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Finding the right pair of orthopedic shoes can be a game-changer for those who want to prioritize foot health. That's because these comfortable sneakers are designed with extra arch support, cushioned insoles, wider toe boxes, enhanced shock absorption, and sturdy outsoles to help alleviate and prevent foot-related issues. An orthopedic shoe is usually recommended for people with specific foot conditions, including plantar fasciitis, bunion pain, and flat feet. Back in the day, this kind of shoe was seen as purely functional. However, it has evolved thanks to technology and new style offerings.
Whether you're dealing with foot problems or just tired feet, the right orthopedic shoe can make all the difference. In terms of what to look for, experts we spoke with say that an orthopedic shoe will have certain features that stand out. Those elements include a good fit, ample arch support, ankle support, and stable cushioning.
Best Orthopedic Shoes
- Best Overall: Orthofeet Women's Orthopedic Sneakers
- Best Budget: Propet TravelBound Shoe
- Best Sandal: Naot Kayla
- Best Walking: Hoka Gaviota 5
- Best for Everyday Wear: Kane Revive Shoe
To help you find a great pair of orthopedic shoes, we tapped experts to learn more about their top picks for all kinds of feet. But, before we get into it, we’ll break down everything you should think about before adding a shoe to your cart.
What to consider
Fit/Comfortability
Plain and simple, the fit of a shoe matters—especially when it comes to an orthopedic shoe. Sneakers that are uncomfortable (whether they're too big or too small) can cause blisters and calluses or make existing foot problems even worse. And, since the main jobs of an orthopedic shoe are to relieve pain, reduce pressure, and give your foot adequate cushioning, finding a pair that fits comfortably is crucial.
So, how do you find a pair that fits just right? Start by trying on a shoe that has enough space in the toe box to avoid pressure on your toes or bunions. From there, choose a shoe with adjustable features like laces, straps, or Velcro, which will let you customize the fit based on your foot width and instep. (This feature is more about personal preference.) Plus, opting for a shoe with removable insoles is also a good call, since you can replace them with custom orthotics if needed.
Arch Support
No matter what kind of shoe you're looking for, finding one with a good fit and (especially) arch support is important. "Proper fit helps avoid foot pain or other issues such as irritation of improperly fit shoes and arch support in general is recommended to avoid excessive pressure and stress on the arch part of the foot," says podiatrist and foot surgeon Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM. "Arch support helps avoid problems such as tendonitis and plantar fasciitis while also giving the arch adequate support to avoid wear and tear on the joints." One of the great things about good arch support is that it helps maintain the natural alignment of the foot, reducing strain on the muscles, ligaments, and joints. Plus, the right amount of support distributes body weight evenly across the foot, which helps to prevent overpronation (when the foot rolls inward) or underpronation (when the foot rolls outward).
Cushioning
Last but not least, consider a shoe's cushioning. "Cushioning is important for shock absorption and added support," says Daughtry. "When standing all day or walking excessively, additional cushioning is very beneficial." This is because the right cushioning can help to soften the pressure that's exerted on the foot with each step, preventing pain and discomfort in areas like the heel, ball of the foot, and arch. What's more, podiatrist Tim Oldani, DPM adds that many women will "experience atrophy of the plantar fat pad, i.e. the cushioning across the ball of the foot." Therefore, it's essential to replace this cushioning via the shoe in order to provide maximum shock absorption.
Cushioning also protects the joints and ligaments from stress. Shoes with nice cushioning reduce the force that travels from the feet to other parts of the body, such as the knees and lower back. This is particularly important for those who spend long hours on their feet, as proper cushioning can help prevent fatigue and reduce the risk of developing conditions like joint pain or inflammation.
How we chose
For this particular article, we selected our picks through two different methods. First, we tapped leading foot experts to learn about their top recommendations for orthopedic shoes. In addition, we used our own knowledge of great kicks to find shoes that have a mix of comfortability, arch support, and cushioning. The result? The best orthopedic shoes on the market.
Whether you want to kick up your foot-care game or you're simply in the market for new shoes, keep reading to find the best orthopedic shoes for women.
Pros
Easy to slip into- Cushioned heel that keeps foot secure
- Has premium orthotic insole and arch booster
- Alleviates a lot of problems that cause foot pain
Cons
- Knit material can trap dirt
With a great combination of comfort, support, and style, this Orthofeet bestseller top our list as our best overall pick. Designed with supreme arch support, this sneakers helps address and target common foot issues like plantar fasciitis, heel pain, arthritis, bunions, Achilles tendonitis, and hammer toes. The arch support works to distribute weight evenly across the foot, which helps to reduce strain on the arches and prevent overpronation. Basically, it's supportive and snug. What's more, the shoe’s orthotic insole gives cushioning and alignment, which keeps foot, ankle, or knee pain at bay.
This kick is also a favorite among podiatrists, including foot surgeon Brad Schaeffer, DPM. "This company has a great mix of style and support," he says, adding that he started having his patients use this shoe around eight years ago. "It alleviates a lot of problematic issues that arise in our feet by offering great cushioning and solid engineering."
This shoe is also designed with multiple layers of cushioning that absorb shock. The sole is both lightweight and durable, which means it's easy to walk in and also helps reduce pressure on sensitive areas of the foot. Our podiatrists also found that the knit upper is breathable and comfortable, allowing air to flow in and keep feet cool. It's worth noting that the knit fabric can trap dirt, so we suggest wearing the shoes when walking on pavement, as opposed to sand or dirt paths.
In terms of additional features, this shoe comes in a vast range of sizes (5 to 12) as well as three different fits (normal, wide, and extra wide). It's also easy to slip into, meaning those with back pain don't have to bend down to tie the laces. As for the cherry on top, it comes in seven different colors.
