The best orthopedic shoes of 2025, tested and reviewed
If you have lower body joint pain, back pain, high or flat arches, nerve pain, have had foot or ankle surgery or you just spend a lot of time on your feet, you might find relief in a new pair of shoes. Healthy feet thrive in shoes that offer the right kind of support, whether that comes from a cushier sole, a more stable footbed or a mix of both. The good news is many shoe brands now offer a few stylish orthopedic options in their lineups. That means you can find footwear with features such as proper arch support, shock absorption and wide toe boxes, while still being able to select from a wide range of colors and styles. These shoes typically don't cost much more expensive than your average sneakers, so you won't have to break the bank to get your hands — or feet — on some of the best orthopedic shoes available.
If you're unsure whether orthopedic shoes are right for you, the answer is simple. "Anyone who identifies as having foot pain can benefit," says Dr. Samantha Landau, DPM from Touro New York College of Podiatric Medicine. "Orthopedic shoes have features designed to provide relief to those who suffer from foot pain via support and comfort to help achieve optimal form and function. They also can aid stability, facilitate increasing walking distances and help reduce falls," she explains.
With expert guidance and extensive hands-on testing, we zeroed in on the best orthopedic shoes on the market based on the types of foot conditions addressed, cost and style. As someone with wider feet and anatomical hip and leg length discrepancies, choosing shoes that are supportive and comfortable help me avoid strain and injury. With the help of a male tester to try out the men's footwear, I put 18 pairs of shoes to the test, testing everything from running shoes to high heels. I also used my own knowledge as a credentialed pain-free performance specialist and health and fitness expert to assess the types of shoes and support needed to carry you through a range of activities. Get ready to be pleasantly surprised by how far orthopedic shoes have come to give you comfort, relief and, most of all, the style and support needed in a shoe, orthopedic or not.
And if you're managing a specific foot disorder or challenge, also check out our articles on the best shoes for arthritic feet, best shoes for flat feet, best shoes for plantar fasciitis and best bunion correctors.
Update, Mar. 4, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our top choice was replaced by the Kuru Atom (available for men and women) and almost all other categories were updated with new selections. We added four additional categories and renamed some of our previous categories to encompass broader needs for men's and women's footwear.
Best for: Bunions, hammertoe, plantar fasciitis and pinched nerves | Style: Walking, cross training, everyday wear | Material: Mesh | Colors available: Women: 8 (10 in wide); Men: 4 | Sizes available: Women's: 5-12 with all half sizes and all sizes in wide fit; Men's: 6.5-14 with all half sizes and all sizes in wide fit
Kuru's Atom Athletic Sneaker prevents and relieves pain thanks to extra cushioning in the heel and midsole, exceptional arch support and a deep heel cup that hugs your foot and prevents slippage. These quickly became my go-to shoes for everyday tasks like cleaning, running errands and light workouts.
Dr. Mauricio Garcia, orthopedic surgeon and senior project manager for Hyper Arch Motion Shoes, says your heel should fit snugly and not slip out of the shoe while walking, but it should not feel too tight or cause any discomfort. "The middle of the shoe, including the arch and instep area, should also fit snugly and securely without feeling too tight or constricting," he says. That's exactly how the Kuru Atoms feel, with a supportive structure on the sides that's paired with lightweight mesh on the forefoot, so my feet felt snug and in place without restricting my toe or foot movement. The wide toe box's anatomical fit helps prevent issues such as bunions, hammertoe and pinched nerves — conditions that are more common for those with wide feet. They're great for overpronators, too (those whose feet tend to roll too far inward), thanks to the great arch support and stability.
The Atoms have just enough cushion to be comfortable but aren't so thick and cushioned that I feel off balance or can't feel the ground under my feet. My arches felt supported when wearing these all day, even while walking for a couple of hours at a time on my walking pad. The shoe's breathable mesh design works well to keep feet cool and dry during workouts, walks and everyday wear. You can choose from regular and wide widths in full and half sizes.
