Although most of us enjoy shopping for shoes, we may be more drawn to one type of shoe. You might have a large collection of running shoes that you can use for your morning run on the nearest trail, but nothing that you can wear to a fall farmhouse wedding. You may have given up heels during the pandemic, but you are not the only one! You may be worried that your excessive use of flats could make you feel unwell. Perhaps you forget to buy boots every fall and don’t know where to look for a pair that will last.

How do you fill in the gaps? Shopping for shoes at the mall can be quite difficult, especially because department stores are no longer as popular. Online retailers such as Zappos offer millions of products from many brands. Sometimes, it’s easier to close your browser than get started. Social media ads can be annoying, pesky, and difficult to trust.

We’ve put together a list of our top basic and classic pairs to help you sort through all the chaos. This is your capsule wardrobe of footwear. We’ve also sorted our recommendations into categories, so you can quickly find the right shoe for you. Comfortable heels are available! We’ve found the best shoes that you can wear on the dance floor and casual sneakers that can be worn on long flights. We also rely on some of our favorite brands like Everlane, Adidas and Steve Madden. Once you have purchased one or more shoes, your collection will be complete. Your footwear collection will be complete if you have acquired all five of the categories listed here.

These are the 5 pairs of shoes every woman should have in her closet

Comfortable heels

At some point in your life, you may have worn many heels. The more inconvenient, the better…for some reason. A leaner collection of shoes is the goal. However, it is okay to have a few heels. Beauty is not the enemy of pain. You should choose a pair of comfortable, versatile and stylish shoes that you can wear with your wedding guest’s attire.

• Aerosoles Cosmos Heels

This versatile pair Aerosoles heels is the perfect pair for you if you are looking for comfortable dress shoes. Available in many colors, including some metallics! These kicks have a solid block heel that will support your feet. The delicate crossover straps will keep these heels from appearing bulky and ungainly, which is something you might not like about comfortable heels. You’ll feel a good boost with a 2.5-inch lift.

• Clarks Teresa Step Pump

This Teresa Step Pump is a comfortable low-heeled pump that you can wear all day. You want a little more softness? This shoe has an “underfoot cushioning”, which will support your feet. This shoe is an absolute steal at $70 It also has a 5-star rating. It’s a great place to stay.

• Everlane Italian Leather Buckle Heel

Everlane’s Italian Leather Buckle Heel is an eco-friendly option to wear to work, dinner parties, and happy hours. This pair is made from 100% recycled leather and will give you a 2 inch lift. These heels have been praised by many people. They are extremely comfortable and look amazing in every situation.

Casual sneakers

Sometimes it’s easy to forget about a good sneaker. Many of them are too flashy to wear with everyday clothes. It’s perfectly normal to overlook the comfort of a good sneaker and opt for a beautiful heel. We all need to be able to walk everywhere, whether it’s for running, walking, or traveling. We have compiled a list neutral pairs that will help you get through your day while still looking great.

• Cariuma OCA Sneakers Low

Cariuma’s casual sneakers are a great option if you want a simple sneaker that can be worn with casual outfits. These shoes are easy to slip on and take off. You don’t have to break in your shoes, which is a common problem. One reviewer has some exciting news: “No break-in time — they were comfortable from day one.”

• ABLE Emmy Sneakers

We love the way leather can instantly elevate any situation. ABLE seems to agree with us. The Emmy sneaker has a rich, brown leather accent that contrasts beautifully with the rest of it. One review states that the shoes provide excellent support. These shoes are so comfortable that I can wear them for hours. There is no need to break in or blister the shoes! “If you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to buy it!”

• Steve Madden Charlie Platform Sneaker

Platform sneakers are hot. The platform sneaker by Steve Madden will give you a 1.5 inch lift while still providing comfort. They also have a jagged sole that adds a bit of edge but not too much. These sneakers, made of synthetic leather, have a sleek appearance and are a great choice for anyone who lusts after Alexander McQueen’s kicks but isn’t willing to spend that much.

