Most Durable Sneakers
- By Team Shoethority
After testing 40 sneakers, I found out that the men’s and women’s variants of the Adidas Originals Superstar are the most durable sneakers among the rest.
Each characteristic of the shoes that contributes to durability and longevity was evaluated. Of course, I also considered other important areas like breathability, comfort, midsole cushioning, and outsole materials. You’ll find these all laid out according to their benefits and uses.
All things above considered, Adidas Originals Superstar takes the spot for being the best durable shoe. From the aesthetics to the functionality, Adidas built a shoe that will keep you stylish for a long long time. The materials used are also specially engineered to produce Superstar-worthy sneakers for you—more on that later.
On the other hand, Cole Haan’s Grand Crosscourt provides you a casual or semi-formal feel at the very first glance. Its subtle and comfortable design makes it a great choice for attending your appointments. The lightweight leather material on the shoe will make you look polished and ready for that career grind.
Finally, there’s a buying guide below for those of you that want to choose your own durable sneakers.
It’s time to put your socks on and find the most durable sneakers!
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Table of Contents
Best Overall (Men & Women)
From the very beginning of the launch, this product left the consumers amused by its simple yet appealing look. The Adidas Original Superstar set the standards of fashionable sneakers for a whole year, even more. If you’re not familiar with the name, I can assure you that you’re familiar with the shoe. In fact, I’m confident that you’ve seen these babies already.
Who would not know of the iconic Adidas Original Superstar? It started a major cultural reset for all sneaker lovers and sustains its popularity up until now.
This shoe is lightweight because of its nylon upper and mesh linings. These materials also greatly help maintain your feet’s comfort while doing your errands. Long walks are not an issue here because of the breathable feeling it provides. You can definitely enjoy yourself walking under the sun without getting irritated and sweaty feet.
Its low-cut structure provides enough space for the ankle, which offers comfort while moving. Adding more to that, its lace-up closure allows you to adjust the fit according to your size and preferences. Adidas clearly aims to provide a comfortable fit and support for your feet.
Adidas’ Superstar also has a spacious toe box area that lessens the stress on your toes by providing enough area for it to stretch and rest.
Its minimal and classic style is distinct to sneakerheads or simple bystanders. The Superstars certainly have a refreshing charm as a lightweight yet durable sneaker.
The all-nylon upper and all-rubber outsole adds so much durability that the Superstars remain as good as new even after years of use and care—only Superstar things.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Durable
- Offers comfort while moving
Cons
Best Smart Casual/Office Sneaker (Men & Women)
Who loves slayin’ both casual and office appointments? Just me? Well, Cole Haan’s Grand Crosscourt for both men and women offers you several style choices to carry out your day on comfortable sneakers.
Cole Haan’s Grand Crosscourt, a lightweight shoe that is a hundred percent leather, is the most durable office sneaker on the market. . Its injection-molded outsoles and rubber pods in the heel and forefoot give a soft feeling and provide good shock absorption. These outsoles also make the shoes extra flexible and more durable.
Moreover, it features Grand OS technology on its insoles. This new technology allows the footwear to weigh less while amplifying your feet natural flexibility. The insoles have responsive cushioning to help lessen the feet’s stress.
It has a lace-up closure with flat laces, which allows more grip on your foot and maintains the stability of your foot’s position. While stability might feel like a weird feature for a semi-casual sneaker, you never know when you might want to break a dance or run away from your boss. There is a padded ankle collar for ankle mobility and cushions against sores after a long day.
What’s great about these shoes is that you can use them in either casual or semi-formal gatherings. With only the plain visible stitches giving its design some texture, it has a simple yet cool and versatile look.
Pros
- Lightweight
- The most durable
- Flexible
- Provides good shock absorption
- Lessens the feet’s stress
Cons
Best for Walking (Men & Women)
For someone who loves taking a walk, it is necessary to wear something convenient and certainly does not take a toll on your feet, even when the stroll takes longer than usual. The New Balance 574 V2 Evergreen Sneaker delivers you the perfect level of comfort you should experience when walking and a cool retro-style that could be paired up with almost anything—from dresses to pants.
