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20 Shoes That Reviewers Say They’ve Owned For “Years”...So You Know They’re Worth It

Because who wants to replace their shoes every couple of months? No one, that’s who.

Posted on Oct 25, 2026 UTC

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by Cierra Cowan BuzzFeed Contributor

I am a contributor who has been writing for the BuzzFeed Shopping team since 2021, covering just about everything: home goods, beauty, fashion, gift guides, practical life hacks, tech, travel, personal wellness, and big sales events.

Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's.

1. The classic Birkenstock Arizona sandals because these two-strap sandals are supremely supportive *and* durable. The contoured cork footbed molds to the foot for made-for-you comfort, and they'll last for seasons to come! Seriously, mine survived SEVEN years of frequent walking.

Birkenstock

These are the OG Arizona sandals made with oiled leather straps. However, there are tons of different Arizona styles, including options with suede straps, softer footbeds, and even man-made leather. Check out the entire two-strap Birkenstock collection here.

Promising review: "It has been a few years since I've purchased a Birkenstock sandal. My first pair lasted 12 years! Oh my goodness, the comfort is amazing. As soon as I put the sandal on, it just fit, and the cork started forming to my foot. They are a little bit stiff at first, but after wearing them for just a week, my foot pattern is part of the shoe. Birks are great, classic, all-around comfortable sandals. I wear them with shorts and jeans mostly. I couldn't be more pleased!" —jaden

Get them from Birkenstock for$139.95 (available in women's sizes 4–12.5, men's sizes 6–17.5, two widths, and in six colors).

2. Plus, some Birkenstock Mayaris featuring the same unrivaled corkbed support only with a slightly more ~dainty~ aesthetic. These are my absolute go-to for trips to Europe, as they're a bit dressier than the Arizonas while still keeping my feet happy as I walk 15,000+ steps a day.

www.instagram.com, Zappos

You already guessed it — my pair lasted a good six years of HEAVY use. Considering the fact that I wore these for several 7–10 day vacations where I'd be walking miles each day, I'm genuinely surprised they didn't wear out sooner.

Promising review: "I have been wearing Birkenstock Mayari sandals for 30 years. They are the most comfortable shoes on the planet. They conform to your foot and wear for years. I walk a mile a day, and my last pair lasted about six years. After a few years the soles become worn, so I take them to the cobbler and have him replace the soles. It is way cheaper than buying a new pair and gives them new life. I highly recommend these for everyone!" —Linda

Get them from Zappos for $112.95 (available in sizes 4–11.5 and five colors).

3. Or, a pair of these trendy two-strap sandals if you want the look and feel of the Mayaris, minus the expensive price tag. Some reviewers even think these ones are softer and comfier than the name brand — and with over 60,000 5-star ratings, you can be sure these won't disappoint. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These sandals are really comfortable. This is the fourth pair I've purchased, and every pair fits fine. There are several holes punched into the straps so they can be adjusted to your foot size. The toe straps on these ones are soft, the leather ones are a bit stiffer and might require some wearing in time. I found that if I tighten the foot straps closer to my toes, there isn't much pressure from the toe straps. This pair didn't require any break-in time. My first pair was the dark leather, and they lasted about four years before I had to replace them. The other three are new. I bought a variety of colors to go with different outfits." —The Anderson Family

Get them from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in sizes 5–12, including wide sizes, and in 15 colors/fabrics).

4. Lucky Brand ankle boots for something cute, simple, and timeless. Guarantee you'll feel quite ~lucky~ to have these in your closet.

Heather Braga / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com

Former BuzzFeed Shopping editor Heather Braga says, "I have these boots in both black and toffee — I'm actually obsessed. They are my favorite shoes right now because I can wear them through the fall, winter, and early spring. They look fantastic with jeans and adorable with tights. They have just enough of a heel to create the look of heeled booties without the discomfort of walking around in heels. Basically, they're amazing, and everyone should buy them. K, thanks. You can check out my full review on them here (#6)."

Promising review: "These are just an overall comfortable pair of boots! I have had my first pair for several years, and they are still in great condition. I walk or stand most of the day at work with no problem with these. I also wore them on vacation and walked all over New Orleans, and I was very surprised. As with anything, prices fluctuate, but they are worth it to me." —Sara V

Get them from Amazon for $52.57+ (available in sizes 5–13, including wide sizes, and dozens of colors/styles).

