Comfortable sneakers: your guide to maximum comfort

Whether a sneaker is comfortable or not is of course subjective. However, there are characteristics that make shoes comfortable, at least in theory. We want to give you an insight into what you should look for when looking for comfortable sneakers. Especially for your next city trip, the upcoming concert, or just for your everyday work. We also asked around internally and put together a small but fine list of our favorite comfortable sneakers.

What makes a sneaker comfortable?

A sneaker is, at least in theory, comfortable if it has a good footbed. We've probably all heard that before. But what is a good footbed anyway?

In sneaker jargon, we simply call the footbed an inner sole. In general, it is said that a good footbed should have the following features: a bedding edge, a toe gripper, a transverse arch support, a longitudinal arch support and a heel support. The best example of this is the footbed of a Birkenstock. Most branded shoes have such a footbed as standard. But there are big differences there too. The footbed of a sneaker usually has a leather or mesh surface and rubber, cork or a special foam underneath. "Memory foam" is often said to be particularly comfortable. The material adapts perfectly to your foot and "remembers" the shape of your foot over time, so that you can stand perfectly in the sneaker. A good footbed is half the battle, but other properties also play a role:

• damping

• Weight

• Breathability

Especially in the world of sneakers, it's often about the latest and best cushioning technologies. This is because most models have their origins in sports. But why do you need good cushioning in sneakers? Cushioning describes the ability of your sneaker to absorb the force of impact when you step. The function of a shoe's cushioning is to make the moment you touch the ground as light as possible in order to protect your muscles as much as possible.

The weight of your sneaker also plays a role. We think it's important that the sneaker isn't super heavy, because the extra weight of a shoe puts strain on your body with every step.

The breathability ensures that moisture and sweat can escape and fresh air can come in from the outside. This is especially important if you are on the move a lot, for example on your next city trip, because the hotter it is and the more you walk, the more you sweat. Breathable sneakers are made of leather or breathable mesh, for example. Leather can store moisture and release it back out. However, you should definitely let sweaty leather sneakers dry for 24 hours.

But other factors also determine whether sneakers meet your expectations, for example: the climate, the lacing technique, extra insoles, matching socks or the break-in period. Make sure that your sneakers are breathable in hotter temperatures and closed in colder ones. Don't tie your sneakers too tightly, because then you'll constrict your foot and the sneakers will leave pressure marks. Always wear comfortable socks and always break in your sneakers before wearing them on long distances.

And last but not least: If you have general problems with your feet, you should have a professional check whether you need orthopedic insoles. They can provide you with additional support and reduce the strain on your feet.

But the general features are not all there is to it, because when buying particularly comfortable sneakers you should also consider a few things that apply to you individually.

What do I need to consider when making my selection?

Whether you find a sneaker comfortable is extremely subjective. Because our feet and needs are different.

It is important that your sneaker fits properly. There should be half to a full thumb's width of space between your toes and the end of the toe box.

Different feet need a different fit. This is especially important if your feet are rather wide. Soft upper materials with as few pressing seams as possible are considered to be particularly comfortable. This is because they can prevent pressure points and scratches on the foot. The Flyknit from Nike or the Primeknit from Adidas are good examples of this. Mesh and soft leather can also fit your feet well; the best way to test this is to try on all the materials. If sneakers are often too tight for you, you can also take a look at New Balance, because the brand offers a particularly wide range of silhouettes.

You should also make sure that you have good support in your future most comfortable sneakers . Especially if you walk a lot or are standing in a crowd at a concert, your ankle should have good support. But the sneakers shouldn't be too tight either, as this can lead to pressure points.

We've already talked about the importance of cushioning in sneakers . But of course, every brand offers countless options, be it Nike's Air technology, Adidas' Boost or Adiprene cushioning, or Asics' Gel technology. You'll only find out which one is right for you after trying them on.

Tip: If you have several sneakers, change them more often so that you don't always put pressure on one side of your feet. Because not only is the cushioning perfect, each one has its right to exist.

Comfort also depends on the weather and intended use. You can have the most comfortable mesh sneakers, but in the rain your feet will quickly become soaking wet. If you have comfortable smooth leather sneakers, they are much better in the rain. In hot and sunny weather we recommend the light mesh sneakers.

Tip: If you need sneakers for certain sports, it's best to get advice on site and test different models. We are always there for this in our shop in Darmstadt and also other shops in the nearest city center.

