The Best Sneakers Are...

There's just something about exercising outdoors that lifts my spirits. As long as I'm wearing a comfy pair of sneakers, I can walk for hours. As an avid walker/jogger, I can appreciate a good pair of sneakers. Nike and New Balance are two of my favorite brands because they offer superior comfort whether I'm walking around the neighborhood or running errands around town.

What other sneakers stand the test of time? We recently asked 12 people to tell us about their favorite pair of sneakers. The results ranged from Asics to Zoo York. Read their reviews to see why these brands received the stamp of approval as the best sneakers for walking or running.

What do you think are the best sneakers? Add your review in the comments section at the end of this post.

1. Asics GT-2150

2. Easy Spirit - Girl Power
"The most comfortable sneaker I've ever worn are Girl Power from the Anti-Gravity Easy Spirit collection for $59.99. Walking is a breeze! As a busy mother of two with hectic weekends, the last thing I need to worry about is comfort. With this sneaker I can get up and go. Advanced technology offers a cushioning system filled with nitrogen bubbles that relax my feet while I walk. The outsole is flexible and gives great traction. This sneaker offers high tech comfort. -Donna, 38, NY

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3. Nike Shox
"Nike Shox running shoes are the most comfortable pair of sneakers, especially if you're a runner. They're a little pricey starting at $140 but they're well worth the money. You can even find them online and choose your own design with Nike iD. The shoe offers support and spring for when you're out hitting the pavement, while still protecting your arch and making it easy on your knees and back. Their light material lets your foot breathe on a hot day and the toe isn't overly pointed, so your toes aren't scrunched. If you're looking for something that will go the distance with you, in more ways than one, this is your shoe." -Erin, 24, OH

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4. Reebok Princess
"Reebok Princess sneakers are the most comfortable sneakers that I have ever worn. I am a busy freelance writer who goes back and forth to different libraries to conduct research. Therefore, I am always walking. Reebok sneakers are so comfy because their insoles cushion my feet." -Rachel, 40, CA

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5. Puma Cerano
"For those looking for a comfortable pair of sneakers (and who isn't?), I can testify from personal experience that the Puma Cerano are easily the most comfortable pair I have ever worn. I am a 43-year-old man from Michigan who is recovering from knee surgery. It was important for me to find a pair of sneakers that would have enough cushion to help make my recuperation and physical therapy less painful. The Puma Cerano sneakers have a unique SpiderCell heel that absorbs impact well. I have to do stretches, strengthening, and walking exercises, and the sneakers are made well enough to handle all the bending, stretching, and pounding that I put them through. They are almost more comfortable than being barefoot, as they fit like a glove and are soft from heel to toe. They also look very stylish, with the familiar Puma "tri-swoosh" and smooth, classic cut. Once my knee is back to normal, I hope to be able to do a little more vigorous exercise than I am capable of at the moment. I have no doubt that the Puma Cerano sneakers will be up to the task and able to do anything I ask of them with the snug, cozy fit that they provide." -Robert, 43, MI

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6. The North Face W Ultra 104 GTX XCR
"While some people are very picky about which type of sneakers they wear, and what activities they wear them for, I knew all along that I just needed a pair of sneakers that would be comfortable, convenient, and stylish. With the W Ultra 104 GTX XCR sneaker, I have all of this and more. I wear sneakers for working out at the gym. These sneakers never cause irritation to my feet. They are supportive and sturdy. I have had them for many years, and they have never worn out. The combination of the blue and gray is more exciting than ordinary white sneakers, and they match with the black exercise clothes that I wear to the gym. The sneakers have strong traction. They are also breathable, and even after running, my feet are not sweaty. I would highly recommend the W Ultra 104 GTX XCR sneakers for every woman." -Mara, NY

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7. Saucony Women's Grid Excursion TR 5
"The Saucony Women's Grid Excursion TR 5 are definitely the most comfortable sneakers I have ever worn! As a teacher, I am on my feet all day, but I hardly notice when I'm wearing my Saucony's. I just keep them on for my workout when I get home, and often even forget to take them off in the house. Excellent arch support, great fit, and they make me feel light on my feet!" -Randi, 23, CA

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8. Sketchers D'Lite
"I am a busy mom with two children, ages 9 and 11. Like most moms who are constantly running around, helping out at school, and driving on field trips, I need to wear comfortable shoes. My favorite comfortable sneakers are my Sketchers Women's D'Lite Sneakers. The rubber sole gives the support of a good running shoe. I especially like that I can quickly slide them on and off." -Diane, 46, CA

9. Sketchers Klone
"Nothing compares to Sketchers for style and comfort. I have weak ankles and usually choose to wear sneakers over dress shoes because they are easier on my feet. I love how these particular sneakers offer my ankles padding and protection whenever I am out running in the park or playing a pick-up game on the basketball court. My ankles rarely hurt after spending a day in this type of Sketchers. They are perfect for every activity." -John, 31, UT

10. Sketchers Shape Ups
"I work in the pharmacy at a University Hospital and spend a great amount of the day on my feet. Recently, I noticed more and more of my coworkers showing up in Sketchers Shape Ups. I brushed it off as a fad and didn't think anything more of it. I came across the shoes on sale recently and, on a whim, decided to try on a pair. I couldn't believe how comfortable they were! I have wide feet and sometimes have trouble finding reasonably priced shoes that fit my feet, but these fit like a dream. I snapped them up and wore them to work the next day and was thrilled with the results. I can walk on them all day and my feet don't hurt later. Plus, because of the shape of the sole, I find that I have better posture and stand up straighter, so I look better, too..." -Amelia, 34, WA

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11. Vans Classic Era
"As a 22-year-old college student from Southern California, I see trends shift in and out very quickly. This is a challenge of college living. This lifestyle requires the true test of living on a budget as well as attempting to stay fashionable with clothes that will retain a good quality. The Vans Canvas Era Classic is something that will not go out of style as long as it remains comfortable. This is a great quality for something that will cost a little less than $45. When I slip my feet into a pair of vans Canvas Era Lace-Ups, my feet are very comfortable. My feet are wide and yet never feel crammed in these shoes. There is always room for my feet to move as well as not feel too loose in the shoes. I have worn these kind of sneakers for the past 4 years, and I do not think that there is any reason for me to switch. They remain comfortable through all the times I walk all across my college campus from class to class. They will continue to feel versatile and comfortable through all of my activities as the years go by." -Mark, 22, CA

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12. Zoo York Alvarado
"As someone who spends the majority of their waking hours in a pair of sneakers, there is nothing more important to me when buying a new pair of shoes than comfort. Thanks to my sleek and stylish pair of Zoo York Alvarado's, comfort is always just a step away. What makes these sneakers so comfortable? Well, for starters, there's their weight: the Zoo York Alvarado sneakers feel incredibly light when worn; giving you that "barely there" feeling whether sitting, standing, walking, or jogging. Then there's the shock absorbing midsole: while the Zoo York Alvarado sneakers don't have any fancy air-filled chambers or spring shaped rubber under their heels, their basic, flat looking midsole provides a great amount of shock absorbency which rivals that of the "specialized" sports training shoes on the market. Finally, the whole package (and your foot) is wrapped up in a soft fabric cushioned shoe lining adding just a bit more grip and support to an already super comfortable pair of sneakers. Next time you're in the market for a nice, comfy, every day pair of sneakers, give the Zoo York Alvarado's a try; you won't be disappointed! " -J., 29, HI

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