I walked 12,000 steps a day pain-free thanks to these nurse-approved Adidas sneakers

I've never been someone who lusts after shoes. (Sorry, Carrie Bradshaw.) I'd rather own a curated collection of tried-and-true pairs than a closet full of colors and styles that, while cute, I know I'll rarely wear. That means I'm always on the lookout for do-it-all options that'll take me through most of my day — and when I find one, I'm pretty darn loyal. One sneaker that checks all my boxes? The ultra-lightweight, ultra-affordable Adidas Cloudfoam Pure Shoes.

I'm on my second pair of Cloudfoams because they're so versatile. Neighborhood walks? No problem — I notched 12,000 steps in these the other day, right out of the box, without any pain or rubbing. Errands? Definitely — these don't weigh me down as I bop around town. Casual get-togethers? Absolutely — they're sleeker than my other sneakers (especially ultra-cushioned styles like Hokas) so they still look cute with jeans, trousers, you name it.

Where these really excel, though, is weight ... or lack thereof, that is. If you're a minimalist, these are about as good as it gets without walking around barefoot, and when I swap them out for my trusty pair of Brooks Glycerin 20s, the Brooks feel like bricks in comparison. It's not just the soles, though. The knit mesh uppers and memory foam cushioning also keep these ultra-light, and they help them mold to my feet in a way most shoes won't.

And while I have a desk job, Cloudfoams are a favorite of nurses, teachers and other pros who spend endless hours on their feet. "They are so comfortable and flexible," one ecstatic employee wrote in a review on Adidas' website. "After a long 12-hour shift, my feet don't hurt nearly as bad as they would wearing any other kind of shoe." Added another: "I walk like 8 miles during work most days, and then another 2 or 3 after work because [of my] dog. ... I have needed these dang foot huggers for years and I didn't know what I was missing. ... They're so light and airy that it's like not even wearing shoes."

So what wouldn't I do in Cloudfoams? First, these aren't shoes I'd run or hike in. For both, I'd invest in a sneaker with a little more cushioning and traction, like the springy Adidas Ultraboosts. Second, these aren't my rainy-day go-tos, because the stretchy mesh uppers don't repel moisture.

Another thing to note: These aren't hands-free slip-ons — as you can see below, you'll still need to tie your shoes. That doesn't bother me, because I can tighten the laces for a snug fit (I often feel like I'm going to walk right out of slip-ons). But if you're looking for a shoe that doesn't require you to bend down, Cloudfoams aren't your holy grail. In fact, these can be a little tricky to put on because you can't move the tongue for extra wiggle room.

The Cloudfoam army is passionate about its favorite shoes, which get an average of 4.4 stars on Adidas' website and tons of five-star reviews.

"It's like not wearing shoes — these are so lightweight and so ultra comfortable," wrote one Adidas reviewer. "I have wide feet, and it's hard to find shoes that are offered in a wide, so I tend to order shoes a half-size larger than I actually need to accommodate my toes. But I am still able to wear these in my actual size, even though they're technically too narrow for my feet. The fabric is so lightweight that it doesn't matter."

"Friends, I am not a runner, I'm a bad-back-having middle-aged walker," joked another. "I wasn't shopping for anything ultra technical — just some honest, comfy kicks with excellent arch support and good shock absorption. I just replaced another brand with the Cloudfoams and I love them so much. ... Great support for plantar fasciitis, outstanding room at the toe box, good padding at the ankles and the heel."

Another PF warrior agreed: "This sneaker is incredibly comfortable and hugs my feet perfectly. I have plantar fasciitis in both feet. I'm constantly searching for shoes I can walk and stand in that don't aggravate my condition. This pair is working well so far."

Remember when I mentioned these can be hard to put on? I'm not the only one who's noticed. "Great arch support and a nice, cushiony feel," said one mostly happy buyer. "However, it is hard to get these shoes on! They don't have a tongue — the top is all one piece, so it can't be loosened for an easy way to slide your foot in. I wish I had noticed this before ordering, because it takes a while and some interesting dance moves to get these shoes on my feet. But once there, they are great." (Pro tip: Use the fabric logo tab and high back to pull them up and over your heel.)

"Less cushiony than I expected from something called Cloudfoam, but they are still quite comfortable to wear for daily around-town shoes," added a final shoe shopper. "I probably wouldn't wear them specifically for exercise, as they don't feel supportive enough to me. To be fair, though, I do generally need a little extra support in my arches for running or longer walks."

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.