8 Best Casual Sneakers for Women
The white sneaker -- we would place a strong bet that almost every lady you know owns at least one pair. They are the 2020s Uggs. A great pair of plain white sneakers is truly a closet staple and the most versatile for travel, but sometimes you may want to elevate your shoe game.
Well, fear not, ladies, because we are here to run down the holy grail of casual sneaks for women, from the sporty to the classics. The kind that make you want to strut your stuff down the street and pretend like you're in a music video. Or at least get around a new city in a put-together fit without 15 blisters. These shoes were made for walking.
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8 best travel-friendly casual sneakers for 2024
1. Best overall casual sneakers: VEJA
Veja is a sustainable and ethical footwear brand that prioritizes using eco-friendly materials and fair trade practices in its production process. The company's minimalist designs have gained a loyal following among fashion-conscious consumers and celebs alike. With well over 20 styles, there’s something for everyone. The Veja Campo is our favorite for the perfect mix of minimalism, trendiness, and comfort. These sneakers are a staple classic made from organic cotton, recycled polyester, and wild rubber, and offer a handful of color combos.
Price: starting at $175
2. Best sustainability-focused casual sneakers: CARIUMA
A pioneer in shoe sustainably, CARIUMA walked so other brands could run. Their popular OCA Low comes in both canvas and vegan leather options, and the vegan insoles are made from organic mamona oil and cork and include arch support and super-soft memory foam. Each purchase plants trees in the rainforest, so it’s a true win-win. Not to mention the color choices are perfect for anyone looking to add a pop to their outfit, including a partnership with Pantone to create lines using specific color swatches.
Price: starting at $79
3. Best casual sneakers for activities: Allbirds
When the city tour is at 12, and workout class is at 4. Allbirds Women's Wool Runners are made from eco-friendly materials such as merino wool and eucalyptus tree fiber, meaning they are both sustainable and comfortable enough to go from one activity to the next. They have a soft and cozy feel while also being breathable and supportive. The brand is popular with all ages and has a cult following for a reason.
Price: starting at $110
4. Best waterproof casual sneakers: ecco
There usually isn’t room in our luggage for rainboots, so if you’re off to a destination that may have a sprinkle or two, the two-for-one ecco MX is the best of both worlds. With a streetwear-inspired look (we recommend the black for this) and GORE-TEX technology to ensure waterproofing, you can style these with a casual outfit, have support for walking, and be covered if the skies decide to open up.
Price: starting at $150
5. Best iconic streetwear casual sneakers: Adidas
You’ve probably seen these popping back up on influencer’s pages recently. Adidas Samba sneakers are a classic that has been around for decades. The Samba was originally designed as an indoor soccer shoe in the 70s and evolved into a timeless streetwear look. The slim fit, neutral colors, and timeless Adidas branding make everything about this shoe cool. You definitely don’t have to be Christiano Ronaldo to rock a pair of these.
Price: starting at $100
6. Best “Dad” casual sneakers: New Balance
It’s official: dad shoes are back in. The upside to this is that they’re probably the most comfortable, trendy sneaker option out there right now. The New Balance Unisex 503 is the way to go with this style. Especially paired with leggings, tall socks, a cap, and a blazer, you’ll look like you’re in the know.
Price: starting at $100
7. Best affordable casual sneakers: Everlane
Made from 100% organic cotton and recycled rubber soles, Everlane’s The Forever Sneaker is not only eco-friendly but also stylish, comfortable, and affordable. The classic design features a minimalist look and two neutral color options to choose from. Everlane also provides transparency about their production process and pricing, which makes these sneakers a great choice for those who want to know more about the ins and outs of the products they are purchasing. Did we mention these sneakers are also machine-washable?
Price: starting at $65
8. Best packable casual sneakers: Anothersole
Anothersole’s Lucie II are more like leather flats than sneakers, and that’s exactly what the creators wanted. The unlined 100% Argentine leather means they are breathable, and the ergonomic sports-engineered footbed means your feet feel supported all day. They are also only 280g and pack flat, which means more room for all four colors.
Price: starting at $125
Casual sneakers for women - common FAQs
Which brands are best for casual sneakers?
The brand you choose will be based on what you’re looking for. Casual sneakers with more support and comfort will usually be found with brands that make athletic gear, such as New Balance and Adidas. However, don’t discount the quality of sneaker-only brands such as Allbirds and Veja. Since footwear is their bread and butter, they definitely know how to make a quality product.
What makes a sneaker good for travel?
The best travel sneakers are ones that combine both comfort and style. They need to be versatile enough to match many different outfits but comfortable enough that you can walk those 15,000 steps with as little pain as possible. It’s also nice if they pack well, but wearing them on the plane is the best hack. The factors to look for are comfort, breathability, quality, and versatility.
How much should I expect to spend on casual sneakers?
You get what you pay for. However, that doesn’t mean you need to drop $500 on designer shoes to get a quality pair of casual sneakers. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150 or more for a pair of good casual sneakers, with options on the higher end having better features and quality.