Best for: Wide feet, bunions and hammertoes, overpronation, flat feet, plantar fasciitis | Style: Dress, work | Material: Leather, EVA | Colors available: 4 | Sizes available: 5-12 with half sizes available from 5.5-9.5
Heels aren't particularly known for comfort. In fact, it's reasonable to expect to give them up entirely if you have orthopedic issues. This is why dr LIZA was created — to provide a stylish, dressy option that still caters to people with a range of foot, ankle and joint concerns. The bootie 2.0 is a rare example of a stylish heeled shoe that incorporates thoughtful orthopedic features like a wide toe box, deep heel cup, orthotic insole, rocker sole, and shock-absorbing platform. A thicker, ¾-inch platform offsets some of the heel height to reduce the overall angle of the foot for better comfort. Plus, the rare wider toe box lets toes splay in a natural position without the typical pinching that's often experienced when wearing heels.
I only wear heels about once a month (on fancier date nights) since I tend to get strange twinges and nerve sensations in the balls of my feet when wearing them. However, I didn't feel any of that with the dr LIZA booties. They're obviously not as plush or comfy as a highly cushioned sneaker, but they are surprisingly easy to wear. I felt supported, with none of the slipping that can lead to the blisters heels are known for. Plus, my feet had plenty of room, and I had no foot pain or strange sensations. Best of all, they look fantastic.
Though the dr LIZA bootie 2.0 shoes are a fantastic option if you are going to wear heels, they do have a 3-inch heel, which means they aren't ideal for those with severe balance problems or ankle instability. Plus, with premium Brazilian leather and a custom design, they're on the pricier side at $351.
If heels are a no-go for you (or if that price point is out of the question), you may want to consider some of dr LIZA's other options, like their flats.
Best for: Joint pain, mild plantar fasciitis or metatarsalgia, general foot fatigue | Style: Dress, semi-casual | Material: PU leather, TPR | Colors available: 3 | Sizes available: 8-13 with half sizes available from 8.5-10.5; all sizes in normal and wide width
One of the things our tester liked most about the Bruno Marc Casual Oxfords is that they don't obviously look like an orthopedic shoe. "They look really smart and professional without sticking out," he shared. "They pair really well with jeans as well as dressier pants. I love having a pair of shoes that I can wear to dress up or down."
The Casual Oxfords share some of the same features you find in more traditional-looking orthopedic shoes — an insole with arch support that's also removable to allow for custom orthotics, a secure heel cup and light padding around the ankles — but they don't have the more maximalist, highly cushioned soles you see on many other styles. These shoes opt for stability courtesy of a TPR resin sole, which our tester noted is reassuringly firm and grippy and doesn't feel wobbly at all.
A lace-up enclosure is standard on a dress shoe, but in the context of an orthopedic shoe, this is a helpful design feature that allows for a more custom fit, especially if your feet are prone to swelling. Padding on the underside of the tongue adds additional comfort, but those who need a lot of cushioning might not feel there's enough with this shoe, particularly under the heels.
Best for: Bunions, hammer toe, joint pain, post-surgery, wide feet | Style: Athletic, walking | Material: Mesh, foam, rubber | Colors available: 15 | Sizes available: 5-15 with half sizes available from 5.5-11.5
I walk for a couple of hours daily on my walking pad, along with track walks at the gym and outdoor jaunts with my pup. I found the Nike Motiva shoes had a nice balance of stability and cushioning for walking — much better than the other shoes I tested. They're remarkably comfortable with plenty of room in the toe box, sufficient arch support, no slipping at the heel and an overall secure fit. The top material is stretchy and flexible while still providing structure.
The widened forefoot, arch and toe box are the most significant orthopedic benefits of the Motivas, making them ideal for anyone with bunions, hammertoes or wide feet and anyone recovering from foot or ankle surgery. The nicely cushioned sole equates to reduced impact on the joints, too, so they'll work for people with joint pain or arthritis. You can also add custom orthopedic insoles if you have specific needs.
