I'm a Fashion Editor Who Is So Over Heels—These Are the Everyday Sneakers I'd Wear Anywhere (2024)

• Our Picks

• Where We Stand

• How We Researched

• What To Look For

• FAQ

• Why Trust Byrdie

When scouring the internet for the best everyday sneakers, the ever-so-timeless Nike Air Force 1 Sneakers prevail because of their high-quality design and versatility. We sought after styles that are comfortable, reasonably priced, would last a long time (in both trend and quality), and could go with any ensemble, be it a dress, athleisure, jeans, or even a power suit—bringing us to this pick.

With its plush and cushioned insole and slightly elevated outsole, you can bring a sense of comfort to business attire with this lace-up sneaker selection without overshadowing the look of a statement blazer and wide-leg trousers for one. On another note, Nike Air Force 1’s are a safe bet for gift-giving since they're suitable for every season, whether you decide on wrapping up the classic white, all-black, or color-blocked variations featuring the official Nike Swoosh in modern hues.

Material: Leather upper, textile lining, and rubber sole | Size Range: 5-12 | Color: White, Pink, Black, +More

Material: Leather upper, textile lining, and rubber sole | Size Range: 4-12 | Color: White/Silver, White/Navy, White/Pink, Black, +More

Beloved by social media influencers and fashion enthusiasts alike, Golden Goose is the designer sneaker of the hour. Its “distressed” signature features (read: smudgy lived-in detailing) are what gave Golden Goose its individuality, to the point where you’ll most likely recognize the designer shoe from a mile away. To think you’re purchasing kicks that already look worn when, in reality, the high-brow detailing is intentionally done by hand is interesting. The brand mentions that waxing techniques are used to create that very effect against the white leather upper, star appliques, and midsole.

Material: Suede, leather, and recycled plastic and polyester upper, textile and leather lining, and rubber sole | Size Range: 5-11 | Color: Mustard, Ecru, Grey

There’s an entire fashion market made for nostalgia seekers, and in the footwear category, these sneakers have a retro-realistic design that, in part, has been created with recycled materials. We love the mix of texture, '70s-inspired design, and versatility of these kicks from Rag & Bone. Whether paired with straight-leg denim or athleisure for a good run, you can lace them up as snug as you’d like them to be and rock the stylish silhouette.

Material: Suede and leather upper, rubber sole | Size Range: 5-15 | Color: Black, White, Carbon

Sambas have been the It-girl sneaker—think Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner—for the past year or so. If you already own a pair, you know how incredibly versatile these minimalist kicks are. If you don’t own them, what are you waiting for?

Material: Textile upper and lining with rubber sole | Size Range: 5-10 | Color: Blue, Beige, Grey, Black

Raise your hand if you immediately think of Converse when you think of high-tops—us, too. For this category, we focused on finding a pair of Chucks that felt even more elevated so you can dress them up or down, depending on the occasion. Our top pick? The Comme des Garçons and Chuck Taylor collaboration. This sneaker features that classic CDG Hidden Heart graphic on the sides for an added touch of detail and a great conversation starter.

Material: Corn vegan napa upper, organic cotton interior, Polyurethane insole | Size Range: EU 36-46 | Color: White, Beige, Green, Offwhite, Polar Cactus, Apple, +More

Opting for eco-conscious footwear is always a step in the right direction, and SAYE makes that accessible with its vegan leather Modelo ‘89 sneakers. The exterior of this '80s-inspired silhouette is made of corn leather, while the interior is all organic cotton. They are produced in Portugal, are unisex, and even the insoles are crafted with excess waste from mattress factories. If you’re interested in the white colorways (there’s an all-black pair up for grabs, too), you can customize the color lining to your preference with the green, Garnet merlot, blue, or Biker gray hues.

