The Best Orthopedic Shoes That Look as Good as They Feel (2024)

Vionic is the top brand recommended by Dr. Schaeffer and it isn't hard to see why. Few brands have done more to dispel all the negative stereotypes about orthopedic shoes. Even among a line of stylish sneaks, the Lucas stands out at the brands most appealing offering. Leather flat soled sneakers are the most stylish footwear for men these days and you won't find a pair better equipped for support than these.

For pure style versatility, we love how the Lucas is a do-it-all sneaker. If you're looking for an orthopedic sneaker that can compliment everything from dress pants and a blazer to joggers and a hoodie, this is your shoe. Leather low-tops are so popular because they just work every time and these stand toe-to-toe with some of the best options out there.

Read more: Best White Sneakers

Orthopedic walking shoes are the most common variety, creating a large market to choose from. Orthofeet hits the intersection of functionality and looks just about as well as any sneaker out there. In fact, the brand is one of the most recommended by podiatrists, Dr. Schaeffer included. So there is a tone of medical expertise backing these shoes up.

We like the Edgewater for a cool early-'00s runner shoe look that compliments everything from jeans to joggers. The wide toe box and soft, padded upper is easy on even the most delicate of foot conditions. It's ample flexibility is balanced with strong arch and heel support too. Last detail to note is how the large heel and tongue loops allow for easy pull-on motion.

The wild thing about how popular New Balance 990s are is that the shoe was originally designed for pure performance. Way back in the '70s, New Balance set out to make the best running shoe ever. The technological advancements came in a heel cap and arch support that sought to align the foot in a natural motion. Revolutionary at the time, these are fundamental features in orthopedic shoes today.

As fate would have it, these old school running shoes are fantastically fashionable these days. Which has created a parallel between style and comfort that is rare to come by. We hardly need to tell you how to style these sneaks because you've probably seen them pulled off with an endless number of looks. Just wear them all day, every day, and your posture and vibe will likely feel a whole lot better.

Read more: Best New Balance Shoes

Propét creates a wide range of orthopedic shoes that you would never guess are orthopedic from the looks. The Finn Oxford is a perfect example. A soft, flexible EVA outsole replaces the standard rubber or leather dress shoe outsole. The upper is a supple leather that provides easy motion with a wide toe box. For customizable support, there is even a removable footbed that allows you to stick with the original or add a custom orthotic.

This is a great work shoe or formal shoe with orthopedic level comfort. We like how easy it is to get on and off, and how light and giving it is when walking. If you have long days at the office and need extra foot support while still "dressing the part", then this is the shoe for you.

Read more: Most Comfortable Dress Shoes

Few shoe brands have a better reputation for comfort than Hoka. The running shoe company has exploded thanks to orthopedic level mechanics covered in flashy colors and designs. Now, some models go heavy on the cushioning, which is helpful for running but not ideal for certain foot conditions. The Clifton provides a healthy balance of cushion and support that podiatrists recommend.

We love the Clifton as an orthopedic level running shoe that can help athletes with foot problems stay on the move. With over a dozen color options to choose from, you can go subtle or flashy. These sleek kicks also work well as casual walking shoes. Style them with a muted monotone outfit to accentuate the bold design.

Read more: Best Hoka Shoe Models to Try

For a comfortable every-day walking shoe that can also handle the gym, Dr. Comfort has you covered with the Jack. This orthopedic shoe has a wide, sturdy outsole that curves at the toe to assist in fluid movement. The low elastic ankle is easy to put on and super comfortable during workouts. Every seam is flattened out to eliminate friction points within the shoe—a design note that can help guys who are seeking to alleviate lacing discomfort.

Our style editors are fans of this shoe regardless of orthopedic status. For starters, the gum outsole provides a cool contrast to the monotone upper. The super low ankle cut on the Jack looks great with pants and shorts. And the low friction interior means you can wear them without socks. Most importantly, this orthopedic sneaker is easy to style with just about anything.

