The best shoes for New York City are comfortable and stylish, but also durable. The sidewalks are unforgiving, and you need to be able to walk around all day. If you’re going to invest in a pair of shoes, make sure they are the ones that will last.
If you’re looking for a great pair of shoes to wear while in NYC, then take a look at our list of the top ten best shoes for New York City.
- Birkenstock Sandals
Birkenstock sandals are the perfect footwear for walking around NYC. They’re comfortable and easy to slip on and off, which makes them perfect for long days spent traipsing around town or standing in line for food trucks. These sandals come in a variety of colors and styles so there’s something for everyone!
- Sperry Top-Siders
Sperrys are another great shoe option for those visiting New York City as they provide comfortability and support for all-day wear. They can be worn with jeans or shorts, making them versatile enough to wear with almost any outfit! Plus they come in a variety of different colors so you’ll be able to find one that matches your style
Best Shoes For New York
Comfort is key when it comes to shoes to wear in NYC. Whether you live in New York City or you’re just visiting, walking is a way of life here and so shoe choice is super important.
On any given day in NYC, I log in at least 3 miles of walking. That’s a little over an hour spent in non-workout, everyday shoes.
A comfortable shoe is pretty much a no-brainer given how much one walks in the city (even more so if you’re a tourist). Comfy shoes keep your feet happy on long walks, but a comfortable shoe is also important thanks to the many cobblestone streets of New York. You also want your shoes to be durable and stylish.
New York City is one of the most fashionable cities in the world, and because of the walking lifestyle, most New Yorkers think of their shoes as an integral part of their outfit, not just an afterthought. Yes, you want comfortable shoes to walk in, but they need to look good, too.
Moving part-time to NYC from a city that never walks (Los Angeles), I was forced to figure out my shoe situation rather quickly. Here are the shoes I keep on heavy rotation in my NYC closet. (If you’re visiting, add these to your packing list ASAP!)
5 BEST SHOES FOR WALKING AROUND NYC
WHITE SNEAKERS
Hands down, the number one shoe you need for walking around NYC is a pair of super comfortable classic white sneakers.
My white sneakers are easily my most worn pair of NYC shoes. I wear mine year-round, though every season, because they’re super versatile regardless of my outfit.
In the summer, white sneakers and a sundress is the NYC woman’s uniform. In fall or spring, you can easily pair these with jeans. When it’s cold in the winter, add a pair of thick socks to keep your feet warm. I recommend leather because they’re easier to clean than fabric shoes and your feet will be warmer in leather when it’s cold.
If you’re visiting NYC, white sneakers serve as great walking shoes for travel and long sightseeing days because you get the arch support of traditional sneakers while still looking stylish.
There are a lot of shoe brands that make white sneakers, and you can find a pair at any budget. Here are some of my favorites:<
LOAFERS
I prefer loafers over a mule for NYC. Your feet won’t accidentally slip out like they can with mules onto the lovely streets of NYC. (I mean, yuck. Am I right?)
Loafers are more polished than sneakers, but just as comfy since they’re flat. Wear them to a business meeting, out to lunch, and even to dinner.<
FLAT SANDALS WITH A STRAP AROUND THE HEEL
If your feet get hot quickly and/or the thought of wearing closed-toe shoes in 80 degrees plus 80% humidity scares you, I get it. Wear the flat sandals, girlfriend.
If you’re going to wear sandals in NYC, however, make sure they have a back strap that goes around your heel.
Just like mules, slide sandals can slip off your feet. Sandals with a strap on the heel are much more supportive, comfy, and you have one less thing to worry about.
(The only exception to this is Birkenstocks. I love wearing my Birkenstock sandals in NYC, and since the footbed has a raised edge, your foot is less likely to slip. The Arizona style is my favorite style for a quick walk to my local coffee shop.)
LOW HEELS OR BLOCK HEELS
Unless you’re walking from a taxi straight inside to your destination, I really don’t recommend high heels for NYC. Despite my best efforts to live out my Carrie Bradshaw dreams, the stiletto in the city life is not for me.
More practical, high heel alternatives include the following:
- A low block heel (this style works for date night and important business meetings)
- Low-heeled strappy sandals (more comfy than a higher heel, with the same SJP vibes)
- A block-heel sandal (a wardrobe staple, and you can wear day or night)
NON-SUEDE LEATHER ANKLE BOOTS
Leather ankle boots – or Chelsea boots, whatever you want to call them – are NYC shoe staples for cooler temperatures. Whether it’s winter, fall, or one of those fake spring days, you can’t go wrong with a non-suede leather ankle boot.
I emphasize non-suede because weather in the city can be really flaky. While suede boots are beautiful, they can also get ruined very easily if it starts sporadically raining. Leather boots are much more durable than their suede counterparts.
You can find leather ankle boots in a ton of color options, but I prefer the traditional and classic black. They go with everything, and they work for winter nights when you need something cute. If you’re looking for something a bit fancier than a flat, there are a lot of great block heel ankle bootie options.<
WATERPROOF BOOTS FOR SNOW AND INCLEMENT WEATHER
I try to reserve my actual snow boots exclusively for heavy snow and blizzard days. However, walking through snow and slush is inevitable in NYC, and investing in the right shoes for this weather is crucial.
Traditional snow boots can be clunky to walk in, and when you’re trying to meet friends for dinner or brunch, they’re also not the cutest.
Instead, opt for a durable, high quality waterproof boot that can stand up to the elements and still look good. These are typically lace-up hiker and combat boots, or pull-on lug sole boots.
You really don’t need a ton of shoes to walk around NYC, you just need the right ones! White classic sneakers work year-round and can double up as an airport travel shoe. In the height of summer, find sandals with heel straps to avoid your foot from slipping. In the fall and winter, you can’t go wrong with a black leather ankle boot. Happy walking!