
The HuffPost Shopping Awards “seal of approval” showcases a mixture of expert-backed recommendations, problem-solving products and things that HuffPosters endorse and use every day – all within categories that we know our readers love and shop. See all of our coverage here.
When it comes to clothing, HuffPost readers have made it clear: they want well-made, affordable, functional and stylish closet staples they’ll be able to enjoy for seasons to come. The style winners of this year’s HuffPost Shopping Awards are all that, and more —these items deserve a spot in everyone’s rotation.
Keep reading to take a look at the winning men’s and women’s items on the list. They include comfy shoes, a practical pair of hiking capris, a cozy sweatshirt, cushy socks and more. They’re as irresistible as they are great investments in your wardrobe.
Hanes EcoSmart fleece crewneck sweatshirt: A wildly popular unisex layer
This classic, ultra-soft crewneck sweatshirt is the gift that keeps on giving. Reviewers and editors alike pick it up in droves anytime it's featured, largely in part because the price simply cannot be beaten. This unisex item of clothing from Hanes is a great tried-and-true basic made of soft, strong cotton-blend fabric that stays plush, cozy and warm no matter how many times you wash it. One reviewer noted that "the sweatshirt is warm, fluffy, and soft. It fits just right and launders well without pilling or shrinking."
It features double stitching at the neck and armholes and has ribbed cuffs, neckline and hem, all of which help it hold its shape and structure. The iconic silhouette and drape of the sweatshirt are what make it so highly coveted and versatile, and the high-quality construction keeps it all intact. It looks and feels much more expensive than it actually is.
It comes in a large selection of colors in sizes S through 5X, so pretty much anyone can find that perfect fit. Multiple people pointed out that it "doesn't fade after washing" and the general consensus seems to be that it's a wonderful piece of clothing. "I absolutely love this sweatshirt!!!" said reviewer DRW.
The sweatshirts' affordability, durability, timeless aesthetic, ease of wear and more have made it an easy choice for this year's style HuffPost Shopping Award. It's the kind of item you can reach for throughout the seasons and with all aesthetics. That kind of versatility is worth its weight in gold.
Through April 16, use code EXTRA20 to get 20% off your purchase of the Hanes EcoSmart fleece sweatshirt on Hanes.com.
Merrell Jungle Moc: The durable "dad" shoe people love for pain relief and everyday comfort
Look familiar? Merrell's cult-favorite Jungle Mocs are so good, this is the second year in a row they've earned a HuffPost Shopping Award. We (and our readers) just can't get enough of these shoes; they will be forever bestsellers. These beloved shoes have long been known for being durable, comfortable, supportive and easy to slip on, but these days it's a gorpcore staple that a new generation is obsessing over.
In previous reporting, HuffPost editor Kevin Cortez said that he’s “owned four pairs at once, and with so many colors, it’s tough finding one you won’t vibe with.” Cortez also noted that his Mocs are “probably some of the most comfortable slip-ons I’ve ever worn,” he added that “they feel snug yet super comfy.”
They're a great option for those who want a lace-free shoe (whether it's for mobility or other convenience reasons) that's also a real workhorse with tons of functionality, stability and comfort. The sneaker-like shoes have stretchy panels so you can slide them on and off with ease, without losing your balance, and some reviewers reported that they're helpful post-surgery or when they're dealing with hip and back pain or other mobility issues.
These shoes have loads of die-hard fans, with many reviewers saying they've worn them for years. Their longevity is a huge selling point, with one person saying that they purchased them as “a replacement for my previous pair that I’ve had for 9 years.”
These resounding endorsements and the shoes' popularity among HuffPost readers have once again earned these versatile shoes a place on the HuffPicks list of must-haves. Get these at Amazon, Zappos, Merrell, REI and more reader-favorite retailers in women’s sizes 5-11 and men’s sizes 7-13.
Gap 100% cotton oversized sweater: A cozy crewneck beloved by HuffPosters and readers alike
HuffPost editorial director Lindsay Holmes knows and loves good sweaters. And when she first wore her oversized Gap cotton sweater to our office, she successfully influenced several colleagues to purchase their own. She calls it the "It Girl of my wardrobe this season, thanks to its versatility and quality."
It's an easy-to-wear and stylish item that looks good on everybody and with a range of style aesthetics. It's great for layering or worn on its own. Holmes added, "I’ve styled it tied around my shoulders, over T-shirts, with skirts, with lounge pants ― you name it. The cotton fabric makes it feel elevated with zero itchiness. Plus, as a tall person, I appreciate that it comes in a longer length option."
Gap is regularly releasing new colorways and restocking when it sells out; you can also snag a cropped version of it in different colors at Gap Factory as well.
