Orthopedic shoes provide intentional arch support, targeted cushioning, and room for custom orthotics. Each person has different needs when it comes to footwear, so we rounded up a few of the best orthopedic shoes to help you get a little more support in your soles. Still, even if those conditions don’t apply to you, you may want to consider a pair of shoes that is designed to offer support and alleviate pain. Or you might simply need a pair that can accommodate a custom orthotic, which is an insert that works to bring your foot into alignment. Keep in mind, there are plenty of off-the-shelf shoes out there that label themselves as orthopedic but might not be a total fit for your needs. “An authentic orthopedic shoe is fabricated off a cast of the patient, so all of the anatomy and contour is considered in the construction of the shoe,” Kornfeld explains. “There are companies who claim to make ‘orthopedic shoes’ that supposedly put the foot in its proper anatomical position for function, but there are too many variations in foot structure and function for me to feel confident that they would be fine for my patients.” The orthopedic shoes on our list are a great starting point for addressing foot pain on their own or with the help of an orthotic insert. But if you’re hoping to get a better understanding of your own specific footwear needs, it’s best to see a podiatrist to get to the root of the problem—especially if you are experiencing any pain or discomfort. The base of the shoe includes a podiatrist-designed orthotic, and the upper is breathable and water-repellant (+ the liner is also moisture-wicking). These shoes have a removable insole with a .5 elevation for extra heel-to-toe alignment. They’re on the sturdier side, which might make them too firm for some—but if you’re looking for a solid walking shoe that keeps you in alignment, this might be the pair for you. What Customers Say: In general, these are a long-time hit with customers who need a supportive walking shoe. One shopper writes, “I have bunions and very bony feet. I also wear custom orthotics. For years I’ve tried numerous walking shoes and none have given me the comfort and support of these shoes.” A few people do mention these shoes running small, and some say they do not hold up well over time. We also appreciate Brooks’ effort toward sustainability; the company uses recycled materials (like plastic water bottles) in its designs and aim to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040. What Customers Say: Runners love the roomy toe box and cushioned base of these shoes—myself included (I don’t use orthotics, but I run in these all the time!). A few folks say these came recommended from their podiatrist, and several note that it was easy to replace the insole with their custom orthotics. On the negative side, some complain that the laces are much shorter than other sneakers (I haven’t noticed this personally), and there are mixed reviews about their long term durability. However, if you purchase your shoes through Brooks or a retail partner, they offer a Run Happy promise that lets you return or exchange your shoes, even after 90 days of wear. And if you haven’t worn them, you have a full year to return them. What Customers Say: Kuru has a strong sustainability mission as well. The brand encourages you to support either a cause or specific charity simply by registering your purchase. Once you select your charity, a portion of your purchase will be donated. What Customers Say: The Atom sneaker gets excellent reviews, especially from folks with plantar fasciitis. “This is my second pair. They really make my legs feel less tired after my very busy 8-hour shift, and my plantar fasciitis pain got much better with these shoes,” one reviewer raves. On the negative side, those who weren’t happy with their purchase complain that the durability didn’t fit these shoes’ high price tag. A few people warn that they run large, so you may want to size up if you purchase. The wide toe-box is what makes these a great option for people with bunions, as well as anyone with swollen feet or hammertoes. Extra cushioning in the sole and a soft, padded interior give your feet a ton of comfort and support—and the stretchy knitted upper helps these shoes mold to your specific shape. What Customers Say: Customers with plantar fasciitis and bunions rave about these shoes. Several people with bunions praise these shoes’ generously stretchy outer material, including one reviewer who says, “these shoes are great for my narrow feet and yet the stretch component makes it also comfortable to wear without irritating my bunion. Perfect combination!” However, some people do note that the toe box wasn’t roomy enough for them, despite the stretchy material. If that’s a concern for you, you might want to consider the wide model. We also have a few other suggestions for shoes that can ease bunion pain. Worth noting: these shoes are American Podiatric Medical Association approved, but if you’re looking to solve back and knee pain specifically, it’s probably worthwhile to get a gait analysis from a podiatrist. What Customers Say: Many reviewers praise the Integrity Walkers for relieving back and knee pain, as well as plantar fasciitis. “They seem to have more arch support than most other Saucony shoes and definitely more than other athletic shoes that I have tried. I can walk considerable distances without my back hurting,” one shopper writes. Folks with custom orthotics say they work well, too, and most people comment on how durable they are (one person has worn the same pair for 3 years!). On the negative side, some don’t love the low heel on these shoes, and wish they offered more ankle support. What Customers Say: What Customers Say: With nearly 1,000 reviews on the Clove website, these shoes have a staggering 4.9 out of 5-star rating. One reviewer who uses custom orthotics says, “So comfortable, I can walk 12 hours without any problem. So easy to put on.” Most people recommend sizing up a half-size with these shoes, so keep that in mind if you’re in between sizes or prefer a more wide toe box. And while they have a lot of fun colors and patterns available, the wipe-clean material might not be for everyone. Most orthopedic shoes are designed for people seeking arch support, but this can vary by brand (and of course, your foot’s arch). If it’s a top priority for you, make sure it’s called out in the shoe’s design. Another thing to keep in mind is whether you need a shoe that accommodates a custom orthotic. Some folks need a little more spaciousness for their orthotics, so it might help to look for shoes that have a wide version available. All the shoes on our list are sneakers, as they offer the most orthopedic support—but we also have a list of podiatrist-recommended sandals!