I wouldn't use these for strength training or any exercise that requires a lot of stability, like high-impact work with sudden or lateral movements. While I was using them at the gym, I stumbled forward a bit when performing bent-over rows, so I recommend sticking to using them as intended — for walks. Nike recommends sizing up half a size as they fit small, but I found them true to size for me.
Best for: Bunions, hammertoes, joint pain | Style: Casual | Material: Vegan leather, rubber | Colors available: 3 | Sizes available: 6.5-13 with half sizes available from 6.5-10.5; all sizes in normal and wide fit
With a stylish vegan leather upper that's easy to care for and a choice of colors that work well paired with jeans or other casual pants, the Bruno Marc Casual Dress Sneaker wins our pick for the best men's casual orthopedic shoe. All sizes are available in both normal and wide sizes, and while those with really wide feet might find them a bit snug around the balls of the feet, the upper is soft enough that your toes shouldn't feel pinched.
Our male tester was a big fan of the breathable padding around the heel and midfoot, as well as on the underside of the tongue, which kept his feet snug and secure without being overbearingly tight. The soles have good grip and feature some cushioning, albeit less than you'd find on more maximalist designs. While it's possible that the insole might not provide enough arch support to manage conditions like flat feet or overpronation — the insoles are removable, so you can install custom orthotics if you need them.
Best for: Plantar fasciitis, heel pain, overpronation, flat feet, wide feet | Style: Casual | Material: Leather/denim/linen canvas/raffia upper, mesh, EVA, rubber | Colors available: 12 | Sizes available: Women's: 5-13 with half sizes available from 6.5-9.5; available in wide sizes 5-12
Vionic focuses on crafting comfortable, supportive shoes that earn the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, including these cute Winny flats. The company's design philosophy includes the elements of stability, cushioning, arch support and flexibility, which means they can accommodate orthopedic issues like plantar fasciitis, heel pain, overpronation and flat and wide feet.
The Winny's quickly became my pick for warmer weather on-the-go shoes when running errands and attending casual events. They're super cute and stylish while being extra comfy despite not having extra cushion or wobbly foam. For flats, I was surprised at how well they cradled my heels and kept my feet in place, thanks to a deep heel cup that helps control pronation. My arches were supported without any of the initial awkwardness felt in some arch-supporting shoes. If you're looking for true arch support and stability in a casual, everyday option, the Winny's are ideal. However, if you're a fan of maximalist, highly padded foam shoes, these might not be a fit (try Oofos or Hokas instead).
I tested the B width in white leather, which fit well, but there was a bit less room in the toe box than I'd like, so if you have wider feet, definitely go with the wider D width option. These shoes feel durable and clean up well. I expect them to last a long time. There are mixed reviews on sizing, so be sure to measure your feet before ordering.
Best for: Joint pain, neutral pronators, plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, arthritis | Style: Running | Material: Rubber, foam, synthetic | Colors available: 7 (women's); 5 (men's) | Sizes available: 5.5-11 with half sizes available from 5.5-10.5 (women's); 7-15 with half sizes available from 7.5-12.5 (men's)
Improper footwear is one of the top reasons runners get injured, according to Dr. Daniel Geller, DPM, chief medical officer at Canyon Foot & Ankle and Kane Footwear. "Not only will poor shoe selection or fit create blisters, chafing and toenail issues, it will also cause more complex injuries due to lack of support, cushioning and protection," he explains. The Puma Deviate NITRO 3 is a deeply cushioned yet stable and responsive running shoe with extra foam cushioning in the midsole to minimize joint impact while still propelling you forward — as all good running shoes should. A carbon-fiber plate adds rigidity to the midsole to prevent excessive bending or twisting, which is ideal for correcting pronation.
