Best Orthopedic Shoes For Women: Top 7 Supportive Styles, According To Podiatrists (2024)

When you think of orthopedic shoes, you may have visions of bulky, unattractive shoes that belong in your grandma’s closet. But orthopedic shoes have undergone a jaw-dropping makeover! These are not your grandma’s shoes anymore. They’ve evolved from frumpy to fabulous, proving that style and comfort can coexist, making them a must-have for folks of all ages. We’ve done the work to find the best orthopedic shoes for women, from trendy sneakers to elegant dress shoes, proving these shoes are anything but one-size-fits-all. These pairs are ready to cater to your unique lifestyle and fashion preferences.

Wearing orthopedic shoes may help ease painful foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis. It’s one of the most common causes of heel pain due to inflammation, and a recent study unveiled a unique way to treat the condition. Doctors at the University of Pittsburgh developed a procedure where they inject fat into the foot to reduce pain. But, if you don’t have access to costly medical solutions, wearing supportive footwear is your next best bet.

Sure, here is some information about how to choose the right orthopedic footwear, optimized for the keyword “best orthopedic shoes for women”:

How to Choose the Best Orthopedic Shoes

Orthopedic shoes are designed to support and protect the feet, ankles, and legs. They can be helpful for people with a variety of foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bunions, and hammertoes. When choosing orthopedic shoes for women, it is important to consider the following factors:

  • Arch support:Orthopedic shoes should provide good arch support.This helps to distribute weight evenly across the foot and reduce stress on the arches.
  • Cushioning:Orthopedic shoes should also be well-cushioned.This helps to absorb shock and reduce impact on the joints.
  • Fit:Orthopedic shoes should fit snugly but comfortably.There should be enough room in the toe box for the toes to wiggle freely.The heel should also fit snugly to prevent the foot from slipping.
  • Stability:Orthopedic shoes should provide stability.This helps to prevent the foot from rolling inward or outward too much.
  • Activity level:Consider your activity level when choosing orthopedic shoes.If you are active,you will need a pair of shoes that can provide support and cushioning for your activities.If you are less active,you may be able to get by with a less supportive pair of shoes.

Features to Look for in Orthopedic Shoes

When shopping for orthopedic shoes for women, look for the following features:

  • A firm heel counter:This helps to keep the heel stable and prevent it from rolling inward or outward too much.
  • A wide toe box:This gives the toes enough room to wiggle freely.
  • A removable insole:This allows you to replace the insole with a custom orthotic if needed.
  • A rocker bottom:This helps to reduce stress on the joints and promote a smooth gait.

Whether you’re a young professional on your feet all day, an active teen looking for supportive sneakers, or a seasoned adventurer exploring the great outdoors, there’s a pair designed just for you. We have gathered the top seven best orthopedic shoes for women to take the guesswork out of the equation and start you on your comfort journey. Did we miss a shoe that puts you on cloud nine? Let us know in the comments below.

Best Orthopedic Shoes For Women: Top 7 Supportive Styles, According To Podiatrists (1)

The List: Best Orthopedic Shoes for Women, According to Experts

1. Hoka Bondi 8

This walking and running shoe earns top billing, and for good reason. Podiatric surgeon Dr. Elena Wellens told Well + Good, “They offer excellent stability, support, and shock absorption, which are things you want in a good orthopedic shoe.” These shoes not only look great and come in a variety of colors, but they also have a seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association, meaning podiatrists reviewed them to ensure they promote foot health.

Best Orthopedic Shoes For Women: Top 7 Supportive Styles, According To Podiatrists (2)

Oprah Daily says, “This is a favorite for people who need arch support because the level of cushioning is unmatched. Wear it for walking, running, and everything in between.”

