Not gonna lie — I've been called a sneakerhead more than a few times by friends or family. And while I've made an effort to pare down my collection in recent years (you can only juggle so many obsessions, and my Patagonia fleece collection took the crown), my shoes still hog more than half my closet.
That said, having a lot of shoes doesn't mean you have to drain your bank account. There are plenty of solid sneakers out there that punch way above their price tag. My everyday go-tos? A pair of Reebok Club C 85s I snagged for $45.
Shoes last longer when you rotate them — wearing the same pair every day wears them out fast. If you're looking to bulk up your sneaker rotation without blowing your budget, there are plenty of deals out there right now.
The best sneaker deals right now
The Nike Pegasus has been around since the 80s and has been in my running lineup since I was in high school. (They now sell the 2005 version that was "cutting-edge" to me back then as a retro version now. Ouch.) While I was disappointed in the Pegasus 40, prompting me to buy something else for the first time in years, the newly released 41 is back to what made this shoe great in the first place: reliable, comfortable and durable whether you're training for your next neighborhood 5K or you just want a shoe to tackle your lunchtime walk.
Want more cushion but still stick with the swoosh? Check out the Vomeros.
This is my go-to, everyday, goes-with-everything-I-own shoe. It's a classic tennis style, similar to the Adidas Stan Smith. Whether you prefer pants or shorts, crew socks or no-shows, skinny jeans or relaxed fit, you'll be good with these. Plus, they're incredibly comfortable, even after long walks, and at just $45, they're hard to beat price-wise.
Looking for a few different colors or sizes? They're on sale at Zappos too.
"They're fashion chameleons; dress them up with a cute skirt or keep things casual with jeans, leggings or sweats," says Yahoo Weekend Editor Rachel Roszmann. "Meghan Markle has been spotted in the brand's classic Stan Smith sneakers multiple times over the years! They boast a soft leather upper, a durable rubber outsole and a supportive footbed for added comfort."
"Can't go wrong with this classic. Not super cushy, but comfortable. Truthfully, I just love these because they look so cute," commented one five-star reviewer.
If you've seen a pair of Hokas in the wild, there's a good chance they were Cliftons. These are among the brand's most popular picks, and it's easy to see why. "They're absolutely cloud-like," raves Yahoo Deputy Editor Izabella Zaydenberg. "They were the only shoes that didn't exacerbate my plantar fasciitis (especially when I walked for hours at Disneyland)." Sizes are going fast, but if you wear above an 8, there are still plenty of options in varying colors available.
The knit upper is breathable, and the rubber sole provides great traction. "While they're definitely a little bulky, they're still really lightweight and comfortable enough for all-day wear," Zaydenberg says. The sneakers come in regular and GTX (waterproof) styles and both standard and wide sizes, helpful since Zaydenberg finds them a bit narrow.
Adidas Stan Smiths. Nike Air Tech Challenge IIs. Reebok Club C 85s. Tennis shoes have a way of becoming ultra-popular lifestyle sneakers. Now you can add The Roger to that list. These are named after one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Roger Federer, and they look just as at home with a pair of jeans as they do on a tennis — or pickleball — court.
These comfortable, breathable slip-ons are an airport security line MVP, thanks to their easy-on and easy-off design, says travel expert Samantha Brown. Plus, cooling insoles provide superior cushioning, so you'll keep wearing them long after you've landed. Click around for the best deal — some colors and sizes are available at an even steeper discount.
"I am a teacher and on my feet most of the day," shared one of over 70,000 five-star fans. "I wear these shoes nearly every day for the entire school year (usually with a thin insert in to place my heels higher and for an extra cushion). The black version is great with business casual attire, even with skirts, and super comfortable. I have taken these traveling and walked in them daily for hours with no issues."
Part performance, part streetwear, the Cloudnova Form 2 doesn't scream gym shoe, but it can move. Lightweight, breathable and stylish, it's made for walking the dog, hitting the gym or just pairing with leggings for a coffee run.
When it comes to summer and versatility, a classic silhouette is hard to beat. According to Yahoo Weekend Editor Rachel Roszmann: "These canvas cuties were made famous by Kate Middleton. The classic, simple design makes them more polished-looking than other sneakers — wear them with flirty dresses, casual jeans, even dressy trousers. Colors and sizes are being snapped up fast, so don't wait on this one.
"I love Supergas, and the Cotu Classic is comfortable with or without socks," wrote a fashionista. "I've worn them for long days of travel and sometimes my feet get a little tired in them, but they are excellent for casual work attire."
Adidas' Ultraboost line has been incredibly popular since its inception a decade ago; not only are they great looking, they're also "incredibly comfortable" and "top tier" according to the true arbiters of comfort: nurses on TikTok. This Ultraboost 1.0 pair has a boosted midsole that's packed with cushioning.
"Whether I’m seeing patients or running errands, the UB is on my feet. They’re incredible!" gushed a medical professional.
Want to find a truly comfortable shoe? See what all of the runners are wearing. Odds are you'll find a lot of Brooks Ghosts. They hold the American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Acceptance, awarded to products "found to promote good foot health."
Yahoo's Initiatives writer, Ellie Conley, ran in these bad boys all the way to the finish line of a half-marathon. She says: "They felt like they were cradling me for a more balanced step, and the insole had the perfect amount of arch support to keep my feet from rolling inward as my legs got tired."
More sneaker deals to shop
Still paying full-price for shoes? These sales can be sneaky. Lucky for you we've rounded up the best here! (Getty)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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