10 Comfy, Stylish Sneakers That Are Perfect For Busy Moms

Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.

Moms understand the demands of raising kids are boundless — and that means being ready and prepared for whatever the day brings is requisite for the job. When you're on your feet for hours at a time, chasing after little ones and shuttling them from activity to activity, the right pair of sneakers can be a game changer. (And since you're not like a regular mom, you're a cool mom, you of course want to maintain your sense of style amid the chaos.) But what should moms look for in a pair of kicks that can keep up with their busy days?

"The key features moms should consider are whether the shoes have a wide-enough toe box, whether they are the correct size, and whether they have the appropriate amount of flexibility in the sole of the shoe," board-certified podiatrist Dr. Alissa Kuizinas, DPM, tells POPSUGAR. "Many sneakers and casual shoes have narrow toe boxes and stiff soles that can be very destructive for feet and can cause day-to-day foot pain as well."

If you're searching for a comfy sneaker that will withstand your packed to-do list, stylish kicks that can take you from playdate to night out, or a tennis shoe that offers the proper support for your achy arches, we've got you covered. Here are 10 sneakers for active moms looking for a sneaker that can multitask as a reliable work shoe for days in and out of the home.

— Additional reporting by Angela Elias

Best Platform Sneaker
nordstrom.com

Best Platform Sneaker

Steve Madden Charlie Platform Sneaker ($75)

If you're on the petite side and enjoy sneakers that give you a bit of a height boost, you'll love this platform style. The platform measures an inch and a half and features a traction sole for added stability. This color option includes an all-leather upper with a pop of contrasting black at the heel. It also has a removable cushion insole for extra comfort.

Best Slip-On Sneaker
nordstrom.com

Best Slip-On Sneaker

Vans Reissue 98 Slip-On Sneaker ($80)

Step back into the late '90s with this iconic shoe that's been revamped for extra comfort and trend-forward details. It features a glossy, platform sole and is built with an antifatigue Sola Foam insole. It comes in this pretty Lx Checkerboard Coffee as well as an Lx Checkerboard Pesto.

Best Light-Weight Sneaker
nordstrom.com

Best Light-Weight Sneaker

New Balance FuelCell Propel v4 Running Shoe ($110)

Lightweight sneakers are easier to wear for extended periods without making your feet and legs feel like they missed too many nap times. Any way to lessen fatigue is important for athletes and equally so for busy parents who want to keep the necessary pace to get through the day without feeling weighed down. This pair from New Balance hits these specs and looks really good doing it, too.

Best Heritage Sneaker
nordstrom.com

Best Heritage Sneaker

Nike Dunk Low Basketball Sneaker ($115)

This heritage basketball shoe scores points for its vintage-meets-modern aesthetic and comfortable feel. It boasts plenty of nostalgic '80s style, but the padded, low-cut collar makes them especially great for being on your feet for long periods.

Best Colorful Sneaker
nordstrom.com

Best Colorful Sneaker

Adidas Gazelle Indoor Sneaker ($120)

When you need a splash of color, you can't go wrong with a classic pair of Adidas Gazelles. This yellow and pink style feels particularly playful and would be perfect with a neutral outfit. The smooth suede outer, soft interior cushioning, and removable cushioned sole make this shoe especially comfortable. It looks just as good paired with denim cutoffs as it does a pretty midi dress, so have fun!

Most Comfortable Sneaker
nordstrom.com

Most Comfortable Sneaker

On Cloud 5 Running Shoe ($140)

As parents, we're often on our feet for hours and hours each day, whether we're chasing our kid at the playground or running to drop them off at the bus stop on time. When that's the case, having shoes that don't make being on our feet all day feel like a chore can mean the difference between a good day and a bad one.

Dr. Kuizinas says common foot concerns for new moms, like foot fatigue and cramping, may come from wearing the wrong sneakers. "These [foot] issues can stem from shoes with upper materials that are too stiff or rigid," she says. Shoes that "do not allow for accommodation of the feet with swelling" are also a no-go.

The Cloud 5 Running Shoe from On checks all these boxes and then some. It is breathable, has a Zero-Gravity foam insole that hugs your arch, and has a lugged sole for extra traction. Reviews say these shoes can run a little small, but people have found their perfect fit by sizing up half a shoe size.

Best Overall Sneaker
nordstrom.com

Best Overall Sneaker

Veja Impala Sneaker ($150)

There are many reasons people rave about this French brand. These comfortable, breathable shoes are loved by celebrities like Meghan Markle and are made from sustainable and ethically sourced materials. This pair gets our top billing because it has all the characteristics of a great sneaker: the neutral colorway makes it versatile enough to wear for a workout or a long day on your feet, and it is lightweight but offers enough stability to keep your feet feeling their best.

Best High Top Sneaker
nordstrom.com

Best High Top Sneaker

Comme des Garçons PLAY Converse Chuck Taylor High Top Sneaker ($150)

If you want the comfort and familiarity of a classic Chuck Taylor High Top but are craving something slightly more elevated, this collaboration with Comme des Garçons PLAY is for you. The peeking heart motif was created by New York graphic artist Filip Pagowski and Comme des Garçons's designer Rei Kawakubo. It's just the thing for testing out the "unexpected red theory" that made waves on TikTok.

Best Statement Sneaker
nordstrom.com

Best Statement Sneaker

AllSaints Sheer Low Top Sneaker ($189)

For a bolder sneaker that can be paired with everything from comfy utility suits to dresses and jeans, these fashionable kicks are a perfect option. They have subtle distressing and an embossed print that gives them extra texture and patina. We love that they incorporate several metallic tones, so they can easily be mixed and matched with jewelry. These run slightly small, so you may want to consider going up half a size.

-


Devan McGuinness Devan McGuinness (she/they) is a Canadian disabled writer, editor, and social strategist who covers politics, entertainment, parenting, and lifestyle. Devan has contributed to POPSUGAR, Fatherly, Parents, Scary Mommy, Mom.com, and more over her 10-plus years in digital media, specializing in stories that matter most to families.



Angela Elias Angela Elias is a contributing editor for PS Commerce. In her former roles at PS, she led the relaunch of its Latine identity and family-focused verticals, directed its Home vertical, and hosted shopping segments. She has nearly 15 years of experience working in the lifestyle space as a writer, editor, content strategist, director, on-camera talent, and publicist.