The Evergreen Sneaker comprises an Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam, which provides a superior, bouncy cushioning in the midsole—ideal for athletic activities. The EVA foam maintains its padded form well even after hours of walking, enabling the shoe to last long, which lets you experience extended comfort.
Generally, inadequate cushioning and protection of the foot’s underside creates a higher risk for various pains and injuries. However, New Balance’s unique ENCAP midsole technology extends through the heel to provide support. It aids in stabilizing the foot inside, preventing injury.
Also, a Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) removable heel could be inserted above the ENCAP system to amplify the support system and provide a steadier stride.
The Evergreen Sneaker, both for men and women, consists of a suede and mesh upper, which makes it breathable and lightweight. Its non-smothering feature also helps prevent excessive sweating.
As a sneaker designed to be suitable for casual and athletic occasions, Evergreen Sneaker has an outsole that is suitable on different surfaces.
Pros
- Provides superior cushioning
- Prevents injury
- Supportive
- Breathable and lightweight
Cons
Best for Hiking Breathable Versions (Men & Women)
Ever felt the sudden urge to hike with family and friends, but you couldn’t decide what shoes to wear? Here are some hiking shoes from Merrell’s Moab “Mother of all Boots” collection that you might want to consider wearing to hike on dry or rainy days. Hiking is a very intense hobby, so a shoe that will both protect your feet and last you years is a must-have.
This non-waterproof Ventilator shoe is lightweight and, as the name suggests, has excellent breathability due to its suede and mesh upper. This means it’s suitable for hiking during warm weather. Thanks to its Vibram rubber soles, durability is pretty much a guarantee. After a few months of use, the shoes hold up pretty well according to some reviews, impressive for hiking shoes.
The Ventillator’s Vibram TC5+ outsole with a 5mm lug depth provides the hikers a sufficient surface adherence enabling them to stick onto surfaces and establish a foothold on either wet or dry terrains. Merrell is a household name for trekkers and hikers. They’ve been in the game for a long time and so have their shoes.
Since its midsole is made of EVA, it is expected to hold a considerable amount of weight and stress without compromising the foot’s comfort. Embedded with a molded nylon shank, arch support and protection against terrain hazards are reinforced.
All in all, the Merrell Moab2 Vent Hiking Shoes is one of the best hiking shoes I can recommend. It’s also arguably the most durable one.
Pros
- Provides excellent breathability
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Provides sufficient adherence
Cons
- Non-waterproof
Best for Hiking Waterproof Versions (Men & Women)
Here’s another treat from Merrell’s Moab 2 collection for those who are into wet-climate hikes. Users greatly love its remarkable traction on wet, uneven surfaces brought by the Vibram TC5+ soles.
The Waterproof Moab 2 is equipped with M-Select dry technology that keeps water from penetrating. It also enables moisture from inside to vent, keeping the foot dry, especially when moving actively.
Like the Ventilator, it also has a contoured EVA that brings comfort. Plus, the arch and heel are reinforced to give extra support and protection. Silicon bands, made to run along the side of the shoe, are even added on the upper to provide stability and lessen the risks of sprains.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Provides remarkable traction
- Gives extra support and protection
- Provides stability
Cons
Best for the Gym (Men & Women)
Gym training shoes require the next level features to be the best. Durability, flexibility, and comfortability—all at once in one shoe, all at once in NOBULL Training Shoes.
NOBULL Trainers’ high carbon rubber allows for durability and high traction. This engineered outsole mainly aims to let the shoe endure different workouts on diverse surfaces, either indoor or outdoor.
Its outsole stretched up to the front and sides of the shoes makes it easier to do different exercises involving push and pull, slides, etc.
The molded sockliner brings maximum comfort while doing various activities. It doesn’t flatten out under too much force, so the feet can maintain stability and flexibility and execute natural movements.
