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20 Shoes That May Cost A Little Extra But Will Be *Totally* Worth It
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We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide. Your feet are calling — they want you to invest in some actually good shoes. Buying shoes can be tricky. Making sure they're comfortable, durable, and worth the price — that's the trifecta. Here are some reviewer-beloved and investment-worthy sneakers, boots, sandals, flats, and heels — all the pairs you need to get you through the year. And even though they might cost a bit more, you'll get a great price-per-wear, and that's just as important. Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's. I have these sneakers in two colors (the black and white pictured above and a pair with blue accents that's not currently available), and I wear them *all the time*. They're the perfect balance of slightly chunky but not bulky, and I love the slightly retro look. And of course, they're VERY comfy. I wear them all the time walking around New York, and I brought one pair on a trip to Paris where I walked 81 miles in 8.5 days (I wore the New Balances on 7/8.5 days!), and I was comfy on every step — since then I've also brought them on three more trips! I am probably going to buy a third pair (I know...) in the linen with sea salt colorway, which is the perfect neutral. Promising review: "Fantastic! Give me one in every color! If you're on the fence, buy them. I get compliments all the time, and I'm on my feet all day. My favorite pair of New Balances to date!" —Amber B TX Get them from New Balance for $81.99 (originally $104.99; available in sizes 5–12 and 16 colors). Promising review: "These shoes are a favorite! I ordered the black after having a beet red color for about a year and a half. They were comfortable right out of the box, the leather is supple, and they look high quality. I am very happy with my purchase. These are often compared to the Brixton loafer from a high-end fashion brand." —Christine Get them from Amazon for $150 (available in sizes 4–13, in wide width, and in 45 colors and patterns). Promising review: "These heels are fabulous! Beautifully made. Stylish. Most importantly—- comfortable! Probably the most comfortable heels I've ever worn. At a black tie event for 8 hours and was amazed that my feet were not aching and sore (after standing\dancing for at least 6 of those 8). The heel is the perfect size to remain stable (no wobbling or ankle twisting). Love these!!!" —G. Get them from Amazon for $139.95 (available in sizes 4–12, including narrow, wide, and extra wide, and over 30 colors/styles). Here's BuzzFeed Shopping editor Jenae Sitzes: Reviewers swear these don't even have a break-in period, making them a great pickup for that last-minute outdoorsy trip where hiking and rough terrain are on the docket. Note that it's recommended to go up a half size in these boots to accommodate thicker hiking socks, and I found that to be true when I picked up these shoes myself — I'm normally an 8 but found an 8.5 in these to be totally comfortable. I also found that they hold up well even on my first hike — though I did admittedly still have some soreness around my heel area, this was after a hard, 7+-mile hike with lots of rocks and climbing, so I don't blame the shoes. They felt comfortable right out of the box and super supportive when I was clamoring over rocks and rough terrain. And though I only stepped in water a couple of times briefly, my socks stayed dry, too. I got the brown color with red laces as pictured above, and they're even cuter in person, which is just another plus. Promising review: "I use these for hiking and work. So I originally got these a while back for hiking alone, but my ankles are prone to sprains. These are amazing at supporting the ankle, they feel decently comfortable (I add additional insoles to cushion the heel), and are incredibly sturdy. I've killed two other day-shoes in the time that I've had these. I can also attest that at work, when a bin of water was dumped on them, they are indeed waterproof! Do they look a little beat up? Yes. But they definitely are worth the price. They fit well, don't need too much breaking in, and aside from being hot in the summer, are a shoe I'd love to put more milage on for years to come." —Sarah Get them from Amazon for $60+ (available in sizes 5–12, including wide sizes, and 16 colors). You can find a similar men's version here. Promising review: "I bought these for a recent European vacation and Iceland cruise, and these were perfect. They are extremely stylish and look great with leggings or with tight at the ankle jeans and jeans where the tops of the boots fit underneath. They were comfortable right out of the box for walking around the streets of Scotland, and I wore them in the