“These shoes are designed with an extended heel, specialized foam, and a pillowed tongue to provide maximum support and shock absorption and minimize overpronation,” podiatric surgeon Dr. Manuel Cunha tells Footwear News. “These are ultra-lightweight with maximum cushioning, so each step feels springy and buoyant, and the breathable mesh upper keeps your toes well-ventilated, deeming the Bondis perfect shoes for standing all day. Plus, the collar is crafted in plush memory foam to reduce friction against the back of the ankle, so you won’t even have to break these in.”

2. Dansko Fawna

This classic Mary Jane shoe has a removable cushioned footbed with added arch support and also gets the thumbs up from podiatrists. Well + Good writes, “It’s a great option for a more dressy-looking shoe without feeling like a heel or unsupportive flat. Dansko is known for its high-quality footwear, and you can see it (and feel it) with its burnished leather uppers and supremely soft microfiber lining.”

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“They have a classic design that goes with any outfit, and the slight one-and-a-half-inch heel makes them feel more dressy than a flat without causing any instability,” reports SI. “They have a molded EVA footbed, and steel shank which provide you with both comfort and support, and the upper is made with 100 percent leather which means if taken care of properly, they can last you for years.”

AOL says, “These comfortable shoes have removable EVA footbeds, a comfy shock-absorbing material Egbogah recommends for cushioning each step you take, with special ergonomic insoles that provide cushioned arch support, which makes these dress shoes an ideal choice for comfort while still looking fabulous.”

3. Vionic Minna Flat

These ballet flats with arch support will have you dancing all day and night. Travel fashion girl says, “They have a removable Orthaheel insole that provides podiatrist-designed orthotic support, relief, and stability, and come in a medium and wide fit.” One wearer shares, “Love these cute orthopedic shoes. Dressy enough to wear them with a skirt or dress.”

Best Orthopedic Shoes For Women: Top 7 Supportive Styles, According To Podiatrists (4)

Tania Stevens at 50 is not old writes, “Add a chic and sleek touch to any outfit with these comfortable flats by Vionic. The included orthotic insole is amazing, but you can remove it to add your own custom insert if needed. You can find these shoes in narrow, medium, and wide widths.”

A comfy flat that has ample underfoot support? Y! Sports says this shoe offers the best of both worlds and gets the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association.

4. Kuru Quantum

Dubbed the best orthopedic hiking shoe by Well + Good, podiatrist Dr. Nelya Lobkova gives her stamp of approval to this shoe for a few reasons. “They have a wide and deep toe box, giving your toes the extra wiggle room they need. The Kuru Quantum sneakers are also supportive, she says, and have a great outsole that provides optimal traction, making them a great hiking shoe. The shoes are available in eight colors, including jet black with aqua accents and violet with an orange pop.”

Best Orthopedic Shoes For Women: Top 7 Supportive Styles, According To Podiatrists (5)

“The Kuru Quantum has a breathable upper, roomy toe box, cushioned heel, and a wide, stable base for those who need more support and comfort,” reports SI. “This shoe has a firm rubber outsole that helps you feel secure and stable with every step. The roomy toe box is great for those who like a bit more room in the front or may suffer from some foot conditions like bunions, neuromas, or hammer toes. These shoes have a bit more heft to the upper, giving them a more structured feel on top of the foot, though the integration of mesh parts helps keep the feet much cooler than an all-leather model. This shoe tends to run on the wide side and comes in both wide and medium widths.”

MSN adds, “The Kuru Quantum Sneakers have a great outsole that provides optimal traction, making them a great everyday work shoe.”

5. Skechers Go Walk Joy

If you’re looking for something more affordable, the Skechers Go Walk lineup is for you. Well + Good says, “While all orthopedic shoes should be comfortable, these are great for casual, everyday activities. Dr. Elena Wellens tells the website, ‘You can’t go wrong with a shoe from Skechers’ Go Walk lineup, which includes everything from flip-flop sandals and slides to boots and sneakers. Basically, it’s a bouncy, cushiony shoe ideal for those who want to feel like they’re walking on clouds—even if they’re walking or standing all day long.'”

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According to Mind Body Green, the sneaker gets more than 64,000 positive Amazing ratings from customers who say, “I have spent a ton of money on orthotics and this shoe beats them all for all-day comfort!”

