My Go-To Boot Under $40—Plus 10 More Comfortable Boots to Shop Right Now (2024)

These podiatrist-recommended boots have already been featured on our round up of best shoes for plantar fasciitis for their cushioned insole that’s designed to support foot health. Reviewers rave that these are the most comfortable boots for walking long distances due to its roomy toe box and microfiber fabric that helps with ventilation—not to mention they look pretty chic, too.

What a reviewer says: “Great bootie with barely-there heel. Sole is not slippery on floors. Zipper on side helps get the shoe on when open and ankle space is snug when zipper is closed so shoe isn’t flopping around the ankle. True to size. Rounded toe box. I’m buying additional colors since the fit is so good. Also has insole cushioning for extra comfort.”

This pair is a personal favorite—and is by far the most comfortable boots in my wardrobe. I purchased them four years ago and have been shocked by how durable they have been for their paltry $35 price (similar styles go for upwards of $150 for comparison’s sake). No, they’re not made from real leather, but that actually helps make them more comfortable, since it requires zero breaking in. The material is water resistant—perfect for rain or snow, and the knit ankle collar makes them extra cozy. The outsole is thick and grippy, and the insole is just cushioned enough to withstand pounding the pavement of my commute all fall and winter long. My favorite feature though? The gorgeous laces are great for customizing the fit, but its side zipper makes it a breeze to take on and off.

What a reviewer says: “I love the look of these boots. They’re just perfect. I wore them a few minutes at home, then took them with me on an eight day trip as the ONLY footwear, and they were SO comfortable. Do I wish they were natural leather? Yes, but then they wouldn’t be this price. I did get some wear and tear on my trip, but that only served to make them look more ‘authentic.’ I think they’re a great pair of boots. Also, the inner side zip is EVERYTHING.”

All fall fashionistas know that a lug-sole Chelsea boot should be a staple in everyone’s wardrobe. The versatile style goes with dresses, jeans, and even athleisure. This ultra-soft pair from Steve Madden has over 2,000 Amazon fans raving about their comfort and ease of wear. That might have to do with its suede fabric, easy-on pull tab, and non-slip outersole. It’s also available in a wide range of colors for every aesthetic.

What a reviewer says: “Fits perfect! Very well made and comfortable. I have gotten tons of compliments. There was no breaking in period. I wore the all day at work and did not have sore feet.”

This cold-weather knit collared pair of water-resistant booties has extra mid-sole cushion for arch support that is podiatrist-approved. More than just approval, Skechers’ Arch Fit technology was actually developed by podiatrists to help distribute foot pressure to eliminate pain before it starts. The removable insole is also machine washable and will adapt to your own stride, making it a more comfortable boot the longer you walk.

What a reviewer says: “The first day I wore these for any length of time, I walked nine miles in New York City. My feet were the only part of my body that didn’t hurt! I just bought in another color. Get theses. You won’t regret it!”

Tall boots might be a fashion staple, but they can be bulky, cumbersome and downright uncomfortable to wear. But not this pair—these tall boots feature built-in orthotics for optimal heel and arch support to help relieve foot pain and fatigue. A memory foam mid layer ensures responsive cushioning and shock absorption. Made from premium leather, they’ll be long-lasting, too.

What a reviewer says: “I needed a new pair of boots, and I love ABEO shoes. I was so glad to find these which have a simple style and a good price. They are also very comfortable.”

Podiatrists everywhere recommend shoe brand Kuru for its superior support. This bootie features the same cushioned insole, midsole arch support, and flexible outer as the brand’s podiatrist-approved sneakers. And it’s cushy heel and rocker heel make it ideal for those struggling with heel pain and plantar fasciitis.

What a reviewer says: “These boots are so comfortable—as comfortable as sneakers—but look really nice. My feet felt good in them immediately. Can’t wait to wear them all winter long!”

They might not be ideal for walking long distances, but there’s no denying the comfort of these Classic Mini Uggs. Lined with an ultra-soft shearling to keep your toes warm through even the coldest days of winter, they’re crafted with quality fabrics that will last season after season. Though some might say they’re back in-trend this season, I don’t think they ever left. They’re my forever go-to for winter dog walks for their durability and extra soft comfort. There’s a reason they never go on sale.