The shoe's upper material is durable, breathable and flexible but still offers support. Extra features like reflective accents are helpful for early and late runs, and the sole's real grip technology is ideal for road safety. Runners with severe pronation or supination, those seeking a minimalist or zero-drop shoe or those who prefer a very flexible shoe might need a more specialized running shoe, but these are ideal for neutral or light overpronators and those with foot or joint pain or arthritis looking for a lightweight, efficient running shoe.
Best for: Joint pain, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, post-surgery or injury | Style: Walking, daily wear | Material: Foam, mesh | Colors available: 6 each (men's and women's) | Sizes available: 5-11 with half sizes from 6.5-9.5 (women's); 8-14 with half sizes from 9.5-12.5 (men's)
Our tester recently injured his knee and endured several weeks of pain and limited mobility. Putting on socks and shoes was particularly difficult because he couldn't bend his knee properly. A pair of OOFOS OOmy Strides quickly became his go-to shoe for daily activities. Even though they're a lace-up shoe, the elasticized collar made it easier for him to slip these on when he needed to run errands or drive the kids to activities.
He found a lot of things to like about these shoes, which he's still wearing regularly even as he gets closer to full recovery: "The arch support feels quite firm and took a bit of getting used to, but I like how springy and cushioned the sole feels, particularly at the heel end — it's like wearing a pair of shock absorbers, which is great for my knees!" The soft upper is also very accommodating for his wide feet, although as he's worn them more and more often, he's noticed some damage to the mesh, so these shoes might be best suited for lower-impact wear.
Best for: Joint pain, wide feet, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, bunions and hammertoes, diabetes | Style: Walking | Material: rubber, EVA, mesh | Colors available: 7 | Sizes available: 6-11 with half sizes from 6.5-9.5 (women's); 7.5-13 with half sizes from 7.5-11.5 (men's)
If you're a fan of maximalist, highly cushioned shoes, you'll love the Nortiv8 Active Float shoe, which is a much more affordable version of this popular design. They feature a shock-absorbing EVA foam midsole that significantly reduces the impact on your joints, particularly the knees. A wide forefoot and toe box is ideal for accommodating wider feet, bunions and hammertoes, while the cushioning and rocker sole relieve pain for multiple conditions like plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia.
I found these shoes supremely comfortable and cushy, perfect for walking on my walking pad or taking road walks with my dog. They have a wide width that accommodates my feet with zero squeezing while still keeping them in place. The breathable materials helped prevent my feet from getting sweaty while walking on my walking pad for long periods. However, these shoes are too cushy and have too thick a sole for anyone who requires more stability or who has balance issues. And due to the extra cushion, they prevent you from really feeling the ground underneath you, so they're not ideal for rough terrain or walking on surfaces where you could stumble more easily.
Best for: Plantar fasciitis, arthritis, joint pain | Style: Casual, indoors | Material: Foam, Primaloft, synthetic | Colors available: 2 each (men's and women's) | Sizes available: 5-11 with half sizes from 6.5-9.5 (women's); 8-14 with half sizes from 9.5-12.5 (men's)
Those of you who live in colder climates probably know all too well the struggles of keeping your extremities warm, even in your own home. I've been there and done that, and I own the heated blanket to prove it. Enter the Oofos OOcoozie Thermo Mules, which have helped my feet stay toasty in the house all winter. Our male tester has a pair as well, and he loves how the open-backed mule design makes these slippers easy to slip on and off. The open heel means that these shoes don't have much ankle support, but they do benefit from the same OOfoam technology found in other Oofos shoes that helps to reduce impact on your joints.
For wearing indoors or for light errands, the OOcoozies are extremely comfortable and accommodate a variety of foot widths, thanks to the soft upper material. The PrimaLoft insulation is so effective that people in warmer climates might find that their feet get too uncomfortably hot and sweaty, but these slippers do have the added bonus of being machine-washable if you ever need to clean them.