Flats that are versatile

A good flat is essential for a capsule shoe collection. Flats can be elegantly dressed but don’t have the pain and discomfort of heels. We looked for flats that are durable in simple styles when compiling this list. We don’t mean simple, but we do mean suede, leather and (machine washable) eucalyptus fiber.

• Birdies Heron Flats

Are you feeling European? The Heron Flats are inspired by the shoes worn centuries ago by Venetian gondoliers. They are a way to get a little bit of Italy without having to spend a lot of money on vacations. For a luxurious, soft look, they’re made from suede. These are great for those who need a sturdy shoe to transition from work to home. The selection of seasonal, soft colors gives this pair bonus points.

• Allbirds Tree Breezers

Flats can take a beating, it’s not a secret. These machine-washable Tree Breezers are why we are so grateful. They are easy to clean and look great. These shoes are perfect for Sunday farmer’s market walks, but they can also be dressed up to go out for dinner. They are also great for professional use. One reviewer said they were “Perfect for work when you don’t want to wear heels but still want to look cute and comfortable.”

• Sam Edelman Lior Loafer

Loafer-lovers are not forgotten! The loafers are simple in design but have some unique metal hardware that adds a touch of sass to make them stand out. They are comfortable and easy to carry around in a bag. You can gain some clout if you want (and it’s a good thing!). One reviewer assured us that even my 21-year-old son thought they were cool.

All-season boots

Boots are a statement in themselves. They can be dressed up or down at will. We’ve chosen Goldilocks boots as our focus because they aren’t too high or too low, casual enough, and not too formal. Just right.

• Nisolo Everyday Ankle Bootie

Although you can wear ankle booties all year, we believe fall is the best season for them. These booties are perfect for those who already plan to transition into warm sweaters or jeans. These booties are made of waterproof leather and have a v-cut which makes it easy to pull them on.

• Caslon Miller Water Resistant Chelsea Boot

These lug-soled chelsea boot will suit a more masculine style. These boots have a modern utilitarian appeal and are streetwear-ready without being too industrial. These boots are extremely comfortable and stylish without sacrificing style. Cons: None. You should buy them! These are a popular choice among Wake-Up Call readers. We know you have the best taste.

• Vagabond Marja Cap Toe Bootie

This cap toe set is the perfect choice if you are looking for a sophisticated, pointy boot that doesn’t go overboard into elf territory. These boots have been a wardrobe staple for Katie P., Commerce editor. These boots have lasted through NYC winters without any noticeable salt stains or scuffs. They are also cute enough to be worn in summer with sundresses.

Shoes that are reliable for walking and working out

Many of us admit that we have relied on old New Balances for too long when it comes to our workout shoes. You only need one pair of solid workout shoes when you’re shopping for them. These well-cushioned shoes are a great choice. They all have excellent arch support, and we recommend one pair.

• Hoka Clifton 8

It can be difficult to decide whether style or arch support is more important when shopping for shoes for your workout. Why not both? The Clifton 8 shoes are light thanks to the mesh top and are soft but still bright and attractive. They provide the support you need for running, hiking, and walking. One reviewer said that they are very comfortable. It was hard to believe that something so light and cushy would be supportive. But they do!

• On Running Cloud 5 Running Shoe

Meet your everyday sneaker! Many people want a running shoe that is versatile enough to be worn on the road, for running errands, or simply running around the house. The Cloud 5 running shoes can be described as a cross-training/lifestyle shoe. They can easily take you from a hard workout to a leisurely afternoon at the salon, or wherever else your feet might take you.

• Adidas Duramo 10 Running Sneaker

Adidas has been a trusted brand since the 1980s, if not earlier. The Duramo 10 running shoe has a sleek Adidas design with cushioning and arch support. One customer leaves a glowing review, “I have arthritis due to an autoimmune disease in the feet. These shoes have made them feel much better.”