Y! Sports says this easy on-and-off shoe is perfect for older people who need a supportive shoe. “Skechers Go Walk Joy, a 100% synthetic, lightweight pull-on shoe, is the best-selling walking shoe on Amazon. It offers responsive insole and midsole cushioning and other features, like a padded collar and breathable mesh upper for comfort and comes in three widths and a wide range of whole and half sizes.”

6. Asics Gel Kayano 30

“Paying homage to 30 years of this sneaker series, this particular model features soft materials and pearl hues to elevate the traditional silhouette,” according to Oprah Daily. “It provides stability targeting those individuals with plantar fasciitis, shin splints, bunions, and heel spurs.”

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Well + Good writes, “The Gel Kayano 30 style can also provide added comfort to overpronators–folks whose foot rolls inward and arches flatten when walking. These sneakers offer the support your feet need and come in 11 color combinations that range from traditional black accents to cheery citrus hues.”

Road Trail Run adds, “The Kayano 30 is ASICS premium stability daily trainer. It provides max cushion and comfort while providing max support at the same time.”

7. Klaw 528

Podiatrist Dr. Lobkova, who we should point out is one of the many NYC doctors who contributed to the technical design for Klaw footwear, dubs these the “best orthopedic walking shoes for women.” She told Well + Good “All the aspects of an optimal walking biomechanical system were taken into account to create this sneaker, including an insole with a deep heel cup, medial and lateral arch support, plenty of cushioning in the lightweight midsole, and an optimal heel-to-toe drop of 7mm.”

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“The 528 orthopedic shoe has a deep, supportive heel cup, medial and lateral arch support, and a rocker outsole—a feature Egbogah recommends for anyone needing orthotic shoes,” according to AOL. “Plenty of cushioning in the midsole means less chance of developing plantar fasciitis and immediately reduces pain for those who already suffer from the painful condition.”

Stylecaster adds, “The sneaker is meant to elevate your daily steps, whether you’re rigorously working out, commuting to work, or walking for miles on end. The expertly designed arch support firmly protects and supports the length of the arch, while the lightweight midsole brings shock absorption and buoyancy.”

You may also be interested in:

  • Best Walking Shoes for Women
  • Best Hiking Boots for Women
  • Best Ankle Boots for Women
  • Best Golf Shoes for Women
  • Best Women’s Winter Boots

Sources:

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.

Tags: shoes

Best Orthopedic Shoes For Women: Top 7 Supportive Styles, According To Podiatrists (2024)

FAQs

What orthopedic shoes do podiatrists recommend? ›

“There are many shoe brands out there so it is important to try on different styles and types of shoes to see what matches your foot the best. Though there are many other great brands of shoes, some examples of tennis shoe brands that provide good support are Brooks, Asics, New Balance, and Hoka,” Dr. Jensen said.

Do podiatrists recommend Orthofeet shoes? ›

Taking to the review section on the Orthofeet website, a podiatrist shared, “I have been using Orthofeet footwear and foot orthotics for my patients for over 15 years, and I can attest that they offer the best solution for people with sensitive feet, including those with foot pain, and arthritis." The expert also ...

Why do podiatrists recommend Hoka? ›

“Hoka walking sneakers are great because they offer an appropriate amount of support, stability, and comfort,” says podiatrist Brad Schaeffer, DPM, foot surgeon and owner of Central Park Sole in New York City.

Why do podiatrists not recommend Skechers? ›

Sketchers DO NOT have appropriate stability in the upper fabric and the heel counter to complement an orthotic. As such, you will probably find the orthotic redundant, or in worse case contributing to the cause of injury. Remember, an orthotic does 50% of the work. The shoe does the other 50%.

Why do podiatrists recommend new balance? ›

It provides cushioning, shock absorption, a stable heel counter, and a mesh design in the toe box. These features help prevent excessive moisture buildup and reduce the onset of Athlete's foot fungus (tinea pedis), toenail fungus (onychomycosis), and plantar warts.”