evenings on the cruise. Every time I wore them, I got so many compliments. I'm a big fan of Franco Sarto and these do not disappoint!" —Scookiela Promising review: "Bought a couple years ago and they’re holding up well and still cute as ever. Great buy!" —gia lomenzo Get it from Amazon for $97.54+ (available in sizes 5–12, including wide sizes, and 13 colors/styles). Promising review: "These are the most wonderful shoes on earth. They are my go-to for shoes. I've been wearing them for 7 years now, and I love them as much now as when I first purchased them." —DEBRA S. Get them from Rothy's for $155 (available in sizes 5–13 and in 34 colors and patterns). You can also get select colors from Amazon. Promising review: "They felt weird the first time I put them on…but as I started walking in them, it got better! Usuall,y my feet are killing me by the end of the day or I’m just super sweaty in my dress shoes, but these are like walking on a literal CLOUD ☁️ and they let my feet breathe!" —Alyssa Promising review: "Literally the BEST shoes ever! So comfy. I spent a whole day at Disney with no complaints, normall,y I'm tired after two hours of walking in the park, but with these babies, I was up and walking alll day with no problem." —Katherine Get them from Amazon for $33.32+ (available in sizes 5–11 and 25 colors). Thursday Boot Company suggests ordering a half size up from your normal size (aka your boot size). Promising review: "I’ve bought from Thursday in the past, and I always love their boots and get so many compliments. They’re well-made and go with everything. They’re definitely worth the price. I’ve had some pairs for years, and they hold up in every kind of weather! 10/10 recommend!" —Amazon Customer Get them from Amazon for $160 (available in sizes 5–11 and in nine colors). Promising review: "I’ve wanted a pair of Dr. Martens for years, and I’m so glad I finally got them! These are my new favorite boots, stylish, sturdy, and super comfortable. I usually wear a 7.5 but sized up to an 8, and they fit perfectly. I was worried about breaking them in, but I haven’t had any issues with blistering at all. Totally worth it!" —Amazon Customer Promising review: "If you're on the fence like I was... get off NOW! These boots are everything I expected them to be and more. 1st, let me start by saying they run a little big, but that's OK (especially if you have Prime). I wear an 8.5, so I ordered a 9 & they were huge! Sent them back for an 8 and they fit perfectly. I put these on and literally heard angels singing. It's like walking on air! To look at them, you'd expect them to be heavy but they're not. These are my new "any outfit" boots." —E-Rob Get them from Amazon for $128+ (available in sizes 5–11). Promising review: "I normally don't like wearing tennis shoes all day because my feet tend to sweat in them, then swell when I take them off. These are the best brand of tennis shoes I have ever owned. They feel wonderful on my arthritic feet, and my feet breathe in them all day, so they never sweat and don't swell up when I take them off. I bought a second pair in white. Well worth the money. All my other tennis shoes are going to Goodwill." —SBoo Get them from Amazon for $145 (available in sizes 5–12 and 22 styles). Promising review: "These are the cutest sweetest little shoes that I get the most compliments on. Not only are they eye-catching, but they are so comfortable, easy to slip on and wear throughout the day. I want a pair of every design! My newest obsession." —Mary L. Get them from Vivaia for $139 (available in sizes 5–11 and 22 colors/styles). Promising review: "OMG these are the most comfortable sneakers I have ever own. Thank you EVERLANE for a sneaker that doesn't feel heavy. I can't wait to wear them! I have name brand sneakers and they cannot compare." —Insight Promising review: "This is the third pair I bought, very comfortable and true to size" —Lauralyz Get them from Everlane for $118 (originally $148; available in sizes 5–11.5 and three colors). Promising review: "With all my foot problems, I was resigned to only wearing sneakers with orthotics and sandals. I am happy to say these shoes are buttery soft and comfortable. I got the wide fit and am searching for the next cute pair to purchase. They are pricey, so I have to pace myself, but so worth it!" —Vivian Get them from Amazon for $79.95+ (available in sizes 4–12, narrow, wide, and in 12 colors). Promising review: "This is my third pair of Everlane Day Glove shoes, and I will probably get more. As someone who suffers from foot problems, I was sold after the first pair! I was able to put them on and go with no problems. The soft leather truly conforms to my feet." —TN Mimi Get them from Everlane for $148 (available in sizes 5–11 and in nine colors). Here's BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Rachelle Yang: "I had these bbs for three years but had to say goodbye to them because it was finally their time to go. 