Here are good places to buy comfortable shoes in Australia (online and in-store), plus quick tips for finding the right fit.

Where to shop (national/online + major chains)

• The Iconic — large online retailer carrying many comfort-focused brands (Vionic, HOKA, Naturalizer, ASICS, ECCO, Birkenstock) with free shipping/returns options. (theiconic.com.au)
• Myer and David Jones — department stores with broad selections of supportive and orthotic‑friendly brands and multiple city locations. (Good if you want to try several brands in one visit.) (en.wikipedia.org)
• Amazon Australia — convenient for mainstream comfort models and fast delivery (check seller & return policy). (Search specific brands for best results.)

Specialist comfort / orthotic retailers (recommended if you need support or hard-to-fit sizes)

• Orthotic and comfort footwear shops (example: Forbes Footwear) — staff trained to fit orthotics, stock orthotic‑friendly and wide-fit shoes, and often offer podiatry/fit advice. Good for plantar fasciitis, bunions, diabetes‑friendly shoes. (forbesfootwear.com.au)

Brands to look for (consistent comfort focus)

• Birkenstock (contoured footbed), Vionic (arch support/orthotic-friendly), ECCO, HOKA, ASICS, Brooks, Naturalizer, Skechers — these brands are commonly stocked across Australian retailers and are known for cushioning/support. (getprice.com.au)

Sport/walking specialists

• Running stores (Local running shops, Rebel, specialty running stores) — great for properly fitting running/walking shoes (gait analysis, size recommendations). Many carry HOKA, ASICS, Brooks, New Balance.

Local options and outlets

• Independent podiatry-recommended shoe stores and orthotic specialists in each city — search “orthotic shoes” + your city for local fitters (they can fit custom insoles or recommend orthotic‑friendly models). Example: Forbes Footwear (Hornsby) as a specialist. (forbesfootwear.com.au)

How to choose and where to buy depending on needs

• For everyday all‑day comfort (work/commute): try Vionic, ECCO, Naturalizer at The Iconic or department stores. (theiconic.com.au)
• For walking/running: get fitted at a specialist running store for HOKA, ASICS, Brooks. (theiconic.com.au)
• For orthotic needs, wide feet, foot conditions: visit an orthotic/comfort footwear store or a podiatrist to get shoes that accommodate insoles (or to be fitted for custom orthotics). (forbesfootwear.com.au)

Practical tips

• Try shoes later in the day (feet swell), wear the socks you’ll use with them, and walk on a hard surface in-store if possible.
• Prioritise removable insoles if you may need orthotics.
• Check return policy: online retailers with free/extended returns (e.g., The Iconic) make trying different brands easier. (theiconic.com.au)

If you tell me which city or what type of shoe you need (work, walking, running, sandals, wide size or orthotic requirement), I can give specific stores or local shop names and links in that area.