In today's fast-paced world, finding the perfect blend of style and comfort in footwear is no small feat. With a variety of brands vying for consumer attention, it's essential to know which ones prioritize comfort without sacrificing aesthetics. From established names to emerging innovators, several brands have distinguished themselves as leaders in crafting shoes that support and delight feet of all shapes and sizes. If you're eager to discover the best options for comfortable shoes, read on to explore our curated selection below.
Illustration of comfortable shoes
Best brands of comfortable shoes in 2025
New Balance
New Balance is renowned as one of the top producers of comfortable shoes, with a significant market presence. In 2022, the brand achieved a record-high $4.24 billion in shoe revenue, accounting for 80% of its total revenue, and has seen a 214.1% growth in footwear revenue since 2008. New Balance holds a 10% market share in the US and 4% globally, with an equal 50% to 50% share between its men and women user segments. The company produces 16 million pairs of shoes annually, with 4 million manufactured domestically in the US. Known for their durability, New Balance shoes are designed to last for 300-500 miles before replacement. You can find more detailed statistics on New Balance shoes online.
Brooks
Brooks Running has solidified its position as a leading producer of comfortable and performance-driven shoes, achieving a new revenue record of $1 billion in the third quarter of 2024, the fastest pace in company history. The brand maintained its No. 1 market share in adult performance running footwear at U.S. national retail for the 11th consecutive quarter, with a 10% year-over-year increase in North America and a 16% growth in e-commerce. In the Asia Pacific and Latin America region, Brooks saw a 30% revenue increase, while in Europe, Middle East, and Africa, revenue grew by 10% fueled by 24% direct e-commerce sales growth. The brand's popular models, such as the Ghost, Glycerin, and Adrenaline GTS, continue to drive strong demand, with the Ghost Max launching to significant success, selling over half a million pairs in its first three months. Brooks' innovative products, including the Glycerin Max with DNA Tuned foam, have further enhanced its market share and customer satisfaction. For more information, visit the Brooks Running official website.
Hoka One One
Hoka One One has established itself as a leading brand in the athletic footwear market, known for its exceptionally comfortable and cushioned shoes. Since its acquisition by Deckers in 2012, Hoka has grown significantly, reaching over $1 billion in annual sales by 2023, marking a remarkable growth from $153.5 million in 2018, representing a compound annual growth rate of roughly 50%. Their shoes feature innovative technologies such as the Cushioned Midsole, Active Foot Frame(tm), and MetaRocker(tm), providing superior comfort and support. Hoka's maximalist cushioning design offers 23% softer midsoles than the average walking shoe and up to 25% more plush cushioning than most running shoes. This unique approach has attracted a diverse customer base, from professional athletes to casual joggers and individuals seeking relief from foot ailments. For more information about their innovative shoe technologies, visit their Hoka Technology page.
Skechers
Skechers is a leading footwear and apparel brand renowned for its comfortable and innovative products, achieving four consecutive quarters of record sales and reaching $7.4 billion in annual sales for 2022, an 18% increase from the previous year. The company's focus on style, comfort, innovation, and quality at reasonable prices has driven its success, with international sales growing by 60% and representing 30% of total sales. Skechers produced and shipped nearly 267 million pairs of shoes worldwide in 2022, with a significant rise in direct-to-consumer retail market share to 38%. The brand is expected to reach $10 billion in sales by 2025, with a projected CAGR of 10.6% from 2022 to 2025. Skechers' commitment to a seamless omnichannel experience and expanding its eCommerce presence has further bolstered its market position. For more details about their innovative products, visit their official website.
Clarks
Clarks, established in 1825 by Cyrus and James Clark, is renowned for its commitment to comfort and innovation in footwear. The brand is celebrated for its hand-carved wooden lasts and pioneering comfort technologies, ensuring shoes that are both stylish and comfortable. According to a 2024 Clarks survey, 43% of women report health issues such as back and foot pain due to uncomfortable shoes, highlighting the importance of Clarks' focus on comfort. Clarks' shoes, like the iconic Wallabee and Desert Boot, have become staples in various cultures and generations. With over 1,000 stores globally and a strong social media presence, Clarks continues to meet the rising demand for comfortable and sustainable footwear. For more insights into their innovative approach, visit their official website.
Merrell
Merrell is renowned for producing some of the most comfortable hiking shoes, with models like the Merrell Moab 3 GTX standing out for their exceptional comfort, featuring a padded heel and a 14.6 mm tongue that eliminates the need for break-in, and a midsole that is 9% firmer than average for enhanced protection. The Moab Speed 2 is another highlight, being the lightest hiking shoe at 11.6 oz (329g) with a 13.2% weight savings and a midsole that is 31.4% softer than average, ensuring a plush and stable hiking experience. Merrell's commitment to quality and comfort has earned them the Brand of the Year at the Footwear News Achievement Awards in 2022, with a significant revenue increase of 33.6% since 2020. Their shoes are known for their reliable grip, excellent durability, and sustainable construction, making them a trusted choice among hikers. Explore more about Merrell's best hiking shoes.
ECCO
ECCO is renowned as one of the best producers of comfortable shoes, specializing in premium footwear with a strong presence in Europe and a global reach. Founded in 1963 by Karl Toosbuy, the company is known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service. ECCO produces over 75% of its shoes in its own factories, particularly in Portugal, and also has production facilities in countries like China, Thailand, and Indonesia. The brand achieved a 30% rise in sales in 2022, with retail net revenue increasing by 63.5% year-over-year, and it continues to expand its product range, including the well-received BIOM collection introduced in 2009.
Birkenstock
Birkenstock is renowned for its commitment to comfort and quality, with a history dating back to 1774. The brand has seen significant growth, such as a 500% increase in sales between 1989 and 1992, and more recently, a 23% year-over-year revenue growth in the second quarter of 2024 driven by strong consumer demand across all segments and channels. Birkenstock's products are favored by a broad demographic, with 72% of its customers being women and a customer base that includes 30% baby boomers and 31% millennials. The brand's focus on natural, sustainable materials and its contoured footbed design have contributed to its strong brand health, outpacing the retail sector in quality and reputation scores. With sales in approximately 90 countries and over 30 million pairs sold in 2022, Birkenstock continues to be a leader in the comfort shoe market. For more detailed insights about their journey and vision, you can explore their About Us page.
Allbirds
Allbirds is renowned for producing some of the most comfortable shoes on the market, with 91% of surveyed users giving their shoes a perfect rating for comfort. Founded in 2016, the brand has quickly gained popularity for its merino wool and eucalyptus fiber shoes, which offer a "cloud-like" feel and excellent arch support. Allbirds' commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly materials has resonated well with eco-conscious consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z shoppers. The brand's direct-to-consumer model allows for better control over the customer experience and profit margins. With styles like the Wool Runners and SuperLight Tree Runners, Allbirds has solidified its position as a premium, eco-conscious choice for everyday footwear. For more details, you can explore Allbirds' official website.
ASICS
ASICS is renowned as one of the top producers of comfortable shoes, particularly in the athletic footwear market. As of 2022, ASICS held a 0.79% global share of the entire shoe industry, with a significant presence in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, accounting for 30% of their market share. In the performance running footwear segment, ASICS maintained a strong position with a 9.9% global market share in 2019. The brand's commitment to innovation is evident in products like the GEL-NIMBUS™ 25, rated as the most comfortable running shoe in an independent test involving 100 runners. ASICS' average retail price for shoes is around $114, reflecting their balance of quality and affordability.
Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published.