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In order to determine the very best shoes to include in our guides to running shoes, workout shoes, slippers, and walking shoes, we log hundreds of miles (or, in the case of slippers, many mail runs) and seek out recommendations from experts in the field, from podiatrists to marathon runners to physical therapists. No matter the type of comfy shoe, the best time to get them is when they go on sale, and I’ve scoured our shoe content and online retailers for the best deals I can find on our favorites.
As usual, these discounts come and go quickly, so I’ll be updating this article every month. And if your appetite for deals isn’t quite satisfied, you can sign up for our daily deals newsletter and never miss a sale again.
Unisex shoe deals
For a new pair of white sneakers that’ll pair nicely with your favorite pair of jeans, it’s hard to do better than our favorite affordable white leather sneakers, which are currently marked down by 30 percent at Shopbop. They’re a favorite of the Gen-Z crowd and comfortable for walking no matter the distance, according to Strategist associate editor Jenna Milliner-Waddell.
These Crocs are one of the things Kelis told us she can’t live without (the singer told us that she and her kids wear them on their family farm). While the Crocs are on sale in a variety of colors on Amazon, I found the steepest markdowns in this navy version.
We’ve long touted Glerups as one of the best brands for slippers. In fact, these wool slippers are our favorite slippers for both men and women because they’re “easy to slip on, warm but not suffocating, and durable,” according to Strategist junior writer Brenley Goertzen.
Women’s shoe deals
A highlight of my shoe-sale hunting: these rarely-on-sale, dad-esque New Balances that appear in our guide to the best walking shoes. They’re on sale in a few sizes at Shopbop, and give the perfect balance of support and cushioning, according to Candice Criscione, founder of MomInItaly.com and TheTuscanMom.com, who spent ten years traveling around the world as a hiking, cycling, and cultural guide.
If dad sneakers aren’t your thing, these platform Keds are one of your best bets. We named them the best platform walking shoes in part because of their soft yet sturdy foam insoles that help Washington, D.C.–based organizer Nina Sarhan stay on her feet during long protests.
These Nike Dunks will pair nicely with leggings, a crop top, and a jacket — at least that’s how Stacey Bendet styles hers.
You can usually find our favorite affordable walking shoe on sale, but right now, they’re at the same price that we saw them at during Prime Day. The shoes feature extra padding in the heel for additional comfort during long days of walking.
We’re fans of this pair of On shoes because they’re supportive and easy to slip on. After logging more than 1,000 miles in her On Clouds, Strategist managing editor Kelsie Schrader says they’re still cloudlike and breathable. You’ll find them marked down in this sandy taupe and a nice shade of rose at Zappos.
Strategist senior editor Jen Trolio has been wearing her Ultraboosts for years and finds that they do a great job of protecting against painful blisters caused by rubbing because of the sneaker’s well-designed heel tab, which curves slightly away from the back of your foot.
After years of gymnastics, Laurie Hernandez needed extra strong arch and ankle support and says these provide just that. “It feels like they have my back and like I can push myself to keep going because I know my feet won’t feel so bad,” she says.
These Hokas are our favorite ultra-cushioned walking shoe and are ideal for long stints of walking and standing. They’re on sale in this pretty peach color, but sizes are going quickly so don’t dilly dally.
One of our favorite everyday training shoes, the Saucony Ride 17 is a dependable, no-frills shoe that’s on sale in a few colors at Dick’s and Shopbop. With a Goldilocks midsole that isn’t too plush or too firm, the Ride 17 “balances support and responsiveness nicely,” says Strategist fitness writer Jeremy Rellosa, who has put in nearly 200 miles on his own pair of these shoes.
If you, like Carrie Brownstein of Sleater Kinney, are anti-slipper, these Tevas are a nice alternative. They’re sturdy yet easy to slip on and available in a number of cheery colors, including this sky blue that’s on sale for less than $60.
Slipper season is nigh, and you can get two colorful variations of our favorite moccasin slippers for $75 right now.
Men’s shoe deals
RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Shangela Laquifa Wadley owns these shoes in a variety of eye-catching colors (red, neon-yellow, gray, and mauve-pink, to name a few), but I think these black ones will go well with most running gear.
There was a time when everyone at New York was wearing Vejas, and the sneakers have since graduated from trendy to classic in the sneaker pantheon.
My final find from the Shopbop sale is featured in our Best-in-Class guide to workout shoes because of its gym clout and cloud-like footbed.
You’ll find ultimate comfort in these Hokas, which are the Strategist’s pick for ultra-cushioned walking shoes. We first learned about them from Daryl Nuhn, owner and operator of Prima Brooklyn, who finds that they’re the best shoes for working for long shifts in a restaurant.
Ben Van Leeuwen says his favorite shoes “look like regular Vans but you can also work out and walk ten miles in them.” They’re available in a few colors and sizes at Backcountry.
I was excited to find our favorite workout shoe marked down in a few sizes and colors. I was excited to find our favorite workout shoe marked down nearly 50 percent in a few sizes. If you’re not one of the lucky few who will fit into those deeply discounted shoes, the sneakers are also on sale (for a smaller discount) on the Nike site. Rellosa has been wearing the Metcon 9 for four years and has found that they’ve held up to all types of workouts, including weight lifting, rowing, HIIT sessions, and treadmill warm-up runs.
Our favorite affordable workout shoe is also on sale. Rellosa says they’re best “if you want an easy shoe to wear to the gym for all types of sports and the occasional run” — at a lower price.
These running shoes are some of our favorites for responsiveness. “I eat up miles wearing these and feel light on my feet doing it,” says Men’s Health senior fitness editor Brett Williams. You’ll find a few sizes and colors discounted by almost 50 percent.
This boot-style slipper is made even more luxurious by its memory-foam cushioning and generously fluffy sheepskin lining. On chilly days, just flip the shearling-lined collar up for extra warmth.
Kids’ shoe deals
We like these walking shoes for children because they provide great arch and ankle support, cushioning, and stability. They come recommended by Paige Lauren, founder of the eponymous children’s clothing brand and mother of an 8-year-old who has been wearing the shoes for years.
They also come in grade school sizes with laces instead of Velcro.
Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo’s son wore these sneakers every day this summer. The shoes are easy to clean, comfortable, and on sale in this delightful mint green.
One of the Brooklyn kids shoes du jour, these Sauconys have earned the approval of Strategist writer Lauren Ro who says they’re adorable, easy to put on, and a good price (especially when on sale).
And now, a little sparkle. I found some of our favorite kids’ high-tops on sale in this Barbie-esque pink. Trolio’s kids are particular about where their socks sit, and these shoes keep them in place because of their high silhouette.
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