These trainers use SuperFabric with a mesh layer underneath. The SuperFabric technology is made to be durable and abrasion-resistant.
When it comes to fitting, NOBULL trainers utilize lace-up closure to simply adjust the tightness of the shoe depending on your preference and comfort. Its low ankle collar allows you to be mobile and lets the air penetrate the shoe to keep it breathable.
Pros
- Durable
- Abrasion-resistant
- Provides high traction
- Lets the air penetrate the shoe
Cons
Best for Running (Men & Women)
Running every morning has always been my favorite exercise. It allows me to reconnect with nature and, in a way, show off my new pair of shoes. The Adidas Adizero Boston 8, an extremely lightweight shoe, is the best partner in running.
Lightweight is the best word to describe the Adidas Adizero Boston 8 because of its synthetic sole and flexible mesh for its upper. This synthetic and mesh combination promotes both flexibility and comfort. The holes provide entry for the air, maintaining enough ventilation inside the shoes and keeping your feet cool and dry.
Adidas Adizero Boston 8 features Continental rubber for its outsoles, which is also used for vehicle tires. It provides excellent grip on different surfaces, dry or wet. Not only that, this material is more durable than you may think. Under normal conditions, its outsole can withstand at least 400 miles of running.
These running shoes utilized Boost as the base of their cushioning system. This involves thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) pellets combined to make the midfoot bed. The TPU cushion can absorb impact shock and return the bounce to the foot, making it easier to recover balance, an essential feature when it comes to working out.
Adidas Adizero Boston 8 also exhibits Torsion System, the thermoplastic arch that bridges the heel and the forefoot. This technology allows the foot to adapt on different surfaces without straining and still maintaining stability.
To sum it all, Adizero Boston 8 has all the conditions to be the best running shoes. From the bottom to the top of the shoe, every detail is undeniably amazing.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Flexible
- Provides excellent grip
- Maintains stability
- Outsole can withstand at least 400 miles of running
Cons
Best Work Sneaker (Men & Women)
Having relaxed and comfortable feet while working greatly helps keep you productive. The search for the best shoes that match your everyday routine is now over. With New Balance Fresh Foam Slip Resistant 806 V1, your work will be easy-peasy for years to come.
As the name suggests, New Balance Fresh Foam Slip Resistant 806 V1 has a precisely engineered midsole cushioning. It provides great comfort for your feet when working day and night. Its soft and smooth midsole provides maximum running and walking comfort as well.
You might think that its Fresh Foam will feel mushy, but no! This innovative technology makes the midsole more responsive in doing different activities—outdoor or indoor work.
Another notable feature of this is its excellent slip resistance.
New Balance Fresh Foam Slip Resistant 806 V1 has lugs on its outsole, strategically positioned based on the company’s research on foot-pressure.
Adding more to that, its Hyposkin upper provides a breathable feeling to your feet. Its soft mesh allows air ventilation inside the shoes, keeping your feet sweat-free.
Pros
- Soft and smooth midsole
- Slip-resistant
- Provides a breathable feeling
- Keeps feet sweat-free
Cons
Best for Casual Use (Men & Women)
For people who prefer wearing closed footwear for casual outdoor routines and activities, the lightweight, retro-styled Saucony Originals Bullet Sneaker for men and women might be the gem they are looking for. With its vast colorway, you could choose something that totally matches your style and definitely make you feel elegant. Saucony also has a long-history of producing quality products, so these will definitely last you a while.
With its EVA-equipped sole, the Bullet Sneaker qualifies as a minimalist running shoe. However, since it is designed to absorb only a subtle small amount of shock and cushion, users prefer wearing them as casual sneakers. Even so, the EVA midsole unwaveringly adds comfort and support for every step, combating sores and foot pains for hours on end.