Best for: Sciatica, heel pain, joint pain, plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, arthritis | Style: Walking | Material: mesh, synthetic leather, memory foam | Colors available: 4 (women's); 6 (men's) | Sizes available: 5-9 (women's); 7-11 (men's)
I firmly believe everyone should own a pair of slip-on shoes to wear around the house or for speedily getting out the door in a time crunch. And if you have limited mobility or injuries, slip-ons make it easier to get footwear on and off independently. The MBT Modena III Slip On is designed explicitly with comfort and orthopedic concerns in mind, featuring a patented curved sole, extra heel cushioning and engineered stability that aims to improve posture and alignment, strengthen foot muscles and improve blood flow.
Though these shoes look like others with thicker foam soles, they have a firmer, more stable sole due to the X-shaped shank/lasting board. Right away, I could tell these shoes are meant for more than just shock absorption. I felt a high level of support and a firm but comfortable structure, which makes them better for people who need more than just plush cushioning. Using these on my walking pad, I could feel my feet rolling naturally, thanks to a curved sole that promotes a gait pattern that shifts load from the heel to the midfoot, then the forefoot, unlike the more unnatural feel of some rocker-toe shoes.
The Modena III offers a lot of lateral stability as well, with zero wobble. I could walk perfectly straight and even on my walking pad without holding on to anything, which was tricky when I tried more cushioned shoes like Hokas.
Best for: Joint pain, foot fatigue, metatarsalgia, bunions, hammertoes | Style: Hiking, outdoors, work | Material: EVA rubber, nylon, TPU | Colors available: 5 | Sizes available: 7-14 with half sizes from 7.5-10.5; all sizes available in wide fit
A good shoe for the outdoors should be sturdy enough to handle rough terrain and protect your feet from toe stubs and other injuries while also being comfortable enough to wear for long periods in all elements. The Nortiv8 Lightweight Military Tactical Boots tick all of these boxes with several features that make them a great choice for your next escape into nature, including a side zipper for easy on/off, a water resistant outer shell and a grippy tread pattern on the sole to minimize slips and stumbles.
Our tester tried these out in a wide width option and was impressed by the spacious toe box, which was large enough to be comfortable without feeling too roomy, and found the ankle padding to be nice and cushy yet supportive at the same time. He can see them being a little too stiff for some, but that's perhaps to be expected as these are positioned primarily as a tactical or work boot, which makes them a great choice for any pursuit that requires extended time on your feet. The contoured insole provides some arch support, but if you need more support, you can easily replace the insoles with custom orthotics.
Best for: Joint pain, arthritis, wide feet, bunions and hammertoes | Style: Hiking | Material: rubber, EVA insole | Colors available: 5 | Sizes available: 6-11 with half sizes from 6.5-9.5; available in wide fit from 6-9.5
Foot or joint pain can sideline outdoor adventures or even make gentle hikes a challenge. Finding comfortable, durable and supportive outdoor footwear for active pursuits is crucial for both preventing and accommodating orthopedic issues. Nortiv8 Lightweight Hiking Shoes have several features that make them a great choice. They're water-resistant, well-cushioned and roomy, come in wide widths and have removable insoles to accommodate custom orthotics.
I found these lightweight outdoor shoes to have plenty of room in the toe box while hugging the heel well. The EVA insole feels cushy and comfortable but provides enough firm support for outdoor terrain. I took these on a gentle gravel forested hike on a cold day and found they provide some warmth while still being breathable. They're very well padded and supportive around the ankle, reducing the risk of ankle twists. I also appreciated how easy they were to get on and off with a pull tab and sloped back. Good traction and sturdy uppers make them ideal for light hikes and well-groomed trails.
I would be cautious on tough hiking trails with a lot of rocks or tree roots because they have a slight rocker toe, which could cause some instability. The toe has a rubber guard, though, which protects you from stubs. An upper made from water-resistant Oxford cloth makes the shoes feel durable and light. I also really like how these shoes look. Despite a budget-friendly price tag, the Nortiv8 Lightweight Hiking Shoe is more stylish and comfortable than many others I've tried and it fits true to size without a break-in period.
