We Polled College Students for Their Favorite Shoes for Walking Absolutely Everywhere

As a college student in New York City, I have no problem reaching the 10,000 daily step goal I set for myself (I average about 12,000). Between strolling across campus, running to class, and trekking around the city, I’ve learned that the right shoes can make or break your day.

But comfort isn’t the only thing that matters to me — I still want shoes that actually look cute with my outfits. To find out what students are sporting, Dorm Therapy asked college students on Instagram which shoes they actually love wearing to class, and I cross-referenced that with my own research, including polling my friends and drawing on my experience as a student. From everyday campus staples to pairs that can handle a full day of walking, here are seven of the best shoes for college students, according to real students. (Note: The picks below don’t include weather-specific footwear like rain boots or snow boots.)

The best sneakers for college students are comfortable enough for long days on campus and cute enough to go with nearly everything in your closet. Whether you’re looking for a classic everyday sneaker, a cushioned pair for walking between classes, or a trendy style to dress up your outfits, these five picks are student-approved.

There’s a reason you see Sambas everywhere on a college campus: They go with basically everything except formal wear. Jeans, sweats, skirts, dresses — I have a hard time thinking of an outfit they wouldn’t work with. I’ve bought Adidas sneakers in several styles because I love the look of the brand’s casual shoes, but my Sambas are still the pair I reach for the most. They’re comfortable enough for daily wear, making them a great option if you want one pair of sneakers you can throw on for class, lunch, and errands without thinking twice. The suede toe area can be hard to keep clean, especially in rainy weather, but the leather body of the shoe is easy to wipe down, which helps keep them looking fresh.

The On Cloud 5s are a great pick for anyone who wants a sneaker that feels almost as light as a feather. Their streamlined design and signature CloudTec cushioning make them comfy for all-day wear, whether you’re rushing to class, grabbing coffee with friends, or walking around town afterward. They have a sporty look, but they’re sleek enough to pair with leggings, jeans, or your favorite casual campus outfit. If you want something practical without feeling like you’re wearing a super chunky walking shoe, the Cloud 5s are a solid everyday option.

If your top priority is comfort, comfort, comfort, the Hoka Bondi 9s are hard to beat. The Bondi 9s were featured in the 2025 Runner’s World Shoe Awards, named the Best Overall Walking Shoe and Best Overall Max-Cushion Shoe by SELF, and even earned the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance. With tons of foam cushioning and support, they’re made for those long days when you’re walking from class to class or hitting thousands of steps around the city. And since they come in plenty of cute colorways to choose from, you don’t have to sacrifice personality for comfort.

The Puma Speedcats are for anyone who wants their everyday sneaker to feel a little more fashion-forward. The slim, low-profile silhouette has an effortlessly cool streetwear look, and you can dress them down with baggy jeans or sweats or dress them up with a skirt or nicer pants. Basically, they’re the “cool kid” sneaker of the group. I don’t own a pair yet — several friends do — but if I did, I’d reach for the Puma Speedcats when my outfit matters as much as a comfortable walk.

Consider this sneaker proof that New Balance makes more than just “dad shoes.” The 530s have the comfort you’d expect from the brand, but their chunky, retro-inspired silhouette still feels stylish. They’re another easy everyday option for campus because they pair with everything from workout clothes to jeans, while still being comfortable enough for a day with a lot of walking.

These shoes are easy to slip on, comfortable enough for everyday wear, and versatile enough to take you from your dorm to class and everywhere in between. Whether you prefer a cozy, laid-back style or a supportive clog you can wear year-round, these two picks have you covered.

If a shoe were made for an 8:30 a.m. class, it would be the UGG Tasman. They have all the coziness of a slipper, including a plush sheepskin lining, but their lightweight, durable sugarcane EVA outsole means you can actually wear them outside. They’re so easy to slip on with sweats for class, but they also look cute with jeans, leggings, and even a slightly more dressed-up outfit. For those chilly fall and winter mornings (without snow) when comfort is the priority but you don’t want to look like you literally wore your slippers to class, these UGGs are an easy choice.

For days when you want comfort with as little effort as possible, Birkenstock Boston Clogs are hard to beat. They have that laid-back, chill-but-still-put-together look that works especially well with sweats, leggings, or jeans, while still making an outfit feel cute. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to put on when you’re running late for class, which, as a college student, is reason enough to keep them by the door. The leather-and-cork construction (plus the open heels) is best suited for dry days, though, so you’ll want to save them for when rain or snow isn’t in the forecast.