🥲 I first got these shoes because I have very weak ankles and needed shoes that would support them, but these did waaaay more than that. The platforms were a lot comfier than I thought they were going to be, and I wore these EVERYWHERE. From concerts to hikes to beaches, these bad boys really put in the work and held up through everything. I never had a moment when I felt uncomfy with these on, and besides all that, they're SO SO SO cute!!!" Promising review: "The most comfortable sneakers I own! I have a high arch and need the platform style for comfort. Love the look and the price." —Shelby R Get them from Converse for $69.97+ (originally $80; available in sizes 5–12 and in various styles/colors). Promising review: "The best shoes I've ever worn. These shoes are a lifesaver! I'm on my feet for 10-hour shifts, and HOKAs keep me comfortable the whole time. Super cushioned, lightweight, and supportive; totally worth the money." —Nancy Get them from Hoka for $140+ (originally $175; available in sizes 5–12 and in 21 colors). And read more about how Hoka Sneakers are worth the hype here. Promising review: "Love these boots, they fit perfectly. Took two weeks to wear in, and since then, I have been incredibly comfortable. I have lupus and lots of foot issues, including plantar fasciitis and arthritis, and they are very comfortable." —Karen Get them from DuoBoots for $238 (originally $340; available in sizes 5—12 and in nine calf widths, and six colors). BuzzFeed shopping editor Heather Braga says: "I have these boots in both black and toffee — I'm actually obsessed. They are my favorite shoes right now because I can wear them through the fall, winter, and early spring. They look fantastic with jeans and adorable with tights. They have just enough heel to create the look of heeled booties without the discomfort of walking around in heels. Basically, they're amazing and everyone should buy them. K, thanks. You can check out my full review on them here (#6)." Promising review: "These are THE booties in my wardrobe. They carry me all through fall and winter. I would have kept my last pair longer, but my cat ate holes in them. They're a great ankle height for me, keep me warm when I wear them with socks, and are just an all-around staple piece. Dress them up or dress them down, they're ready for anything." —Lisa V Get them from Amazon for $51.35+ (available in sizes 5–13, including wide widths, and 61 colors and fabric styles). Reviewers note to buy these in a size up from your usual shoe size! Promising review: "Love these shoes! I saw them in store at Urban Outfitters, but they didn't have my size. Obviously, I turned to Amazon because what doesn’t this site sell, and lo and behold, y’all had it. I try to pair these with almost every outfit because they’re so comfy and stylish! Recently went to Philly, where I had to walk everywhere because we didn't rent a car and these were the only pair of shoes I brought (I travel light). These didn’t cramp up my feet at all as I walked over seven hours daily over the course of five days. Definitely recommend!" —Alli J Get them from Amazon for $80.99+ (available in sizes 5–11 and five styles). Ma’am Shoes is a woman-owned small business creating beautiful and comfortable shoes you can wear for years. If you are in between sizes, the brand recommends you size up. Promising review: "The first day of wear can typically be a challenge for new shoes because I work long hours and am on my feet all day. I am thrilled to report that they wear wonderfully — they felt like I already owned them for a month — they were that comfortable! 10s across the board in my book. I sized 1/2 size up and am so glad I did. Definitely buying more soon." —Ashley Cornett Get them from Ma'am Shoes for $300 (originally $350; available in sizes 5–11). * Shoes Reviewers Loved So Much, They Came Back For A Second Pair * Chunky Pairs Of Heels For Anyone Looking For Extra Height Without Losing Their Balance * Pairs Of Shoes Basically Made To Be Worn With Spring Dresses * Comfortable Pairs Of Shoes Reviewers Say They’ve Walked Miles In Without Pain Plus, shoes reviewers over 50 love, pairs with a server's stamp of approval, travel-ready sandals, and finds from Amazon, DSW, Nike, and Nordstrom. The reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity. BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way. This piece is by Maitland Quitmeyer, a deputy editorial director on the BuzzFeed Shopping team (she's been a shopping editor so long, she remembers when Prime Day was just one day), who has spent the better part of a decade finding, vetting, and writing about products (and deals!), from no-nonsense toilet cleaners to the best mascaras to genius ideas that'll win your next gift exchange.