“Cute walking shoes” is kind of an oxymoron. For whatever reason, sneakers that can handle 20,000 steps tend to be, well, ugly. But last summer, I saw Natalie Portman wear a pair of Hokas with jean shorts and, to my surprise, I didn’t hate it.
The key was that she didn’t try one of the brand’s more out-there colors or go with an all-white pair (it tends to look very athletic). Instead, she opted for black Hokas, a cool-but-functional style Olivia Wilde and Jessica Alba have worn, too.
These black sneakers are still all about comfort and support, but don’t look strictly functional; as Portman proved, you can wear these with more than just gym clothes. While you can still snag Portman and Alba’s black Clifton 9 sneakers, I also found a few slightly more affordable alternatives you can shop below.
Sketchers’s Go Run sneakers are the most affordable way to shop this practical trend. The chunky shoes, which boast more than 6,600 five-star ratings, are on sale for $47 at Amazon (but only for a limited time).
Adidas’s Adistar 3 Sneakers are another can’t-miss Prime Day deal. What makes these shoes special is their soft, lightweight midsole that’s designed to make steps feel a little bouncier.
These Under Armour sneakers are loved by more than 18,000 Amazon shoppers, who rave that the “cushioning feels soft and responsive with every step.” Several fans called these the “most comfortable” sneakers they’ve ever owned, while one person noted that their feet still felt fine after walking 11 miles
Lots of people are loyal to Brooks sneakers: Jennifer Garner, Cynthia Erivo, and my dad, who swears up and down that they’re the most comfortable walking shoes you can own. So while the Revel 8 style is on rare sale, you might want to add it to your cart.
Bella Hadid proved that a pair of all-black Nike sneakers is an It-Girl essential. The V5 RNRs have a subtle shine to them, making the gorp-core style feel surprisingly cool.
If you’re open to something that’s not all black, these New Balance sneakers are a trendy option. The silver details pop against the black mesh and, IMO, would make a pair of stuffy office trousers feel a lot cooler.
