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This way you don't have to keep a 500-pack of Band-Aids on hand...
1. Allbirds ditches synthetic (aka cheap and often irritating) materials and instead embraces natural options like merino wool, eucalyptus, and even sugarcane. The result is an array of sustainable designs that minimize odor and conform to your foot's shape.
Allbirds
BuzzFeed shopping editor Heather Braga owns Allbirds' Tree Dashers and loves them:
"Without access to the gym last year I had to push myself to learn to run while safely social distancing (which is NOT an easy feat). I’ve had multiple foot injuries (I’m very accident prone) so choosing the right sneaker has been a challenge. I’ve tried out manyyyy different pairs but the only ones that have truly won over my heart are the Allbirds Dashers. I got them in a stunning mint green color and get tons of compliments on them. They’re super supportive, lightweight, and have held up great against months of running outdoors. Honestly, I’m already looking into buying a second pair!"
Get the sneakers hereand check out everything at Allbirds here.
4. New Balance is *the* place for trendy dad sneakers (with a lil' '70s flair) and athletic designs for literally every sport imaginable be it running and hiking or lacrosse and golf.
5. Blundstone's "fit-for-purpose footwear" has been kicking since the 1800s, when their boots were originally invented to withstand harsh Tasmanian climates. Needless to say that if they're a go for farmers, footballers, and even — according to the brand — Everest expeditioners, they're a go us.
Blundstone
I got the 1615s last year and wore them basically every day from September through March. They didn't have a break-in period (in my experience, anyways), they run true to size, and aside from being tough as nails, the best part is how lightweight they are. As someone who is guilty of dragging their feet, that last part prevents lots of trips and falls!
Get the boots hereand check out everything at Blundstone here.
6. Merrell knows a thing or two about hiking and trail running — that much is obvious — but their designs also speak to the eco-conscious consumer, with midsoles that are not only incredibly comfortable, but made from zero-waste FloatEco material.
8. Aerosoles nails feel-good footwear with ultra-flexible designs that require ~zero~ break-in time. They do this in a few ways, one being their diamond-pattern sole that disperses friction away from the foot.
9. Ecco's elevated styles keep comfort at the forefront with soft and breathable smooth, full-grain, or soft-textured nubuck leathers — all made in their very own tanneries — and FluidForm soles which offer ample cushioning and rebound without any glue or extra stitching.
11. Sorel's lightweight, breathable footwear zeroes in on comfort with EVA foam footbeds and signature scalloped soles that ensure enhanced traction and durability in areas that would typically wear the fastest.
Sorel
BuzzFeed editor Heather Braga has the sneakers pictured above and has nothing but good things to say:
"I recently snagged a pair of these in the Sea Salt/Yellow style and am *obsessed* At first I naively thought I was supposed to untie the laces — please learn from my errors and note that the laces actually do go around the bottom fo the shoe! They're a fun play on the street style trend and will surely become a favorite in my sneaker lineup."
Get the sneakers here, the sandals here, and check out everything at Sorel here.
12. Naturalizer offers handsome styles that are both cute and comfy because when you live in a big city (like me) and have to walk most everywhere, those design aspects are of equal importance.
15. Vionic shoes offer orthotic support with smart designs that aid natural alignment from toe to heel and deliver ultimate arch support. They're so dang comfy, they're even a top pick for those with plantar fasciitis.
16. Birkenstock has been designing shoes since before America was even officially a thing (since 1774!), so I think they've got things down... Whether you're shopping ultra-lightweight Eva slides or leather sneakers, superior comfort is guaranteed.
17. Dr. Martens can not only keep up with daily wear for more than a decade (I attest to this!), and comfortably — I might add — but they'll also lend some serious edge to any outfit.
Dr. Martens
I am obsessed with Dr. Martens — thanks, in part, to four years at a Doc-lovin' liberal arts college. I own a shameful number of Chelseas, platforms, and 1460s — some of which I've retired but will never have the heart to fully part with. These boots last foreverrrrrrr. And the ones I don't wear anymore are still in perfectly good shape, they're just from phases I've grown out of (namely florals). My favorite ones I've been wearing for 10 years now and the soles and leather are still in incredible condition. You will, of course, have to go through the dreaded break-in period (wear multiple pairs of socks AND Band-Aids!) but once that's over, you'll forget all about the pain and they'll fit like a second skin.
Get the platform boots here, the Mary Janes here, and check out everything at Dr. Martens here.
18. Frye has been producing precision-stitched leather boots for more than 150 years and I have to assume they're on-point as they've made custom designs for big names like Jackie Kennedy, Bing Crosby, Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Liza Minnelli, and Carole King.
19. Hush Puppies was founded in 1958 with the goal — in their words— to eliminate sore feet, aka "barking dogs." Today, their Bounce soles do just that.
20. Teva has been around for decades but there's more to the iconic brand than just sandals — they also have shoes and boots suitable for any adventure with designs that support your foot and offer protection from rough terrain.
22. Lastly, Rothys' signature knit designs are crafted from thread that's spun from plastic water bottles! Not only is it a sustainable material, but it doesn't require any breaking in so you can pop 'em on straight out of the box.
Your new mantra:
Freeform / Via giphy.com
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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