Material: Textile upper, textile lining, and rubber sole | Size Range: 5-11 | Colors: White, Beige, Full Black, Black, Grey, Teal, Violet, Blush, Navy, +More

If you’re going to go platform for everyday wear, choose a shoe that is comfortable and simple in style so that you have a blank canvas to work with. Our absolute favorite platform sneakers are the Superga 2790 Platforms, a low-cut and chunky pair that offers some height. These sneakers are made of canvas and feature a sleek everyday lace-up design, making them the perfect match for jeans, dresses—you name it. However, reviewers recommend sizing down one as they do tend to run big. They also mention the Superga platform sneaker is especially comfortable for those who have wide feet.

Material: Mesh upper, cotton lining, recycled rubber sole | Size Range: 5-11 | Color: Black/Rock, Ice/Moss, Ice/Glacier, All Black, +More

Reliable sneakers are key to a good run, walk, and workout of any sort, both indoors and outdoors. On’s Cloudaway athletic sneakers, for one, are known for their durability and lightweight feel and are considered a slip-on shoe since they only feature toggle lacing that can be adjusted at the start of your session. Gone are the days of having to squat down mid-workout to tie undone shoelaces. And with the brand's custom CloudTec sole, the objective to add bounce to your stride makes them super alluring.

Material: Leather, recycled polyester, and organic cotton | Size Range: 4-12.5 | Color: White Natural, White Paros, White Black, +More

Veja is our go-to for sustainable sneakers because they are made of recycled polyester and organic cotton with soles constructed of wild Amazonian rubber. They’re ultra-comfortable, super-cute, and incredibly versatile. On top of that, they have different color options, so you can pick which ones feel the most you.

Material: Rothy’s signature thread, made from recycled plastic water bottles | Size Range: 5-13 | Color: Bright White, Black, Blonde, Lighthouse, Plum Berry, +More

We love them for their flats, and now we’re oohing and aahing over their sneaker collection. Crafted from a signature thread made up of recycled plastic water bottles, these Rothy’s sneakers are a great eco-friendly option. What makes them even more special is how easy it is to wash them. Since they have a flexible and bendable upper that doesn’t crease, you just pop them in the washing machine, let them air dry, and voilà!

Material: Canvas upper and rubber outsole | Size Range: 5-17.5 | Color: ​​Black /White Checker, True White, Navy, Charcoal, +More

Vans is the ultimate go-to for slip-on sneakers, and this is a pair you’ll get a ton of use out of. Not only does the classic Slip-On style come in a variety of colors, but it also comes in fun patterns, prints, and even some designer collaborations. If you’re looking for an everyday slip-on that meets your unique personal style, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for here.

Material: Leather upper with rubber sole | Size Range: EU 35-42 | Color: Black Leather, White Leather, Beige Leather, +More

If you’re going to wear a pair of black sneakers every day, you want to make sure they pair well with virtually any look. Vagabond’s Judy sneaker accentuates the black statement color with leather material. Alas, the makings of a platform sneaker that features muted edginess and simplicity. We love these laced-up sneakers because they have an athletic feel but are elevated enough to wear with dresses, skirts, jeans, midi skirts, and more.

Material: Artificial leather | Size Range: 5-11 | Color: White, Red, Leopard, Denim Blue, Black, Pink, +More

For the best budget-friendly sneakers, these are it—and over 8,000 Amazon customers agree. This classic white sneaker (also available in 13 colorways) checks off all of our boxes in terms of pricing, design, and comfortability—they cost about the price you’d pay for a salon pedicure, how ‘bout that?

Underneath this pair's artificial leather silhouette, you’ll find a slip-resistant outsole made of rubber that will stand up to all types of weather changes. These water-proof sneakers resemble the design of low-top Converse, yet ease you of any thought of having to keep your sneakers in pristine shape as you would with their counterpart's price point. A side note: Reviewers do say they run big, so we recommend sizing down if you’re considering this pair as your next budget-proof everyday sneaker purchase.

