11 Comfortable Heels You’ll Wanna Wear Everywhere

Merrell x Parks Project Moab 3 Hiking Shoes

I need these on my feet expeditiously. I love that they boast a whole rainbow of colors, all while the sandy brown color does an excellent job at hiding dirt and dust. These Merrell hiking shoes made in collaboration with Parks Project are mostly fitted with recycled materials, too. The upper is made from plant-based materials and recycled canvas, as is the breathable mesh lining. There's an air cushion in the heels that absorbs any shock and adds stability, plus the signature Vibram soles ensure durability. These get you that technical look and feel while still having curb appeal, even off the trail!

The Merrell x Parks Project Moab 3 Hiking Shoes are $155.

Salomon XT-6 Sportstyle Shoes

These shoes are for the outdoorsy street style lover. They're certifiably gorp-core, but still very supportive on any trail adventure. This pair has EVA cushioning that solidifies each and every step, geometrical lugs that hug any terrain and add stability, plus a super practical Quicklace system for easy on and off. Originally produced for ultra-distance races under harsh conditions, you'll find athletic-focused details in the sporty side stripes and signature Salomon logo with primary colors across the top. It's a good idea to go with this darker colorway for trail hikes, since it expertly disguises debris.

The Salomon XT-6 Sportstyle Shoes are available for $200.

Hoka Speedgoat 5 Low

Hoka shoes are renowned for their comfort and practicality, especially when it comes to walking, running, and trail hiking. The Speedgoats are undeniably one of their most popular silhouettes, and I love that they're super streamlined – not bulky. These hiking shoes feature grippy Vibram soles, a double layer of jacquard mesh that ups breathability, and extra padding around the heel collar for support. Their weight clocks in at 8.5 oz, which is nice if you're already lugging around a big backpack full of gear.

The Hoka Speedgoat 5 Lows currently go for $124 (was $155).

The North Face Oxeye Tech Shoes

The bootie-style ankle height on these hiking shoes from The North Face stabilizes the ankles and gets supported further by some sturdy plastic webbing, which is wildly helpful on long hikes. The outer layers are also made from ripstop material that keeps the shoe together, even if you come across small snags or tears. You'll fall in love with the thick, bouncy soles and easy drawstring laces! These shoes are fairly grippy on the bottom, but not as much as the other shoes' Vibram fittings. More than anything, I think this earth tone color palette is perfect for outdoor excursions of any kind, so they're very versatile.

This pair of The North Face Oxeye Tech Shoes are $90 (was $129).

Nike Zegama 2

Nike has mastered the art of hiking shoes with this style. The Zegama 2's are Nike's most-tested trail shoes to date with over 35,000 miles logged globally! They're fitted with an ultra-responsive ZoomX foam midsole and stretchy ankle gaiter that hugs the heel to deliver ideal levels of comfort. Ultimately, they were designed to conquer steep ridges, jagged rocks and hilly races, so you can also make them work beyond the trailhead. Though there's only a single layer of mesh on the upper, it's impressively durable and ultra-breathable. I also adore the eye-catching lime green details and bold classic Nike swoosh along the sides.

This pair of Nike Zegama 2's goes for $180.

Saucony Endorphin Rift

Look at that grip! These Saucony hiking shoes are designed with 4.5mm lugs that help you tackle especially loose terrain. Though tough on the outside, these kicks are soft on the inside, made with a lightweight, pillowy-soft cushion that adds a nice bounce to your steps. The bespoke Speedroll technology propels you forward, no matter what kind of movement you're doing. The heightened ankles and reinforced lace work ensure a snug – but not uncomfy – fit!

This pair of Saucony Endorphin Rifts goes for $170.

This hasn't been an easy feat whatsoever, mostly because I have a fairly strict criteria for how biker shorts should look and feel when I wear them.

When shopping for biker shorts, I prioritize designs that feel super soft to the touch, are form-fitting (but not restrictive), have a 5-inch inseam (or less – I like to show ‘em some leg), and most importantly, eliminate the camel toe effect (invasive crotch seams give me the ick, IYKYK).

In my journey to find the perfect pair of black biker shorts, I knew I wanted something I can wear for workouts like climbing and hiking, but also casually for things like grocery trips and lowkey friend hangouts.

Yeoreo Seamless High Waisted Workout Shorts

I started my search by scrolling on none other than Amazon, because the countless user reviews usually help me get a feel for what the product is really like. These Yeoreo biker shorts were at the top of my list since they boast 4.4 out of 5 stars with 1,734 total reviews. After reading they were comfy and flattering, I decided to give them a try. I ordered a size large.

As much as I wanted to like them (after spending $20 on them), the shorts were way too tight and the fabric they were made out of ended up being really thick and restrictive, especially around the tummy and thighs. Now, don’t get me wrong – as a girl on the thicker side, I love a little bit of tummy control, but these shorts dug into me quite deep, and I simply couldn’t see myself being comfortable in them for any occasion. For a size large, they didn’t really fit like it.

So, I defeatedly returned them and decided to look elsewhere. Of course, I’m a Target girl at heart, so I made a beeline to my nearest store the following day. That’s when I stumbled upon the All in Motion Everyday Soft Ultra High-Rise Bike Shorts in the athleisure section, and I’m so glad I gave them a chance! I picked up a size large and found much more success than I did on Amazon.

These biker shorts are extremely soft. The stretchy material reminds me exactly of Lululemon’s signature Align fabrication, which is known to be “buttery-soft.” I feel like I get the same tactile feel from these Target biker shorts, which is satisfying given the cost comparison between the two. For example, a similar style at Lululemon (the Lululemon Align High-Rise Shorts) clocks in at $64, while the Target shorts are just $20.

