If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. My Chic Suede Podiatrist-Approved Sneakers Are Proof You Don’t Have to Sacrifice Style for Comfort Hailey Bieber and Meghan Markle are fans of the label. By Kaitlin Clapinski Kaitlin Clapinski Kaitlin Clapinski is a Los Angeles-based News and Deals Commerce Writer at InStyle, covering everything from celebrity style to fashion and beauty news. She swears she has a sixth sense when it comes to spotting emerging trends and viral finds and now, she can put it to good use. InStyle's editorial guidelines Published on February 27, 2026 @ 10:00AM Credit: InStyle An InStyle writer reviewed the New Balance 204L Sneakers, calling them comfortable and cool. The podiatrist-approved brand counts Hailey Bieber, Meghan Markle, and Jennifer Aniston as fans. Shop her exact style, plus more from the brand like the 574 Sneaker and the 740 Sneaker. Let's be honest: When you hear “podiatrist-approved sneakers,” I know a chunky outdated pair of shoes comes to mind, but I’m here to convince you otherwise. In 2026, supportive sneakers can (and in my opinion, should) be cool, and I have proof. My sleek, suede New Balance 204L sneakers are so comfortable, and better yet, the brand touts editor-, celebrity-, and podiatrist-approved status. New Balance 204L Sneakers Credit: Nordstrom $120 at Nordstrom I’ve always been a fan of New Balance, but in 2023, my boyfriend and I traveled around Europe for two weeks walking close to 20,000 steps a day in our sneakers (mine, the classic 990 Sneaker, his, a pair of 2002R Sneakers), and we returned home with not a blister in sight. I’ve since collected many pairs, and while I have always admired the dad sneaker silhouette that the brand is known for, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the newer released 204L Sneaker captures all of the dad-sneaker support in a slimmer style. InStyle In my early twenties, I could’ve cared less about how supportive my shoes were. Now, if I’m in bad sneakers, my ankles, knees, and shins will pay the price. I never feel sore after wearing the 204L Sneaker for long periods of time, and I’ve styled them for concerts, long work days, even similar 20,000 step vacation days. Slim sneakers are the It girl shoe of 2026, but even though the 204L style could be considered trendy, I can see myself wearing the style for years (even decades) to come. No matter what I style them with—baggy jeans, a printed maxi skirt, shorts—they are always an added upgrade, and the sneaker of it all never takes away from the outfit. For more examples of how chic and easygoing the sneaker is, turn your attention to Hailey Bieber and Jennifer Aniston, who wear the brand on repeat. Meghan Markle and Mariska Hargitay are fans, too. Have I convinced you to grab a pair yet? Shop my favorite New Balance 204L sneakers, plus I’ve included more pairs from the brand below. 471 Sneaker Credit: Nordstrom $109 $66 at Nordstrom 574 Sneaker Credit: Nordstrom $100 at Nordstrom 204L Sneaker Credit: Nordstrom $120 at Nordstrom 740 Sneaker Credit: Nordstrom $115 at Nordstrom Shop More InStyle-Approved Picks I Get Endless Compliments When I Use This Pore-Blurring Foundation That Stays in Place for 8+ Hours 4 People Asked My Sister How Her Face Is “So Glowy” After Using This $19 Serum *One* Time Martha Stewart Uses This Plumping Skin Tint That Gives Shoppers a “Flawless but Natural” Glow Read more: Fashion Shoes Sneakers