what to wear in NYC in winter
Best Shoes to Wear in NYC — Pants | Simil ar shoes

As a NYC local, I often get asked about the best shoes for walking around New York City. It’s a great question!

Whether the question is asked by my own family and friends, or a reader from this website, the answer is always the same. So, I thought it’d be helpful to roundup the best shoes to wear in NYC for anyone planning a trip.

Longtime readers on this website know that I’m not one for small talk, so let’s get to it!

NYC Footwear (Helpful Tips)

Break in your shoes before visiting NYC

This sounds like a no-brainer, but it’s worth mention. During my first trip abroad, I wanted to look stylish and packing a new pair of sneakers. It was a disastrous mistake that resulted in nasty blisters and frequent breaks from walking.

I was so uncomfortable for the first few days of the trip and ultimately spent most of my time in sandals so my heels could breathe. It was an amateur mistake on my end, and one that is easy to avoid. My advice? Break in your shoes before visiting NYC, it’ll make your trip much more enjoyable.

Closed-toed shoes are the best

For all the love I have for NYC, I’m not afraid to admit her faults — NYC is a (very) dirty city. When I first moved to NYC, I didn’t think twice about throwing on my sandals for a few hours of walking in NYC. I could not believe how DIRTY my feet were!

Set yourself up for success and pack closed-toed shoes when visiting New York City. You’ll be better for it!

Best Shoes for Walking Around New York City — Shoes | Similar Wool Coat

Short on time? Here’s the shoes in my closet

Quality winter boots (Pair A | Pair B)
Ankle booties (Option A | Option B)
Loafers (Option A | Option B)
(Podiatrist Recommended) Hoka Sneakers (Option A | Option B)
Adidas Samba
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66

The Best Shoes for New York City

John Lennon monument in Central Park NYC, fall foliage nyc

Best Shoes to Wear Around NYC in Fall & Winter

Quality winter boots

In my opinion, these exact boots are (overall) the best shoes to wear while visiting NYC in winter. The reason? These boots are made for any weather conditions you’ll come across during your trip.

I’ve owned my pair for 3 years and still wear them daily from November – February. There’s a short break-in period (maybe a week?) but the shoes mold perfectly to your foot so the details are easy to forget.

I recommend all my friends and family get a pair before visiting NYC and I’m happy to report that everyone seems to love them too.

best shoes to wear in NYC — Boots | Jeans | Blazer

Ankle booties

As a trend, ankle booties have been going strong for years now and don’t show signs of slowing anytime soon. As such, I suggest investing in a pair you’ll have for years (rather than just one season).

A few years ago, I picked up a pair of these leather boots that get complimented weekly. I love them and consider them some of the most fashionable and best shoes for walking around NYC.

Another great option (if you’re not keen on block heels), are these cute suede booties, pictured below.

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Loafers (for the stylish gal)

There’s two ways to go here: chunky or not. During the colder fall and winter months, most stylish New Yorkers transition to chunky loafers paired with socks. These seem to be the chunky loafers of the hour.

My loafers are from Lisbon (a souvenir!) but these popular loafers are very similar. Quick note: if you’re looking for comfortable shoes to wear while walking in NYC, loafers are not great for very long distances. So, save them for a nice brunch date or the like.

Most Comfortable Shoes for Walking Around NYC (Spring & Summer)

Hoka Sneakers

When it comes to the most comfortable shoes for walking around NYC, Hoka’s are my go-to. They were recommended to me by my podiatrist when I started to experience ankle pain from walking around without proper support (here’s the exact pair he recommended).

Admittidely, Hoka’s aren’t even in the same timezone as stylish, but honestly, I couldn’t care less.

These shoes work miracles on my tired feet and (easily) carry me for 10+ miles without issues. I’m on by 5th pair and plan to get another when these wear out.

Adidas Samba

If you’re keen to look fashionable while walking around New York City, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more stylish and comfortable shoe than the original Adidas Samba.

I’ve recommended this shoe to so many friends over the years and hear nothing but raves. One of my friends is actually visiting Rome right now and texted me a photo of these sneakers near the Pantheon with a cheeky caption reading “best purchase ever.”

Seems like she’d sleep in them if she could, can’t say I disagree. During the summer months you’ll notice a ton of folks wearing the Samba because they’re a great mix of fashion and comfort.

Easily the most comfortable shoes to wear while walking around New York City (especially if you want to be stylish).

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66

Unlike the Adidas, Onitsuka Tiger isn’t as well known in the US (they’re very popular in Japan and Europe). But, you’ll still see this stylish pair of comfortable sneakers on the subway and streets of New York.

I’ve you root for the underdog (or like being unique) opt for a pair of Onitsuka Tigers over the Adidas Samba. But honestly, you can’t go wrong with either pair, both are great for walking around New York City.

Best Shoes to Wear in New York City (Post Summary)

Quality winter boots (Pair A | Pair B)
Ankle booties (Option A | Option B)
Loafers (Option A | Option B)
Adidas Samba
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66
Hoka Sneakers (Option A | Option B)

I hope you enjoyed this quick roundup of the best shoes for walking around NYC If you have questions, comments or suggestions, feel free to add your two cents below! I’m sure other readers would find it helpful, too.

Cheers!