Last Updated on 02/01/2023 by Tina Lee
It is well known that shoes can play a huge role in our overall health. Wearing the wrong shoes can not only affect your personal appearance but can also lead to a whole host of postural and structural problems in your body. Whether you are a young, middle-aged, or older who regularly goes for walks in the park, the best orthopedic walking shoes will provide enough support and cushioning to keep your feet happy – and your body healthy.
Best orthopedic shoes provide intentional arch support, targeted cushioning and room for customised orthotics. Everyone has different needs when it comes to footwear, so we’ve rounded up some of the best orthopedic walking shoes to help you get more support under your feet.
Current hot orthotic walking shoes:
1、Vionic Walker Classic
The Vionic Walker Classic is a great choice for those looking for a comfortable and supportive shoe for walking. It features a removable orthotic insole that provides arch support and a deep heel cup for added stability. The shoe also has a durable rubber outsole that provides traction and durability.
2、Skechers GOwalk Joy
The Skechers GOwalk Joy is an affordable option that still offers comfort and support. The shoe features a lightweight and flexible design that allows for natural movement, while the memory foam insole provides cushioning and support. The shoe also has a durable rubber outsole that provides traction and durability.
3、Kuru Atom Sneakers
The Kuru Atom Sneakers are specifically designed to provide support and relief for those with plantar fasciitis. The shoe features a unique KURUSOLE that provides arch support and a deep heel cup for added stability. The shoe also has a durable rubber outsole that provides traction and durability.
4、Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit
The Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit is a popular choice for those with bunions due to its wide and roomy toe box. The shoe features a stretch knit upper that conforms to the shape of your foot, while the Ortho-Cushion System provides support and cushioning. The shoe also has a durable rubber outsole that provides traction and durability.
5、Saucony Integrity Walker 3
The Saucony Integrity Walker 3 is designed to provide support for those with back and knee pain. The shoe features a padded collar and tongue for added comfort, while the ProGrid technology provides cushioning and support. The shoe also has a durable rubber outsole that provides traction and durability.
6、Vionic Miles Active Sneaker
The Vionic Miles Active Sneaker is a great option for those with wide feet due to its roomy toe box and adjustable fit. The shoe features a lightweight and flexible design that allows for natural movement, while the Vionic’s patented Orthaheel technology provides support and alignment. The shoe also has a durable rubber outsole that provides traction and durability.
7、The Clove Shoe
The Clove Shoe is a machine-washable option that is easy to keep clean and maintain. The shoe features a waterproof and breathable upper, while the memory foam insole provides cushioning and support. The shoe also has a durable rubber outsole that provides traction and durability.
Best orthopedic walking shoes comparison chart:
| Ortho Walking Shoes | Vionic Walker Classic | Skechers GOwalk Joy | Kuru Atom Sneakers | Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit | Saucony Integrity Walker 3 | Vionic Miles Active Sneaker | The Clove Shoe |
| Rate | 9.3 | 9.1 | 8.9 | 9.2 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 8.8 |
| Arch support | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Insoles removable | YES | NO | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Optional Width | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO |
| APMA seal of acceptance | YES | NO | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO |
| Budget | $110 | $65 | $160 | $120 | $90 | $110 | $139 |
| Machine washable | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO | YES |
| Sizes | 5-12 | 5-13 | 5-12 | 5-12 | 5-12 | 5-12 | 5-12 |
| Colorways | 12 options | 4 options | 10 options | 9 options | 3 options | 13 options | 19 options |
| Return policy | 30 days | 30 days | 45 days | 90 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Website | Visit | Visit | Visit | Visit | Visit | Visit | Visit |
The Best Orthopedic Walking Shoes
Our picks for the best orthopedic walking shoes of 2023:
- Best for walking: Vionic Walker Classic
- Best affordable: Skechers GOwalk Joy
- Best for plantar fasciitis: Kuru Atom Sneakers
- Best for bunions: Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit
- Best for back & knee pain: Saucony Integrity Walker 3
- Best for wide feet: Vionic Miles Active Sneaker
- Best machine washable: The Clove Shoe
The orthopedic walking shoes on our list are a great starting point for addressing foot pain on their own or with the help of an orthotic insert. But if you’re hoping to get a better understanding of your own specific footwear needs, it’s best to see a podiatrist to get to the root of the problem—especially if you are experiencing any pain or discomfort.
1、Best for walking: Vionic Walker Classic
Known for creating supportive, orthotic-friendly shoes, Vionic is a brand often recommended by podiatrists. These shoes are one of the brand’s best sellers and offer serious arch support and heel cushioning. And, as the name suggests, they are designed for walking.
Why Vionic Walker Classic?
