These $60 Nortiv 8 Shoes Are Just as Comfy as On Running

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On a recent flight to Switzerland, I noticed that half the people on my plane were sporting the same style of holy-soled shoes that are technically designed for distance walking. I was surprised by this shoe choice at first, but finally, it clicked for me: the shoe brand that this flight was running in is, well, Swiss! Plus, big travel days can sometimes feel like running an ultramarathon, so it makes sense to choose a shoe that can carry you all the way — regardless of whether or not there’s a literal finish line at the end.

Unfortunately, these smart, air-filtering shoes come with a hefty price tag. Even the most basic pair of running shoes will cost you around $150. That’s why Amazon shoppers were thrilled to find a far more affordable look that offers the same amount of compression and bounce, but at less than half the price.

Nortio 8 shoes

These Norteo 8 shoes are only $60 and have been compared to shoes in a much higher price range—not just from running, but also from podiatrist-approved brands like Brooks, Hoka, Asics, and Saucony. Their standout feature is a thick, perforated outsole that compresses when you step and rebounds for a more powerful takeoff. This increasingly popular design aims to reduce impact and propel you forward with every step. It also has a curved rocking chair shape that resembles certain hookah styles and enables smooth, rolling steps.

According to Amazon shoppers, these features combine to make “the most versatile shoe ever.” Even people with plantar fasciitis, bunions and other painful foot conditions have rated them five stars. One reviewer who was nearly nine months pregnant and suffering from heel spurs when she bought them, wrote that they “can last all day,” even in their “delicate, painful state.” Meanwhile, one shopper who spends 10 hours a day on his feet wrote that his back pain was “significantly reduced” after switching to Norteo 8 shoes. “I’ve already ordered my second pair.”

Nortio 8 shoes

One reviewer wrote that the uppers of these Nortio 8 shoes are made of “soft and flexible” jacquard mesh, “so they don’t feel as constricting as some shoes.” The all-fabric make-up means they’re also highly breathable, which helps prevent blisters and foot odor.

Buyers say they can travel more than 10 miles at a time in these shoes, both at work and while commuting. One reviewer who has worn them on 15 theme park trips shared that he was “surprised” by how supportive and comfortable they were. “I still used name-brand, high-priced shoes and had a lot of aches and pains in my joints and calves,” she added. “After walking more than 10 miles a day in the parks, most of (the) pain goes away.” Another shopper said she had “miles and miles of walking,” “no blisters” and “no extra back pain” on her trip to New York.

Right now, you can save on some colors thanks to Amazon’s nine percent off deal. The shoes come in six colorways, and while they’re not available in wide sizes, reviewers say they’re roomy enough even for wide feet. “I’m so glad they fit my wide feet,” wrote one nurse who spends all day on their feet.

Looking for more comfortable running shoes that are comparable to running styles? We rounded up five more options with the same hollow-out sole design, starting at $38 below.

More about what to look for to buy:

Sketchers Glide Step Atlas Slip-ins

Wrezatro slip-on shoes

K Swiss Tubes slip-on shoes

allswifit hands-free shoes

ezkrwxn running shoes

At the time of publication, pricing started at $60.

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