While each product featured is independently selected by our editors, we may include paid promotion. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission. Read more about our Product Review Guidelines here.

I’ve got a wedding-heavy summer ahead, so much so that I now consider myself an expert bridesmaid. However, as many of us know, bridesmaid duties come with hefty costs. While I’d do almost anything for my friends, going into debt isn’t one of them. That’s why I’ve been savvy about cutting costs, especially when it comes to my wedding shoes.

I’m wearing the same pair to all three weddings on my calendar, namely the Dream Pairs Open Toe Pump Chunky Heel Sandals ($36). I virtually stumbled upon them while working on a story about the best summer shoes on Amazon, and I was immediately intrigued since they hold the number one spot among all women’s heeled sandals. Given their popularity, and the fact that the brand Dream Pairs happens to also make some of the most comfortable Western boots I’ve ever owned (these ones!), I decided they’d be a safe bet for my weddings. I scooped them up in my usual size 9.5 in a light beige color I knew would match all of my bridesmaid dresses — and that was one of the smartest decisions I’ve made this summer.

Ahead, I break down everything you need to know about them if you’re considering buying them for a special event, too.

At the time of writing, I’ve already worn the Dream Pairs Open Toe Pump Chunky Heel Sandals to two of my three summer weddings. I’ll admit, when everyone was showing off their designer shoes before the ceremony at the first wedding, I stayed quiet since I spent practically nothing on mine. But then I couldn’t help but smile when I was the only bridesmaid who kept my shoes on for the entire reception. They were comfortable enough and stable. Even though the unhemmed dress I wore gave me some trouble walking down the aisle (totally my fault), my shoes kept me upright. Their chunky, stable block heel held up perfectly, even on the wet grass from a rainstorm earlier that day.

Beyond their comfort, they looked the part, too, which I’d like to think is evidenced in this mirror selfie I snapped at the second wedding while the bride lounged behind me. (I’m wearing the Azazie Barbie Pleated Chiffon A-Line Dress in Champagne, BTW, and felt like a princess.) I chose the light beige color (one of 31 total styles and colors to choose from) because I knew they’d go with everything. Plus, I figured that if they survived all three weddings, the versatile shade would make them perfect for future special events. Despite wearing them through two ceremonies, two receptions, and hours of questionable moves on the dance floor, they’re still in pristine shape for my final summer wedding in a few weeks.

These sandals are not the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn, which, to be honest, I kind of expected given their price tag. The buckle at the ankle dug into my skin a bit at the first wedding, but in retrospect, I’m confident that was a user error from securing them as tight as possible to prevent a walk-down-the-aisle stumble. I was still able to wear them all night, which is more than I can say for some of the pricier heels I own. At the second wedding I didn’t secure the strap as tightly and found they were comfortable from the time I slipped them on at 3 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. post-ceremony. No blisters, no blood, no regret.

Another thing worth noting is that shoppers seem a bit conflicted over the fit. I hover between sizes 9.5 and 10, and since multiple shoppers noted that they run big, I went for the 9.5 and found they were a perfect fit. Many reviewers suggest ordering a half size down, which made sense for me, but a handful of others found that sizing down made them too small. So, if you’re ordering them on Amazon without much time to spare, it might be worth ordering two sizes to find your ideal fit and returning the pair that doesn’t work.

The Dream Pairs Open Toe Pump Chunky Heel Sandals are perfect for those looking for a reasonably priced, comfortable, and versatile pair of heels for a special event. While they might not be the most comfortable shoes in the world, they’re the number one bestseller on Amazon in women’s heeled sandals for plenty of other reasons. They’ve checked a big box off my summer wedding wardrobe checklist and will suit you well for any event where you need a timeless heel.

I purchased the Dream Pairs Open Toe Pump Chunky Heel Sandals on Amazon, which was ideal because they arrived very quickly with Amazon Prime shipping, but they’re also available on the brand’s website.

Rating:
★★★★

Marisa Petrarca is a contributing editor for PS Shopping and has more than five years of experience writing and editing beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Allure, and InStyle, among others.

While each product featured is independently selected by our editors, we may include paid promotion. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission. Read more about our Product Review Guidelines here.

Being comfortable in your own shoes never goes out of style, so investing in a top-tier sneaker collection is always a smart idea. When it comes to picking out the best sneakers, we look for a few key elements: good design, quality materials, and the perfect fit — because who wants to be uncomfortable? Our editors test out so many different types of shoes to provide you with the best product recommendations, and we boast a particular expertise on sneakers (call us sneakerheads, if you will).

Love some casual, everyday sneakers? We’ve got you covered. Prefer sportier, performance-based sneakers for working out? We found those, too. And of course, if you’re looking for cute sneakers that you can dress up for work, we’ve tried our fair share.

To help you find the best women’s sneakers to add to your wardrobe, we enlisted our expert editors, along with a handful of celebrities we’ve interviewed — like Kate Hudson, Ashley Graham, and Ayesha Curry — for their masterful recommendations of the best women’s sneakers for 2024. These picks cover a range of styles, so you’re bound to find your perfect shoe.

