12 best orthopedic shoes for foot pain | CNN Underscored

Jun 07, 2025

Orthopedic shoes for arch support: Vionic 23Walk 2.0 Sneakers

Casual orthopedic clogs: Birkenstock Boston Soft Clogs

Slip-on orthopedic shoes: Orthofeet Wander Hands-Free Leather Sneakers

Most stylish orthopedic shoes: Dr. Comfort Refresh Athletic Shoes

This article is part of CNN Underscored’s Guide to Stepping Out, which features all the products you need to make spending time outside more comfortable this spring.

The footwear you choose profoundly affects the way you move through the world and the way you feel, which supports the argument for investing in a pair of proper orthopedic shoes to help address foot pain and enhance your daily comfort.

As we collectively move away from sky-high stilettos and pointed toes that compromise gait, trends that support the look of orthopedic shoes — from dad sneakers to Mary Janes — couldn’t come at a better time. Let’s look at how to identify an orthopedic shoe, what you should look for in the perfect pair and which options are worth the spend, according to podiatrists.

These New Balance shoes have a lightweight FuelCell foam cushioning at the midsoles for a comfortable stride and mesh uppers for breathability. They also come in wide, extra-wide and double-extra-wide sizing to accommodate swelling and any foot deformities.

Dr. Michael Nirenberg, clinical and forensic podiatrist at Friendly Footcare in Indiana, points his patients toward all things New Balance for everyday wear and walking. These shoes, one of the most iconic sneakers from New Balance’s 990 line, not only received a street style upgrade but an orthopedic one.

Your search for the most versatile everyday leather sneakers ends here. “My favorite orthopedic shoe currently is from Orthofeet,” said Dr. Adenike Sonaike, a podiatrist with Baker Street Health in Motion in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. “Many patients enjoy the styles for their hands-free options, and the additional products they ship with, like premium insoles and arch boosters to modify the shoe.” Opt for medium to double-wide sizing and enjoy its slip-on design to assist with mobility issues.

Between its rocker J-frame to comfortably propel you forward while running to its OrthoLite sock liner for a custom feel, it’s no surprise Dr. Brad Schaeffer, a board-certified podiatrist, star of TLC’s “My Feet Are Killing Me” and Dr. Scholl’s partner, considers Hoka one of the top orthopedic shoe brands.

A memory foam collar stabilizes the ankle while an engineered mesh design promotes breathability to ward off conditions like athlete’s foot.

“For patients experiencing foot pain, I often recommend Vionic,” said Dr. Shital Sharma, podiatrist and medical director at LuxStep Concierge. “This brand is particularly known for its built-in orthotic support that provides excellent arch support and promotes natural foot alignment, especially beneficial for conditions like plantar fasciitis or flat feet."

These expert-loved shoes offer superior arch support and stability as well as wide sizing. With a stylish, classic silhouette like these have, they’ll pair perfectly with your matching athleisure set.

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While Allbirds aren't considered orthopedic shoes, styles like the Tree Dashers have a well-crafted fit coupled with responsive foam, making them a perfectly good choice for foot health. Even the fan-favorite Tree Runners from Allbirds offer enough beneficial features to get a stamp of approval from podiatrists. With Allbirds, you can have happy, healthy feet without compromising your personal style.

"For something that combines style with functionality, the Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit provides a good balance,” Sharma said. Made with lightweight, water-repellent knit uppers, these packable orthopedic sneakers keep your feet dry whether you’re sweating on a walking tour or stuck in a downpour.

These Orthofeet men's sneakers are similar to the women's Coral sneakers. They are designed to support a host of podiatric issues from plantar fasciitis to diabetes and arthritis, making them a solid investment at home or abroad.

These simple walking shoes from Brooks look as good as they feel and offer tons of support with their comfortable leather uppers. Plus, they’re slip-resistant.

Addicted to logging miles on the tread or track but can’t bear the thought of another minute of painful pressure or blisters? “The Brooks Addiction Walker is a great choice for those needing extra support for flat feet or overpronation,” Sharma said.

Anodyne allows you to search for the perfect orthopedic shoes via a range of specific parameters from shoes with removable inserts to slip-resistant and hammertoe-friendly, so it’s no wonder Sonaike recommends them for podiatric issues. Now that ballet flats are having a moment, give your wardrobe an orthopedic upgrade with this diabetic-certified pair of Mary Janes boasting rigid heel counters, protective toe boxes, and padded collars and tongues.

For their accessible price point, these Skechers sneakers feature a remarkable number of orthopedic elements designed to alleviate foot pain. Enjoy arch-lined removable insoles to reduce shock, traction-heavy outsoles for stability, high-rebound cushioned midsoles and breathable mesh uppers to keep your feet cool and dry during hot weather spells and tough workout classes.

Sonaike points us in the direction of all things Dr. Comfort, which “may be covered by insurance for patients who are eligible,” she said. Not only do these lightweight cross-trainers come in the coolest colors with an on-trend design but they've got removable insoles to make room for your own custom orthotics, tie-free elastic closures to assist with mobility issues, protective toe boxes to keep your feet safe and firm heel counters for lateral support.