What is the No 1 shoe? ›

Nike is the most popular sneaker brand in the United States, followed by Adidas and New Balance.

What brand of shoes is the healthiest? ›

Shoe Brands That Are Good for Your Feet
  • Allbirds. Allbirds provide enough support for day-to-day activities. ...
  • Vionic. If you are looking for a variety of styles fit for most occasions, the Vionic brand has you covered. ...
  • Brooks. Brooks produces supportive athletic shoes. ...
  • New Balance. ...
  • Chaco. ...
  • ABEO. ...
  • Ecco. ...
  • Hoka One One.
Nov 16, 2022

What is the most comfortable brand of women's shoes? ›

14 Most Comfortable Shoes of 2024
  • Best Overall. ASICS Gel-Cumulus 26. Read more.
  • Best Value. New Balance Womens Fuelcore Nergize V1 Sneaker. Read more.
  • Best for Travel. Allbirds Women's Tree Runners. Read more.
May 31, 2024

Do podiatrists recommend Vionic? ›

So when she gave Vionic shoes the Midas touch in her famous, annual Oprah's Favorite Things list multiple times over the years, we knew this comfort footwear was next-level. But the true test is that podiatrists routinely advocate for Vionic shoes because they're so healthy for your feet.

Why do podiatrists recommend Brooks? ›

"The Brooks brand itself has a really long history in the running world and a really great reputation amongst runners and podiatrists," says Dr. Priya Parthasarathy, a podiatrist in Silver Spring, Maryland. "They're unique because they combine newer technology and a really lightweight shoe."

What brand of sandals do podiatrists recommend? ›

Comfortable Walking Sandals, According To A Podiatrist. From Birkenstocks to Aerosoles, these are the supportive sandals for women and men that an expert recommends. The Hoka Ora Recovery slide, Vionic Brielle sandal and Dansko season sandal.

What shoes do orthopedic surgeons recommend? ›

Klaw 528
  • Klaw 528. Best orthopedic shoe overall. ...
  • More options. Dansko Fawna Mary Jane for Women. ...
  • More options. Cole Haan Men's Original Grand Shortwing Oxford. ...
  • Hoka Bondi 8. Best orthopedic walking shoe. ...
  • More options. Puma Deviate Nitro 2 Running Shoes. ...
  • More options. ...
  • Vionic Karmelle Oxford Casual Sneaker. ...
  • Kuru Atom.
Mar 21, 2024

Why do my feet hurt after wearing Hokas? ›

The researchers hypothesized that this increase in impact forces while wearing the Hoka One One running shoes was potentially attributable to runners unconsciously altering their biomechanics while running in the highly cushioned shoes.

Which Hoka is best for seniors? ›

Arahi 7. "Hoka shoes have a slight rocker bottom and cushioned sole, so they are good for people who have arthritis in the mid-foot or toes," Lee notes. This style serves up support in spades without sacrificing comfort. It has a durable underfoot and a compression midsole, plus it's ideal for addressing overpronation.

What do podiatrists think of Brooks shoes? ›

Do podiatrists recommend Brooks? Given its popularity, it's no surprise that the brand came highly recommended by both of the podiatrists that we spoke to. "Brooks are one of my top recommended gym shoes," Dr. Ashley Lee, a podiatrist in Hinsdale, Illinois (who also wears Brooks herself), tells Shop TODAY.

What are the healthiest shoes for your feet? ›

A truly foot-healthy shoe is lightweight, unobtrusive, and completely flat from heel to toe to provide real stability for your foot and ankle and enable natural arch support. A foot-healthy shoe possesses a sole that you can easily bend or twist, which allows your foot to become strong on its own.

What is the difference between orthotic and orthopedic shoes? ›

While orthotics add support, the shoe you put them in can also play a role in future injuries. However, Orthopedic footwear is specifically designed to cushion, protect, and add stability to every single part of the foot.

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