Explore the best orthopedic shoe brands for comfort and foot health.
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KURU Footwear
World’s Most Comfortable Shoes
Best for Foot Pain
Price Range:$100-$185*
4.1/5.0
(255)
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Have foot pain? KURU is here to change that. Experience footwear uniquely designed to hug and protect your heels and support your arches. KURU’s secret sauce is in their patented KURUSOLE technology, a revolutionary heel-hugging tech that dynamically flexes with each step to hug and protect your heels for Pain Relief Beyond Belief.
What We Like
Superior Arch Support
Shock Absorbing Foams
Deep Heel Cup
Orthofeet says you’ll get soothing comfort or your money back. Orthofeet shoes feature an innovative Ortho-Cushion™ system with a mild rocker design and an insole that curves ergonomically with the shape of the foot. The biomechanical orthotic insole or these walking orthopedic shoes helps reduce pressure on the bottom of the foot and relieve foot pain.
What We Like
Enhanced arch support
Roomy toebox
Easy to clean
What We Don’t Like
Inconsistent fit
Higher price tag
The founders behind Atoms shoes set out to make the best shoe—one that you’re excited to wear everyday. Featuring a minimalist, stylish aesthetic, Atoms offer even quarter sizes to ensure a perfect fit. Each shoe features a cushioned midsole and is lined with copper for an antibacterial effect.
What We Like
Offered in quarter sizes for a more precise fit
Simple and versatile design
Cushioned insole and breathable material
What We Don’t Like
Limited style options
Higher price tag
Less focus on pain relief
At HOKA, everything is done out of optimism. HOKA designs world-class running and high-performance orthopedic shoes geared to be kind to the body. Designed with plenty of cushion and support, select HOKA styles have been backed by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance.
What We Like
Cushioning for prolonged shock absorption
Wide and extra-wide options
Breathable
What We Don’t Like
Higher price tag
Narrow toebox
A powerhouse in the footwear industry, Brooks specializes in high-performance running shoes and believes a run can change a day, a life, the world. Their team emphasizes the study of running biomechanics to engineer shoes that work with the body for the best performance possible.
What We Like
Shock-absorbing midsole
Breathable
Variety of colors
What We Don’t Like
Run slightly narrow
Higher price tag
Skechers brings a wide variety of technologies to its footwear lineup as the Comfort Technology Company™. With over a dozen diverse and distinct footwear technologies, customers can be sure to pick a shoe that uniquely meets their needs, from Air Cooled Memory Foam to Massage Fit.
What We Like
Shock-absorbing midsole
Air-cooled memory foam
Sneaker and clog options
What We Don’t Like
Lacks breathability
Narrow toebox
Not suitable for bunions
Adidas lives by the words “only the best for the athlete.” Their lineup is full of high-performance sneakers for a wide variety of sports. They place special emphasis on sustainability and advocacy for a wide variety of people groups.
What We Like
Supportive
Lightweight
Wide variety of colors
What We Don’t Like
Lacks breathability
Narrow toebox
Not suitable for bunions
As one of the oldest foot health brands, Dr. Scholl’s has been a widely trusted name in foot care for over 115 years. Dr. Scholl’s believed more movement facilitates better health, so the brand continues to develop insoles clinically proven to promote reduce foot fatigue and pain for a more active, healthy life.
What We Like
Cushioned midsole and supportive fit
Affordable price tag
Wide range of styles
What We Don’t Like
Inconsistent fit
Some may find style as unconventional
Famous for their unique brand of comfort clogs, Dansko continues to expand its lineup. The classic clog features a contoured, cushioned footbed and a rocker bottom, and all shoes meet the American Podiatric Medical Association approval standards (APMA) and carry the APMA seal of Acceptance.
