The 10K Step Test: Chic Yet Comfortable Sneakers Worth Packing for Next Your City Trip

One of the most-asked questions we get at What People Are Wearing is:

“What shoes should I pack that are cute, comfortable, and go with multiple outfits?”

Let’s finally answer it - with styles we’ve personally worn and approved after at least 10,000 steps in them. No blisters, no regrets, only shoes we truly love.

Linoya wearing Adidas SL-72 in the streets on Paris

1. Adidas SL 72

Starting off strong, I’m not exaggerating when I say that every single time I wear these, at least one stranger stops me to compliment them. They have that perfect retro-meets-modern vibe that makes them work with everything from jeans to dresses. I love that they come in so many different colorways, and they are truly so, so comfortable. Bonus: they’re lightweight and easy to pack. 

Spotted in Paris by Linoya

2. Adidas Samba

The Sambas took over the fashion world almost overnight - one day everyone was in Nikes, the next it was all Adidas. I remember the day so vividly, sometime in the summer of 2023, I went to New York and all I saw was Sambas. (Personally, I love both… I can’t pick sides.) But I do get the hype. They’re comfortable, match with just about anything, and don’t feel heavy on your feet - perfect for travel days. We have personally walked all over New York, Paris, Milan, LA, and London with them - and our feet felt super fresh at the end of the day. Linoya recently spotted a silver pair on the ultimate cool-girl in Paris, and I haven’t stopped thinking about them since.

Left: Spotted on Melrose, LA by Linoya. Right: Linoya styling the sneakers in color 'Tan' in NYC

3. Dries Van Noten Sneakers

This is by far the IT shoe of the last couple of seasons, and with good reason. The price is not TOO steep

(more affordable than Golden Goose), and they are simply stunning. One day we were walking around LA, and we spotted a very well-dressed man in those sneakers. He was British, and when we asked him where his shoes were from, he pointed to the Dries Van Noten store across the street and told us we should go there immediately before they all get sold out. Rest assured, we got our hands on them. Sleek, chic, feather-light, and totally “fashion person” coded. They come in the most interesting colorways and somehow feel timeless while still making a statement. They’re definitely an investment piece, but if you’re looking for a long-term shoe that will never go out of style, this is it. Fair warning: they sell out in seconds — if you see your size, grab them before they’re gone.

4. Adidas Japan/Tokyo

The Adidas Japan/Tokyo sneakers are minimal, sleek, and perfectly retro — the kind of shoe that makes even a jeans-and-tee look feel intentional. Lightweight and low-profile, they’re easy to pack and even easier to style. I first saw them on Melrose Place during a morning stroll with my sisters and dog. My sister actually spotted them first and immediately said, “You’re coming home with me.” As sisters do, I had to steal them and wear them for a full day - and I can confirm they also pass the 10K Step Test!

Every pair on this list has been walked, loved, and 10K-step approved.