Skip the flimsy flip-flops this summer and slip into sandals with actual support as you navigate slick terrain. These quick-dry Teva sandals feature ankle and arch support for maximum stability, hook-and-loop closures for the ideal fit and cushion where you need it most. Their outsoles featuring patterned rubber traction rival that of running shoes so you’ll feel stable on your feet no matter what’s on tap this season.

For the perfect slip-on shoes, look no further than these soft footbed clogs that come in stunning colors from Green Tea to Faded Purple. They feature wide toe boxes and adjustable straps to customize the fit for added comfort with each step.

“When it comes to arch support, Birkenstock is a brand that consistently delivers,” Sharma said. “Their cork footbeds mold to the shape of your foot over time, offering personalized support that is unmatched. Birkenstock’s footwear is renowned for its durability and effectiveness in relieving foot pain due to various conditions. Their designs encourage proper foot alignment, making them an excellent option for those requiring substantial arch support.”

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Orthopedic shoes might sound like a medical buzzword to encourage you to spend more than you need to, but the term is quite simple. “An orthopedic shoe is designed specifically to support and align the foot, ankle and leg,” Sharma said, adding that they are most helpful for people dealing with issues including but not limited to plantar fasciitis, bunions or flat feet.

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Schaeffer describes orthopedic shoes as “something with extra depth, extra comfort and something that has multiple layers to it, like a solid sole that’s sometimes a rocker bottom sole or a shoe with extra depth to accommodate a patient’s insert, brace or foot deformity,” he said. He added that Velcro might replace laces to assist with mobility issues.

Investing in the right orthopedic shoes can help enhance your quality of life, often assisting with actions such as walking and standing by improving balance and alleviating pain associated with diabetic neuropathy of the foot, according to Nirenberg. “At other times, these shoes may reduce problems from worsening or developing in the first place,” he said.

Not all orthopedic shoes are created equal, so here’s exactly what you should be looking for.

All our experts agree that arch support is essential when it comes to selecting the right orthopedic shoes. That’s because it can help prevent biomechanical imbalances from worsening while promoting proper lower-limb alignment.

Sonaike said to opt for a rigid heel counters (the material that wraps around the heel) to provide extra support.

To accommodate a unique foot shape or deformity like hammertoes, Sonaike recommends looking for wide or double-wide shoes with extra depth at the toe boxes. Nirenberg added that a wide toe box allows your toes to spread apart without feeling constricted.

Memory foam isn’t just for your mattress. Sonaike said a memory foam-like material can adapt to your foot shape over time, allowing for extra comfort and a custom feel. Similarly, Nirenberg said shock-absorbing soles can further reduce the stress on your joints “especially if you enjoy going on long walks or hiking.” If your orthopedic shoes don’t provide the relief you’re looking for, Sharma recommends making sure they are roomy enough to accommodate custom orthotics.

Nirenberg said to look for a design or material that lets your foot breathe. “When our feet become hot and sweaty, it puts us at greater risk for the development of blisters and fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, which is not just for athletes,” he said.

All the above parameters are futile if a particular pair of shoes is not working with your unique feet and is causing rubbing, sores or blisters, according to Nirenberg. “Keep in mind that there is no shoe that is right for everyone, so you need to make sure the shoe you buy is comfortable and correctly fit for [your] own foot,” he said, adding that our left and right feet are also not mirror images of each other and may sometimes be different sizes. “A shoe that fits one of your feet well may not be right for your other foot.”

Steal Sonaike’s hack for finding the perfect fit: “When trying on shoes, your longest toe should be a thumb’s-width distance from the tip of your shoe,” she said. “This is a great trick for you and your family to confirm your shoes are still fitting correctly throughout the year.”

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The following FAQs have been answered by podiatrists Dr. Shital Sharma, Dr. Brad Schaeffer, Dr. Michael Nirenberg and Dr. Saylee Tulpule.

According to Tulpule, orthopedic shoes for foot pain can be FSA-eligible, “but the shoes need to be medically necessary with documentation by the physician,” she said. “A health care provider can send a letter of medical necessity to help the cause.”

“I like the shoe brand MBT, [since] they have a great offloading sole, kind of like the Hoka rocker bottom, but they have amazing technology in them that allows you to propel yourself forward while offloading the heel, ball and arch of the foot,” Schaeffer said. “I’ve been wearing them around the office and also working out in them, and I’ve been very impressed with their technology and how they make your feet feel.”

Other podiatrist-vetted brands include Brooks, Hoka, Orthofeet and Asics to assist with the likes of foot pain and ankle instability, according to Sonaike. “[Asics] has amazing service at their stores with educated shoe clerks and shoes categorized by foot type,” she said. Besides their seasonal great deals, their shoes are made with a good balance of support and comfort for walking, running and everyday wear.

Tulpule enthusiastically endorses orthopedic shoes to assist with foot pain associated with plantar fasciitis. “Orthopedic shoes offer more cushion, support and shock absorption, all ideal to help support the ligament as it runs along the plantar aspect of the foot,” she said.

For this article, we consulted the following podiatrists to gain their professional insights on how to choose the best orthopedic shoes.

CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item

Contributing editor Marissa Miller is a certified personal trainer with a specialization in orthopedic exercise. For this story, she interviewed several podiatrists to help explain what orthopedic shoes are, who might benefit from wearing them and what shoe brands and models are among our experts’ favorite orthopedic shoes.