I spent $130 on shoes that gave me blisters — here's 5 comfortable alternatives I wish I'd bought instead for under $50

Skechers Slip-ins: Summits in Dazzling Haze color
(Image credit: Skechers)

I prefer to wear canvas shoes for most of the year. But during the winter, they don’t cut it. The weather is too cold and too wet for my canvas sneakers to hold up. So, in a hurry I bought a pair of $130 Doc Martens last winter. Now that they’re out of my shoe closet and in use again, I’m experiencing some buyers’ remorse.

Don’t get me wrong, Doc Martens have lots of positives — they’re durable, look great, and are weather proof. They just take some breaking in, and my efforts to do so last year haven’t made enough of an impact to stop them from giving me blisters now. So while I make do with wearing giant socks and layering up band-aids, I’m on the hunt for comfortable shoes that love me back from the first wear.

One of the first options I’m drawn to is the Skechers Summits Dazzling Haze Hands Free Slip In Sneakers. On sale starting from just $29, they’re well within my budget, and my colleagues from the fitness team have ranked them among the best Skechers they’ve tested.

Quick Links

Editor's Choice

Adidas Adilette Shower Slides
Adidas Adilette Shower Slides: was $30 now $20 at Amazon
Read moreRead less

Okay, I'm not buying these shoes, but that's because I already own a pair — and they're some of the comfiest footwear I own. Whenever I'm not out of the house, I have these on pretty much 24/7, since they stay on securely and the foam footbeds feel like pillows. I just prefer to wear them indoors when it's chilly.

Chooka Waterproof Chelsea Bootie (Women's)
Chooka Waterproof Chelsea Bootie (Women's): was $48 now $24 at Amazon
Read moreRead less

Since these boots are waterproof and have a warm, fuzzy lining, they're a serious contender to be my next pair of shoes. The Chelsea boot style means they're easy to take on and off, which is great as I hate touching muddy boots when I get in from a rainy day out.

Skechers Summits Dazzling Haze Slip Ins (Women's)
Skechers Summits Dazzling Haze Slip Ins (Women's): was $47 now $29 at Amazon
Read moreRead less

Skechers can be surprisingly affordable considering they're such a big brand. But that's part of what makes them so popular. I hate wasting time tying my laces, and the Dazzling Haze are the best slip-in Skechers the Tom's Guide fitness team have tested. I'm also a fan of the fact that these are lightweight, and well suited to light exercise.

Asics Japan S PF (Women's)
Asics Japan S PF (Women's): was $90 now $39 at ASICS America
Read moreRead less

White and pink is my absolute favorite color combo, so in terms of looks, these shoes are top of my list. They come in a nice Lavender color option, too. Their outer design is inspired by classic basketball shoes, but with modern comfort added for a soft, plush feel. Plus, over 50% off is tough to beat.

New Balance 608 V5 Cross Trainers (Women's)
New Balance 608 V5 Cross Trainers (Women's): was $74 now $46 at Amazon
Read moreRead less

While I haven't tried out a pair of New Balance shoes myself yet, the 608 V5 Cross Trainers have a ton of positive reviews from shoppers on Amazon, with many people praising their incredibly comfortable and supportive design. I'm a big fan of the white/light blue and white/pink color schemes of these shoes, but nothing beats a pair of black sneakers — they go with everything.

TOPICS
Millie Davis-Williams

Millie is a Deals Editor at Tom's Guide specializing in deals content. She also covers the latest tech news and and creates how-to articles about everything from phones, streaming devices, and headphones to apps and video games. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, gaming on her Nintendo Switch and creating digital art.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.