When it comes to footwear, we all have shoes we hesitate to put on . . . and can't wait to get home and take off. Sometimes this was completely obvious from the start (but we hoped things would get better), or we bought them for a special situation [1] where we planned to be mostly seated. No matter our justification at the time, it's safe to say they won't ever see much action when we do get up and go again.
But, you know what? It doesn't have to be like that. There are shoes that are totally cute and comfy, sometimes straight out of the box. Flexible, memory-foam soles are a good place to start, as are soft materials that won't rub in all the wrong spots [2]. Whether you love sneakers, sandals, or flats, there's a pair of cushy shoes for you right at Nordstrom and, yes, we're sure, since we combed through hundreds and hundreds to find the most comfortable ones. Check out our picks ahead, or jump straight to your favourite style:
- Sandals
- Flats
- Sneakers
Your feet can thank us later.
Bueno Cara Sandal
These cushioned Bueno Cara Sandals [4] ($99) add a pop of colour to any outfit, but would look especially nice with an all-white or all-black ensemble.
Camper Katie Block Heel Sandal
A wide-heel style is already more comfortable than balancing on a skinny one, and the Camper Katie Block Heel Sandals [5] ($130) add in extra support so you can even (one day) dance the night away.
CC Corso Como Lana Platform Slingback Sandal
It's almost possible to tell how soft these CC Corso Como Lana Platform Slingback Sandals [6] ($99) are just by looking at them but would you have guessed they're lightweight, too?
Hush Puppies Brite Jells Slide Sandal
These all-weather Hush Puppies Brite Jells Slide Sandal [7] ($70) have a flexible sole to put a literal bounce in your step all summer long.
Fantasy Sandals Zoe Slingback Sandal
Even the straps are padded on these denim Fantasy Sandals Zoe Slingback Sandals [8] ($100) so it's not just your toes that are in for a treat this summer.
The Flexx Surfside Slide Sandal
Style The Flexx Surfside Slide Sandals [9] ($125) with your favourite jeans or shorts for a long day walking in the sun.
Sheridan Mia Barie Slingback Sandal
It's easy to see how soft the straps are on these Sheridan Mia Barie Slingback Sandals [10] ($106) and the bold mustard or cherry shades are hard to miss as well.
OTBT 'Bushnell' Wedge Sandal
These OTBT 'Bushnell' Wedge Sandals [11] ($125) make a unique twist on platforms as the jute bottom really pops (compared to solid tan).
Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal
Is it possible for Birkenstocks to get even more comfortable? The answer is right here with these Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandals [12] ($135) with an extra layer of plush foam cushioning.
Cordani Gretta Slingback Sandal
Padding and a flexible sole make any one of these Cordani Gretta Slingback Sandals [13] ($97) an excellent pick to wear all holiday long.
Unity in Diversity Diona Slide Sandal
These Unity in Diversity Diona Slide Sandals [14] ($95) are great poolside as there's a grippy sole under the cushioning for extra traction on wet ground.
Kork-Ease 'Myrna 2.0' Cork Wedge Sandal
Kork-Ease 'Myrna 2.0' Cork Wedge Sandals [15] ($140) sure would look sweet with a mini dress or romper (and your toes will feel sweet as well thanks to the signature cork sole).
Teva Flatform Universal Sandal
These Teva Flatform Universal Sandals [16] ($65) are a super-tall take on traditional shoe that give any outfit a sporty edge.
Comfortiva Dacey Sandal
A pillow-top for your feet?! Yup, along with colourful elastic straps, that's what sole they get with these Comfortiva Dacey Sandals [17] ($54, originally $90).
Gentle Souls Signature Colleen Espadrille Wedge
You'll be twice as comfortable in pairing these Gentle Souls Signature Colleen Espadrille Wedges [18] ($100) with a flowy dress as the soft bottom makes your soles feel great and the ankle strap keeps you feeling secure no matter what you wear.
Aerosoles Jordan Slide Sandal
There's a ton of padding in all three shades of the Aerosoles Jordan Slide Sandals [19] ($120) so which will you be sinking your toes into first?
Nisolo Huarache Flat
It's hard to miss how lovely these rose-coloured Nisolo Huarache Flats [20] ($120) are, even if you can't see the memory foam cushion that's also here.
