UGG, Nike, and Rothy’s: 29 Actually Good Deals on Comfy Shoes
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In order to determine the very best shoes to include in our guides to running shoes, workout shoes, slippers, and walking shoes, we log hundreds of miles (or, in the case of slippers, many mail runs) and seek out recommendations from experts in the field, from podiatrists to marathon runners to physical therapists. No matter the type of comfy shoe (a cloudlike three-inch heel even made its way into the mix), the best time to get them is when they go on sale, and I’ve scoured our shoe content and online retailers for the best deals I can find on our favorites.
As usual, these discounts come and go quickly, so I’ll be updating this article every month. And if your appetite for deals isn’t quite satisfied, you can sign up for our daily deals newsletter and never miss a sale again.
Unisex shoe deals
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Feiyue Fe Lo 1920
One of contributor Mya Gelber’s favorite pairs of Samba alternatives is 25 percent off. They’re available in 16 colors and, according to Gelber, have well-designed outsoles that provide great traction. Bonus: These are also one of our favorite pairs of workout shoes for men.
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UGG Unisex Venture Daze Ultra Mini
This pair of boots is the one that Strategist senior editor Jen Trolio calls her “inclement weather UGGs” thanks to the bouncy sole (which also has good traction). They’re now marked down by 32 percent.
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These Crocs are one of the things Kelis told us she can’t live without (the singer told us that she and her kids wear them on their family farm). In typical Amazon fashion, prices vary by size and color, but I generally found the lowest price on this navy version and a nice teal.
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Crocs Classic Slide
Crocs’ slide sandal is also on sale in various sizing and colors at Amazon. They’re some of our favorite slippers under $100.
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A remarkably affordable pair of slippers from Parachute that comes recommended by Strategist writer Katherine Gillespie. Just note: Since the shoes are unisex, they run large. For reference, Gillespie wears a woman’s size 7 and says an extra small would have been best for her.
Women’s shoe deals
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These pastel Rothy’s are under $100 and fully in stock at Nordstrom (for now). Strategist contributor Erika Veurnik logged 15,000 steps in these flats on her trip to Florence and had nary a blister once back at her hotel.
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Keds Triple Kick Canvas
Keds’ canvas sneakers beat the clunky-platform-shoe allegations. The thick outsoles don’t just add height; they also absorb the shock of every step, says organizer Nina Sarhan, who wears them during protests.
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An “absurdly comfortable” boot that keeps your feet completely dry, stuffiness not included. Strategist writer Rachael Griffiths says she was comfortable in her Gelerts for a whopping 25,000 steps at Glastonbury.
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Because you shouldn’t have to stash a pair of flats in your purse at every wedding. These three-inch heels are like “walking on clouds,” according to contributor Gaby Grossman, who’s worn them to seven weddings.
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We’re always excited to see Merrells on sale, especially when they’re the pair Sandy Liang wrote a haiku about.
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The Moc 3’s didn’t get a haiku, but they were Liang’s shoe of choice on her Normal People–inspired trip to Ireland.
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In the months since Goertzen added these to her slipper-testing docket, she says they’ve become her go-to pair of house shoes. After all, it’s hard to resist an entire shoe wrapped in plush shearling.
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Vivaia Round-Toe Flats
Some stylish and comfortable flats that also keep feet cool. We learned about these from Bilena Settepani, the pastry chef and store manager at Settepani Bakery who slips on these machine-washable shoes for errands and dressier events. They’re on sale in a few colors, including this rather on-trend leopard print.
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Here are some non-hobbity Blundstones I found in the brand’s sale section.
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Asics Women’s Solution Speed FF 3
Moving to sneakers, I found a few of our favorite pairs on sale. These are the most responsive tennis shoes we’ve tested.
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Nike Dunk Low Next Nature
These Nike Dunks will pair nicely with leggings, a crop top, and a jacket — at least that’s how Stacey Bendet styles hers.
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Carrie Brownstein of Sleater Kinney told us she can’t live without these Teva slip-ons. They’re perfect for those, like her, who aren’t into athleisure but still need a versatile shoe for mail runs and doing chores around the house.
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If you’re headed somewhere warm this spring break, try Chacos, currently discounted by 41 percent in this funky ocher pattern.
Men’s shoe deals
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Rather than traditional laces, the Could 5’s use a “speed lacing system” so you can easily slip them on and off. Strategist managing editor Kelsie Schrader says they’re soft, bouncy, and supportive even after walking 1,000 miles in her pair.
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Our deals editor, Sam Daly, found these cozy UGGs in the depths of Nordstrom’s sale section.
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Finally, the “It”-girl shoe — for men. Given the extra ankle coverage, you’ll be able to wear it for more than just your mail runs.
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The pickings are slim in Blundtone’s men’s sale section, but I found these low-cut shoes in the mix. During a recent pulse check on Blundstones, our team highlighted the low-cut pairs as some of our favorites.
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I was excited to find our favorite workout shoe marked down in a few colors. Strategist writer Rellosa has been wearing the Metcon 9 for four years and has found that they’ve held up to all types of workouts, including weight lifting, rowing, HIIT sessions, and treadmill warm-up runs.
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Hoka Clifton 9
First UGG Minis and now some Clifton 9s; it seems the men’s sale section is full of some “It”-girl shoes. These have earned a spot in our guides to running shoes and workout shoes for their versatility and comfort.
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Our favorite affordable workout shoe is also on sale. Rellosa says they’re best “if you want an easy shoe to wear to the gym for all types of sports and the occasional run” — at a lower price.
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We’re not picking sides in the Chaco-Teva rivalry, but the discount on these Chacos is certainly giving them a leg up. Spring break is nigh — making these sandals a no-brainer.
Kids’ shoe deals
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These rain boots will add a little sparkle to the walk to school during spring showers.
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ASICS GT-1000 12 Pre-School
For walking shoes, consider this pair from Asics that we like because they provide great arch and ankle support, cushioning, and stability. They come recommended by Paige Lauren, founder of the eponymous children’s clothing brand and mother of an 8-year-old who has been wearing the shoes for years.
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ASICS GT-1000 12 Grade School
They also come in grade-school sizes with laces instead of Velcro.
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
