Walking and Everyday Athletic Shoes
For many patients, the best everyday shoe is a cushioned walking or running shoe with a stable base and a removable insert.
Good options to consider include:
HOKA
Bondi, Clifton, Gaviota, Arahi
Brooks
Ghost, Glycerin, Adrenaline GTS, Addiction, Beast, Ariel
ASICS
Gel-Nimbus, Gel-Kayano, GT-2000, Gel-Cumulus
New Balance
880, 1080, 860, 928, 990, 1540
Saucony
Triumph, Guide, Echelon, Omni
Altra
Torin, Via Olympus, Paradigm, Provision
Altra shoes tend to have a wider toe box and lower heel-to-toe drop. These can be excellent for some patients but may not be ideal for everyone, especially if you have Achilles tightness or need more heel elevation.
Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain
For plantar fasciitis, look for cushioning, arch support, and a shoe that is not overly flexible. A mild rocker sole can also help reduce stress across the heel and arch.
Good options to consider include:
- HOKA Bondi, Clifton, Gaviota
- Brooks Ghost, Glycerin, Adrenaline GTS, Addiction
- ASICS Gel-Nimbus, Gel-Kayano, GT-2000
- New Balance 1080, 880, 860, 1540
- Orthofeet, Aetrex, or Vionic for patients who need more built-in arch support
Avoid flimsy shoes, flat sandals, worn-out sneakers, and barefoot walking on hard floors if these worsen your symptoms.
Flatfoot, Posterior Tibial Tendon Problems, and Overpronation
Patients with flatfoot or posterior tibial tendon problems often need more stability. Look for a shoe with a broad base, structured heel, medial support, and room for an orthotic.
Good options to consider include:
- Brooks Adrenaline GTS, Beast, Ariel, Addiction
- HOKA Gaviota, Arahi
- ASICS Gel-Kayano, GT-2000
- New Balance 860, 928, 1540
- Saucony Guide or Omni
Some patients with significant flatfoot need an orthotic, ankle brace, or custom AFO rather than just a different shoe.
High Arches, Cavus Feet, and Lateral Foot Pain
Patients with high arches often need cushioning and shock absorption. Some do better in a neutral cushioned shoe rather than a heavy motion-control shoe.
Good options to consider include:
- HOKA Bondi, Clifton
- Brooks Ghost, Glycerin
- ASICS Gel-Nimbus, Gel-Cumulus
- New Balance 1080, More, 880
- Altra Torin or Via Olympus if a wider toe box feels better
If you frequently roll your ankle, have peroneal tendon pain, or have severe cavus deformity, you may need a brace or orthotic evaluation.
Arthritis of the Foot, Midfoot, Great Toe, or Ankle
For arthritis, the goal is to decrease painful motion across the involved joint. A stiff sole, rocker-bottom shape, and good cushioning can help.
Good options to consider include:
- HOKA Bondi, Gaviota, Clifton
- New Balance 1540, 928, 990
- Brooks Addiction, Beast, Ariel
- MBT rocker-bottom shoes
- Dansko or Sanita clogs for some patients who tolerate them well
For great toe arthritis or hallux rigidus, look for a shoe with a stiff forefoot or rocker sole. A carbon-fiber insert or Morton’s extension may also be helpful.
Bunions, Hammertoes, and Forefoot Pain
For bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, and metatarsalgia, toe-box shape matters. A narrow shoe can make symptoms worse even if the shoe is otherwise supportive.
Look for:
- Wide or extra-wide sizing
- Soft or stretch upper
- Seam-free interior when possible
- Removable insert
- Extra-depth construction if you use orthotics
Good options to consider include:
- New Balance wide and extra-wide models
- Altra models with a foot-shaped toe box
- Orthofeet
- Aetrex
- Apex
- Drew
- Vionic
- Brooks Addiction or Beast/Ariel for wider, more supportive athletic options
Diabetes, Neuropathy, Charcot Arthropathy, and Prior Ulcers
If you have diabetes, neuropathy, Charcot arthropathy, poor circulation, or a history of wounds, footwear is not just about comfort. It is about protection.
You should avoid tight shoes, seams that rub, barefoot walking, and sandals that expose the toes. Check your feet daily. If you see redness, drainage, callus buildup, blistering, or a new wound, stop wearing the shoe and call your doctor.
Patients with neuropathy or prior ulceration may need prescription diabetic shoes, custom inserts, a Charcot restraint orthotic walker, or other custom bracing.
Brands that commonly make extra-depth or diabetic-friendly shoes include:
- Orthofeet
- Apex
- Drew
- New Balance
- Aetrex
- Comfort
Trail Running, Hiking, and Outdoor Shoes
For trails, uneven ground, and hiking, prioritize traction, stability, and protection. A trail shoe or hiking shoe should have a stable base, secure heel, and enough stiffness to protect the foot from rocks and uneven surfaces.
Good options to consider include:
- HOKA Speedgoat, Anacapa, Kaha
- Brooks Cascadia, Caldera
- Altra Lone Peak, Olympus, Timp
- Salomon Speedcross, Sense Ride, X Ultra
- Merrell Moab
- Keen Targhee
Patients with ankle instability may need a higher-cut hiking shoe or a brace.
Dress Shoes
Dress shoes are often where patients get into trouble. Many dress shoes are narrow, stiff in the wrong places, or poorly cushioned.
Better dress shoe brands to consider include:
Women
Aetrex, Vionic, Naot, Dansko, Sanita, Ecco, Clarks, Rieker, Finn Comfort, Birkenstock, Beautifeel
Men
Aetrex, Vionic, Allen Edmonds, Ecco, Clarks, Rockport, Dansko, Naot, Finn Comfort, Cole Haan select styles
When possible, choose a dress shoe with a removable insert, wider toe box, lower heel, and more stable sole.
Sandals, Slippers, and Clogs
Sandals and slippers should still support the foot. Avoid flimsy flip-flops for prolonged walking, especially if you have plantar fasciitis, arthritis, flatfoot, diabetes, or balance problems.
Better options to consider include:
- Vionic
- Birkenstock
- OOFOS
- Aetrex
- Naot
- Chaco
- Dansko
- Sanita
- Finn Comfort
- Haflinger
- Stegmann
- Merrell Jungle Moc
For around the house, many patients do better with a supportive slipper, recovery sandal, or clog rather than walking barefoot on hardwood or tile.
Shoes I Generally Avoid for Painful Feet
Avoid or limit:
- Worn-out athletic shoes
- Thin, flat, flexible shoes
- Unsupportive flip-flops
- Narrow toe-box dress shoes
- High heels for prolonged walking
- Minimalist or barefoot shoes when treating plantar fasciitis, arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, Charcot arthropathy, or tendon pain
- Shoes that cause redness, blistering, numbness, or pressure points