Best for: Plantar fasciitis, wide feet, heel spurs, metatarsalgia, arthritis, joint pain | Material: ETC, polyurethane, nylon | Colors available: 1 | Sizes available: 5-15 with half sizes available from 5.5-14.5 (women's); 5-18; with half sizes available from 5.5-13.5 (men's)
These orthopedic insoles from Protalus replace those in any pair of shoes, turning them into a supportive, cushioned pair that promotes proper foot alignment. The T-100 insoles are molded for contour to match the natural curves of the foot, with polyurethane foam and a nylon shank that provides a combination of shock absorption and structural support.
I was surprised to find the T-100 insoles fit neatly into multiple pairs of shoes without causing any friction. Ridges on the bottom of the insole kept them in place in my shoes, so they didn't slip or come out when I took them off. A patented "tri-planar alignment system" claims to keep feet aligned in the sagittal, frontal and transverse planes for correct foot position and less stress on your joints and back. Walking, jogging and lifting weights all felt comfortable and stable when I wore these insoles in non-orthopedic shoes.
Though these insoles claim to have a universal fit that accommodates a range of arch types, those who have very high arches or very flat feet might still benefit from a custom orthotic.
Fit: Ensuring the correct fit is vital for comfort and, most of all, pain relief. "Make sure the shoes fit well — not too tight and not too loose. Your toes should have room to move, and there shouldn't be any pinching or rubbing," says Cary Chapman, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with Baptist Health Orthopedic Care. Shoes that are too big or wide can lead to slipping, poor gait and chafing. Pro tip: Measure your feet at the end of the day when your feet are generally their biggest due to swelling to ensure you get the best fit.
Cushioned sole: "A cushioned sole can absorb shock and reduce pressure on your feet, which is especially important if you're on your feet a lot," shares Chapman. Cushioning also relieves the impact on the joints and back for less compressive force and pain.
Support: Chapman recommends looking for shoes with good arch support. "This helps keep your feet aligned and distributes your weight evenly, which can prevent pain." A firm arch is also vital for those with painful conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
Stability: "Shoes with a firm heel counter and stable base can prevent your feet from moving around too much, providing better support," says Chapman. Preventing side-to-side movement, or torque, is another purpose of stiffer, stable counters, according to Landau.
Toe box: Wide toe box shoes provide ample room for your toes to move freely, reducing the likelihood of cramped or pinched toes, says Garcia. "This added space can also reduce the pressure on your feet, making it more comfortable to walk or stand for extended periods, and avoids the collateral effects of a narrow toe box, like blisters, calluses and ingrown toenails, as well as sprains, fractures and plantar fasciitis," he says. Wide toe box shoes can prevent these issues by allowing your toes to spread out and relax naturally and also by providing a more stable and supportive fit.
Accommodation: Chapman recommends looking for features like laces, straps, or Velcro, all of which can help you get a snug fit and provide extra support where you need it. "If you use custom orthotic inserts, make sure the shoes have removable insoles and enough space to fit them comfortably," he adds.
Cost: Though budget is normally the driving force behind most purchases, orthopedic shoes are not cheap, so it's essential you weigh construction and cost to ensure that you get the most bang for your buck and a well-made shoe that will last. "High-quality materials and construction mean your shoes will last longer and continue to provide support," says Chapman.
Style: Even though today's orthopedic shoes don't sacrifice fashion for function, you should still look for a pair that you can wear with your overall wardrobe, including your work clothes and casual wear, to ensure you get the most use out of the shoe. Orthopedic running shoes are great, but can you wear them regularly with your wardrobe? If budget doesn't allow for multiple pairs of orthopedic shoes, consider an orthopedic insole (like the Protalus T-100 listed above) that you can switch between shoes to help offer added support.