5. A pair of platform lace-up oxfords so you can live out your Gilmore Girl fantasy...or at least dress the part. ~Smart~ style is in fashion year after year, friends.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I absolutely love these shoes...100% worth more than what you pay. I own them in black, patent black, patent burgundy, brown, and rose gold... The patent cream is going to be the next one. I wear them dressed up for work or down with any style of jeans/chinos regularly. I do tend to wear these a lot more in the winter/fall as they really pull together a basic sweater outfit. Add a belt and these shoes... You will look effortlessly chic. I remember being very surprised at how comfortable, lightweight, and flexible the shoe is to the point I have worn them all day walking in Europe, the same as I would a Nike sneaker. I feel like they run a tish big, so if you're between sizes, go for the smaller size. The first pair I purchased was around four years ago, and they still look great. I will reorder the same pair if they start to look bad or wear out." —Alysen of Houston

"I've had these shoes for more than five years. I've worn them a lot, and they're impeccable. The sole intact is comfortable, and I can't even say that they get dirty because it hasn't happened. I don't get paid, this is not an exaggeration." —Melvin

Get them from Amazon for $31.99+ (available in sizes 5–10 and in 10 colors).

6. A Clarks slip-on loafer with a super cushy OrthoLite footbed and slightly chunky heel because it turns out you don't have to sacrifice style in the name of support. Lots of reviewers swear by these for work, even if their job involves a lot of walking and standing.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These shoes fit as expected. I wear a medium width. This shoe is true to size. The toe box is not tight, and the arch support is supportive and comfortable. A good quality shoe for dress or casual. Very durable! My last pair lasted four years of wearing them five days a week. Easy on and off with a zipper on the side. A very quiet heel. Well-made shoe. It does not disappoint." —Cindy O.

Get them from Amazon for $64.95+ (available in sizes 5–12, narrow and wide sizes, and in two colors).

7. Some espadrille flatforms you'll want to pair with sundresses, jeans, rompers, and wide-leg pants pretty much any time the sun is out — and since they're durable enough to last at least four years (according to the reviewer below), just think how many vacay photoshoots you'll have in 'em!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Shoes have held up for FOUR years now. They are the comfiest shoes — I bring them on every vacation because I know walking in them is like walking on little clouds. They have been used and abused and still are holding up strong. I don’t think I ever got blisters with them, but they definitely loosen up as you wear them. Such a great value for your money." —Katie Woodward

Get them from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in sizes 5–12 and 14 colors).

8. Classic Blundstone boots with a cult following for a reason (and yes, you're talking to a fellow member here). They're super durable and supportive (even in wet weather!) with a trendy, rugged aesthetic that's stylish all 12 months of the year.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

FYI, half sizes in Blundstones are wider but not longer.

Promising review: "Best boots for chefs ever. If you're like me and really don't like clogs or the server safe shoes you can buy, these are great! I'm on my second pair now, the first pair lasted over four years of heavy abuse and were comfortable all the way up to the end. I finally had to get a new pair because the soles were pretty worn, and I wore a hole through the upper portion somehow. After this second pair wears out, I will definitely be buying a third!" —Dave Baxter

Get them from Amazon for $219.95+ (available in women's sizes 6–16, men's 4–14, and in eight colors/fabrics).

9. A classic pair of ballet flats since these darling little shoes will come in handy whenever you need comfy, cute footwear...like, say, on your commute home or when you decide to hit the dance floor during your bajillionth wedding this year. They fold up compact enough to easily fit in your purse or bag. (Just in case those heels get too uncomfy, y'know?)

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Those 54,100+ 5-star ratings don't lie!

Promising review: "I bought these shoes in December of 2023, and I have worn them several days a week for over three years. They still look great, are very comfortable, and I've never had any blisters. The fit is true to size, although I really needed to get a wide fit (as you can see in the second picture). I wear them at work and am on my feet most of the day. I wear them with casual wear, business casual, and dresses. I've come back for some different colors. I hope you have the same experience I did." —Jessica W.

Get them from Amazon for $20.11+ (available in sizes 5–15, including wide sizes, and in 19 colors/styles).

10. Some darling rose-patterned Keen sandals, which are my go-to choice of footwear in warmer months. They're so darn cute, unbelievably comfy, and best of all, can handle miles and miles of walking (even if you decide to stroll through the waves a bit). I walked for hundreds of miles in my first pair, covering everything from city streets to nature trails before I eventually had to order a new pair... And I still love them just as much the second time around.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is my second pair of these; the last ones I wore for six years, and I decided it was time to retire them. :) Super comfortable and good support for leisurely walking. Love these. I purchased these in navy; good color, truly navy." —SchnauzerMom

Get them from Amazon for $69.99+ (available in sizes 5–12 and in seven colors).