Kuru shows up again and again when researching orthopedic shoes, so the brand must be doing something right. What really sets Kuru apart from competitors is the brand's sleek athletic look. Models like the Atom Slip-On are inspired by modern running and casual shoes with a mesh upper and foam midsole.

Unlike most modern athletic shoes, the Atom doesn't max out cushioning at the expense of support. A happy-medium between the two creates a smooth, even step and natural leg motion for wearers. Better still, the slip on design is oh-so easy to wear. Switch out your modern runners for these to get a delicious boost in foot and leg comfort.

Read more: Best Slip-on Shoes

With stiff leathers and bulky soles, most boots are not comforting to orthopedic foot conditions. Fortunately, there are some good options out there, like the Hunter from Orthofeet. By using lighter materials and a flexible outsole, this hiking style boot avoids usual problem areas for guys. Orthofeet also added a wide toe box, strong arch support, and a cushiony cupped heel to achieve orthopedic status.

A really unique feature that we like with this boot is that the insole is removable and customizable. Which means you have a number of ways to add or increase arch support and heel cushioning, if needed. Like a proper boot should, the Hunter is weather resistant and offers strong traction for all types of wear.

What Are Orthopedic Shoes?

Orthopedic shoes differ from other comfortable shoes, like running shoes and slippers, by providing support along with cushioning. While athletic shoes seem to focus on adding more cushioning and bounce, orthopedic shoes are structured to cradle the foot and ankle in a way that enhances the natural motion of the human body. Compared to modern athletic shoes, relatively less cushioning is used in favor of harder materials that provide a strong foundation for your feet.

“Orthopedic shoes are structured with deformities and offload 'problem areas' in our feet and body,” explains Dr. Schaeffer. “This can include bunions, hammertoes, arthritic deformities, flat feet etc.” Deformities, in this case, are a good thing because they minimize friction with potential problem spots and promote a natural motion with every step. “Our feet are our bodies' natural shock absorbers and it is beyond important to support and stabilize them each and every step.”

Benefits of this support and stabilization go far beyond the feet. As Dr. Schaeffer put it, “Proper orthopedic shoes can help our knees, hips, and back.” At the end of the day, you can even feel less fatigue when wearing orthopedic shoes because your body will be saving energy with every step.

What Conditions May Benefit From Orthopedic Shoes?

Dr. Schaeffer explained that bunions, hammertoes, arthritic deformities, and flat feet are some of the most common issues that he sees. Wearing orthopedic shoes is the first and most important step toward treating these, and many other issues. Because orthopedic shoes are designed to eliminate common stress points and friction spots, any inflamed and protruding areas of the foot should be comforted.

Orthopedic shoes can also help with joint pain and muscle pain from the ankle, all the way up through the knee, to the lower back. Since our feet affect the way the rest of our lower and mid body move, wearing the proper shoes can treat ailments from your lower back, down. Even if you don’t have any diagnosed foot issues, wearing orthopedic shoes can potentially help in the recovery process with high endurance sports like long distance running and triathlons.

Orthotics vs. Orthopedic Shoes

Dr. Schaeffer summed it up perfectly, “​​Orthotics are custom insoles that we place in a person's shoe. I am a huge fan of custom orthotics and feel they are a game changer for our foot health. Orthopedic shoes are great for accommodating orthotics insoles because they have extra room and depth to accommodate these.” Orthotics can be custom made for each person’s foot to meet their physiological and medical needs. As insoles, orthotics can be placed in any shoe with a foot bed large enough to accommodate them.

Orthopedic shoes, on the other hand, come as-is off the shelf. There are orthopedic shoes designed to support any number of specific foot conditions, but they are not custom made for individuals. However, some shoe companies and medical providers can customize orthopedic shoes based on specific recommendations made by a podiatrist. To maximize foot comfort and orthopedic performance, Dr. Schaeffer recommends combining orthopedic shoes with a custom made orthotics.

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Read More About Our Favorite Shoes

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