Best Supportive Shoes
Best Shoes for Flat Feet
Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciiti
Best Shoes for Arch Support
Best Walking Shoe for Knee Pain
What makes a great supportive shoe?
Flat Feet
Did you know that an estimated 20-30% of Americans have flat feet? That is, when they stand up straight, their arches touch the floor. Whether you inherit (yes, having flat feet is a hereditary gene!) or develop flat feet through age, pregnancy, obesity or through another health condition, wearing the right shoes is key to your comfort when you have flat feet.
That’s why you need a shoe that offers the firm arch support that you need, cupping the heel for the most comfortable fit. The right shoe will also have a flexible shank in your sneaker, and enough room in the toe area for movement.
Plantar Fasciitis
Many people suffer with plantar fasciitis and don’t even know it – it’s actually just a fancy name to reference heel pain. If you’ve ever had a stabbing pain on your heel, then congratulations, you’re one of two million Americans who have plantar fasciitis. It’s one of the most common foot pains, and about 83 percent of active adults between 25 and 65 will suffer from it at some point in their life.
And suffer they will. This can cause unrelenting discomfort that can make walking feel downright unbearable, even if you’re not exercising. But, the good news is that it can be managed, and wearing the proper shoes is one of the most important aids.
While each case of plantar fasciitis is different and there’s no ‘one shoe fixes all’ solution, finding a shoe with arch and heel support is critical for your comfort.
High Arches
You’re truly damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Unlike our friends with flat feet, those of us with high arches will experience a different kind of pain.
With high arches, not only are you more prone to plantar fasciitis, but you’re more likely to oversupinate in your sneakers – meaning your ankles excessively roll outward with every step. That’s why getting shoes with arch support is so important for your comfort.
Knee Pain
With intense knee pain, such as osteoarthritis, it can feel like you’ll never be comfortable walking, running or exercising, but choosing the right footwear can do wonders for your knee. The truth is, the right pair of shoes can actually decrease the amount of pressure (and pain!) put on your knees.
So, while a good pair of shoes won’t reverse any knee damage, lacing up the right pair can help to ensure no further damage is done, as well as provide comfort and pain relief while walking, running or exercising.
Best Shoes for Flat Feet
As we mentioned above, suffering with flat feet requires you to seek out shoes that offer a certain amount of arch support, flexible shank and room at the toe area and this Brooks sneaker does all of the above and more. This shoe features incredible support that they describe best as “a reliable shoe that’s soft and smooth” for what they promise is a smooth, stable ride.
So, no matter how your foot lands, this supportive shoe is built to cushion every step, with BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT technology cushioning. Strategically placed stretch and structure offers a flexible fit where you need it most. Plus, this sneaker is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe.
Available in 26 different colors, and sized from as small as 4.5, all the way up to a 14 – with Narrow and Wide options in many sizes, so there’s a shoe for everyone!
Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciiti
When it comes to heel pain, it’s important that your shoe offers the support, cushioning and heel and arch support that you need. Enter the HOKA ONE ONE Bondi. They consider it the most cushioned shoe in their entire lineup, and we think that makes it perfect for anyone who suffers with that dreaded heel pain.
Crafted with Meta-Rocker technology, this shoe offers a smooth and balanced ride thanks to the flexible midsole and the comfortable, breathable upper. And with almost 1500 positive reviews from other runners who suffer from plantar fasciitis, we know you’ll be comfortable in your next workout. With 11 color options, this men’s shoe ranges from size 8 to 14.
Best Shoes for Arch Support
With most people with high arches suffering from plantar fasciitis, this sneaker is a 2-in-1 combo! Crafted with innovative pain relief technology, this shoe is made for comfort in every sense of the word. From extra foam padding and heel cushioning, to a wide toe-box and anatomical arch support, this is THE sneaker for heel and foot pain relief! In fact, Orthofeet is so sure you’re going to love it, they’re offering guaranteed comfort with a 60-day wear test so you can send it back if it’s not the shoe for you.
Orthofeet orthopedic shoe pairs a lightweight sole with superior cushioning, and include premium orthotic insoles that feature superior arch support designed for those with high insoles, along with cushioning layers that provide pillow-like support to ease pain in your heel, arch, and all the way up to your knees, hips and lower back.
Available in just two colors – grey and black, this shoe offers diverse sizing catering to men of all sizes, ranging from 7 to 14, with Regular, Wide and X-Wide size options.
Best Walking Shoe for Knee Pain
If you’re looking for shoes to lessen the pressure on your knees and joints, then look no further. With a promise that these will be “your new favorite shoes”, we can’t help but agree. These 100% leather sneakers feature a footbed designed by a podiatrist to encourage stability from the ground up, making it comfortable with every single step.
With sturdy support, these walking shoes will keep you stable on your feet for long spells of walking, whether you’re wearing it on the streets, to work or on the treadmill.
Available in regular, wide and even C/D widths from a size 5 all the way up to a size 13, this comfortable shoe comes in five different colors for a neutral, go-to sneaker that’s kind to your knees.
FAQs about Supportive Shoes
You may have some questions when selecting the best walking shoes for you. Refer to these common queries below:
What if I suffer from multiple ailments?
This is super common! In fact, most people suffer from multiple areas of foot pain. When this occurs, we recommend identifying what your core problem is. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, along with knee pain, but one is more debilitating than the other, you’re going to want to treat those first. If you find yourself torn between multiple ailments, talk to a podiatrist or your doctor for their recommendations on what shoe or what support you should seek first.
Will these shoes fix my foot pain?
It’s worth mentioning that supportive shoes won’t fix your foot pain, but instead help to support your issues and relieve any pain you typically experience, providing the most comfortable option when walking, running or working out. So, while these shoes offer the most support and comfort possible, they will not fix any serious foot problems in the long-term.