The bottom of the shoe includes a podiatrist-designed orthotic and the upper is breathable and waterproof (+ the padding is also moisture-wicking). These shoes have a removable insole with 0.5 elevation for extra heel-to-toe alignment. These shoes are relatively sturdy and may be too sturdy for some people, but if you are looking for a solid walking shoe that keeps you in line, this may be the choice for you.
What Customers Say:
Overall, these shoes have long been popular with customers who need a supportive walking shoe. One customer wrote: “I have bunions and very bony feet. I also wear custom orthotics. I have tried many walking shoes over the years, but none have given me the comfort and support I need.” A few people did mention that the shoes ran small and some said they didn’t hold up well over time.
2、Best affordable: Skechers GOwalk Joy
For a super comfortable and supportive shoe, we love Skechers’ GOwalk Joy trainers.
Why Skechers GOwalk Joy?
They’re under $75 on most sites (usually under $50) and get rave reviews from people who say they offer great cushioning and stability. the Ortholite sole is made from PU foam and aerogel, designed to make the shoe’s cushioning last longer. With a breathable mesh upper and lightweight cushioning, these shoes are perfect for long periods of standing – no matter what time of the year it is.
What Customers Say:
An Amazon best seller with over 64,000 reviews, this sneaker has earned a lot of praise for its lightweight, breathable and supportive nature. Many people with custom orthotics say they’re easily compatible, with one person even writing, “I spend a lot of money on orthotics and these shoes trump them in all-day comfort!” On the downside, it’s not clear from the reviews whether the original insoles are glued in place, so you may need to use pliers if you want to replace them. A few people also mentioned that the shoes run large or “long”, so keep that in mind when choosing a size.
3、Best for plantar fasciitis: Kuru Atom Sneakers
These shoes are specifically designed for people with high arches. Available in medium and wide widths, their neutral aesthetic makes them perfect for a range of activities, including walking, running, cross training and running errands.
Why Kuru Atom Sneakers?
The breathable mesh upper contrasts for a more stable base, while the finger loop at the heel makes them particularly easy to slip on. Compared to the brand’s other shoes, the Atom trainers have a thicker midsole, giving you a little height boost and plenty of cushioning.
Kulu also has a strong sustainability mission. The brand encourages you to support a cause or a specific charity by registering your purchase. Once you have chosen your charity, a portion of your purchase will be donated.
What Customers Say:
Atom sneakers have received great reviews, especially from people suffering from plantar fasciitis.” This is my second pair. They really make my legs feel less tired after a hectic 8 hour day and my plantar fasciitis pain is much improved with the help of these shoes,” said one reviewer. On the negative side, those who were unhappy with their purchase complained that the durability didn’t match the shoe’s high price tag. Some warned that the shoes run large, so you may want to size up if you make a purchase.
4、Best for bunions: Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit
For those looking for a custom option, these shoes are a great choice.
Why Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit?
In addition to the orthotic insole, these sneakers have a plastic arch booster that slides under the insole (for a little extra lift), plus two insole spacers to help you find just the right fit. And, even with all this extra technology, they don’t feel like “I’m an orthopaedic shoe!” It’s a win.
The wide toe box makes these shoes a great choice for bunion sufferers, as well as anyone with swollen feet or hammertoes. The extra cushioning in the sole and the soft internal padding give your foot plenty of comfort and support – and the stretchy knitted upper helps these shoes shape to your specific shape.
What Customers Say:
Customers suffering from plantar fasciitis and bunions have raved about these shoes. Several people suffering from bunions praised the shoe’s external material for its great stretch, including one reviewer who said, “The shoe is great for my narrow feet, but the stretchy composition also makes it comfortable to wear without irritating my bunions. A perfect combination!” However, some people did notice that despite the stretchy material, the toe box wasn’t roomy enough for them. If this is a concern for you, you may want to consider a wider model. We have some other shoe suggestions that can relieve bunion pain.
5、Best for back & knee pain: Saucony Integrity Walker 3
Durable and supportive, the Integrity Walker 3 is a great choice for wearing alone or with a custom orthotic.
Why Saucony Integrity Walker 3?
With a responsive, flexible insole and sturdy leather outer layer, they are suitable for the transition from occasional walking to long hours of foot work. While they’re more affordable than other sneaker options, most reviewers say they last a long time, so you’re likely to get good value from these shoes.
Worth noting: these shoes are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association, but if you want to specifically address back and knee pain, it might be worth a trip to a podiatrist for a gait analysis.
What Customers Say:
Many reviewers praise the Integrity Walkers for relieving back and knee pain, as well as plantar fasciitis.” They seem to have more arch support than most other Saucony shoes, and definitely more than any other athletic shoe I’ve tried. I can walk quite long distances without back pain,” wrote one shopper. People who have custom orthotics say the shoes work well too, and most say they are durable (one person wore the same pair for 3 years!) . On the negative side, some people didn’t like the low heel of the shoes and wished they offered more ankle support.
