We’re not going to lie — on more than one occasion, we’ve suffered for the sake of fashion, wearing shoes that were terrible for our feet but perfectly completed our outfit. Naturally, the pros say this is a major no-no. Podiatrists stress the importance of wearing well-fitting shoes for foot health since ill-fitting options can cause blisters, calluses and more serious conditions like bunions and plantar fasciitis. So while we may want to wear something simply for appearance, it’s important to choose sneakers that also provide adequate support for the natural shape of our feet.
Dr. Nicholas Romansky, DPM has a few tips when it comes to sneaker selection. “I typically recommend a shoe with a mesh toe box, which is less restrictive,” he told Us. “I like to check a shoe’s flex point — where the shoe naturally bends when you flex it — to see if it aligns with the ball of the foot. A high, firm heel counter helps to stabilize the rearfoot and support the heel, too. A cushioned heel collar can make a big difference, especially for women as they tend to have less natural cushion around the ankle.”
When choosing a great sneaker, Dr. Romansky also suggests wearing moisture-wicking socks and insoles to customize the shoes to your feet. “An after-market insole can make a huge difference in performance and avoiding injury,” he said. “I like Protalus insoles for their deep heel cup, which encourages proper body alignment and also fills the extra space around the heel in the shoe.”
Lastly, Dr. Romansky suggests rotating a few pairs of sneakers throughout the week. “You shouldn’t wear the same shoes all the time. Find a company you like and purchase a variety of models from the same brand,” he said. “I like Brooks, New Balance, Nike, Hoka and more.”
To help you find the right pair, we rounded up 15 podiatrist-approved sneaker recommendations that balance comfort and style.
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Fashion Sneakers
1. Our Favorite: These adorable heart-encrusted sneakers from Betsey Johnson also sport a cushioned insole for comfort.
2. Slam Dunk: Are you even a sneaker head if you don’t own some Jordans? The Air Jordan 1 Low SE Basketball Sneaker is a great option for looking stylish while supporting your metatarsals. The Air-Sole cushioning distributes your weight to provide lightweight comfort.
3. Three Stripes: These Adidas SL 72 Sneakers look just like the internet-loved Sambas, but have a little more support. We love the sleek, low profile and removable, cushioned insole.
4. Good Luck: The bestselling Tory Burch Ladybug Sneaker is perfect for everyday enjoyment. The classic rubber and leather upper will keep you kicking in style.
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Walking Sneakers
5. Our Favorite: New Balance’s 327 Sneakers (yes, the ones Rihanna wears!) are super comfy, and come in new colors every season.
6. Gilded Age: These cutie platform sneakers from Cole Haan are fashionably comfy. Grab the Cole Haan Grandpro Max Platform Sneakers in gold, silver, white, black or neutral.
7. The Name Says It All: I’ve been wearing Dr. Scholl’s boots for years to help with my plantar fasciitis, and these Feel Nice Sneakers look perfect for daily walks. They come in regular and wide sizes and a slew of pretty colors.
8. Ridge Rush: The Mephisto Rush Walking Shoe is ideal for everyday use and features effective shock absorption technology to protect your joints. It is also available in machine-washable brown leather for a boot-like appearance.
9. Signed, Sealed, Delivered: These Brooks Glycerin 22 sport the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance. Their nitro-infused midsole provides plush landings and energizing toe-offs (read: they’re comfy).
Running Sneakers
10. Our Favorite: The On Cloudrunner 2 Running Shoes feature their renowned Hello, Helion
superfoam midsole for cushioning, a robust heel clip and additional reinforcements for stability and support.
11. Support System: Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS4 Supportive Running Shoes provide stride support with nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning for lightweight comfort. They’re a certified PDAC Diabetic shoe and have the APMA Seal of Acceptance. Shoppers also love their dynamic cushioning.
12. High and Dry: Jennifer Garner wears these Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 sneakers, and for good reason. They have targeted cushioning for ideal foot alignment and boast a waterproof design that keeps feet dry in rain and slush.
13. Best in Class: The Hoka Bondi 9 Sneakers are a fan-favorite low-top running sneaker. They feature a mesh upper that provides targeted breathability, a cotton lining and a high-quality foam midsole that offers a soft and durable experience.
14. Thin Win: The New Balance Women’s FuelCell 890 V8 Running Shoe is a sleek, lightweight shoe with performance-level cushioning. Its ground-contact REVlite outsole encapsulates rubber pods to reduce impact. Plus, it’s super attractive.
15. Star-Studded: Reviewers love these New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V13 Running Shoes, stating they’re a “great running shoe” and “the best sneakers ever!” The midsole provides extra cushioning, and the mesh uppers are breathable and odor-resistant. Choose from a wide array of cute colors.
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