Podiatry Recommended
2022-2023 Winter Mash-Up Shoe List
What makes these shoes 'podiatrist approved' is that they all meet 3 of the 4 criteria for what makes a comfortable shoe:
1. A thick, rigid, and non-flexible sole. A shoe that has a thick, rigid, and non-flexible sole allows less motion through painful joints, which means more foot comfort. The concept is counter-intuitive but less motion means less pain, less strain, and less damage to the joints and will help slow the progression of bunions, hammertoes, and arthritic joint changes.
2. Wide toe box. Pointy-toed shoes cause bunions, hammertoes, corns, and ingrown toenails (to name a few!).
3. Rearfoot control. All of these shoes and boots have rearfoot control, which helps to decrease mechanical strain on tendons, and ligaments and also increases strain on your knees, hips, and lower back.
4. Arch Support. Many of these examples will not accommodate a full-length functional orthotic, but most will allow you to wear at least a good over-the-counter insert or a thinner dress orthotic. Arch support is important to help slow the progression of bunions and hammertoes as decreases strain on your knees, hips, and lower back.
Fredy Platform Boot Marc Fisher LTD
This is a great option for anyone who knows that they can wear heels comfortably. Boots with more rearfoot height are especially good for anyone who has a history of previous Achilles tendonitis.
Dansko Professional Clogs
The Dansko Professional Clog is the classic 'go-to' shoe for many doctors and nurses. They are great for working long hours on retail or concrete surfaces. They work best if you have feet that are relatively 'straight' with no big 'bumps' such as bunions or a high arch. The best way to figure out if these work for you is to got to the store and try them on. I do not recommend that your order these online unless you already know they work for you and you know your proper size.
MATISSE
MATISSE
The above two boots are going to work better on someone who knows that they can handle a heavier or chunkier shoe. I would not recommend these for anyone with drop-foot or any muscle weakness.
Steve Madden Klayton Black Boot
A solid boot like this used to be my favorite choice for a boot that I could dress up but still be comfortable wearing for hours. As I've gotten older, I cannot tolerate this height anymore, so I do not recommend anything like this unless you know that you are comfortable and safe wearing heels this high.
Jeffrey Campbell
I love the look of these oxfords! Only consider something like this if you know that you can handle the 'chunkier' and heavier shoes.
Wonders
This is a lovely choice for a low wedge and will most likely work best for someone with a more narrow foot and forefoot. I would not recommend this one for someone with painful bunions or hammertoes.
Alegria Paloma
This is a fabulous choice for anyone with a history of heel pain, metatarsalgia, osteoarthritis, and plantar plate issues (to name a few!). I would recommend that you try these on at the store and not purchase your first pair online.
Kaila Shoes (Sundance)
Woven Naylor Sandals (Sundance)
Rowena Sandals (Sundance)
Living in Arizona, I felt it was important to include several sandals/wedges on the list as these can be appropriate to wear during the winter months. I have a patient who introduced me to the Sundance shoes and I was very impressed with how sturdy and well-made they are.
This is a great example of a solid Oxford which should feel comfortable for long hours on your feet. I love the chunky sole and color!
Kinetic Breakthru Conquest Boots (Sundance)
Iris Track Boots (Sundance)
These are good examples of sturdy boots that aren't your typical REI look, which isn't bad but these are definitely more stylish.
Xelero Steadfast Hiker (men's)
Xelero Steadfast Walker (Women's)
Xelero Genesis XPS (Women's)
Xelero Heidi Deep Ocean
Xelero Heidi Black Ice (Women's)
All of the above Xelero's are great shoes! They all have a thick, rigid, and very protective sole that is perfect for anyone with a history of plantar fasciitis as well as any forefoot or midfoot pain such as metatarsalgia, plantar plate issues, a history of stress fractures, osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and sesamoiditis.
Hoka Bondi
My husband loves his Hoka Bondi shoes to the point that he is now even golfing in them! They are great for anyone with heel pain as well as knee, hip, and lower back pain. The only drawback to the Hokas is that, if you are super active (like my husband is!) they will wear out sooner than most other types of shoes such as New Balance or Xelero. I have to replace my husband's Hokas every 4-5 months, which can get expensive.
Drew Surge (Men's)
Drew Flare (Women's)
These Drew shoes are the gold standard (like the New Balance 928 or 1540s) for anyone who needs a sturdy and comfortable all-day walking shoe. I own the Drew Flare and wear them with my full-length custom-molded orthotics and they are the most comfortable shoe that I own.
Apex Women's Walker
Apex Women's Trail Runner
Apex Men's Trail Runner
The above Apex are great options for hiking or walking shoes. They also have a rigid and supportive sole and they can accommodate a custom-molded orthotic.
Apex Men's Ariya Moc Toe
This is a nice option for all-day comfort for someone who wants a more traditional dress shoe.
FitFlop Shuv Soft Pink Slippers
Alegria Chillery Smoke
I have not tried the above two slippers myself, but they certainly look super comfortable!
For more articles on painful feet and proper shoes, please check out my articles:
My feet hurt: Top 10 things to do to alleviate foot pain today.
Shoe recommendations for patients recovering from Lisfranc's fractures: Shoe Recommendations for patients recovering from Lisfranc's fractures
Thank you for reading!
Dr. Cathleen A. McCarthy
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