OrthoLite
In the summer when temperatures become absolutely sweltering just the thought of having to wear your work shoes can make you cringe. That’s why you’re always on the lookout for shoes that won’t hold in the heat and cause an uncomfortable work day and the stale sweat smell when you get home. The company developed a technology called OrthoLite that provides a breathable shoe, for example, the Cotrell Step slip-on loafers have an Ortholite sole and footbed that wicks away the moisture your feet have collected. Meaning you can be comfortable all day at work and not be scared to take off your shoes when you get home.

CushionPlus
You read that right, some of their shoes are equipped with their innovative cushioning system to give the best support and comfort you need to get through the day. It’s no fun to have to stop and take off your shoes because ouch, you hurt and blisters are forming. Whether you’re out shopping, walking down the boardwalk, or meeting up with your friends if you’re wearing a pair that has this dual-density cushion system you can bet that you’ll be comfortable all day long.

Cloudsteppers
Absolutely hate wearing shoes? You can get a pair that feels like you aren’t even wearing them! The brand refers to this line as their “Cloudsteppers” line, where they took their cushioning tech and advanced it. Making a more comfortable, lightweight shoe that gives the illusion you’re not wearing a pair of clunky shoes. Take the Arla Shayleigh platforms for example; you can see the sole is made of a luxuriously comfortable foam-like material, meaning it feels like walking on a cloud with each step (hence the name)!

Bendables
Ever had that pair of shoes that are so stiff and become warped from wear because instead of gently bending as you walk they practically fold in half and develop that ugly as sin crease line? Well with the Bendables collection that’s a thing of that past, thanks to the ultra-flexible leather and other high-quality materials the company has been known for. What could make it even better? That their soles are flexible too! Example; the Lexi Myrtle sandals. These sandals have an EVA outsole lined with actual fabric to give an all-around shock-absorbing experience, and since the entire outsole is made from EVA it is nowhere near as stiff and unforgiving as shoes with a hard, solid rubber outsole.

To assess each of the products on our list for durability, we not only read through thousands of customer reviews on our recommended products, but we also looked for some of the hallmarks of quality construction. There are a few ways of identifying a well-built, made-to-last product.

The Details
A zipper that doesn’t zip or snaps? Poor threading technique? A smelly, chemical residue on the shoe when you open the box? All these details were looked for an evaluated when assigning a score for durability.

Materials
Certain materials last longer than others, even if that comes at the expense of a higher score in the “comfort” criterion. Materials that are synthetic, thicker and firmer tend to score higher on durability.

Product Purpose
A shoe made for running and high-impact sports will not likely last as long as a good pair of general activity shoes and that’s okay. Being aware of the shoe’s purpose is critical for you as a reader and for us as a reviewer. Although shoes that will last longer score higher on this criterion, you might also see high scores to shoes with more limited durability, if that product was specifically designed for certain purposes that involve high-impact and high-stress motions. We take into account the type of shoes you are trying to purchase when assigning scores to shoes in this criterion.

Imagine walking all-day without pain and fatigue. Picking up kids, buying groceries maybe even getting a mid-day power walk in all being done without feet becoming tired. The body will feel energized when fitted with proper footwear. The use of this plush material in shoes is a more recent revelation. This material has been used in pillows and mattresses because it provides superior comfort due to weight distribution and plush feel. This translates well for a comforting experience that is weightless and supportive. The most well-cushioned and contoured attire will be alleviating. It’s so important that the cushioning holds its structure and doesn’t go flat when wearing for hours.

The material from which the sock is made can determine its elasticity and breathability. Different materials are suitable for socks of different purposes – for instance, merino wool is often used in thick winter ones, and cotton makes up most of our everyday ones. When it comes to those intended for sports, synthetic and cotton can both be found.

Synthetic: Synthetic materials are fibers that are entirely man-made. Some types include spandex, nylon, polyester, and acrylic. Often, socks will be made from a combination of many different types for maximum benefit. The pros of this material are that it is super thin and lightweight, even after getting wet. As a result, they won’t add additional bulk or weight to the feet.

They are also breathable and moisture-wicking, allowing the feet to stay fresh and dry by wicking away perspiration to the surface of the fabric, where it can evaporate. Not only does this prevent smell, but it also reduces the growth of bacteria that cause these smells and prevents blisters from forming on the foot. The con is that they do not provide warmth. When wet, their insulation is reduced, and they cannot provide adequate protection against the cold. However, this would not often be a problem – you’re wearing them on the court, after all, not out hiking in the middle of the winter!

Cotton: Cotton can sometimes be found alongside synthetic materials. 100% cotton materials are not good for physical activity because they don’t offer the necessary features to ensure comfort, but when it is used with synthetics, its benefits can shine through. Cotton is a natural fiber – and is one of the most widely produced of their kind, too. It comes from cotton plants and is used in a variety of different products like clothing, curtains, and bedsheets. Most everyday socks are made of the material. The benefit of this material is that it has a soft feel and is elastic. They feel comfortable on the feet and provide adequate warmth for everyday life during spring and autumn. It is also fairly inexpensive. When combined with other fibers, the socks are made stretchy and comfortable.

The downside, however, is that it absorbs moisture rather than wicks it away. When doing sports and perspiring, materials with a high cotton content will hold in the moisture and dry very slowly. The result? The perfect conditions for blisters to form, not to mention the discomfort of having sweaty feet throughout the game. In short, we recommend you look for a pair with mostly synthetics and not as much cotton. This way, you can benefit from both types of fibers and get the best of both worlds without much of the downsides.

The outsole of a shoe can be one of their most crucial aspects, especially when it comes to shoes. The outsole simply refers to the very outer part of the sole which comes into contact with the ground beneath. The underfoot sensation, the stride efficiency, and how the shock impact of each step is handled all comes down to the outsole. This is important for all pairs, including those for indoor sports, for streetwear, and for a Friday night out.

Having an insufficient grip on smooth or slippery surfaces will result in slipping and falling. This doesn’t just cause embarrassment – if it’s a serious fall, it could result in broken bones and even more severe consequences. Preventing the problem before it can be very simple. To ensure that your footwear has a good grip, the pattern on the outsole is very important. Thicker, deeper grooves (or “lugs”) on the outsole result in an optimal grip. Good quality hiking and mountaineering boots will have very deep lug patterns. Also keeping the cleaning process in mind – smaller and more widely spaced lugs are desirable because it is much easier to clean mud off of them. However, if you know that you’ll be walking on wet terrain, there are slightly different requirements.

Though certain patterns are suitable for smooth surfaces, they may not be of much use on wet ones. For example, basketball shoes have enclosed tread patterns that don’t allow the liquid to flow out from beneath the foot once trapped. As a result, the water is trapped in between, making you prone to slipping. What you’ll want is an interlocked tread pattern that channels the liquid away and allows for more contact with the ground.