6、Best for wide feet: Vionic Miles Active Sneaker
To be clear, just because someone else’s doctor recommends these shoes doesn’t mean you should skip seeing your own doctor if you’re struggling with foot pain. However, when it comes to supportive and comfortable shoes, Vionic is a top recommendation from podiatrists, and the brand actually works with podiatrists to formulate its designs.
Why Vionic Miles Active Sneaker?
The Miles Active Sneaker is a great lightweight option for those who need arch support and extra cushioning. The shoe has a removable midsole and the outsole is made of durable rubber. They are available in both medium and wide sizes and are available in a few more colours on Amazon than on the Vionic website.
What Customers Say:
Most reviewers say that their podiatrist recommended these shoes to them and that they offer good support, especially for people with high arches. One person wrote: “I bought a pair of Miles almost a year ago on the recommendation of my podiatrist and I liked them so much that I bought another pair last week. I have very high arches and the Miles have great arch support”. On the downside, some reviewers on Amazon complained about the quality at this price (which could be a distribution issue) and others warned that they were a little tight to wear.
7、Best machine washable: The Clove Shoe
Clove shoes are very popular among healthcare professionals (the brand was created by the husband of a nurse!) ), but you don’t need to be a medical professional to rock your own shoes.
Why The Clove Shoe?
These shoes have no laces and are super supportive – they’re also designed for healthcare workers who are on their feet all day. They also have enough room for customised orthotics if required. The exterior material is waterproof and wipe-clean, and the insoles are odour-resistant and machine washable. Something else we like? Since March 2020, Clove has donated over $300,000 worth of shoes to frontline healthcare workers across the country.
What Customers Say:
With nearly 1,000 reviews on the Clove website, the shoes have received an amazing 4.9 out of 5 stars rating. One reviewer with custom orthotics said, “So comfortable, I can walk for 12 hours without any problems. Very easy to put on.” Most people recommend sizing up by half in these shoes, so keep that in mind if you’re in between sizes or prefer a wider toe box. While they come in a lot of fun colours and patterns to choose from, the wipe-on material may not be for everyone.
Summary
We have compiled these 7 best orthopedic walking shoes 2023 for you based on our expertise and information from the internet, based on a lot of practice. Here is a short summary of the best orthopedic walking shoes 2023：
| Ortho Walking Shoes | Rate | Best | Official Website |
| Vionic Walker Classic | 9.3 | Best for walking | Visit Vionic |
| Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit | 9.2 | Best for bunions | Visit Orthofeet |
| Skechers GOwalk Joy | 9.1 | Best affordable | Visit Skechers |
| Saucony Integrity Walker 3 | 9.0 | Best for back & knee pain | Visit Zappos |
| Vionic Miles Active Sneaker | 9.0 | Best for wide feet | Visit Vionic |
| Kuru Atom Sneakers | 8.9 | Best for plantar fasciitis | Visit Kuru |
| The Clove Shoe | 8.8 | Best machine washable | Visit Clove |
When picking the right orthopedic shoes for you, you’ll want to consider how flexible you like your shoes to be and what you’ll be doing with them. For example, runners need a little more flexibility in an ortho wear shoes than someone who stands all day.
Most ortho shoes are designed for people looking for arch support, but this can vary from brand to brand (and of course the arch of your foot). If this is a priority for you, make sure it is written into the design of the shoe.
Another thing to keep in mind is whether you need a pair of shoes that can accommodate custom orthotics. Some people need more room for their orthotics, so looking for shoes that have a wide fit may help.
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Q&As
Q1: Are orthopedic shoes good for walking?
Absolutely. Orthopedic shoes are designed with comfort, support, and stability in mind, making them an ideal choice for those who are looking to reduce the strain on their feet while walking.
Q2: What is the difference between orthotic shoes and orthopedic shoes?
Orthotics, also known as orthoses and orthotic insoles, are placed in shoes to restore natural function to the feet. Orthopedic shoes for women and men are designed to relieve pain and provide support for your feet, ankles or legs.
Q3: Why do orthopedic shoes hurt my feet?
Your orthotics were not properly fitted or designed, or are worn out. Improper design or fit is one of the top reasons for foot pain from orthotics. If you have an improperly fitting foot orthosis, it is often because you have chosen an off-the-shelf solution that does not fit your specific foot shape correctly.
Q4: Do orthopedic shoes really work?
They work like shock absorbers, removing pressure and stress from painful areas in the foot and ankle. They can also prevent foot deformity or keep it from getting worse, better position the foot inside the shoe and improve the overall way that the foot and lower leg move.
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