Not only was this sweater a bonefide hit from Holmes' coverage, but it also goes on sale often and is the kind of item we know our readers love and can enjoy almost year-round. All these points make it extremely deserving of a HuffPost Shopping Award and a spot in your closet rotation.
New Balance 608 V5 cross trainer: A high-quality walking and running shoe under $100
The New Balance 608 V5 cross trainer initially caught our attention as an Amazon bestseller with a slew of glowing reviews, but its popularity among our readers helped these must-have shoes garner a well-deserved HuffPost Shopping Award.
The design and construction are the perfect blend of form and function. They feature a PU foam insert that provides both support and comfort, while the blended mesh and leather upper is designed with breathability in mind. The specialized rubber content heel panel and the internal shank reduce compression and offer tons of comfortable support and stability.
The shoes have a lace-up closure and come a heel pull tab that makes it easy to slip these on and off. The phantom lining inside is odor-resistant and has minimal seaming to prevent irritation to your feet. All in all, they're as comfortable as a sneaker can get while still looking downright stylish.
Podiatrists have recommended similar New Balance styles in previous HuffPost reporting, and they’ve been recommended by reviewers’ podiatrists, and one even called the 608 the “only shoe I’ve worn that hasn’t hurt my feet.” For people with plantar fasciitis, these sneakers “virtually eliminate any foot pain,” according to one review.
There's simply no end to the positive reviews, and these classic sneakers will always be in style. They are a great investment that won't break the bank, and with many color combinations and sizes to choose from, you can easily find the pair that is best for you. This style is an all-around all-star.
Danner Mountain 600 Leaf boots: A perfect pair of boots for year-round wear
HuffPost contributor Jamie Davis Smith called these boots a problem-solving unicorn, and the HuffPost audience resoundingly agreed. Their popularity, versatility, practicality and gorgeous construction have earned these boots a HuffPost Shopping Award.
They were originally designed for hiking, but the stylishly classic silhouette, water-resistant construction and cushy interior make them perfect for a range of weather conditions and environments, from the country to the city.
They feature Vibram soles with deep treads and outstanding traction that can handle all manner of conditions and terrain, from rain to snow, ice, trails and uneven, wet pavement on city streets. Lightweight and waterproof, these soles are known for their durability, which is essential when investing in a pair of boots. They essentially can replace all your other boots, from rain boots to snow boots, hiking boots and beyond. You'll never go back to owning multiple pairs of boots!
The timeless aesthetic makes them surprisingly stylish, so you can pair them with your everyday clothes and still feel put-together. The breathable construction allows you to also enjoy them on summer hikes without worrying about your feet overheating.
Danner Mountain 600 Leaf boots come in women’s and men’s styles. The women’s boots come in four color combinations in sizes 5 through 11. The men’s boots also come in four color combinations in sizes 7 to 15.
Thorlo maximum cushion walking socks: A pair of socks that make shoes feel instantly more comfortable
If you’re looking for a boost to take your shoes to the next level of comfort and support, allow us to introduce you to the HuffPost editor-approved cushioned socks from Thorlo. They're on the pricey side, but reviewers confirm that they are worth every penny. To help ease the sting of the slightly steeper price tag, Thorlo offers a lifetime guarantee to ensure your socks will be of the highest quality with no defects. But the design is worth its weight in gold, and the reason they deserve to be the winners of the HuffPost Shopping Awards.
Thorlo socks are specifically engineered to distribute padding density where it’s most needed throughout the foot for the most supportive, comfortable fit. (NBA player P.J. Tucker told the New York Times his Thorlos were “the most comfortable socks ever.”) HuffPost audience editor Gina Escandon is a big fan of Thorlo’s maximum cushion ankle walking socks.
“I never understood why specialized socks were tailored to different activities — until I wore these, and it clicked,” she says. “Splurging on proper walking socks has made a huge difference in alleviating my foot and heel pain. The ultra-thick cushioning helps so much with shock absorption, it seems like I can walk all day without any soreness or blisters.” (Escandon discovered the socks through her mom, who finds them so comfortable that she often wears them — sans footwear — while driving.)
The maximum cushion socks come in three women’s sizes. They have a cushioned instep and spandex arch for a better fit, are made with moisture-wicking fiber and are designed specifically for women’s feet with a smaller heel pocket and more stretch in the ankle.
Odoly cork footbed sandal: A pair of $25 slides that are "more comfortable than actual Birkenstocks,” according to reviewers
HuffPost readers have quite the penchant for comfortable, supportive shoes, and these splendidly stalwart sandals just might be the best Birkenstock lookalikes we've seen. They're a fraction of the price but just as functional and stylish, according to reviewers. They are available in lots of colorways in unisex sizing and are restocked often, so you don't have to worry about your preferred options disappearing. All this (plus a few thousand glowing reviews) makes them the ideal recipients of a HuffPost Shopping Award.
