treat. I immediately did what you're definitely not supposed to do in brand new trainers: walk a mile. The platform sole took a few minutes to get used to, but when my feet became accustomed to it, I completely forgot about the chunky sole.
They felt a lot smarter than some of my other trainers. I'm very used to trying to find somewhere to subtly swap my trainers for shoes ahead of an evening out, but I wore these with a midi dress to a dinner and they felt as fancy as I wanted them to. I've also worn them with wide-leg trousers, and they have a very flattering, elongating effect.
You can really feel the cushioning beneath your ankle and at the heel, which makes them incredibly comfortable, and they were much lighter than I expected. Certainly, the sole isn't as flexible as a thinner sole, but if it's a platform style you're after, these are a great option.
I would say they are a little on the smaller side, so personally, I'd say go up a size. They feel very premium, and I love the perforated A detailing on the side. Minor marks have come off easily with a damp cloth, and months later they still look really fresh.
Read more in the full Air & Grace Sadie platform trainers review
How we tested
Finding a pair of trainers that fits you perfectly and offers all-day comfort is a tricky task. It can depend on so many different factors and personal choice, so we made sure to ask several members of the team to test a variety of styles, so we could have a broad range of voices to help narrow things down.
Alongside price and brand, these are the main factors we considered when testing:
- Comfort and support: This was, of course, the biggest factor. We road tested each style to see how well they performed during everyday tasks, like a day at work or a walk in the park. Blisters were of course a no, but we also asked how lightweight they felt, how cushioned they felt and whether they seemed true to size.
- Style: If you're going to be wearing these trainers every day, you want them to look good. And work with a wide variety of outfits, too. We thought about colour, quality of fabrics and how you might want them to look and feel. Retro trainers are a huge trend right now, which led us to styles like the adidas Samba, but for others, a classic style like the Supergas will age well.
- Cleaning and care: For me, this is a big consideration. Everyday trainers will inevitably lead to wear and tear, so it's important to think about how much maintenance each style will need. The Supergas are machine washable, whilst a pair with a mix of suede and leather will need protector spray and a suede brush.
For a more detailed look at the process of whittling down the most comfortable trainers on the market, read our detailed guide on how we test trainers.
How to choose
There's a lot to think about when buying trainers. Unlike picking a lot of your wardrobe, shoes is a lot like trying to find the best bras - finding the right size is crucial, and there's so many elements and features to choose between. Our best advice? When picking the right pair of trainers for you, it's worth factoring in the following:
- Price: How much do you want to spend? How much wear will you get out of them? I used to spend less on trainers, but buy more. However, now I see the value in spending more money and looking after one pair and having them on rotation in my capsule wardrobe.
- Size: This is something you have to get right. Shoes that are too big or small can lead to blisters and ingrown toenails, but you can, of course, add an insole if they are a little on the roomy side. When trying on trainers, there should be a bit of wiggle room around the toes, and you should be able to fit a finger down the back between your heel and the shoe. Think about what socks you're likely to wear too. A thin trainer sock will feel very different to a thick sports sock. Check the returns policy when buying online, so it gives you breathing room to try on trainers and walk around at home to see how well they fit before you make up your mind.
- Extra support: It's worth asking yourself what you need from your trainers. If you're on your feet or walking around all day, then a plush insole would be helpful. Or if you're only walking to your car and around an office, you can get away with a less sturdy sole.
- Colour: What will you be wearing your trainers with? It's so easy to fall into a white trainers trap, but black looks incredibly sleek, and darker colours like navy are more practical. Or a pop of your favourite colour can be really fun! Think about how they will fit into your everyday style, and how much of the shoe you'll be able to actually see if you're wearing them with wide-leg trousers, for example.
Styles that just missed the list
Veja is a brand loved by the likes of Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, and our writer Molly Smith really fell in love with the Veja Volley trainers. You're probably familiar with the Esplar and Campo styles, but the Volley is a great retro-style option to tick the trainer trends 2025 off your list.
The V on the side is instantly recognisable, and they're available in either leather or suede options. However, they weren't the most cushioned of styles, and if you're looking for vintage-inspired styles, we decided the adidas Sambas came out on top.
FAQs
What brand has the most comfortable trainers?
We asked celebrity stylist Martine Alexander where she stands on the most comfortable trainers debate. She told us: "For me, the brand that is the most comfortable trainer - and I’m talking as a personal stylist and celebrity stylist for 19 years - I would say Air & Grace. A couple of my clients have arthritis and bunions, and the Tender Loving Air footbed works a treat for them. It cushions the foo,t and it’s also a stylish trainer.
"They have the technology within the shoe to make it so comfortable, and they’ve patented it. If you want a classic white trainer that will go with midi dresses and an ankle-grazer jean or a pair of wide-leg trousers, you’ve got the platform Sadie, which is super stylish; it goes with everything."
What trainers are good for your feet?
Martine explains: "Some people, when they buy a trainer, will take the insole that comes with the shoe out and put their own insole in. It’s all about maintaining the natural arch of the foot, it’s making sure that it isn’t flattened, so if the insole doesn’t have an arch in it, it will flatten the foot as you walk, which can cause foot pain, heel pain and leg pain.
"Air & Grace have the memory foam. Adidas do have an insole built in which has a raised arch, which will keep the natural shape of the foot, so they’re great. FitFlop does exactly the same.
"Skechers have a trainer that’s great for wide feet, and they also have slip-on styles so you don’t have to bend over to do the laces. They still look stylish, but they’re easy to get on and still look contemporary."
One of the North West's most sought-after fashion experts, Martine has an extensive client list of celebrities, busy mums, high profile professionals, as well as fashion brands and magazines.
Here to make sure you look and feel amazing, regardless of the occasion, Martine can solve wardrobe dilemmas that include everything from day-to-day outfits to red carpet glamour.
Alongside working privately with clients, Martine's celebrity roster includes Kym Marsh, Rebecca Adlington, Liz and Kevin Fletcher and Christine McGuinness.