The upper comprises a nylon material that brings breathability and makes up the lightweight characteristic of the sneaker. Compared to the conventional engineered mesh, the nylon material is less breathable, but its thickness makes the sneaker more durable and suitable for cold weather.
Being a sneaker for little running, it is expected to have a thin rubber outsole. It’s thin to the extent that some reviews said you could feel the roughness under your feet. But it helps maintain the minimalistic and casual overall appearance of the sneaker.
Bottom line is that the Bullet Sneaker receives praises and high satisfaction for its super-slim, retro, and minimalist style, along with the comfort it gives. As for being a durable sneaker? Saucony has got your back.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Breathable
- Suitable for cold weather
Cons
- Designed to absorb only a subtle small amount of shock
- Thin rubber outsole
Most Durable Sneakers Buyer’s Guide
Buying shoes for durability isn’t really common practice. There’s a lot to consider and know when looking for sneakers that will last you years, so I created a list that readers can use to make better, longer-lasting purchases. This will definitely come in handy if you’re unimpressed with the aesthetic or selection of shoes above.
Shoes, after all, are a personal item—so let me help you make your personal purchase last longer.
Durability Features
Different brands use varying technology to make their products as durable as possible.
Some of which are rope guards, reinforced heels, toe box vamps, and anti-abrasion mesh materials. These are made with high-quality materials to prevent your shoes from receiving too much damage after strong impacts.
For example, ideal sneakers are made with durable and flexible mesh for the upper to have scratch resistance. Another example is the toe box vamps.
Reinforced toe box vamps provide support and cover to the top of your feet, which prevents tearing on your shoes after vigorous activity.
Materials Used
When looking for a high-class product, expect that it is made of high-quality materials. To prolong the shoes’ lifespan, different companies use high-grade materials that are specially made to withstand extreme conditions.
Thicker leather guarantees that the shoes will last longer. With proper treatment, some leather can also be water-resistant. Moreover, tougher rubber ensures that the shoe can endure long-distance walking and running.
There are a ton of materials to choose from and each has its own speciality in either weather or environment. Take the time to do your research and add a couple of extra years to your shoe’s lifespan.
Simplicity of Design
Sometimes, sneakers with classic designs are better choices than fancy ones. Simpler shoe designs have fewer seams on it.
This means that it has a lower probability of falling apart early into its lifespan. Fancy shoes with several upper overlays and sole layers need many seams and stitches, making them more prone to weak spots.
If the classic Vans, Converse, and Adidas Originals are to be compared to these complicated shoes, they relatively have fewer seams, which makes them more durable.
In this case, simplicity isn’t just a matter of appeal, but also longevity.
A Durable Outsole
The outsole is one of the most vital parts of a shoe, so it needs to be meticulously inspected.
Its material must be tough enough to defy long-distance walks and sprints.
Different soles serve varying purposes. Polyurethane soles are extremely lightweight and flexible with good shock-absorbing quality.
On the other hand, rubber soles are great for traction on different surfaces. Their robust materials contribute to their overall durability in all weather conditions.
Construction Quality
I know we all don’t want shoes that would need to be thrown away after a few uses. So, let me tell you how to recognize if a shoe is well-constructed.
There are different kinds of stitches on shoes, and what we want is the one that is really there to make the shoe sturdy. For example, the double stitches that attach the soles to the shoe body.
Some brand companies also use their innovative technologies to fully secure the parts of the shoe itself, just like the Grand OS technology of Cole Haan.
It is important to be aware not just of the materials used in construction but also of the process quality overall.
Conclusion
Durability would be the first thing that we look for in a new pair of sneakers, and Adidas Originals Superstar gave us more than that.
Both classic style and resilience are guaranteed with the Superstars. Its outsoles provide full support to your feet when you use them. You can also feel the comfort even when using it for the whole day.
Buying shoes that last you for years is an underappreciated convenience, especially in this day and age of fast fashion.
With all the guides and information given, you must’ve already made up your mind on what shoes you want. Feel free to use the links provided if you want to know more!