What to Look For in the Best Women’s Sneakers

Whether you want something modern and playful or sleek and classic, we’ve uncovered the best of the best trending this year, and we’ll tell you all the reasons we love these stylish sneakers. The styles fall into a number of different design categories, including: best trendy sneakers, best sustainable sneakers, best athletic sneakers, best high-top sneakers, best white sneakers, best classic sneakers, and best sneakers for walking.

At the moment, fashion forecasters predict sporty dad sneakers will continue to be big throughout 2024 — particularly styles from brands like New Balance and Reebok. In an homage to the ’90s and early aughts, chunky platform sneakers are also being embraced by stylists and celebrities alike — as showcased via New York Fashion Week street style. And the newly debuted Adidas Campus 00s are primed to be the season’s hottest everyday sneaker, thanks to its striped flair which offers an elevated take on the cult-favorite Adidas Sambas.

Our own sneaker recommendations tout brands like Nike, Converse, Puma, and more. Word of advice: your shoe closet is about to get a whole lot fuller, so make some extra room. Keep reading to shop our guide to the best sneakers for women.

While each product featured is independently selected by our editors, we may include paid promotion. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission. Read more about our Product Review Guidelines here.

A good pair of penny loafers are a closet staple. You can wear them from winter to summer, and from work to dinner with friends. But finding the right pair of loafers can be a challenge. Some are too stiff for everyday wear, others are too trendy to be a favorite for years to come.

That’s where Cole Haan’s Lux Pinch Penny Loafers ($158) come in. These shoes feature a classic penny silhouette, one that’s been around for centuries, in a soft-grain leather. I’ve always been a fan of Cole Haan shoes, so when I came across this style, I was eager to test them out and see if they would become part of my everyday shoe rotation. Read my full review of the Lux Pinch Penny Loafers, ahead.

What’s the Criteria For a Good Pair of Loafers?

Living in New York City means that proper footwear is an essential. My shoes need to work for my life, enduring eight-plus miles a day, bringing me from the office to the park to a bike ride through the streets. Because I’m constantly on-the-go, the shoes that I reach for are the ones that don’t leave me with blisters or aching feet at the end of a long day. Beyond practicality and comfort, I want stylish loafers that I can wear with a range of outfits. These parameters often leave me with a limited selection of shoes to choose from — beyond my trusty Salomon sneakers and my Proenza Schouler x Birkenstock sandals. But the Lux Pinch Penny Loafers fit the bill.

What I Like About the Lux Pinch Penny Loafers

Coming in well under $200, the Cole Haan loafers are rather affordable compared to similar styles made with real leather. My other leather loafers are pretty rigid, but this pair is soft and flexible, while still maintaining its structure. They also didn’t have a breaking-in period; I was able to wear them throughout the entire day, blister-free, immediately after taking them out of the box.

To really put the loafers to the test, I wore them biking from Williamsburg to Prospect Park, which is about eight miles roundtrip. I usually have to compromise on my outfit when it comes to biking, and opt for a pair of sneakers instead. On the product listing, Cole Haan says that loafers feature the brand’s “3D Lux Comfort,” an innovative technology that helps with shock absorption and arch support, while cushioning the heel. Stepping into the shoes, I immediately felt the cushioning effect. It added a nice padding throughout my bike ride, making the loafers practically as comfortable as a running shoe. Not to mention, the loafers complemented my outfit more than my everyday pair of sneakers.

Beyond fit and comfort, the shoe itself is timeless. The grain on the leather is soft and shiny, making it feel quite luxurious. But the classic penny shape can easily be dressed up or down. I’ve worn these loafers with a long dress for a Friday night dinner and with a tennis skirt and an oversized T-shirt while running errands. No matter the occasion, I just slide my feet into these loafers and wear them all day, issue-free. It’s safe to say these Cole Haan loafers have become one of the most worn pairs of shoes in my closet.

What to Consider Before Buying These Loafers

Though the product listing recommends sizing down by a half size for those with narrow feet, I actually found the opposite to be true. I’m a US women’s size seven and my feet are about medium width. Initially, I ordered a size seven, but the loafers were too tight. I decided to go up a half size, and they fit perfectly. Since the loafers come in standard width, I’d suggest going up a half size if you have wider feet.

Another factor to consider is that the soles do not have a strong grip, mainly the upper part of the sole. My feet occasionally slipped while walking around, more specifically on the ramp of the city’s street curbs. If you’re someone who prefers more traction, you can always bring the loafers to the cobbler and add a rubber grip to the sole.

Additional Details About the Loafers

The Cole Haan Lux Pinch Penny Loafers ($158) are available in four different colors. Women’s sizes range from 5 US to 11 US, in half-size increments, and come in standard (medium) width.

Where Are These Loafers Available?

You can purchase a pair on the brand’s website, Zappos, and Amazon.

Rating: ★★★★☆