Save on Hoka, New Balance and more. (Photo: Zappos)
You've officially finished gifting everyone else. Now is the time to sit back, relax and treat yourself — and what better place to start than your feet? Zappos is having a massive winter clearance event on anything you need to see you through the new year. Not sure where to start? We consulted NYC-based podiatrist Dr. Polina Zaydenberg on her favorites from the sale. The doctor is board-certified by the American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry in the Prevention and Treatment of Diabetic Foot Wounds and in Diabetic Footwear.
Keep scrolling for her faves, and shop the entire sale here.
Dr. Zaydenberg praises the propulsive toe box in these New Balance sneakers. In layman's terms, the tip of the toe is off the ground, which she says helps relieve pressure off the ball of your foot.
"Love these shoes!" shared a shopper. "They are really comfortable for walking and light hikes and for long walking days when I travel. The soft/flexible fabric really feels nice and they are supportive."
Ask any podiatrist and they'll probably tell you to steer clear of pointy-toe shoes. They create unnecessary foot pain and can cause a neuroma, which is an inflammation caused by stuffing your toes in too small a space.
These boots are made mostly out of leather, save for textile detailing in the back. They easily slip on and off, thanks to a hidden zipper closure on the side. Wear them with anything from leggings to jeans to a maxi skirt.
The added traction on the sole adds a rugged touch to the otherwise classic Chelsea boot.
These booties are made out of sturdy pebbled leather, which won't easily show scratches or scuffs. The braided detailing is the right touch to make an ordinary black boot look super stylish.
These Lowa sneakers fit like a sock and have a sturdy toe bumper to keep your foot protected. Whether you wear them as they're intended to be worn — for hiking — or to just run errands around town, you'll have extra security.
Says Dr. Zaydenberg: "They’re excellent for people with peripheral vascular disease and different toe deformities."
"Before I purchased these running shoes, I was considering having hip replacement surgery because of the constant pain that I was experiencing," one shopper noted. "The day I started wearing these, the pain mostly disappeared. I wish I'd discovered these years ago."
"I'm an RN and work 12-hour shifts," shared a shopper. "These shoes are great for those nights when I don't stop running!"
"I needed a pair of shoes for walking our dog in Vermont...sometimes I’m on dirt roads, sometimes I’m in the woods, and sometimes I’m down at the lake!" a happy shopper shared. "These are comfy, rugged enough that I don’t feel the terrain through the soles, and attractive — which does matter!"
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
