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When it comes to something as important as foot comfort, it makes sense to go to the professionals for advice. That’s why Bustle reached out to podiatrists for their expert advice on what to look for in order to achieve optimal comfort. From everyday flats to durable running sneakers, there’s everything you need to feel light on your feet at all times — even better, they’re all budget-friendly styles, too.
These Breathable Ballet Flats That Come In Narrow & Wide Sizes
Naturalizer Flexy Ballet Flats
AmazonSee On AmazonAlthough he doesn’t typically recommend flats, board-certified podiatrist Dr. Bruce Pinker recommended this specific pair of breathable ballet flats. He says breathable materials “help reduce excessive temperature of the feet, which can help reduce the onset of athlete's foot fungus, toenail fungus, and plantar warts.” Available sizes: 5 — 12, including narrow & wide sizesAvailable colors & styles: 14A Pair Of Vintage-Inspired Pumps That Are Also Available In Wide Sizes
LifeStride Ally Boot
AmazonSee On AmazonIn addition to the chunky not-too-high and not-too-low 2-inch heel, Pinker also appreciates the front of this Mary Jane pump. “The strap over the midfoot provides added support and helps to provide a better fit,” he says. And since it has a flexible sole, you’ll have great freedom of movement — it’s a surprisingly comfortable choice for heels.Available sizes: 5 — 11, including wide sizesAvailable colors & styles: 4These Stylish Running Sneakers That Come In 45 Styles
adidas Puremotion Adapt Sneaker
AmazonSee On AmazonPinker says the rubber sole of these Adidas running sneakers “helps to provide shock absorption and cushioning.” He adds that the inner Cloudfoam material does the same with every step. Plus, thanks to their slip-on design, they’re a breeze to get into. Available sizes: 5 — 12Available colors & styles: 45These Wide Mesh Sneakers With A Roomy Toe Box
WHITIN Barefoot Sneakers
AmazonSee On AmazonBoard-certified podiatrist Alissa Kuizinas, says that these mesh sneakers for wide feet provide a ton of comfort. She says the zero drop from heel to toe plays a large part in that because it creates a “more anatomic fit and better foot mechanics.” The flexible rubber soles also make it easy to move.Available sizes: 6 Wide — 11.5 WideAvailable colors & styles: 15A Pair Of Lightweight Sneakers For Running & Hiking
WHITIN Barefoot Trail Runner
AmazonSee On AmazonComing from the same brand, Kuizinas also appreciates these trail runner sneakers for their “wide toe box, flexible soles, and a zero drop from heel to toe.” They contain an optional sock liner that can be removed for a more “barefoot” feel, and they also offer a great grip on the ground thanks to their textured soles. Available sizes: 5.5 — 11Available colors & styles: 14A Pair Of Mesh Slip-Ons That Offer Lots Of Stability
Skechers Go Walk 5
Amazon See On AmazonWilliam Spielfogel, board-certified podiatrist and medical advisor to The Good Feet Store, thinks of this walking sneaker as “a great option for consumers who are taking care of their foot health while keeping costs low.” This is thanks to their dual-density outsole, and since they’re made of lightweight mesh, they’re also extremely breathable.Available sizes: 5 — 13, including wide sizesAvailable colors & styles: 15These Supportive Flip-Flops That Can Reduce Pronation
Vionic Wave Flip-flop
AmazonSee On AmazonDr. Pamela Mehta, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, medical advisor to The Good Feet Store, and the founder of Resilience Orthopedics, is a big fan of Vionics, saying they make “cute, fun, stylish flip flops with amazing arch support that reduces pronation.” The Vionic Wave has a soft nylon upper and sturdy rubber sole and comes in five colors.Available sizes: 6 — 15Available colors & styles: 5These Slip-On Sneakers With A Durable Rubber Sole
Vionic Alaina Sneaker
AmazonSee On AmazonAnother popular shoe by the Mehta-approved Vionic brand is this pair of active sneakers that look as good as they feel. They have an extremely lightweight upper and a bottom sole that is made of durable rubber for buoyant movement, as well as the same impressive arch support that Mehta appreciates.Available sizes: 5 — 8.5, including wide sizesAvailable colors & styles: 3A Pair Of Supportive Slip-Ons That Come In 40 Different Styles
Vionic Malibu Slip-on
AmazonSee On AmazonAnother shoe with Vionic’s strong arch support, these slip-on shoes feature an upper made of a soft cotton blend. The footbed is removable for easy washing, and they come in 40 different colors and patterns. Available sizes: 5 — 12, including wide sizesAvailable colors & styles: 40These Slip-On Sneakers With Strong Arch Support