What a reviewer says: “These boots are my favorite daily shoes in the winter. I did use waterproof spray on them ahead of time, which seems to be working to keep these in good shape. Super cute, warm, and comfortable.”

Via a combination of its flexible outersole, low heel, and plushly cushioned memory foam insole, this pair from Clarks is in the running for the most comfortable boots out there. Made from real suede and featuring a stylish ankle strap, they are just as chic as they are comfortable, too.

What a reviewer says: “Clarks were on the list of shoes my podiatrist gave me to help with my plantar fasciitis. I wear these with an insert, and I can walk all day without pain. I also look fashionable while doing so! They’re so cute! And they run true to size.”

“These are hands-down the most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn,” Hearst’s associate editor, Lauren Gruber says of her favorite western boots. “I’ve stood and danced in them for over eight hours at a music festival without my feet getting tired. The mid-calf height is super versatile and I’ve worn them with everything from casual jeans to dresses. I’ve had them for over three years and they still look as good as new, thanks to their durable, scratch-resistant leather material. Plus, they come in standard and wide calf sizes!”

What a reviewer says: “They are beautiful boots and the wide calf is amazing! At varying weights, I’ve always had wide calves—currently prob 18-18.5” circumference. These fit great on me up and around jeans with even some extra room so it doesn’t look like sausage casing on my legs. So glad wrist extended their sizing! Can’t wait to wear these out!”

If a comfortable heeled boot has been your fall-wardrobe white whale, look no further than this pair from Vionic. The brand is known for their cushioned orthotic insoles with contoured arch support and a deep heel cut for extra stability, which makes walking in heels a lot more comfortable. While this may look like a hefty heel, the front platform helps lower the heel drop to a measly inch for a more comfortable stride without being clunky.

What a reviewer says: “I love my black leather boots, great to dress up for work professional and great to dress down for casual look. I wish they would come in tan, too. Great arch support!”

In terms of shoes that need extra comfort, hiking boots are at the top of the list. If you’ve been burned by blisters and tense ankles after a long climb, this pair from Hoka will feel like a dream in comparison. They boast an American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance for promoting good foot health, most likely due to its ergonomic cushioned foot bed, lightweight body, and grippy Vibram non-slip sole, which make it easy to wear for hours at a time.

What a reviewer says: “I bought these and took them out for a quick two mile jaunt. They were comfortable right out of the box and I appreciate the fact that they’re lightweight and sturdy at the same time. I trudged through mud with no slipping. I splashed through pretty deep puddles and watched with glee as the water rolled right off that Gore-Tex. I clambered up rotten logs to peek down at a mossy ravine. I walked down a rocky path to spy on basking turtles with no ankle rolling. The entire time I was out there, I didn’t worry about my feet once.”

Go for a rounded, wide toe box. If you’re more drawn to pointy or pinched toe styles, chances are they’re not going to be all that comfy. This kind of style can “lead to blisters and calluses from more friction and pressure. More serious problems like overpronation, underpronation, or plantar fasciitis can happen as the foot compensates for improper alignment or support.” Chris Mohr, R.D., Fitness and Nutrition Advisor says. So, when you try on your (rounded toe) boot, make sure you can spread your toes out.

Look for a lower heel. “The higher the heel, the more stress is placed on the knees, hips, back, and forefoot,” says Paul Langer, D.P.M., a sports medicine podiatrist based in Minneapolis told Prevention. If walkability is of importance, podiatrists recommend wearing boots with less than a two-inch heel.

Pay attention to the insole. When it comes to maximizing foot comfort, it’s ideal to have a cushioned insole with arch support and a deep heel cut. This ergonomic shape will help stabilize your foot and ankle, and add to overall comfort levels. That’s why it’s great to opt for a boot from a podiatrist-approved brand like Vionic, Hoka, or Skechers, whose insoles hit all those marks. If that’s not possible, Priya Parthasarathy, D.P.M., a podiatrist based in Silver Spring, MD recommends looking for a boot with “a removable insole allows you to use custom orthotics or more supportive insoles if needed.”