We know that's a lot of information to take in at once, so we want to share our top picks for the most comfortable shoes with you. This will also give you a practical idea of ​​what comfortable sneakers are.

The most comfortable sneakers: our top picks

We think that there are so many different types of comfortable sneakers. Some days we want more support, other days we would like to float on clouds. You will find a wide variety of comfortable sneakers, especially in the shoe closets of sneakerheads. And when we think we have found the most comfortable sneaker ever, we realize that the good old retro models also have their advantages.

Comfortable sneaker #1 ASICS Gel-1130

Asics are considered particularly comfortable in sneaker circles. One of our favorite silhouettes is the ASICS Gel-1130. The model is a tribute to the entire GEL-1000 series. It is inspired by the classic GEL-KAYANO 14. The upper comes with a breathable mesh and gel cushioning on the heel. Our personal highlight: The Gel-1130 costs 99.00 euros, making it the cheapest comfortable sneaker on our list. Asics sneakers are very suitable for long runs, whether at work or on a long walk.

-> Here you can find all ASICS Gel-1130 models in our online shop

Comfortable Sneaker #2 AIR MAX 1

Nike's most famous sneaker series is the Air Max collection. The Air Bubble technology came onto the market in 1987 and still inspires all wearers today. Almost every year the technology is further developed with a new model. But we remain true to the OG. The Air Max 1 is super comfortable and ultra beautiful.

You can buy them in all colors and materials and they give you good support. The air bubbles in the sole offer super good cushioning. For us, they are a must-have in your collection of comfortable sneakers. But we can also recommend all the other Air Max models. Just try on the different models. And because the Air Max series also looks really good, they are perfect for your next city trip.

-> Here you can find all Air Max 1 models in our online shop

Comfortable sneaker #3 adidas Ultraboost

The adidas Ultraboost is adidas' flagship model. The sole is soft and responsive at the same time. It consists of thousands of small balls that absorb and release energy with every step. Most people say that walking with a Boost sole is like walking on clouds. The Primeknit upper wraps around your feet and is durable.

One of the biggest advantages is that the Boost sole does not lose its cushioning power even under constant stress. Incidentally, there are also some other Adidas models that are equipped with a Boost sole. The most famous example is the Yeezy models. With the Boost models you can do anything: run, work, explore cities or just go shopping, your feet will always walk softly.

-> Here you can find all adidas Boost models in our online shop

Comfortable sneaker #4 XYZ New Balance 990v3

One of our all-time favorites is the New Balance 990 series, especially from the v3 model onwards. The designers were tasked with developing the best running shoe on the market in 1982. Whether they succeeded is a matter of taste. Today, the 990 is certainly no longer the best running shoe, but it is one of the most comfortable sneakers that we have in our team's closet. With each model, the shape and the in-house ENCAP cushioning have been improved.

The 990 series comes in a great material mix of suede and mesh. The sole is super comfortable. For us, one of the best sneakers for all situations. No matter whether it's a concert, a city trip or at work. The New Balance 990 goes with everything and just feels good. That's why we recommend that you always have a classic New Balance in gray in your hand luggage. This way, your outfit is perfect and your feet feel comfortable on vacation.

-> Here you can find all New Balance 990 models in our online shop

Comfortable sneaker #5 ON Running Cloudultra 2

The Swiss brand On Running is currently in great demand and for one reason: comfort. On's sneakers adapt perfectly to your foot and make you feel really comfortable. They are also super light, so you can wear them all day. The upper is almost always made of breathable mesh. Our favorite model at the moment is the Cloudultra 2. With the Helion Superfoam in the sole, the shoe is perfect for demanding paths and takes you from A to B in comfort. On Running sneakers are great companions in every everyday situation.

-> Here you can find all On Runnin models in our online shop

Conclusion: The perfect sneaker for maximum comfort

The best way to find comfortable sneakers is to try out a few models. Because comfort is and will always be subjective. We can tell you which features are important, such as cushioning, weight and breathability. And we can also make recommendations. But in the end, you have to ask yourself the right questions and answer them.

• Which sneakers have I always found super comfortable?

• What do I want to do with the comfortable sneakers? Hiking, shopping, working or traveling?

• Which material and which cushioning material do I like best?

Choosing the right shoe depends on what you want to do and the rule here is: try before you buy. If you have any questions or would like to try on sneakers, we are happy to help you.