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

FAQs

What orthopedic shoes do podiatrists recommend? ›

Best orthopedic shoes, at a glance:

Best podiatrist-approved: Klaw, Klaw 528, $148. Best orthopedic classic: New Balance, 990v6, $200. Best orthopedic gel: Asics, Gel Kayano 30, $160. Best orthopedic shoes for comfort: Hoka, Gaviota 5, $175.

One of our favorite New Balance Shoes, the Men's 990v5 stands out for its excellent stability and traction—helping older adults stay surefooted and confident while walking. During testing, we were blown away by how steady we felt on all types of terrains.

Opt for shoes with a wider toe box, good arch support, non-slip soles, velcro closures, low or no heels, lightweight design, and the right fit. By following these tips, you can help ensure your elderly loved one's feet stay healthy and comfortable, allowing them to enjoy their retirement community to the fullest.

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%.

Wider foot support - The wider the bed of the foot is, the stronger the support of your shoe will be. Orthotic-friendly shoes come with wide foot support. A wide foot base facilitates healthier gait patterns as well, meaning that you can walk with more ease.

As a consequence, Skechers can cause ligament and muscle stresses and strains. The memory foam could take on the 'memory' of a poor gait style causing destabilising foot, ankle, knee, hip and lower back pain.

According to Fuchs, sneakers or athletic shoes are the best type of shoes for standing all day. “They provide cushioning, support, and shock absorption, which help to reduce foot fatigue and discomfort.”

“I recommend the Hoka Bondi for patients that need max cushioning, such as older patients that have fat pad atrophy (where the fat on the bottom of your foot thins) or arthritis,” says Dr. Parthasarathy.

Skechers Go Walk

It is one of the safest shoes for seniors, as it doesn't have laces or velcro straps that need to be fastened. They instead opt for a well-designed slip-on design. Skechers Go Walk series will comfort your loved one's feet inside and outside their home.

Retailing for $100 right out of the gate, the shoe was a big gamble from New Balance, as sneakers didn't usually cost that much back then; I think what made people immediately willing to pay this much was the fact that it was the perfect synthesis of attractive style, high quality performance, and domestic production.

Should seniors go barefoot in the house? ›

Moreover, a recent study found that barefoot walking around the house contributed to increased falls among the elderly. Wearing shoes at home is the best way you can protect your feet.

Feet do get bigger over decades of pounding. Some people over the age of 40 can gain half a shoe size every 10 years. I know my feet are larger than they used to be. When I was in my 20s, I wore a 10½ shoe; in my 60s, I'm wearing a size-12.

Shoes that claim to feel like "you're walking on air" are dangerous to seniors. Opt for a walking shoe without rubber over the toes. Walking shoes typically provide the right amount of traction seniors need. Look for a thin sole that allows your loved one to feel the sensation as he walks.

Vionic is a human performance collective in Northern California dedicated to harnessing science, ingenuity and input from medical professionals, athletes and raving fans to make shoes that bring balance to our lives.

“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.

One of the primary reasons podiatrists recommend New Balance shoes is their exceptional arch support. Proper arch support is vital for maintaining the natural alignment of the foot and preventing issues like overpronation (inward rolling of the foot) or supination (outward rolling of the foot).

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.