Material: Breathable mesh, textile | Size Range: 7-18.5 | Color: The Eyecon, BubbleGum, Cream, Chalk, Urban Native Era

White sneakers are a dime a dozen, so it takes a truly special pair with quality material that won’t easily tear to land in the best-for-everyday category. These performance sneakers, brought to you by footwear designer Jeffrey Alan Henderson (a visionary who worked with Nike for over a decade), can be worn for working out, running errands, or as a statement sneaker with your favorite tracksuit and other athleisure styles. Even marathon runners have crossed the finish line in The Point sneakers, as the functional and plush footwear is made with a carbon fiber plate featured at the midsole. To complement the white hue as seen from the toe box all the way across to the heel, only the collar of this silhouette has a black shade to it. Which, in fact, is out-turned in order to provide the ankles and Achilles tendons with comfort and support, the brand notes.

Material: Fabric and synthetic upper, rubber sole | Size Range: 5-14 | Color: White, Black

Meet the sneakers that are shining out across style mood boards for some, just as they are proving resourceful during outdoor adventures for others. First, know that these Salomons are sports-driven sneakers and, at the same time, are great for comfortable city day commutes. The signature Salomon logo right down the tongue accentuates their laced-up toggle closure, with padding all around. They’re unisex (love!) and somehow manage to bridge ease and athleisure.

Material: Leather/synthetic metallic, leather/suede or synthetic upper | Size Range: 4-13 | Color: Warm White Leather, White/Daydream Blue, White/Turtledove Leather, Silver Leather, +More

We’ve got one rule that will decide whether a pair of sneakers makes it into our everyday rotation: Having a cushioned back collar to remit the chance of break-in blisters. In thus, leading us to the Morrison 2.0 Lace Up Sneaker. This day-in and day-out pair reserves a spruce of color to the design of the back collar, made of suede material. And with the brand's contour+comfort technology, you can choose between narrow, medium, and wide sneaker widths for the ultimate comfort and customization.

Material: Recycled knit and synthetic upper, recycled rubber outsole | Size Range: 5-11 | Color: Tortoise

The bold prints and webbing found around the vamp, back collar, and shoelaces of Merrell’s Embark Lace sneaker were inspired by collaborating artist Jordan Ann Craig’s indigenous heritage and the landscape of Pojoaque Valley in New Mexico. This artistic everyday pair will outshine city streets as they’ll also become your go-to for hiking trails. We found that they’re best worn with thin socks since the upper is made of recycled knit, and the low-cut silhouette shapes out right below the ankles. All in all, whether you are trekking along or walking the day, the outsole has a great grip on both wet and dry surfaces.

Material: Leather upper, textile lining, rubber sole | Size Range: 5-11 | Color: Urban White, All Black

Next to slip-ons, velcro shoes are one of our favorite styles for everyday wear because they are so easy to secure in place. This all-white pair from FitFlop is our showstopper for this overlooked category, thanks to its buttery leather, clean design, and trio straps. Not to mention, these are so versatile that you’ll have a hard time finding what not to wear them with. The slightly elevated outsole is made of slip-resistant rubber because well… safety first! Reviewers also mention the “trainer” shoes accommodate dexterity issues, are comfortable, and prove to be waterproof.

FAQ

• How should sneakers fit?

  As far as sneaker fit goes, Vieira says it depends "on the silhouette and the look you’re going for.” For sneakers with a more refined and elevated look, “they should be fitted and ‘laced up,’” Vieira explains. “But, if you’re sporting them with something more casual, the fit should be easy-going and relaxed,” he adds.

• What type of sneakers are better for a hot climate?

  If you’re rocking your sneakers in a warm climate, Vieira recommends white sneakers, classic cup soles, retro joggers, or even an elevated wedge sneaker “because they can be effortlessly paired with anything from a sundress to shorts and beyond.” For a breathable, sporty pair, look into Merrell Women's Embark Lace Sneaker X Jordan Ann Craig.