Vionic Brisk Vayda Slip-on
AmazonSee On AmazonThese slip-on sneakers from Vionic (a brand Mehta recommends) offer noticeable support that delivers three-zone comfort. They are designed to help relieve discomfort from plantar fasciitis, flat feet, high arches, bunions, heel spurs, and may even alleviate lower back pain issues. Plus, their fun color schemes will spice up your workout outfit.Available sizes: 5 — 12, including wide sizesAvailable colors & styles: 5Some Birkenstock Sandals With 18,000+ 5-Star Reviews
Birkenstock Gizeh Sandals
AmazonSee On AmazonMehta likes Birkenstock shoes, saying, “These have been a great comeback because they offer arch support and a wide-toe box.” These on-trend sandals have an EVA sole that will keep you comfortable all day long. And since they come in so many different styles, there’s a pair to match every outfit.Available sizes: 4.5 — 13.5, including narrow sizesAvailable colors & styles: 65A Pair Of Wedge Sandals Instead Of Heels
Soda Topic Espadrilles
AmazonSee On AmazonIf you’re looking for reliable support and style, Mehta says that wedges are “a great alternative to high heels.” These espadrilles have a 1.5-inch platform and wide strap to give you even more stability. They come in 23 different colors to suit your entire wardrobe. Available sizes: 5.5 — 11Available colors & styles: 23These Boots With A Hidden Wedge & Great Traction
Athlefit Wedge Boots
AmazonSee On AmazonThese highly rated wedge boots offer a more stable alternative to traditional heeled boots. They come in several great neutral shades to match any outfit and they have elastic side panels on one side for comfort, a soft foam footbed, and rubber soles designed to increase traction. The hidden wedge provides a 2.55-inch lift.Available sizes: 5.5 — 11Available colors & styles: 6These Wedges With A Contoured & Cushioned Footbed
Skechers Beverlee-Tiger Posse Wedge Sandal
AmazonSee On AmazonAnother wedge option that offers more stability than heels, these platform wedge sandals have a foam footbed that’s both cushioned and contoured for comfort. And their rubber outsole will give you a good grip as you walk. Available sizes: 5 — 12, including wide sizesAvailable colors & styles: 8A Pair Of Dressy Wedges With An Adjustable Strap
Dr. Scholl's Barton Wedge Platform Sandal
AmazonSee On AmazonProviding the arch support and stability that Mehta looks for in a wedge sandal, you can’t go wrong with this pair. The adjustable buckle will comfortably hold your ankle in place while the 2.5-inch platform gives you height.Available sizes: 5 — 11, including wide sizesAvailable colors & styles: 5These Cushy Flip-Flops With Arch Support
Rainbow Sandals The Cottons Flip-Flop
AmazonSee On AmazonOnce these Rainbow-brand flip-flops are broken in, Mehta says that “the layers of memory foam provide great arch support.” They feature a 1-inch platform and have a nonslip bottom that will keep you stable. They’re available in four neutral colors in the listing. Available sizes: 6 — 11Available colors & styles: 4A Pair Of Durable Flats That Come In Several Widths
LifeStride Deja Vu Flats
AmazonSee On Amazon“Arch support in a shoe is important to limit pronation of the foot,” says board-certified podiatrist Sophia Solomon. These slip-on flats have a flexible sole and feature Lifestride’s extra arch and heel support.Available sizes: 5 — 12, including narrow & wide sizesAvailable colors & styles: 2These Flexible Knit Slip-Ons That You Can Wash
LifeStride Next Level Slip-Ons
AmazonSee On AmazonWith arch cushioning, this pair of slip-on shoes provides all-day support and flexibility. They have a raised arch, as recommended by Solomon, and they also feature a subtle 1-inch heel and stretch gore panels on each side. Plus, they’re machine washable.Available sizes: 5 — 12, including wide sizesAvailable colors & styles: 13These Ankle Boots With Memory Foam Insoles
LifeStride Adley Ankle Boot
AmazonSee On AmazonThese faux leather ankle boots feature ample arch support, a memory foam insole, and a flexible outsole for ease of movement. The heel measures a modest 1.25 inches and traction on the sole offers extra stability.Available sizes: 5 — 12, including wide sizesAvailable colors & styles: 7A Nonslip Boat Shoe With Built-In Orthotic Inserts
OrthoComfoot Canvas Boat Shoes