11. A chunky ankle boot boasting over 10,000 5-star reviews, which means it's safe to assume you won't be disappointed. Folks say they're super comfy and supportive, easy to ~strut~ about in, and unbelievably stylish!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I was questioning at first if I would like these or if they would be good quality, but boy was I proven wrong. They are now my favorite boots. I wear them all the time, from work, to events, to going out, etc. They work for everything, and I can walk in them for hours, and I hate wearing heels for extended periods. They are cute, go with everything, can be worn anywhere, and are easy to clean if they ever get messy. The perfect boot, and I’ve worn them for a couple of years now, still walking as good as the day I received them." —Jacklyn

"Had these for now 4/5 years. Love them! Great investment, comfortable, stable, and solid. Recommend. The rubber on the heels tends to scuff, esp if you wear them 24/7 cuz you love them so much! Get 'em! True to size." —Jessica Anne

Get them from Amazon for $26.97+ (available in sizes 5.5–12, including wide sizes, and in 13 colors/fabrics).

12. Faux-leather strappy sandals for days when you want the lightweight and breezy feel of flip flops but a slightly more elevated look. Not to mention, they're available in all kinds of colors!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I love, love this sandal!! I ordered the nude originally in a size 6 1/2. They are true to size and color! I loved them so much, I ordered a pair in pink and a pair in white. They hold up well, as I have had the nude sandals for two years now, and they are still in great shape. I will definitely be purchasing more!" —Amazon Customer

Get them from Amazon for $7.25+ (available in sizes 5–15, including wide sizes, and in eight colors).

13. A pair of the OG Crocs clogs that win over everybody in the end with their super comfy, supportive, and waterproof design. Pretty soon, you won't go a week without wearing them, either as house shoes, around camp, or out running errands. Best part? When they start looking a bit grungy, just scrub 'em down with some soap and water, and they'll be good as new!

Jordan Grigsby / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I had the same shoes years ago, and they lasted me for years and years before they finally wore out, and I am so happy to get another pair. The most comfortable shoes I have ever worn, and I just had rotator cuff surgery, so I needed some slip-ons and got these at a great price and even got the cute little flowers to go on them." —Lisa Engle

"If you are on your feet all day long, these are a must-have. The little bumps on the bottom massage your feet when you walk. The more you wear them, the more comfortable they are. They are easy to clean...just use soap and water, then let them dry. I keep mine looking new and protected using Armor All Spray. (Just don't spray the soles, LOL.) New, they are slip-resistant. If you have worn the treads smooth, be careful on wet surfaces — then it's time to buy new ones, for real. Good quality...just replaced the same ones that were 10 years old. AND the price was exactly the same. Been wearing Crocs since they hit the market in 2002!" —A.F.

Get them from Amazon for $36.99+ (available in women's sizes 4–19, men's sizes 2–17, and in tons of colors/styles).

Psst — there are lots of different styles of Crocs (like slides, flats, and sandals). You can check those out and pick up any charms for your shoes at the Crocs store on Amazon.

14. A pair of Dr. Martens Mary Janes to slip on whenever your heart desires a charming schoolgirl aesthetic. They look absolutely adorable with socks or tights (of really any thickness), and the iconic lug sole means they can handle wet/slick terrain, too.

www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I have been wearing a pair of these as work shoes for four years now. It took some time to break them in, but once I got them there, they became perfect (the story of every Dr. Martens, really). I got this style because they're cute, durable, and easy to get out of at the end of a hellacious day of standing on hard concrete, walking up and down metal stairs, and all the joys of the job. Now, they're scuffed, cracked where my toes flex, one of the capture bars on the buckles came off who knows when, but it has taken this long for them to start to truly show the wear and tear (inner lining is starting to disintegrate, and one of the soles has developed a small split on the side, between the ridges). It's time to start shopping for new work shoes, and I am admittedly looking at a different style, but only because I have grown tired of looking at this particular style every morning. Once I get the new pair, and get them broken in (going w/ the Dr again, of course), I will probably give this pair a thorough cleaning and wear them occasionally with some scruffy jeans." —CFH

"I love Doc Martens! This is my third pair. I have boots, sandals, and now these precious Mary Janes! These shoes are always well-made and will last for years! The fit is true to size, and they are comfortable to wear every day!" —Renee Biglane

Get them from Amazon for $109.99+ (available in sizes 5–11 and in three colors).

