The Sole & Stride Editorial Desk  ·  Editorial Footwear Reviews
Independent Editorial Reviews

Stories from the shelf,
not from the spec sheet.

Sole & Stride is a small editorial desk dedicated to footwear. We pull our favourites off retailer shelves, test them against real wear, and write the kind of reviews we'd want to read ourselves.

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INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

No paid placements

EDITOR-TESTED

Hands-on assessment

TRANSPARENT RATINGS

Public methodology

REGULARLY UPDATED

Refreshed each season

The Full Shelf

Every review on the desk

Independent ratings, current pricing and editor commentary on every shoe we've covered this season.

Aerosoles Betunia mule flats Aerosoles 4.3 Best Value
Aerosoles

Aerosoles Betunia mule flats

★★★★☆ 4.3 / 5.0

The Aerosoles Betunia mule flats offer a stylish and comfortable option for everyday wear. Designed with a slip-on mule style, the…

$72.99 $86.99 Est. retail
Birkenstock Arizona sandals Birkenstock 4.6 Editor's Pick
Birkenstock

Birkenstock Arizona sandals

★★★★½ 4.6 / 5.0

The Birkenstock Arizona sandals have long been celebrated for their combination of comfort, durability, and timeless style. Featur…

$124.99 $155.99 Est. retail
Brooks Ghost running shoes Brooks 4.6 Editor's Pick
Brooks

Brooks Ghost running shoes

★★★★½ 4.6 / 5.0

The Brooks Ghost running shoes are designed for runners seeking a reliable, comfortable, and versatile daily trainer. Known for th…

$151.99 $182.99 Est. retail
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Converse 4.3 New Arrival
Converse

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star

★★★★☆ 4.3 / 5.0

The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star is an iconic canvas sneaker that has remained a staple in casual footwear for over a century. I…

$43.99 $56.99 Est. retail
Emerica Reynolds low-top shoes Emerica 4.3 New Arrival
Emerica

Emerica Reynolds low-top shoes

★★★★☆ 4.3 / 5.0

The Emerica Reynolds low-top shoes are designed specifically for skateboarders seeking durability, comfort, and performance. Engin…

$178.99 $252.99 Est. retail
Etnies Marana skate shoes Etnies 4.3 New Arrival
Etnies

Etnies Marana skate shoes

★★★★☆ 4.3 / 5.0

The Etnies Marana skate shoes are designed specifically for skateboarders seeking durability and performance without sacrificing c…

$137.99 $190.99 Est. retail
Florsheim Midtown cap-toe oxfords Florsheim 4.4 Best Deal
Florsheim

Florsheim Midtown cap-toe oxfords

★★★★½ 4.4 / 5.0

The Florsheim Midtown cap-toe oxfords offer a refined blend of classic style and modern comfort, making them an excellent choice f…

$143.99 $201.99 Est. retail
Globe Mahalo slip-on shoes Globe 4.3 Best Deal
Globe

Globe Mahalo slip-on shoes

★★★★☆ 4.3 / 5.0

The Globe Mahalo slip-on shoes are designed for those who appreciate effortless style combined with comfort. Featuring a laid-back…

$153.99 $186.99 Est. retail
Guess Tessa ankle boots Guess 4.3 New Arrival
Guess

Guess Tessa ankle boots

★★★★☆ 4.3 / 5.0

The Guess Tessa ankle boots offer a stylish blend of contemporary design and classic appeal, perfect for elevating both casual and…

$196.99 $233.99 Est. retail
Havaianas Brasil flip flops Havaianas 4.5 Editor's Pick
Havaianas

Havaianas Brasil flip flops

★★★★½ 4.5 / 5.0

The Havaianas Brasil flip flops are a timeless classic that embody Brazilian style and comfort. Designed with a focus on durabilit…

$100.99 $135.99 Est. retail
Ipanema Glam Special sandals Ipanema 4.3 New Arrival
Ipanema

Ipanema Glam Special sandals

★★★★☆ 4.3 / 5.0

The Ipanema Glam Special sandals offer a stylish and comfortable option for those who want to combine fashion with everyday wearab…

$74.99 $96.99 Est. retail
Magnanni Mencia leather oxfords Magnanni 4.6 Editor's Pick
Magnanni

Magnanni Mencia leather oxfords

★★★★½ 4.6 / 5.0

The Magnanni Mencia leather oxfords are a refined choice for those seeking a blend of classic style and modern craftsmanship. Hand…

$64.99 $81.99 Est. retail
Merrell Moab hiking shoes Merrell 4.5 Best Deal
Merrell

Merrell Moab hiking shoes

★★★★½ 4.5 / 5.0

The Merrell Moab hiking shoes are a well-regarded choice for outdoor enthusiasts who seek reliable performance, comfort, and durab…

$139.99 $168.99 Est. retail
Mizuno Wave Rider running shoes Mizuno 4.5 Trending
Mizuno

Mizuno Wave Rider running shoes

★★★★½ 4.5 / 5.0

The Mizuno Wave Rider running shoes are a premium choice designed for runners seeking a perfect blend of comfort, durability, and …

$107.99 $133.99 Est. retail
Muck Boot Arctic Pro boots Muck Boot 4.6 Editor's Pick
Muck Boot

Muck Boot Arctic Pro boots

★★★★½ 4.6 / 5.0

The Muck Boot Arctic Pro boots are designed to deliver top-tier cold-weather protection for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals …

$149.99 $192.99 Est. retail
Palladium Pampa Hi canvas boots Palladium 4.3 Best Deal
Palladium