What We Like
Easy to clean
Rocker bottom propels the foot forward
Provides heel and ankle stability
What We Don’t Like
May require a break-in period
Heavier in weight
Higher price tag
Vionic is about whole-body balance. Every Vionic shoe comes built with their unique Vio-Motion™ technology, which combines arch support, a deep heel cup, cushioning, and flexibility to bring the whole body into better balance and alignment.
What We Like
Excellent arch support
Soft and supportive footbed
Stylish and modern design
What We Don’t Like
Inconsistent fit
Take some time to break in
Higher price tag
*The price assessments displayed on this page were conducted and recorded as of 11.28.23 by KURU Footwear (price assessor). Please note that prices may have changed since the assessment date.
Disclaimer: The shoe comparison provided is to assist individuals seeking orthopedic footwear options. It is important to note that while these shoes may be beneficial for alleviating foot pain symptoms, they may have varying use cases and functionalities. We recommend considering your specific needs and consulting with a healthcare professional before making a final purchasing decision. Remember that individual experiences may vary, and what works well for one person may not necessarily work for another.
Best for Foot Pain
Our Shoes
4.1/5.0
(255)
$100-$185*
Price Range
Others
$100–$170*
Price Range
9.5 – 10.5 oz.
Narrow (A) – XX-Wide (6E)
Size 5 (W) – 14 (M)
Others
$145.00–$179.00*
Price Range
14 – 25 oz.
Standard (B)
Size 5 (W) – 15 (M)
Great for Running
Others
$60.00–$275.00*
Price Range
7 – 21 oz.
Standard and Wide
Size 3 (W) – 16 (M)
Others
$65.00–$250.00*
Price Range
7 – 12 oz.
X-Narrow (2A) – Wide (2E)
Size 5 (W) – 16 (M)
Others
$26.99–$210.00*
Price Range
3.5 – 35 oz.
Narrow, Standard and Wide
Size 5 (W) – 16 (M)
Others
$45.00–$800.00*
Price Range
3.5 – 21 oz.
Narrow (2A) – Extra Wide (4E)
Size 5 (W) – 18 (M)
Others
$50.00–$395.00*
Price Range
5 – 25 oz.
Standard and Wide
Size 4 (W) – 15 (M)
Others
$85.00–$240.00*
Price Range
8 – 18 oz.
Narrow, Standard and Wide
Size 4 (W) – 14 (M)
Others
$64.95–$249.95*
Price Range
7 – 15 oz.
Narrow – Wide
Size 4 (W) – 14 (M)
*The price assessments displayed on this page were conducted and recorded as of 11.28.23 by KURU Footwear (price assessor). Please note that prices may have changed since the assessment date.
Disclaimer: The images shown alongside each brand are for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as a direct depiction of the included information. They are intended to provide a general representation of the product category and may not accurately reflect the specific details provided.
Disclaimer: The shoe comparison provided is to assist individuals seeking orthopedic footwear options. It is important to note that while these shoes may be beneficial for alleviating foot pain symptoms, they may have varying use cases and functionalities. We recommend considering your specific needs and consulting with a healthcare professional before making a final purchasing decision. Remember that individual experiences may vary, and what works well for one person may not necessarily work for another.
Before you go, don’t miss out on this extraordinary review from our extensive collection of 31,000+ 5-star reviews! Uncover the reasons behind the rave about KURU and indulge in the ultimate comfort firsthand!
“Best Orthopedic Support! I have been wearing these shoes now for about 3 weeks. They have been very comfortable right from the start. I love theorthopedicsupport in this shoe. I never was able to find a shoe to match theorthopedicsupport I have with this pair of shoes. The reason I bought this pair was because I had pain in my one knee, and on wearing these shoes it immediately took that pain away! Thank you Kuru! I will be ordering my shoes exclusively from here from now on!”
Jacalyn
FAQs
How do orthopedic shoes differ from regular shoes?
While most shoes are flat on the inside with minimal cushion or arch support, orthopedic shoes come shaped like your feet. They typically feature robust arch support, a deep heel cup, shock-absorbing cushion, and a wide toe box to help bring your feet into healthy alignment.