I adore that these biker shorts are wonderfully flattering without ever being uncomfortable. I shouldn't have to sacrifice either of those things! I like that the stretchiness lends them to be adjustable, too. For example, I like to hike the bottom hems up a bit on my legs to show, well, more of my legs. When I do this with these Target shorts, they never dig into my thighs or make them look like they’re uncomfortably squeezing out from the fabric. Further, I’m able to customize the fit around my backside (we all love a lil’ booty lift!), which is a nice perk when I want to pair them with just a sports bra or crop top for working out.

When I picked up these shorts, I was initially worried about one single red flag about them – the crotch seam! I typically never opt for biker shorts with this dreaded middle seam, but something in me was willing to overlook it. And I'm glad I did! Since purchasing them (and chronically wearing them) I haven’t run into any sort of complications ‘down there’ with the crotch seam. While other shorts would dig into my body and create an unflattering, uncomfortable look, this one hasn’t at all.

All in Motion Everyday Soft Ultra High-Rise Bike Shorts

The best part about these biker shorts is being able to share them with everyone. They’re sold in sizes XS-4X, so I’m led to believe there’s a pair out there for a wide range of body types. Since they’re supremely stretchy, they’re definitely adaptable to different waist, hip, and thigh sizes. Aside from the classic black color, they’re available in hues like ocean blue, coral pink, and a serene green.

The fair price is another great perk worth mentioning. For just $20, I feel like I definitely reap their value. I’ve worn them everywhere from outside walks to the climbing gym and even weekend brunches with my pals. Plus, I haven’t seen any major signs of wear just yet. I’ve sent these shorts through the wash at least three times now (I wear them so much), and the fabric has only gotten better with time.

Ube Coconut Cake

This stacked cake flaunts ube-flavored cake layers smothered in a sweet coconut frosting. It's one of the best desserts to make when you feel like shaking up things from the classic vanilla or chocolate cake. (via Sugarcane: Sweet Recipes from My Half-Filipino Kitchen by Arlyn Osborne for Brit + Co)

Taylor Swift's Chai Sugar Cookies

Taylor Swift's very own chai-infused sugar cookies are actually *so* easy to make. The warm spices make them especially crave-worthy for fall time, but they taste exceptionally good year-round. The chai icing is definitely non-negotiable. (via Brit + Co)

Boozy Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Everything is better with chocolate. And alcohol, of course! These decadent berries are soaked in pink champagne before they're dipped in chocolate and coated in crushed pistachios. Big points for presentation here! (via Brit + Co)

Gooey Banana Boat S'mores

Think of these ooey-gooey treats as a hybrid between a banana split and s'mores. They're totally campfire-ready, but you can also bake them in the oven at home to achieve the same melty effect. (via Brit + Co)

Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Everyone should have a pecan pie bar recipe in their repertoire, and luckily, this one makes prepping them super easy. The shortbread crust only requires 6 ingredients. From there, you'll pour in the ultra-sweet, nutty filling, bake for a bit, and voila! The best dang bars you've ever made are ready to hit the table. (via Brit + Co)

Vegan Dark Chocolate Pistachio Pudding

Psst... this vegan dessert is secretly healthy. The creamy base relies on ripe avocados and bananas, and from there, it's sweetened to your liking with cocoa powder and vanilla extract. Serve each cup with some pistachios and even more chocolate to get the good, sugary vibes going! (via Brit + Co)

Corn & Strawberry Pop-By Cake

This super-fresh strawberry cake is certifiably shareable, making it one of the best desserts to bring to large gatherings or outdoor BBQs. Prepping it with cornmeal adds a delicious savory-ish flavor and some variety in texture. It goes just as great with Greek yogurt as it does a scoop of ice cream! (via Big Night: Dinners, Parties, and Dinner Parties by Katherine Lewin for Brit + Co)

Red Wine Pear Cake with Chocolate Ganache

Chocolate ganache? We're so in. Although it might just leave you in a dessert coma, this chocolatey cake prepped with fresh pears and red wine is very worth the extra effort in the kitchen. (via Brit + Co)

Lucky Charms Ice Cream

If you've never made your own ice cream before, you need to give this nostalgic dessert recipe a try. Start by making the OG vanilla ice cream base, then toss in some Lucky Charms marshmallows (or any kind of cereal, really) to spark some real dessert-y joy! (via Brit + Co)

Easy Iced Lemon Loaf

This loaf is as zesty as it is sweet, which makes the perfect flavor pairing for an afternoon treat or post-dinner dessert. in this case, the moist loaf is complemented by a tangy lemon glaze. You'll absolutely wanna lick the bowl after you're done baking. (via Brit + Co)

Sprinkle Brownie Cake Pops

These easy yet decadent cake pops give traditional brownies a run for their money. They're revamped with a decadent chocolate ganache, some skewers, and the most colorful sprinkles you can find! (via Brit + Co)

Vegan Strawberries & Cream Banana Bread Bars

These fruity bites will impress vegans and non-vegans alike. They're impressively moist and of course, perfectly sweet for treating yourself any time of day! You'll get hints of both strawberries and bananas, which work wonders when they're together. (via Brit + Co)

Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cake

Peanut butter + chocolate = actual heaven. The two join forces in this hearty, homemade ice cream cake topped with a thick layer of melty chocolate and salty pretzels. Consider your next summer dessert found! (via Brit + Co)

Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Even the gluten-free babes out there can enjoy some classic chocolate chip cookies, thanks to this easy recipe! The secret is using Cup4Cup's flour for the dough, which boasts a blend of cornstarch, white and brown rice flours, milk powder, tapioca, potato starch, and xanthan gum that emulates actual wheat flour to a tee. (via Brit + Co)