We researched dozens of top-rated orthopedic shoes and used input from podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons to narrow down the choices selected for testing. Ensuring that each shoe selected aligned with the expert's recommendations, we ultimately chose 18 pairs of shoes. Each shoe was worn over the course of several months and during a variety of activities to determine its effectiveness at offering pain relief, arch support and cushioning. We then further narrowed the list based on support and pain relief or management, price, quality, style, sizes and colors offered and durability.
The Hoka Bondi 8 was a strong contender for the best orthopedic walking shoe, but they were edged out by the Nike Motiva. They feel super comfortable on my feet thanks to a breathable mesh upper and a comfy memory foam collar, plus they come with the APMA Seal of Acceptance, but I found the cushioning of the Bondi 8 shoes to be a bit too much for me. I would be concerned that this level of cushioning makes them a risky wear for people with balance or stability issues.
Sports Medicine the DIFFERENCE HT Runners feature a unique heelless design meant to reduce impact and injury on the joints by forcing wearers to run on the balls of their feet instead of striking the ground with the heels first. They're APMA-approved, but we think that they're too niche to recommend as the best running shoe. However, if you are a heel striker or want to improve your running efficiency, these are worth looking into.
With an insulated wool blend upper and OOfoam technology in the sole, the OOFOS OOmega Londoner boot is another great option for keeping your feet warm in cooler climates. While they're certainly toasty, I can attest to the same issue that some reviewers had in finding that they run narrow.
I had a similar experience with the AllSwifit 2.0 Slip On Walking Sneakers. They have a removable insole for adding custom orthotics, and I like the slip on design — the pull-on tab on the tongue is a nice touch — but I found them uncomfortably small in my size.
If you are an overpronator (your foot rolls in when you're walking), have high or low arches, or experience any degree of foot, knee, hip or back pain, you would likely benefit from orthopedic shoes, according to Landau.
Orthopedic shoes are designed to support the structure of the foot and ankle, says Chapman. "They are designed for patients with specific foot conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, or deformities like bunions and flat feet," he explains. Orthopedic shoes can also help with conditions such as plantar fasciitis, neuromas, metatarsalgia, hammertoe, arthritis, knee pain, hip pain and back pain and prevent issues like pinched nerves, thanks to the wide toe box most of these shoes provide.
Orthopedic shoes help correct walking patterns to ensure proper alignment. They also provide stability, cushioning and arch support. Orthotics are inserts you can put into shoes. You can either buy orthotics through a retailer or have a podiatrist custom make one or a set for you. Put simply: Orthotics are an insert and only one part of the puzzle, while orthopedic shoes offer 360-degree support from the inside of the shoe to the outside sole. Orthopedic shoes also tend to fit orthotics or braces inside of them, and are typically wider and deeper than regular shoes, according to Brad Schaeffer, board certified foot surgeon and podiatrist with Central Park SOLE.
Orthopedic shoes provide shock-absorbing cushioning to protect your joints and reduce pain, arch support to ward off plantar fasciitis and a wide toe box to prevent bunions and hammertoe. They also tend have features like stiff and deep counters to prevent side-to-side twisting, just-right cushioning, and rocker toes to encourage forward motion, says Landau. As a whole, orthopedic shoes improve overall alignment and gait, ultimately supporting foot health.
Dr. Samantha Landau, is a doctor of podiatric medicine and assistant professor at the Touro New York College of Podiatric Medicine.
Dr. Mauricio Garcia, orthopedic surgeon and senior project manager at Hyper Arch Motion Shoes.
Dr.Daniel Geller, DPM, chief medical officer at Canyon Foot & Ankle and Kane Footwear
Dr. Cary Chapman, M.D., orthopedic surgeon with Baptist Health Orthopedic Care specializing in minimally invasive surgical treatments for chronic and acute foot and ankle injuries, ankle arthritis, ankle replacements, bunions and hammertoe deformities.
Dr. Brad Schaeffer board certified foot surgeon and podiatrist with Central Park SOLE; featured doctor on the hit TLC show “My Feet Are Killing Me.”
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.