Finding the right shoes for your feet can be challenging, especially if you suffer from excruciating foot pain or nerve damage. If you have foot pain, orthopedic shoes might be the answer to your foot problems. Orthopedic shoes are a great solution to help improve overall foot health and treat deformities like plantar fasciitis or neuropathy. "These shoes are specially designed to support your feet, improve alignment, and reduce stress on your joints," says board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Najwa Javed.
"They go beyond just being comfortable shoes — they’re made with medical and biomechanical support in mind," she adds. We spoke with board-certified podiatrists to help us find the best orthopedic shoes from Hoka, Brooks, Orthofeet and more. Scroll down to learn more about the shoes that we think are toe-tally worth it!
What are orthopedic shoes?
Has your podiatrist recommended you start wearing orthopedic shoes, but you're not sure what qualifies?
"Orthopedic shoes are any shoes specifically designed to support both the structure and the function of the foot," explains Dr. Anne Sharkey, a double board-certified podiatrist in Austin, Texas.
"The goals of orthopedic shoes are to reduce foot pain, provide support (particularly arch support) and improve foot health," she states.
Dr. Priya Parthasarathy, a board-certified podiatrist based in Maryland, assures individuals that orthopedic shoes are no longer your grandmother's shoe gear!
She says that orthopedic shoes have "good support that works to promote healthy feet." Parthasarathy continues, "These days you can see Hoka shoes on a teenager to my 79-year-old dad."
Parthasarathy suggests that chunky loafers and clogs are also having a major comeback this fall, which are both considered to be orthopedic shoes as well. In conclusion, orthopedic shoes are "built with features like firm soles, wide/deep toe boxes, extra cushioning and removable insoles for custom orthotics," says Javed.
The best orthopedic shoes, according to podiatrists
New Balance "offers a wide range of sizes and widths, and advanced cushioning technologies which provide excellent shock absorption and reduce foot pressure," shares Cunha.
"Many models also feature stability technologies to control foot motion, making them ideal for people with flat feet or alignment issues. New Balance shoes are fashionable, versatile and built with durable materials," he continues.
Senior editor Jess Bender is a fan these sneakers. She says, "It’s rare for me to find a sneaker that I don’t have to break in, but these kicks delivered supportive strides almost immediately," Bender continues, "While I can rave about their arch support for ages, the wider toe box and deep heel cup minimizes any discomfort I might feel after hours on my feet," she mentions.
Parthasarathy suggests the Skechers arch fit line which is supportive and has the Seal of Acceptance by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). These lightweight sneakers feature a removable insole as well as a cushioned heel.
Sharkey recommends these sporty sneakers for their extra depth which easily accommodates orthotics. She explains that these walking shoes are adjustable for a customizable fit and feature a cushioned sole, wide toe box and seam-free interior, which is great for diabetics.
“Brooks shoes are another excellent orthopedic athletic shoe that combines cutting-edge technologies that cushions and adapts to your stride, reducing impact on feet and joints and supports natural movement in the hips, knees, and joints,” suggests Cunha.
“They are designed with exceptional arch support and a stable heel, making them ideal for conditions associated with overpronation and flat feet,” he states. Plus, this brand offers "cushioned interior for walking and running", adds Javed.
Parthasarathy loves these Hoka sneakers because they are balanced, cushioned and supportive. She says they're great options for neutral running shoes, and they even have the APMA Seal of Approval. These vibrant shoes also feature a compression-molded EVA midsole to deliver non-stop comfort, according to the brand.
“Birkenstock is a well-known orthopedic shoe brand that is loved for its iconic cork footbed that comfortably supports and molds to the unique shape of your arch over time,” says Cunha.
“Their shoes provide excellent arch support and a deep heel cup that promotes proper foot alignment and evenly distributes weight to reduce joint pressure, making them ideal for conditions like plantar fasciitis,” he explains. Also, the "contoured cork footbed offers excellent arch support and weight distribution," adds Javed.
Parthasarathy mentions that these comfy mules are on trend for fall 2024. She explains that these stylish shoes have a supportive footbed and soft leather to accommodate deformities. Choose a pair to match your outfit as these mules come in eight unique colorways, including gold metallic and tan burnished suede.
Rain or shine, these Vionic sneakers will quickly become your go-pair for walking as they are treated with a protective coating to help against inclement weather, according to the brand. Sharkey loves these comfortable kicks for their cushioned midsole, built-in arch support and rubber outsole for traction. She also is a big fan of these shoes for their removable insoles to accommodate orthotics.
More orthopedic shoes to shop
If you're looking for a comfortable shoe that's easy to slip on and off to take the dog out in the morning, this pair of loafers is perfect. These canvas shoes are designed to help relieve foot and heel pain. They also include orthotic insoles for strong arch support.
Tired of bending down to tie your shoes? These stylish sneakers from Orthofeet feature a no-tie bungee lace, making them easy to slide on and leaving more room for breathability. With over 1,400 five-star ratings on Amazon, these synthetic shoes come in four unique colorways and are designed to treat up to 20+ foot conditions, according to the brand.
Orthofeet is a great choice for those wanting to improve their foot health and relieve joint issues. While this is designed for runners, consider it your everyday (also stylish) shoe to wear at work, school or the gym. The comfortably designed and orthotic footbed is extra-padded to prevent pain. Also, the anatomical arch support will support your feet at every stride.
What to look for in orthopedic shoes
When it comes to finding the right orthopedic shoes for your feet, Sharkey recommends paying close attention to the following factors:
- Arch support: “Looking for shoes with adequate arch support is essential especially if you suffer from flat feet or high arches in order to reduce pain and discomfort,” statesDr. Miguel Cunha, a surgical podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare. “Look for shoes that fit your unique foot form and requirements with integrated arch support.”
- Anatomical/wide toe box: “In addition to giving toes room to spread which is beneficial for foot health for everyone, having this shape helps to accommodate any deformities that might be present (hammer toes, bunion, tailor’s bunion),” she explains.
- Cushioning: “Specific materials are used in construction to improve shock absorption which increases comfort with wear and helps to alleviate joint pains,” Sharkey continues.
- Removable insoles: “Allows for the individual to be able to use over the counter, semi-custom or custom orthotics if needed,” she says.
- Reinforced/firm heel counter: “This is vital for controlling foot motion and adding stability,” suggests Sharkey.
- Adjustable fit: “When needed, adjustable straps and laces are a benefit to those who need added stability or adjustable fit,” she notes.
Parthasarathy adds that it is extremely important to try on a few different shoe sizes to make sure there is adequate room in the shoe. “Shoe sizes can vary by brand. I always tell my patients they should have one thumbs width between the end of your longest toe and the end of the shoe,” she suggests.
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How we chose the best orthopedic shoes
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best orthopedic shoes by enlisting the recommendations of board-certified podiatrists. We prioritized orthopedic shoes based on arch support, comfortability and breathability.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on the best orthopedic shoes. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Anne Sharkey, DPM, FACFAS, is a double board-certified podiatrist in Austin, Texas.
- Dr. Priya Parthasarathy, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist based in Maryland.
- Dr. Miguel Cunha, DPM, is a surgical podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare.
- Dr. Najwa Javed is a board-certified podiatrist at Silicon Valley Podiatry Group. Throughout her years of practice, she has focused on achieving an optimal state of health for her patients by mitigating foot and ankle injuries.