Amazon See On AmazonWith that great arch support that can help relieve achy joints, this pair of boat shoes fit Solomon’s requirements as well. They have a deep U-shaped heel cup, a cushioned PU foam layer, and a breathable upper.Available sizes: 6 — 11Available colors & styles: 5This Low-Profile Bootie With A Supportive Midsole
Dr. Scholl's Shoes Ruler Loafer
AmazonSee On AmazonDr. Solomon recommends shoes with a “thick supportive midsole [that] provides shock absorption and enhances all day comfort during walking and standing for long periods of time.” These low-cut booties feature insole technology with anatomical cushioning, and they have interior gore for extra flexibility, faux microsuede lining, and a lightweight construction. They’re a great everyday shoe to have in your closet.Available sizes: 6 — 11Available colors & styles: 5These Waterproof Chelsea Boots That Are Easy To Slip On
Asgard Waterproof Chelsea Boots
AmazonSee On AmazonAnother pair with a quality midsole, these Chelsea boots are cute and they’re even waterproof. They have an anti-slip textured sole and elastic gore sides to make them a breeze to get in and out of.Available sizes: 4 — 13Available colors & styles: 14Some Cushioned Boat Shoes That Weigh Less Than 5 Ounces Each
Hey Dude Women's Wendy
AmazonSee On AmazonIf you’ll be walking or standing for long periods of time, another option featuring a memory foam midsole is these boat shoes. They have a lightweight and flexible construction that weighs less than five ounces per shoe so you’ll feel light on your feet all day long.Available sizes: 4 — 12Available colors & styles: 24A Pair Of Machine-Washable Boat Shoes
Skechers Lite Boat Shoe
AmazonSee On AmazonWhile lightweight (thanks to their jersey knit fabric), these boat shoes still have the arch support that Solomon looks for. They have a lightly padded collar and high-rebound cushioning inside for ultimate comfort. Plus, they’re machine-washable. Available sizes: 5 — 12Available colors & styles: 5These Hidden-Wedge Faux Suede Boots With Cushioned Insoles
CUSHIONAIRE Hart Hidden Wedge
AmazonSee On AmazonWith the look of a stylish bootie, this hidden wedge sneaker is actually as comfortable as a pair of running shoes. They have a 1-inch sole and additional 1-inch wedge that’s concealed under the vegan suede upper. And for even more support, they have memory foam insoles for that cushioned midsole Solomon recommends. Available sizes: 5 — 12, including wide sizesAvailable colors & styles: 13A Stretchy Pair Of Mesh Slip-Ons With Lots Of Traction
STQ Walking Shoes
AmazonSee On AmazonThese walking shoes are specifically made to stabilize and support the foot. They offer ample arch support and a memory foam insole. And since they’re made of breathable mesh, you won’t overheat throughout the day.Available sizes: 6 — 9.5Available colors & styles: 6These Sneakers With A Roomy Toe Box & 4.6-Star Overall Rating
Skechers Summits Quick Getaway Sneaker
AmazonSee On AmazonSolomon advises, “A wide mesh toe box will prevent toe crowding and allow space for our forefoot and toes to function at their best.” These running sneakers have a roomy toe box and their slightly stretchy fabric and flexible sole give you room to move freely without being constricted. Plus, the inner sole molds and contours to the shape of your foot. Available sizes: 7 — 13, including wide sizesAvailable colors & styles: 16Some Stylish Walking Sneakers That Are Built To Last
STQ Breathable Knit Walking Sneakers
AmazonSee On AmazonThese walking sneakers offer great durability. Their textured rubber sole, memory foam insole, and knitted upper mesh are all made to withstand heavy wear. And since they have such a classic design, they can be dressed up or down. Available sizes: 6 — 9.5Available colors & styles: 4These Highly Rated Slip-On Sneakers Available In 50+ Colors
Skechers Women's Summits Sneaker
AmazonSee On AmazonThe shock-absorbing midsole on these slip-on sneakers is certainly something that Solomon would appreciate but that’s not where the benefits end. The pair also has a plush heel pillow to keep your foot secure and an air-cooled memory foam insole to promote airflow. Pick them up in any of the more than 50 color options. Available sizes: 5 — 13, including wide sizesAvailable colors & styles: 51These Mesh Running Sneakers Made With Gel Technology
ASICS Women's Gel-Contend 7 Running Shoes
AmazonSee On AmazonThanks to their gel technology, this pair of running sneakers has shock-absorbing cushioning and an ample toe box. They’re engineered to improve ventilation and stability and even have flex grooves in the outsole for improved flexibility.Available sizes: 5 — 13, including wide sizesAvailable colors & styles: 16