How to choose the right shoes according to a Podiatrist (2024)

FAQs

How to choose the right shoes according to a Podiatrist? ›

Your shoe should not push on your toes or make them curl. They should also not place pressure on your feet from the side, making it feel like your toes are being squashed together. The optimal elevation or drop in height from the heel to the toe of the shoe should be approximately 10-12mm.

ALWAYS CHOOSE SNEAKERS FOR WALKING OR RUNNING

Podiatrists advocate for people wearing sneakers as often as possible as they allow for maximum support and protection. It's always best to choose a pair of sneakers for times when a person will be on their feet for long periods of time.

Based on this, the podiatrist will assess your footwear on its heel height, sole rigidity, heel counter stiffness, and tread pattern. Each of these has long-term ramifications on the health of your foot, making a shoe assessment an absolute necessity to ensure proper fit to reduce indications of pain.

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%.

Wear shoes that you commonly use, as they can reveal a lot about your foot conditions through their wear patterns. Additionally, consider bringing a pair of athletic shoes if you participate in sports or physical activities, as these can offer further clues about your foot mechanics and alignment.

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).

They have frequently awarded the Seal to selective styles of the innovative, cushioned footwear from HOKA. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance recognizes products that have been found beneficial to foot health.

Are Birkenstocks podiatrist approved? ›

They are exceptionally durable, comfortable shoes that will evenly distribute your body weight for the best support possible. Recommended by podiatrists worldwide, the Foot and Ankle Clinic stocks the following examples in the Birkenstock range.

Without any doubt, Crocs will help you relieve any foot pain and are ideal for short-term usage. However, if you wear it for an extended period, Crocs can create more foot issues that can otherwise be avoided.

In fact, several foot pain, heel pain and back pain complaints have been made by users of memory foam shoes! This includes the possibility of inflamed heel tendons or swollen ankles. Some podiatrists have even noticed this issue and warned the public against wearing memory foam shoes.

Currently Popular Shoes:

Some of my patients are fiercely loyal about their shoes! Among the brands I hear about the most from my patients are Naot and Birkenstock sandals, Hoka One One and the Swiss brand, On Cloud X shoes for running and walking plus the ever popular New Balance shoes for running and walking.

Reviewed By The Experts

“I regularly refer many of my patients to Bared footwear and all are pleasantly surprised when they see how beautiful the shoes are and that they are made by a podiatrist. I have multiple pairs of Bared shoes which I used for work, casual day-outings and nights out in the city!”

Birkenstocks are a favorite for foot pain thanks to their moldable cork footbed that fits to your foot for complete support. Birkenstock Milano sandals also feature a third strap around the back of the foot for added support, and all three are fully adjustable to keep feet in place.

"So many podiatrists recommend New Balance shoes because of how well they support the foot and keep the foot in a neutral position while being active," says Jennifer Groth, Coach at STRIDE Fitness Henderson in Las Vegas. "They also provide comfort while maintaining an overall lightweight shoe."

The HOKA Clifton 9 is a top choice for both men and women who need to be on their feet for several hours during the day. Its compression-molded EVA foam midsole provides wearers with substantial cushioning.

That foot-hugging design is just what you want for better arch support and it reduces pressure points. Enthusiasts and podiatrists alike praise the design for helping to alleviate foot pain, plantar fasciitis, and other foot-related issues. Birkenstocks are good for your feet.