Palladium Pampa Hi canvas boots

★★★★☆ 4.3 / 5.0

The Palladium Pampa Hi canvas boots offer a stylish yet rugged option for those seeking durable footwear with a classic appeal. Cr…

$171.99 $229.99 Est. retail
Puma Suede Classic sneakers Puma 4.4 Best Deal
Puma

Puma Suede Classic sneakers

★★★★½ 4.4 / 5.0

The Puma Suede Classic sneakers stand out as an iconic silhouette in the footwear world, blending timeless style with reliable com…

$215.99 $266.99 Est. retail
Reebok Classic Leather sneakers Reebok 4.5 Best Deal
Reebok

Reebok Classic Leather sneakers

★★★★½ 4.5 / 5.0

The Reebok Classic Leather sneakers are a timeless footwear choice that has been a staple in casual and streetwear fashion since t…

$165.99 $198.99 Est. retail
Reef Fanning bottle-opener sandals Reef 4.3 Best Value
Reef

Reef Fanning bottle-opener sandals

★★★★☆ 4.3 / 5.0

The Reef Fanning bottle-opener sandals are a clever blend of casual beachwear and functional footwear, designed for those who enjo…

$162.99 $194.99 Est. retail
Rockport Total Motion loafers Rockport 4.3 New Arrival
Rockport

Rockport Total Motion loafers

★★★★☆ 4.3 / 5.0

The Rockport Total Motion loafers are a sophisticated blend of style and comfort, designed to meet the needs of professionals and …

$167.99 $222.99 Est. retail
Salomon Speedcross trail runners Salomon 4.6 Trending
Salomon

Salomon Speedcross trail runners

★★★★½ 4.6 / 5.0

The Salomon Speedcross trail runners are renowned for their aggressive traction and lightweight design, making them a top choice f…

$156.99 $218.99 Est. retail
Sebago Docksides boat shoes Sebago 4.6 Trending
Sebago

Sebago Docksides boat shoes

★★★★½ 4.6 / 5.0

The Sebago Docksides boat shoes are a timeless classic in the realm of casual and nautical footwear. Crafted with premium full-gra…

$186.99 $228.99 Est. retail
Skechers Go Walk slip-on Skechers 4.3 Best Value
Skechers

Skechers Go Walk slip-on

★★★★☆ 4.3 / 5.0

The Skechers Go Walk slip-on is designed for those seeking ultimate comfort combined with convenience in casual footwear. Engineer…

$123.99 $167.99 Est. retail
Sperry Top-Sider Gold Cup boat shoes Sperry 4.6 Editor's Pick
Sperry

Sperry Top-Sider Gold Cup boat shoes

★★★★½ 4.6 / 5.0

The Sperry Top-Sider Gold Cup boat shoes represent a premium take on the classic nautical footwear, designed for those who value b…

$198.99 $267.99 Est. retail
Superga 2750 Cotu canvas sneakers Superga 4.3 Best Value
Superga

Superga 2750 Cotu canvas sneakers

★★★★☆ 4.3 / 5.0

The Superga 2750 Cotu canvas sneakers are a timeless staple in casual footwear, known for their minimalist design and durable cons…

$76.99 $107.99 Est. retail
Vans Old Skool skate shoes Vans 4.5 Trending
Vans

Vans Old Skool skate shoes

★★★★½ 4.5 / 5.0

The Vans Old Skool skate shoes are an iconic staple in both the skateboarding community and streetwear culture. First introduced i…

$185.99 $227.99 Est. retail
Vibram FiveFingers KSO barefoot shoes Vibram 4.3 Best Value
Vibram

Vibram FiveFingers KSO barefoot shoes

★★★★☆ 4.3 / 5.0

The Vibram FiveFingers KSO barefoot shoes represent a unique approach to footwear, designed to mimic the natural feel and movement…

$74.99 $102.99 Est. retail
Wolverine 1000 Mile boots Wolverine 4.6 Trending
Wolverine

Wolverine 1000 Mile boots

★★★★½ 4.6 / 5.0

The Wolverine 1000 Mile boots are a premium heritage footwear choice, crafted for durability and timeless style. Originally introd…

$209.99 $259.99 Est. retail
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All Brands Aerosoles Birkenstock Brooks Converse Emerica Etnies Florsheim Globe Guess Havaianas Ipanema Magnanni Merrell Mizuno Muck Boot Palladium Puma Reebok Reef Rockport Salomon Sebago Skechers Sperry Superga Vans Vibram Wolverine
Side by Side

Top Five, Compared

Specs, scores and current prices for our editors' top-rated picks — in one quick-scan table.

Rank Image Product Category Rating Price Pros / Cons Review
🥇 Birkenstock Arizona sandals
Birkenstock Arizona sandals
Birkenstock
Slide Sandal 4.6 / 5.0
$124.99 +7 / −3 Read review
🥈 Brooks Ghost running shoes
Brooks Ghost running shoes
Brooks
Running Shoes 4.6 / 5.0
$151.99 +7 / −3 Read review
🥉 Magnanni Mencia leather oxfords
Magnanni Mencia leather oxfords
Magnanni
Leather Oxford 4.6 / 5.0
$64.99 +7 / −3 Read review
#4 Muck Boot Arctic Pro boots
Muck Boot Arctic Pro boots
Muck Boot
Winter Boot 4.6 / 5.0
$149.99 +7 / −3 Read review
#5 Salomon Speedcross trail runners
Salomon Speedcross trail runners
Salomon
Trail Runners 4.6 / 5.0
$156.99 +7 / −3 Read review