Over and over again, reviewers say these shoes feel great on the feet. “The arch support and comfort are far better than my expensive sandals!” one writes. “They are light weight & support arches. As good as Birkenstocks & more affordable,” wrote another.
In fact, many reviewers speak to the superior support of these insoles, largely in part to the added support in the heel. “I prefer the fit and comfort of these... to the originals, because I was never comfortable with the lowered heel of the Birkenstocks,” one review said. “The small cork heel gives me just enough lift without it being a flat shoe,” added another.
They have a natural cork insole and an anti-slip outsole that demands little to no break-in time. The two straps are made from a vegan material reviewers say is super soft and they are adjustable to ensure the right fit. Snag them in women’s sizes 6-14 and men's sizes 3.5-12.5.
Baleaf quick-dry hiking pants: A pair of easy-care trousers adored by everyone from nurses to outdoor enthusiasts
These quick-drying pants have been a bestseller among HuffPost readers every time they're featured — they just check all your boxes. Practical, versatile and affordable, these pants deserve a spot in your closet (if they're not there already) and on this list of HuffPost Shopping Award winners. It was only a matter of time before they ended up here.
The pants are comfy, lightweight and so water-repellant that reviewers recount spilling bottles of water on them and simply watching the water roll off. The women’s are surprisingly stylish, thanks to their adjustable ankle straps that give the option of a more tapered look. Most impressive of all is the material’s UPF 50+ sun protection factor, which reviewers swear by for guarding their legs from UV rays.
And while they're technically hiking pants, they're good-looking enough to be part of your daily rotation. They're easy to throw on for days spent running errands, hanging out at the park with your kids, long travel days and are even a great option for people who work in the medical field or outdoors.
They’re also highly durable, roll up tight for easy packing and have an adjustable drawstring and elastic waist that won't press into your body. The women’s pants are available in a wide range of colors in sizes XS–3XL, and the men’s version is available in four colors in sizes S–3XL.
Casio MDV106 Series dive watch: An affordable and stylish diver
A great watch is an essential part of any wardrobe, elevating even the most casual outfit with ease. This maritime staple channels the classic dive watch aesthetic, reminiscent of the iconic Rolex Submariner, but you won't have to re-mortgage your house to afford it. Its stylish aesthetic and thoughtful design make it a shoo-in for this year's HuffPost Shopping Awards and worthy of a spot in your rotation.
According to previous reporting, it features a stainless steel case that measures 44 millimeters wide and 12 millimeters thick, offering a nice amount of heft that, as a number of Amazon reviewers have also noted, looks (and feels) far more expensive than it is. The unidirectional bezel features a sturdy click and an anti-reverse mechanism. And like any good dive watch, it’s water-resistant up to 200 meters (656 feet), with a durable mineral crystal protecting the dial. Unless you’re deep-sea diving, this is more than sufficient for office wear, poolside dips or beach trips.
Elegant details — like a date window at the 3 p.m. mark, a raised diver’s marker on the bezel, and luminous hour and minute arms with a sweeping seconds hand — enhance both the watch’s look and utility. It is available in a few different dial and bezel combos, all of which are stylish and refined. It also comes with two interchangeable strap options: a sporty resin band and a stainless steel bracelet for a more polished look. The standard 26-millimeter lug width means you can easily swap in any strap you prefer — leather or silicone, making it extra versatile.
Kuru Atom shoes: A pair of podiatrist-recommended slip-on sneakers
Dr. Gary Evans, a podiatrist based in New York City, previously suggested shoes from Kuru, a brand that specializes in pain-relief footwear, and specifically conditions like plantar fasciitis.
Based on this brand mention, we chose the Atom, an everyday shoe that Kuru claims is a slip-on version of its bestselling sneaker. Like most of Kuru's designs, these shoes offer dynamic heel support and an arch-supportive foot bed that keeps feet stable and comfortable. The outers are made with a breathable and ultra-flexible knit, and you can shop them in three colors and men's sizes 7-13 and women's sizes 6-11.
Given this shoe's popularity, high rating, fabulous reviews and spectacular construction, it's a must in everyone's closet, especially people with foot issues or those recovering from surgery. One reviewer said, "These shoes have been extremely comfortable from the first moment I put them on. I wear them when I walk my dog and when I am running errands, and just want to quickly slip into some shoes. My feet feel a lot better since I have started wearing Kurus."










