Top 20 Comfortable Women's Shoes!
I can't tell you how happy and proud I am to finally have my first top twenty women's dress shoe list! These are not in any particular order - just my top 20 picks. I hope you enjoy it and I would love to hear any feedback or comments.
**A word of caution! If you have what is called Hallux Limitus or Hallux Rigidus (limited motion at the big toe joint), osteoarthritis of the 1st toe joint, forefoot problems or hypermobility (ligament laxity) - the higher heels will not work for you. I recommend that if this is the case, you need to go for the lower heeled shoes or flat dress shoes.
Just remember - it ain't the shoe that makes you, it's the attitude that you bring!
John Fluevog's Hi Together / Benatar
$269
I own this shoe and I adore this shoe! Although it was pricey, it was one of the best shoe investments I've ever made. For more specific information, please see my review on John Fluevog shoe's on this blog.
Tsubo Acrea
$110
I also own this shoe and by some freak of nature I purchased it at Ross for $12! How that happened I don't know but I can wear this shoe all day long in complete comfort. It will not accommodate a dress orthotic but I found I did not need one with this shoe.
Tsubo Lagella
$140
I don't own this shoe but it is on my wish list! Stylish and very comfortable. Don't consider this shoe if you have pain and limited range of motion at the first toe joint.
Taryn Rose Flavor Slingback
$95
Thank you Taryn Rose! She designed a gorgeous dressy shoe that is also comfortable. Not for patients with pain at the first toe joint.
Jambu Sweden
$99
This is a super comfortable shoe that many of my patients love! It works wonderfully for anyone with plantar fascitiis (heel pain), metatarsalgia, tendonitis, and mild to moderate forefoot problems. It's great for wearing all day on concrete surfaces.
FLY London Yaz Wedge Pump
$140
What's not to love? It's a funky cool, wear all day long shoe that will work for just about any foot type. If bunions are a problem, this is an easy shoe to take to a cobbler and have them stretch the area over the bunion for even more comfort. If bunions are an issue, consider a dress orthotic with this shoe as arch control will help prevent the progression of the bunion.
Dansko Tori Pump
$85
I don't think it's possible to have a "best of" list without featuring a Dansko shoe! This is a great dress shoe with a rigid protective sole, decently wide forefoot are and good midfoot and rearfoot control. In my experience, Dansko shoes do not work for women who:
*Have wide feet
*Have any excessive or prominent "bumps" on their feet
*Moderate to Severe Bunions
Except for the above named situation, a great dress shoe!
Tusbo Asmik
$120
Roses are red, violets are blue, Tsubo, I love you...
Really, I love this shoe. Anyone who works all day on hard surfaces (take note teachers!) will love this shoe. It is extremely protective and comfortable as well as stylish. This shoe will work for women with mild to moderate Hallux Limitus (limited motion at the 1st toe joint), metatarsalgia, plantar fascitiis (heel pain), Achilles Tendonitis, mild to moderate tendonitis, mild bunions and hammertoes and mild to moderate forefoot problems such as capsulitis. This shoe will not work for patients with moderate to severe Morton's Neuroma's, bunions or hammertoes as they will need a wider toebox.
Jambu Allure Mary Jane Pumps
$78
All of the Jambu shoes are great but I particularly like this one as it also has the rigid protective sole and a wide, soft toebox.
FLY London's Yakin Slingback Slingback
$170
Lovely shoe! This shoe will work well for women with metatarsalgia, mild plantar fasciitis (heel pain) and mild bunions and hammertoes.
Alegria Feliz
$99
This shoe is excellent and will work wonderfully for women who suffer with 80% of foot pathologies including: bunions, hammertoes, Tailor's bunions, Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain), osteoarthritis, Hallux Limitus/Rigidus (limited range of motion of the 1st toe joint), Morton's Neuroma's, metatarsalgia, painful toes, tired leg syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis patients, capsulitis, and Tendonitis. This shoe may not work as well for patients with Achilles Tendonitis as they need a slightly higher heel to relieve the tension on the Achilles.
John Fluevog Prepare Guide
$285
Expensive, yes. Comfortable, very. Once again, John Fluevog's shoes are exceptionally comfortable and make with the highest quality of workmanship. This shoe is going to work for almost every foot problem someone might suffer with including metatarsalgia, heel pain, tendonitis, Achilles tendonitis and mild to moderate bunions, hammertoes and Tailor's bunions.
Earthies Monaco
$149
This shoe is casually elegant and comfortable enough to wear all day. I particularly like the rigid sole covered with the soft insole.
Taryn Rose Gussy Platform
$40 - $130
This is a lovely shoe that works well for women who can wear a higher heel. The fabric is slightly stretchy and soft which puts less pressure on bunions. If you have any pain or limited motion across the first toe joint, this is not the shoe for you.
J-41 Hybrid Wedge
$85
This shoe is great for anyone suffering with heel pain, metatarsalgia, Achilles Tendonitis, mild to moderate bunions and hammertoes and mild Morton's Neuroma's. This shoe will work well for any patients who work on hard surfaces for long hours.
Sanita Ninka Adjustable Strap Sandal
$120
Although this is more a sandal, I am including it because, well, I do live in Arizona and this would look nice with a summer dress. I love the color and it is uber-comfortable.
Earthie Veria
$128
I confess, I'm pushing it a bit on this one! It could have better rearfoot control but I'm putting it in my list because it meets all other criteria for what constitutes a good dress shoe. Plus, it's pretty...
This is not a good shoe for you if you have moderate to severe rearfoot problems such as ankle osteoarthritis or any ankle or knee instability. If this is the case, you need more rearfoot control!
Tsubo Ina Pump
$50
Love the shoe, love the price. All roads lead back to Tsubo. This is one shoe company that has it right - combining comfort with asthetics. Me like.
Crocs Farrah Wedge Sandal
$20-$50
I have to save some love for the Croc Wedge Sandal! This is comfortable - it's actually quite amazing how comfortable plastic can be. Don't knock it till you try it...
Wolky Cloggy
$159
For the final shoe, I wanted to pick something that would work for virtually anyone! This is a great shoe, extremely comfortable and well made. If your feet hurt, this is almost a sure bet!
In conclusion,
there are a few things to remember...
If your feet hurt and no matter what shoe you try doesn't work and your feet are still killing you - you need to see a Podiatrist!
You may be walking around on stress fractures which usually presents itself as a dull, constant ache that gets worse with more walking and hurts most at the end of the day. I see this situation every day!
Also, if you are diabetic or have nerve damage (neuropathy) or have Charcot foot - you need to be extremely careful about what type of shoes you wear. If this is the case, please consult your Podiatrist.
I hope this list was helpful!
Sincerely,
Dr Cathleen A. McCarthy
*******
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