Who should consider wearing orthopedic shoes?
Anyone with foot pain is a great candidate for orthopedic walking shoes. Orthopedic shoes help to correct any foot imbalances and relieve foot pain conditions for healthier feet.
How do I choose the right orthopedic shoes for my needs?
A podiatrist or orthopedic doctor will be the best place to start to determine your unique needs for orthopedic shoes. Whether you have flat feet, high arches, plantar fasciitis, or Morton’s neuroma, there’s an orthopedic shoe that can help treat your specific condition and relieve pain.
How often should I replace my orthopedic shoes?
Podiatrists recommend replacing footwear, including orthopedic tennis shoes, every 6 months to 1 year, or every 300–500 miles to help ensure your foot stays properly supported.
What are the best orthopedic shoes?
The best orthopedic shoes should feature quality arch support, a deep heel cup, shock-absorbing cushion, and a wide toe box. KURU orthopedic shoes have all of the above.
Each pair of our stylish orthopedic shoes comes built with an all-in-one orthopedic solution—without the need to buy additional expensive inserts or orthotics. All styles—from orthopedic work shoes to orthopedic slip-on shoes—feature our patented KURUSOLE technology with proven results. In fact, 72% of customers see pain relief, and 90% of those experience pain relief within 4 weeks.
One of our 31,000+ reviews says it this way: “Worth every penny – I’m on my feet 8-9 hours a day pretty much standing in one spot (retail production kitchen). This is the best shoe I’ve ever bought for work – blows the other famous brand shoes away.” Thanks, Cater B.!
Creating Footwear to Help You Heel Better™
At KURU, we believe your heels deserve better. Every step you take starts with your heels—and it can get painful, fast. In fact, 77% of Americans experience foot pain, with heel pain at the top of the list.*
That’s why at KURU, we believe health starts with heel. Our patented KURUSOLE technology dynamically flexes with each step to hug and protect your heels for pain relief you can count on. KURU orthopedic shoes for plantar fasciitis deliver pain relief, so you can Heel Confident, Heel Energized, Heel Better™.
*Based on 2023 study reported in KURU’s 2023 Foot Pain Trends Report.
How We Test
At KURU, we’re passionate about pain relief because we’re passionate about life—and helping you live it to the fullest.
So, we studied the foot’s natural biomechanics and designed footwear to match. No flat insoles. No flimsy inserts. Just the most comfortable shoes for plantar fasciitis with perfect cushion and support in all the right places.
We pioneered the world’s first dynamic heel-hugging technology, and we continue to evaluate wear-tester and customer reviews to better engineer the Healthiest Shoes on Earth.
12
Hours of Research
21
Models Considered
Why Trust Us?
With over 15 years in the footwear business, we’ve channeled our focus into innovation and a passionate mission to eliminate foot pain all over the world. Our patented KURUSOLE technology has helped thousands to relieve foot pain and live the life they love.
Backed by 31,000+ 5-star reviews, our customers demonstrate that KURU delivers pain relief. In fact, over 7 in 10 KURU customers report improved pain symptoms—and of those customers, 97% experience improvement in less than 4 weeks. Let’s hear it for Pain Relief Beyond Belief.
Just as we pioneered revolutionary heel-hugging footwear technology for pain relief, we also pioneer foot health research to stay on top of industry trends. View our 2023 Foot Health Trends Report for the cutting-edge data on foot health and wellness.
Explore by Feature
View All- Adjustable
- Ankle Support
- Anti-Fatigue
- Arch Support
- Back Support
- Breathable
- Comfortable
- Corrective
- Cushioned
- Durable
- Heel Support
- High Top
- Indoor
- Knee Support
- Lightweight
- Low Top
- Mid Top
- Non-Slip
- Orthotic
- Outdoor
- Reflective
- Shock Absorbing
- Stability
- Support
- Warm
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