Linea Paolo Dean Pointy Toe Flat
These Linea Paolo Dean Pointy Toe Flats [21] ($110-$120) have a nice foam base for when you're spending a while on your feet, and come in suede, patent leather, and regular leather, too.
Birdies Songbird Mule
Picture yourself lounging at a tropical resort in a pair of these floral Birdies Songbird Mules [22] ($120), or opt for the solid copper or khaki if that's more your style.
Sam Edelman Felicia Flat
Well, more than 1,500 5-star reviews for these Sam Edelman Felicia Flats [23] ($110–$130) essentially speak for themselves with one even calling it "love at first walk."
Sea Star Beachcomber Espadrille Water Shoe
These Sea Star Beachcomber Espadrille Water Shoes [24] ($96) are not only comfy (with a neoprene top and rubber sole), they also keep your feet safe from rocks on the beach and even inside the water, too.
Bueno Blake Half d'Orsay Leather Flat
Much like leather boots, these Bueno Blake Half d'Orsay Leather Flats [25] ($84, originally $120) shape to your feet over time so you'll get reliable comfort with each and every wear.
Chocolat Blu Gaia Pointy Toe Flat
Make a wild statement with leopard suede Chocolat Blu Gaia Pointy Toe Flats [26] ($125), or get a versatile black version instead.
Naturalizer Havana Pointed Toe Flat
Not only are these Naturalizer Havana Pointed Toe Flats [27] ($110) cushioned on the bottom, they come in narrow, medium, and wide widths for the perfect fit every time.
Mis Mooz Cleo Ankle Strap Espadrille Flat
Wouldn't the cushy Mis Mooz Cleo Ankle Strap Espadrille Flat [28] ($70) would look so cute with a sundress this season?
Timberland Bradstreet Ultra Ballerina Flat
Tims in ballet flat form?! These Timberland Bradstreet Ultra Ballerina Flats [29] ($70, originally $100) are not just pretty, they also pack a comfortable sole and footbed with earth-friendly materials including renewable sugar cane and responsibly sourced rubber.
Paul Green Dusty Sneaker
When you want to look like you're going running but you're really just running to the store, opt for something soft and retro like these Paul Green Dusty Sneakers [30] ($385).
Oofos OOmg Mesh Sneaker
These Oofos OOmg Mesh Sneakers [31] ($130) fit your your feet like a glove while still keeping them cool in warmer months, both thanks to that mesh upper portion.
Cole Haan GrandPro Tennis Shoe
Opt for these classic leather Cole Haan GrandPro Tennis Shoes [32] ($130) in white or black. No tennis game is necessary as the brand's special cushioning technology is just as pleasant off the court.
Dr. Scholls Nova Slip-On Sneaker
The foam-and-rubber bottoms on these Dr. Scholls Nova Slip-On Sneakers [33] ($30-$70, originally $50-$70) are shaped like a supportive cup for your feet so you can walk for miles and miles.
Vionic Adore Sneaker
We love that these Vionic Adore Sneakers [34] ($120) come in a range of pastel colours for spring, each with a cushioned base with ample arch support, too.
JSlides Ludlow Perforated High Top Sneaker
There's a thick foam insole in these JSlides Ludlow Perforated High Top Sneakers [35] ($179) that's like a pillow for your feet (but can also be removed if it's too much for you).
Ecco Soft 7 Wedge Sneaker
The footbed of these Ecco Soft 7 Wedge Sneakers [36] ($160) mould to your feet for a little height and a lot of comfort.
Nike Space Hippie 04 Sneaker
Each pair of these Nike Space Hippie 04 Sneakers [37] ($130) have a crater foam sole for maximum cushioning, and the tops are uniquely made of recycled plastic bottles, T-shirts, and leftover yarn.
Ilse Jacobsen Tulip 139 Perforated Slip-On Sneaker
Slide into any one of the 11 available colours of these comfy Ilse Jacobsen Tulip 139 Perforated Slip-On Sneakers [38] ($84) . . . as soon as you pick a favourite, that is.
Ugg LA Flex Slip-On Sneaker
These Ugg LA Flex Slip-On Sneakers [39] ($120) look and feel like you're walking on marshmallows.