All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
When youre wearing lackluster footwear, everything else gets that much harder.
Dan Jaramillo. Wardrobe styling by Kat Thomas. Makeup by Deanna Melluso at Forward Artists. Hair by Hide Suzuki. On Models: Reebok sneakers (left) Vionic sneakers (right).
Runs feel like a drag; walks become tedious; and workouts can get utterly pointless.
And those are the types of shoes we set out to find for SELFs annual Sneaker Awards.
We also tapped fellow movement lovers from outside our brand to really put the shoes through their paces.
Dan Jaramillo. Wardrobe styling by Kat Thomas. Makeup by Deanna Melluso at Forward Artists. Hair by Hide Suzuki. On Model: Alo sweatpants, Puma sneakers, Comme Si socks.
We ultimately tested 157 models, including 14 pairs that SELF editors recommended from their own personal experience.
Trail shoes were also evaluated for traction, ankle support, and other key hiking-specific features.
)At the end of our rigorous testing process,30 winnerscame out on top.
Dan Jaramillo. Wardrobe styling by Kat Thomas. Makeup by Deanna Melluso at Forward Artists. Hair by Hide Suzuki. On Model: Lululemon top, Adidas pants, Nike sneakers.
One tester said:On the treadmill, these shoes felt nimble and supportive.
I also used them for some sprintsthis is where they felt PERFECT.
Who its for:Runners who prioritize comfort and stability during their go-to workouts.
Instead, it allows you to keep a steady stride and enjoy your runs at a leisurely pace.
Who its for:New and experienced runners who need a cushy, stable shoe for easier speeds.
I will definitely keep these in the rotation for easy runs and recovery runs.
(Our testers noted this shoe was stylish enough to wear with everyday outfits!)
Ons sneakers are usually too firm for me, but this actually felt perfect.
Even without insoles, my high arches felt supported and comfortable throughout hour-long runs.
Even if I wasnt a runner, I would probably want to own these just to walk around in.
The impact absorption, thick soles, and the overall style of this shoe is unbeatable.
They have a surprisingly smooth, steady ride that our tester appreciated when her miles passed the double-digit mark.
This combo amounts to an impressively nimble race shoe that helps you increase your speed without sacrificing comfort.
Who its for:Anyone gearing up for a big raceand a PR.
One tester said:These sneakers are super bouncy and fast!
They were equally fun on the pavement and on the track.
Who its for:Experienced runners who want to avoid leg fatigue and sail over short racing distances.
How we tested:For 4560-minute training runs on pavement outdoors and indoors on the treadmill.
One tester said:The shoe is cushioned, but you feel a pop!
It really helps your legs feel less tired if you are running fast or long.
It provides great energy return and ultimately felt like I was doing less work with the same results.
Even with its padding, I felt connected to the ground.
Theyre also really, really fast.
The shoes were so fast that it made hard workouts fun.
(One tester noted how little her foot shifted while wearing her Altras.)
One tester said:This shoe allowed me to feel in touch with the ground.
I was able to trust my feet as I navigated rugged terrain.
It also functioned well in mud and over rocks.
The ankle support allowed me to feel comfortable going off trail.
The grip was unbelievable.
I really put these shoes through the wringer and am absolutely in love with them.
Our testers were specifically impressed with its performance on grass, gravel, and rocks.
Who its for:Trail running newcomers who are getting comfortable on light-to-moderate terrain.
How we tested:On hour-long gravel runs and a three-hour birding walk on New York City park trails.
Very impressed with the instant comfort!
Who its for:HIIT fanatics and anyone who prefers a springier gym shoe.
Its super lightweight, and after multiple wears I had no blisters, random pains, or shin splints.
Who its for:Weightlifters who want a dedicated shoe for major efforts at the gym.
Some of them were full-body, while others worked the upper- or lower-body specifically.
One tester said:I am surprised how much I liked these shoes.
Theyre firm, but not so firm that they hurt or make your feet tired.
Who its for:Dedicated indoor cyclists; any cycling enthusiast who thinks most cycling shoes feel too clunky.
How we tested:Several indoor studio cycling classes.
One tester said:This shoe is VERY comfortable.
The upper is plush, which made me assume that it wouldn’t be the most breathable.
Who its for:Pickleball players who are ready for a footwear upgrade.
How we tested:During five one-to-two-hour games on a hard tennis court.
One tester said:This shoe has a perfect balance of cushion and support for someone playing pickleball.
Who its for:Tennis players who want an all-court shoe that wont slow them down.
One tester said:The shoe feels cushioned and supported at all points.
The sides were especially supportive, which is necessary with the constant lateral movement while playing.
Id totally wear them after any dance cardio class, out to brunch, and shopping during the day.
Enter this blissfully easy-to-wear sneaker from Dr. Scholls.
These are a comfortable choice and really do feel incredible, even after wearing them all day.
Somehow Lululemon made cool sneakers that feel just like super-cushiony running shoes.
My feet are just so happy when I wear them!
Its supportive through the foot and ankle, very comfortable, and, frankly, pretty darn cool.
Who its for:Anyone whos equally interested in street style and staying comfy.
One tester said:These were super stylish and fit like a glove!
Theyre similar to Jordans, but much less expensive and more accessible.
How we tested:On neighborhood walks, e-bike rides, and coffee shop hangouts.
Easy Rider
What it does:Looking for the next Samba, Cortez, or Gazelle?
Were putting our money on Pumas Easy Rider, a vintage design that debuted in the late 70s.
Who its for:Sneaker fans who want to stay ahead of the trends; OGSporty & Richfollowers.
How we tested:Running errands around New York City, morning dog walks, and doing light chores.
These shoes are definitely cuteI even got a few compliments on them while I was out.
Theyd be great for wearing out to brunch or while out shopping.
One tester said:Theyre sleek, modern, and look great on my feet.
If I saw someone wearing these Id definitely ask them where they bought them!
Who its for:Anyone searching for that walking-on-clouds feeling in their sneakersespecially those with higher arches.
walks in these sneakers.
Theyre lightweight and didnt cause any pain, blisters, or other discomfort.
One tester said:These shoes are SO, SO comfortable and amazingly lightweight.
No blisters or pressure points!
Its sole is nice and thick, and theres just enough arch support.
These will be worn for many years!
With all of those performance-driven bona fides, it doesnt need to be as cute as it isand yet!
Our tester loved their look as soon as she opened the box.
One tester said:They were so comfortable and breathable in all environments.
My feet felt cushioned and supported, but the shoes were still lightweight and easy to slip on.
I didnt think about them much at all, actually!
And I didnt get any blisters, pain, or discomfort.
I was always able to grasp the trail easily with my foot.
How we tested:On a long weekend camping trip with rocky dirt paths around the campsite.
One tester said:This is a perfect shoe for camping.
Id wear them anywhere theyre trendy without trying too hard and simply the perfect Croc.
