Best Orthopedic Shoes Reviewed & Rated

An orthopedic shoe that isn’t comfortable wouldn’t be a good choice, seeing that it would fail at performing its most important task. It’s critical that any orthopedic pair of footwear you consider gives you comfort features that will make your steps feel pain-free, even effortless, while also reducing the likelihood of foot injuries.

One of the best comfort features that you can look out for is located in the midsole. You can look for midsoles made out of polyurethane, or PU. A PU midsole provides sturdy cushioned ridges that are important to give you the level of shock absorption necessary to reduce any strain from long days of standing and walking. PU insoles are also good for this kind of cushioning – you can look for ones with extra heel pads to protect this part of your foot.

Another great option is to get a pair of footwear that features EVA foam components. Some footwear, for example, that made by New Balance, will feature a dual density EVA footbed which is excellent for shock absorption, especially for those who carry a bit more weight. This type of feature in your shoe reduces stress on your feet, ankles, and even your knees. Furthermore, you can look for footwear that states to feature an orthotic or anatomically correct insole, as it is definitely going to be a healthier option than regular footwear.

One thing to consider when making a purchase is whether the footbed or insole is removable. Although some shoes may have really comfortable insoles, it is recommended that these are changed every three months in order to ensure a healthy environment for your feet. It’s also possible for an insole to lose its cushioning abilities, so a removable feature can be quite helpful in saving some money if you can simply replace this part of the shoe, instead of purchasing brand new footwear.

You can also look for a pair of shoes or sneakers that have a foam padded collar and tongue, as these will help give that all around comfort on your feet and ankles. The same can be said if the shoe states the collar and tongue is cushioned. When it comes to the level of comfort provided by the upper section of a shoe, leather is always a great material for, as it will be pliable, soft, and provide great air flow.

The toes can be a sensitive area of our feet, and it is crucial that you search for shoes that have plenty of room in the toe area. Having a soft woven toe post in your orthopedic shoe can give nice cushioning for your toes assisting with preventing injury. If the orthopedic option you’re looking at is one with straps, in particular, make sure that these straps are padded, for example with a foam lining, so you get that gentle feel on top of your feet.

Foot support is another essential component to have in a shoe you’re getting for its health benefits. When walking, it’s important that your feet have a full range of motion, and that your weight is properly distributed through the entire foot, lessening the strain on any particular part of the foot or joint. A deep heel cup can greatly improve your overall walking and standing experience, as it is designed to realign the foot back to its natural position for a better stepping motion. One of the best signs that a shoe is healthy enough to wear if you suffer from any foot conditions is the APMA Seal of Acceptance. In addition to an APMA Seal of Acceptance, you can also look for footwear that is labeled as having been designed by a podiatrist.

Arch support is crucial for minimizing the pain or discomfort you may be experiencing from walking and standing. An anatomical or contoured footbed with a good level of arch support will softly hug your foot from underneath, preventing you from putting too much strain on the tendon at the bottom of your foot. This will help with the natural cushioning your foot should be making with each step, and will prevent any pronation issues, and relieving a wide variety of pains, you may be experiencing in the heel area, as well as the metatarsal bone or your joints.

If the pair of shoes of your choice advertises a flexible outsole, that means that you’ve got yourself a pretty good option. An outsole that allows the unhindered movement of the foot will let you walk more naturally, thus preventing unnecessary strain or fatigue.

Finally, try to look for footwear that will be of the correct width, especially in the forefoot. If you suffer from conditions such as bunions or flat feet, it is crucial that you have enough room so as not to put unnecessary pressure on any point of your feet. Not only will a wider shoe reduce pain, swelling or even inflammation, but it will also be more stable to walk on, which is especially beneficial for the elderly and those with mobility issues.

Once you’ve found the orthopedic shoe with the right comfort and cushioning features for your unique needs, it is important to consider the outsole as well. The outsole of your footwear is in charge of keeping your footing secure, which includes preventing slips and falls that could result in nasty injuries that may take months to heal.

Your best bet will usually be a rubber outsole with a good traction pattern. If you find a pair of footwear that is advertised as water friendly, slip resistant, or even appropriate for wear on oily surfaces, this means that it’ll be a good choice for walking on a large number of surfaces, including tile, hardwood floors, and highly polished surfaces. Once you’ve got the comfort and foot support checked for in your potential orthopedic shoe purchase, it’ll be helpful to see if the shoe has some good traction. Preventing foot injuries includes preventing ones that can occur is the result of a fall. Your first best bet would be a rubber outsole. This type of material is the same you’ll find in athletic footwear like wrestling shoes.

Breathability will only add on to the comfort you’re looking for in your orthopedic footwear. The less sweaty and hot your feet feel, the better. One obvious thing that will give you the most breathability is an open-toed design. It allows for maximum airflow to your feet which will keep them dry all day. The next best thing to having an open-toed orthopedic shoe would be an orthopedic shoe that features a mesh upper. Mesh is a net-like material that helps let air into your footwear allowing your feet to be cool and dry throughout the day. In addition to mesh uppers, mesh lining can also accomplish the same allowance of airflow, and so will perforated uppers.

Fabric lining is another good option as it’s designed to wick away moisture reducing the amount of sweat that builds up in your orthopedic footwear. If you find that your feet tend to sweat, it is crucial that your shoes are completely dry before putting them on again. While with some footwear it may be enough to leave them to dry overnight, others will take longer to eliminate all the built-up moisture. If that’s the case, you may want to consider purchasing more than one pairs of shoes, so that you can alternate between them. Though this will require a larger initial investment, it will pay off in the long run, as your footwear will last longer, and will be less likely to develop any odor.

When it comes to orthopedic footwear, brand might not be the first thing that crosses your mind, but it could be the deciding factor when you've narrowed down your options.

The brand behind the design plays an integral role. Some shoe brands are much more reliable than others, using specific materials that are known to help your feet stay comfortable and protected.

The options featured on this list are some of the most well-known designs from the brands in the orthotics business. They're known to be comfortable, well-made, and will protect your feet. Take a look at our list to see how each option compares to the others. Brand may play a role in your decision.