Best: Overall

Rating: 10/10

New Balance’s fresh foam offerings are ridiculously comfortable and this is no exception. It’s a plush, cushioned shoe that excels at shock absorption but still manages to remain responsive. It’s a good choice for running if you don’t need a stability shoe, but our tester with high arches found it ideal for day-to-day wear. The toe box is roomy, the arch support is excellent and the heel cushioning is tangible and comforting, taking the shock out of each step. The insole is removable and the upper is supportive and breathable.

Best: For smart dressing

Rating: 10/10

A beautifully designed, wide-fit leather boot that would be at home in the office or with a pair of jeans for a day out. The low, wide heel makes for comfortable all-day wear and a non-slip outsole is a welcome addition that fashion boots usually lack. If you have plantar fasciitis but can’t live without a smart shoe, these are a good option. Like all Vionic shoes, it has a built-in orthotic – it cups the foot perfectly, with great arch support, but it’s removable so that you can insert your own if needed.

Best: For active holidays

Rating: 9/10

This is an active sandal that’s great for warmer adventures when you don’t want your feet enclosed in a shoe. The soft, neoprene straps are comfortable and the quick-dry webbing makes it great for beach to town as you can get them wet but they dry quickly. It accommodates wide feet and allows for toe splay. If you have high arches, the arch support isn’t as high as some supportive sandals but it’s enough for the average foot. The midsole cushioning makes them forgiving to walk in for decent distances, they’re non-slip and the three straps and backstrap keep it firmly on the foot and give it good adjustability. A slightly elevated heel makes it feel dynamic and sporty as well more flattering than the average trekking sandal.

Best: For rearfoot stability

Rating: 10/10

The ever-popular Kayano has heel support in spades. You can feel it if you simply squeeze the shoe with your hands but, once you’re wearing it, it cups the heel and feels solid and secure without being constrictive. It’s a stability shoe designed to prevent overpronation, where the foot rolls excessively inwards and it’s perfect for people with low arches, flat feet or hypermobile ankles. It combines with a wide toe box (we find that Asics shoes often come up narrow), allowing the toes to splay. The rearfoot and forefoot gel is responsive and provides good shock absorption although it’s not at the plush end of cushioning.

Best: For a lightweight boot

Rating: 8/10

Rieker specialises in lightweight, shock-absorbing footwear with maximum reflexibility and enough space for your toes. This boot ticks those boxes – it’s very light, with a relatively flexible feel as you roll through the foot, which is great if you want a boot rather than a shoe but struggle with heavier, stiffer versions. It’s zippered on either side, making it very easy to put on and it has an extra-wide fit (although we’d say it was closer to wide). It’s lined with lambswool lining, giving it a cosy feel. The arch support isn’t quite enough for someone with high arches but it has a removable insole so you can insert your own orthotic if this is your issue.

Best: For off-road walking

Rating: 8/10

A waterproof trekking shoe with great traction on the sole. It has a slight rocker shape for smooth heel to toe transition, the insole is beautifully cushioned without feeling too cushy and the arch support is sublime. They’re on the narrower side so may not suit those with wide feet. The bootie construction is very comfortable and it’s a lightweight offering compared with many trekking shoes.

Best: For standing for long periods

Rating: 9/10

Designed for sports recovery, this clog is the epitome of comfort. The foot is cradled perfectly with superb arch support and the foam is like standing on clouds. Even though it doesn’t have a back strap, the upper comes high over the top of the foot so there was no need for clawing of the toes to keep them on. A slight rocker sole makes for a smooth transition from heel to toe and they are ideal if you are on your feet for hours standing still, as the foam holds its shape to reduce pressure through the foot and joints. Ventilation holes at the side stop them becoming too sweaty. We also liked wearing them around the house instead of slippers, especially after a run.

Best: For rainy walks

Rating: 9/10

The brand known for its super-comfortable shoes designed to promote body alignment has turned its attention to wellies and a significantly more pleasurable-to-wear and supportive boot is the result. If you’re a regular welly wearer, you’ll know how flat and unforgiving they can feel. FitFlop has changed that by contouring the sole to evenly distribute bodyweight and placing “micro springboards” in the forefoot. The toe box is wide, there’s nice arch support and the heel is filled with a honeycomb design to take the shock out of each footstep. The result is a boot that’s comfortable and supportive to walk in. It’s also adjustable around the calf – the design is wide and cinches down to suit everyone but those with the narrowest of calves.