Read More: Best Running Shoes For Overpronation
| Sizes | 5-12 |
|---|---|
| Fit | Normal, Wide, Extra Wide |
| Colorways | 7 |
Pros
- Comes in five width options
- Lightweight and durable outsole
- Breathable knit mesh upper
Cons
- Sole is not as cushioned as others on this list
Made with a focus on comfort and support, this TravelBound shoe helps relieve foot pain at a relatively affordable price pointt]. It has a lightweight and flexible construction—thanks to the breathable knit mesh upper—that allows feet to fit comfortably without feeling trapped. Plus, the design of the heel keeps feet secure, meaning it won't slip out when running.
As for our favorite thing about this shoe, it has a durable EVA and rubber outsole, which offers great shock absorption. This material helps reduce the impact on the feet, making it a great option for people who spend long hours on their feet. (It's also great for those who like to get more than 10,000 steps in a day!) We will note that while the sole is durable, it is thinner than some on others this list, so be sure to keep that in mind if you like a bouncy shoe.
Aside from its orthopedic benefits, this sneaker has a sleek, sporty design that makes it ideal for casual wear, exercise, or daily activities. Plus, if you need to wash it, just throw it in the washing machine on cold and let it air dry.
Read more: Best Walking Shoes For Women
| Sizes | 5-12 |
|---|---|
| Fit | Normal, Medium, Wide, Extra Wide, XX Wide |
| Colorways | 7 |
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Pros
- Supportive, personalized fit
- Comes in a wide range of sizes
- Comes in over 10 colors
Cons
- The cork insole can get dirty if feet are dirty
For those who want a supportive, comfortable sandal, look no further than the Naot Kayla Sandal. It's Daughtry's first go-to for any type of sandal and is perfect for someone with a wide foot (as they offer wide width) and someone who has foot deformities. "Offering the anatomic footbed and Naot’s cork and latex footbed, this shoe is quite stylish and extremely comfortable," she says. In terms of the footbed, it's made from contoured cork, which provides great arch support. It is able to mold into the shape of the foot over time, giving it a comfortable and personalized touch. Plus, this natural material offers a good amount of shock absorption. Just be mindful that the cork can get dirty pretty easily.
In terms of the multi-strap design, this offers a secure and comfortable fit. Wearers can adjust the straps to their liking, keeping their feet secure while they walk. On top of that, the overall structure of this shoe helps keep feet aligned, which means foot issues are a thing of the past. To top it all off, this sandal comes in a ton of sizes (4 to 13) and over 10 different colors.
| Sizes | 4-13 |
|---|---|
| Fit | Medium, Wide |
| Colorways | 10+ |
Best Orthopedic Walking Shoe
Hoka Gaviota 5
Pros
- Stabilizing technology
- Plush tongue and collar
- Soft EVA foam
Cons
- Can look extremely wide and chunky on the feet
It's a fact: Hoka is one of our favorite shoe brands out there. For starters, the brand has tons of great options for walking, running, training, and everything in between. On top of that, all the shoes are ultra-stylish, meaning we can wear them to workouts, strolls, and daily activities. Even though Hoka is a bit more expensive than other brands, the shoes last a lifetime.
Now, in terms of the Gaviota 5, this kick made our list as the Best Orthopedic Walking Shoe due to its plush cushioning, stabilizing frame technology, and bouncy ride.
Designed with Hoka’s signature oversized midsole, this shoe has next-level shock absorption, which takes stress off bones and joints. And, as we mentioned, the plush cushioning is also there, offering long-lasting comfort so walkers can stroll for miles, sans pain and discomfort.
As for the main feature, the Gaviota 5 offers advanced stability. That's because this shoe incorporates Hoka’s J-Frame technology, which works to guide the foot naturally through its gait cycle while preventing overpronation. This structure helps align the foot properly, reducing strain on the arches, ankles, and knees. To add to it, the shoe has a wide base, which helps with overall stability. However, due to this wide base, some people think the shoe looks big on their feet. Our thought? It's all about personal preference.
| Sizes | 5-12 |
|---|---|
| Fit | Normal, Wide |
| Colorways | 8 |
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Pros
- Perforations offer extra ventilation
- Cushioned foam offers balanced support
- Comes in 20 colors
Cons
- Fit runs slightly large
For those who want an orthopedic shoe for everyday wear, the Kane Revive is just what you need. Made from sustainable, lightweight materials, this shoe offers good cushioning and shock absorption, making it a perfect choice for people who are constantly on their feet or looking for all-day comfort.
In terms of its features, the dual-density EVA midsole has a good cushioned footbed that helps with support and stability. This means feet will stay secure when walking, helping to avoid the risk of injury. It also features a 9mm heel-to-toe offset that works overtime to protect the Achilles tendon thanks to its excellent heel shock absorption.
It's also worth noting that this shoe comes in a ton of gender-neutral sizes as well as 20 different colors. Just be sure to get a shoe that's a half-size down from what you normally wear, as it runs slightly big.
| Sizes | 6-17 |
|---|---|
| Fit | Medium |
| Colorways | 20 |
Meet the experts
- Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS, is a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon in North Carolina.
- Tim Oldani, DPM FACFAS, is a podiatry specialist in Missouri.
- Brad Schaeffer, DPM, is a board-certified foot surgeon and podiatrist in New York, NY.
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Lauren Harano
Freelance Writer
Lauren Harano is a New York-based writer, editor, and journalist covering commerce, beauty, travel, food, and lifestyle topics. She has been in the industry for over 7 years, and her work can be found in various publications including Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Harper's Bazaar, Hotels Above Par, Editorialist, Esquire, and InStyle. When she’s not writing or interviewing sources, Lauren can be found testing the latest beauty products, planning her next vacation, and buying clothes she definitely does not need.