15. Retro New Balance 574 sneakers so you can ~kick it~ around the streets in sporty-chic style (and comfort, of course). The old-school look is back and here to stay, people!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "Second time purchasing. My first pair lasted more than 10 years, and I’m a nurse. I love them. They match everything! A great neutral athletic shoe!" —Joshua Heatherly

Get them from Amazon for $76+ (available in sizes 5–12, wide sizes, and in five colors). 

16. A Dansko clog if your top priority when it comes to footwear is long-lasting, pain-free comfort. Thousands of reviewers swear by these, including those with plantar fasciitis or arthritis and folks who stand on their feet all day, like healthcare workers.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "Fit perfectly. It’s so good to have a new pair! The last pair was purchased more than 10 years ago. These shoes are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn." —Kim C.

Get them from Amazon for $99.95+ (available in sizes 4.5–13, narrow and wide sizes, and in dozens of colors/styles).

17. *OR* these chunky two-strap Dansko clogs that offer the same level of comfort and durability, only with a dressier, more upscale vibe.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "This is my second pair of Dansko clogs. The first ones lasted four years before the sole was worn. I asked the company about repairs, and they did not recommend it because it may compromise the integrity of the shoes and the overall health benefits from their shoes." —Carter Household

"Great onboard shoe for flight attendants. Perfect support for anyone working on their feet and lasts for years." —Rebecca Hayes

Get them from Amazon for $114.95+ (available in sizes 5.5–12 and in four colors).

18. Braided Plaka sandals combining functionality with a breezy boho aesthetic, aka the perfect combo for oceanside strolls. The straps fit snugly around the foot without rubbing or pinching, while the rubber soles are durable enough for sand, beach rocks, and other rough terrain.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

FYI, these are best suited for narrow to medium-sized feet. 

Promising reviews: "I’ve owned these for a couple of years now, and they are great little shoes, especially for travel. They pack so small and are so versatile. I wore them to dinner daily in St. Thomas with a cute dress, when I needed to hike up and down a very steep hill to get to our Airbnb. I also regularly wear them to sporting events that require a lot of walking, and I wear them on casual bike rides." —Jason M

"This is my third pair… My first pair lasted five years, and I finally discarded them last week…just got too dirty! Considering there is no particular sole support, I jumped from rock to rock on the Broad River, and they lasted for years on the beach! The more worn they are, the cooler they look! Still wearing my second pair… And now this new purchase has a lil' more color! Love!" —evelyn kellogg

Get them from Amazon for $34.95+ (available in sizes 5–11 and in 16 colors).

19. Some Nortiv 8 walking shoes since they make for a much more affordable alternative to Hokas...without sacrificing the cushiony, cloud-like support you love so much. According to a reviewer below, they lasted three years before eventually wearing out and needing replacing, so at this price point, that's a darn good R.O.I. (and in case you want the numbers, we're talking less than $25/year).

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "Wore these for three years until they wore out. Just ordered a newer version of them." —suzanne barnes

"They are very comfortable. I stand on my feet 10 hrs a day in a warehouse and have plantar fasciitis, and these are great! 😁 Highly recommend, especially for the price. 👍👍" —Kara McDearmon

Get them from Amazon for $69.99 (available in sizes 5.5–11 and in eight colors).

20. Some Naturalizer ankle-strap sandals that are timelessly beautiful *and* timelessly comfortable. They're crafted with the brand's signature Contour+ technology, which is basically open-cell foam cushioning made to conform to the shape of your foot!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I have had these for over two years and worn them to a dozen different events where I was up and moving for most of the time. Never have my feet been really achy or sore like they would be in other heels. I can easily go 5+ hours without any discomfort at all. I initially bought three pairs to test out which size was best for me (including the wide option). Once I found the perfect fit, I was hooked! I absolutely recommend these heels! Super cute and very comfortable." —Amy Yates

Get them from Amazon for $119.94+ (available in sizes 4.5–13, including wide and narrow sizes, and five colors).

Still looking for the perfect pair of shoes for *y-o-u*? Try these:

* Pairs Of Fall Shoes From Amazon You’ll Wear So Much, They’ll Crunch Thousands Of Fallen Leaves

* If You’re Hard On Your Shoes, You’ll Want To Check Out These 27 Durable Pairs

* Shoes You Can Wear For Both Your 9–5 And Your 5–9

* Pairs Of Shoes Teachers Say They Can Wear All Day — And They Know Their Stuff

* Shoes Reviewers Love Because They Take Them From One Season To The Next

Plus, dress shoes, and finds from Amazon, Clarks, Dr. Martens, Nordstrom, Walmart, and Zappos.

Why Trust BuzzFeed Shopping?

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.