11 Orthopedic Shoes That Don’t Sacrifice Style for Comfort (2024)

They say to be where your feet are, but standing tall and staying present can be challenging when you’re distracted by constant foot pain, making your day-to-day unbearable. We all live different lives, whether we spend most of our day at a desk or standing up, but treating your feet should always be important.

No matter the amount of steps you get a day, your feet deserve nothing short of the best comfort and care. Making the right shoe choices will help avoid a multitude of foot pains that can be caused by bunions, blisters, plantar fasciitis, wide feet, and more. To offer the best advice and shoe picks, we spoke with two licensed podiatrists in the New York area who shared their recommendations and favorite tips and tricks.

“Don’t go shoe shopping first thing in the morning!” Hima Patel, DPM, of Manhattan Foot Specialists says. “Your feet may swell throughout the day, so it’s best to try on shoes in the afternoon or evening.”

Patel says women should be looking for shoes that provide adequate arch support, with cushion in the midsole, under the heel, and forefoot regions for proper shock absorption. She also says it's beneficial for people to incorporate calf stretches, ankle rotations, and toe stretches into their daily routines to improve circulation and prevent stiffness in their feet.

Pamela Karman, DPM, another New York–based podiatrist, says your foot size is prone to change as you age, so change with it. “Our bodies secrete relaxin, which makes our feet wider or longer during our lifetime,” she says. “A size seven at 25 may no longer be comfortable as we age.”

What to consider

Karman says she believes in commuting shoes for those who walk longer distances as well as a constant shoe size evaluation to make sure your feet stay as comfortable as possible. After speaking with Patel and Karman, the following advice is what we offer our readers to consider before purchasing orthopedic shoes:

• Your feet should always feel free rather than compressed.
• Adequate arch support is a must when looking for an orthopedic shoe.
• High-heeled shoes can cause excessive pressure on the balls of your feet and toes, so when looking for heels, sourcing a wide-toe box, low-heel height, and arch support is key.

How we chose

With guidance from our experts, as well as our own research and firsthand testing, we’ve sourced the 11 best orthopedic shoe choices for women of all ages and walks of life.

This sandal is heaven for your foot. The Pillow Talk Slide Sandal is truly a pillow of comfort that will keep you on your feet all day and pair perfectly with your summer wardrobe. The enhanced arch support makes it an ideal choice for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis and/or have flat feet.

Keeping up with trends doesn’t mean sacrificing your feet to pain. Rothy’s is the one-stop shop for current, popular shoe styles. Its shoes are made with comfort at the forefront of every decision, and this Max Mary Jane is proof. These delightful shoes feature an innovative insole for cushion-like comfort. As Patel says, your feet should never feel compressed, and Rothy’s breathable design will keep you light on your feet and moving all day.

The On Cloudnovas are built for heavy training and leisure, making them the perfect kick-around shoe with optimal comfort. Made with CloudTec, a special outsole technology that ensures soft landings, the shoe is designed for performance. Style it with a workout set for a tennis match or wear it with your office attire when commuting to work.

There’s a reason M.Gemi’s bestselling shoe is the Felize Suede moccasin. As the brand explains on its website, the shoe molds to each customer’s foot after just a few wears. Designed with suede and a rubber gommini sole, this shoe ensures flexibility, ease, and timeless style.

All Birds are the summer shoe—they're designed to be breathable, comforting with every step (thanks to the county SweetFoam midsole), and styled with just about anything. "You should never feel compressed, and you should be able to wiggle your toes freely," Patel says. These Tree Runners are equipped to take you on foot to wherever the day may take you.

If you’re on the hunt for an adjustable and versatile sandal, look no further. Kuru’s Glide sandal is built around a supportive, sheepskin-wrapped footbed with adjustable foot and heel straps. Patel says she advises her patients to opt for shoes with an adjustable feature, such as Velcro or buckles, like this style provides.

Vivaia is breaking the stereotype around heels. Say goodbye to blisters and hello to stylish and comfortable heeled shoes that are perfect for work or a night out. When buying shoes like heels, Patel suggests forgoing the thought that shoes need to be broken in before fitting. “Find shoes that fit properly right from the start,” she says. “Shoes should not require a breaking-in period, as this can cause foot pain, blisters, and other foot issues.”

Set new strides this summer and hit your fitness goals comfortably with the Asics Gel Nimbus 26. The flexible design and variety of colors will get you outside and moving with ease. “I like to walk or run every day, so I’ve tried my fair share of running shoes," says Oprah Daily editorial intern Ruby Gregg. "I keep coming back to this style of Asics because they're long-lasting and the support is unparalleled.”

Whether you’ve been wearing ballet flats for years or are a recent follower of the trend, this adorable shoe choice can be worn by anyone with just about anything. Appropriate for work or a nice event, Vivonic’s knit ballet flat is sophisticated and supportive, and won’t leave you with pesky blisters.

A summer sandal is a must-have wardrobe item. Andre Assous embraces style but does not skip on comfort with this sandal. You can wear these with confidence in your outfit and the absence of foot pain.