Comfort first: what is inside the shoe

Women's lifestyle shoes look alike on a shelf, but the insole and midsole decide how they feel after a long day.

• Skechers Memory Foam: the BOBS Sport B Flex has a cushioned Memory Foam insole that adapts to your foot, and the Edgeride uses Air-Cooled Memory Foam with a Relaxed Fit.
• Hands Free Slip-ins: Skechers styles such as the Dynamight 2.0 and BOBS Squad 4 slip on without using your hands, with a Heel Pillow at the back.
• Air in the midsole: the Skechers Skech-Air Dynamight has a visible air-cushioned midsole, and Reebok DMX Comfort+ moves air from heel to forefoot as you walk.
• Cloudfoam: the adidas Run 70s 2.0 uses Cloudfoam for everyday comfort.

Platform, clean court or sport heritage?

Want extra height? The Nike Court Vision Alta and the Cole Haan GrandPro Max Platform add a lifted sole. For a clean, everyday look, the adidas Breaknet Sleek has a smooth faux leather upper, and the adidas VL Court 3.0 takes classic court inspiration.

Many sneakers here come from a sport. The adidas Taekwondo draws on adidas martial arts shoes, the Samba was born on the indoor football pitch, and the VEJA Panenka reimagines vintage football boots. Retro running shapes include the adidas Run 70s 2.0 and the Anta Classic Runner.

Bold colours and rainy days

If you want colour, many models come in several shades, such as the adidas Breaknet Sleek in purple and the VL Court 3.0 in turquoise. For wet days, the Cole Haan ZeroGrand Rexanna is a waterproof sneaker.

If you are on your feet all day, start with a Skechers Memory Foam pair or a Slip-ins style. If you want one sneaker for jeans and dresses, the adidas Taekwondo Lace is a minimal, low-profile choice. Find more in white sneakers for women, Skechers women and adidas women.