My Search for the Perfect Everyday Sneaker Ended When I Found These

I fell in love in the airport security line. The woman in front of me—who definitely gave off chic travel-influencer-vibes—reached into the grungy TSA bin holding her belongings and pulled out a pair of beige Adidas Samba OG Shoes. As she laced them up, I knew I absolutely had to have a pair. One problem: They were sold out everywhere.

But this is a story about finding my perfect match, not about missing out on it. Because once I realized the Sambas weren’t an option (at least, not any time soon), I started scouring the internet for other comfy wear-with-anything sneakers that I could style with linen trousers for work or throw on with yoga pants (or “flared leggings,” if you’re Gen Z).

My search led me to buy the New Balance RC42s ($100, newbalance.com)—and I haven’t stalked the Adidas website since.

The design

New Balance describes the RC42 as “a classic, minimalist shoe,” and it's the throwback design that stole my heart. This pair’s slim gum sole, low profile, and oval-shaped toe box remind me of the Sambas, yes, but also of the Reeboks that my cool older cousins wore in the early 2000s.

These sneakers are available in two neutral colorways—”linen with sea salt” and “granite with white”—that both look great with almost everything. I consider this a major win, since I’m someone who likes to wear a floral dress one day and athleisure the next.

Most days, I wear my New Balances with my go-to uniform of a ribbed tee and loose jeans, but I’ve found they also upgrade my bike shorts and sports bra gym ’fit and look polished with trousers and a nice top for work or dinner out. In fact, just about the only time I don’t reach for my RC42s is when it’s raining: They have a suede upper that feels super luxe but sadly isn’t water-resistant.

The fit

The RC42 sneakers are unisex and range from a woman’s size 6 to 14.5 and men’s size 4.5 to 13. Depending on the brand, I wear an 8.5 or 9, so I measured my foot with a tape measure and used New Balance’s sizing guide to get the best fit possible. Based on the brand’s recommendations and user reviews that said this style runs true to size, I ordered a 9. The fit was *chef’s kiss*.

Stepping into these the first time, I immediately noticed how cushioned and supportive the insoles are. I can feel a soft layer of foam under my feet, but it’s not so pillowy that I’m bouncing with each step. Walking around my apartment, the sides and tops of the shoes comfortably hugged my feet, keeping them from sliding around without pinching my toes.

During my first walk outside (the real test), I noticed that the shoes’ backs, which hit at my lower Achilles, were rubbing up against my ankles. I was glad to be wearing crew socks for my miles-long trek around NYC: When I got home, I didn’t have any blisters, but I think that without my socks’ added coverage, there’s a good chance my skin would have been rubbed raw. Luckily, the rubbing seemed to be a one-time thing; I didn’t feel any discomfort on future wears.

I’ve had my RC42s for a couple months now, and they fit just as well as the first day I put them on. Have you ever had a pair of sneaks start to crease across the top of your foot, digging into the joints at the base of your toes? No such issue here.

Bottom line

The RC42s are exactly what I was looking for: They’re comfortable for my NYC power walks and instantly elevate the look of my work, weekend, and gym outfits. At first I worried that I might never love the New Balance sneakers as much as I loved the idea of the Adidas Sambas. But now I can’t imagine my life—I mean, wardrobe—without them.