Podiatrists love these shoes and sandals — starting at just $30

Lightweight, wide and roomy, these sneaks offer just the right mix of support and cushioning.

“They’re accommodative, meaning they allow the foot and the ankle to move in almost any direction that weight bearing permits,” explains Dr. Rock G. Positano, director of the Non-Surgical Foot and Ankle Service at the Joe DiMaggio Heel Pain Center at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. 

An Amazon reviewer, who wears these during shifts working as a nurse, said this of her experience with them: "They are soft, very comfortable and look good. People compliment me all the time. My feet never hurt!”

The kicks are made of mesh fabric, so they feel light on your feet and as flexible as socks. The outsole has an air bubble — which board-certified podiatrist Dr. Polina Zaydenberg says is “a great shock absorber” — and the chunky rubber sole provides, she says, “plenty of cushioning.” The wide toebox accommodates bunions and hammertoes, too, and the durable sole helps prevent slips.

“These shoes are so great for nurses who stand on their feet for long periods,” one health-care worker wrote on Amazon. “Better than my $150 pair of shoes, no kidding. ... Health-care providers, these are worth trying. They are like walking on bubble-bouncing cushions."

Available in both regular and wide widths, these are ultra-cushioned and feature a lug outsole that's a big help with traction — seriously, you can wear them on your next hike. Dr. Zaydenberg loves their excellent shock absorption and adds: The rocker bottom helps with propulsion."

"I have plantar fasciitis, and [these sneakers] were recommended by my podiatrist; really helped a great deal," shared a happy Amazon reviewer.

These sandals boast a flexible cork footbed and supple suede insole that contours to your foot with wear. See those adjustable straps? They're perfect for those with narrow or wide feet who need to customize their fit. Dr. Zaydenberg says they're a great pick for people with metatarsalgia (pain and inflammation in the ball of your foot) and plantar fasciitis.

"I bought these after my podiatrist recommended Birkenstock-style shoes," shared an Amazon shopper. "I only have a pair of regular-footbed Birkies to compare these to, but they are very similar in terms of the foot-shaped lining and arch support. They fit perfectly on my wide feet and did not hurt nearly as much to break in as real Birkies!"

Stylish yet sturdy, these crowdpleasers have over 73,000 five-star ratings. They aren't just for the beach; feel free to step into them at home or before heading out for the day.  

“Clarks offer a lot of support,” says Dr. Zaydenberg. “Most of the shoes have wider toe boxes, which helps prevent bunions, hammertoes and neuromas.” She also says Clarks are great for people with flat feet.

Arthritis sufferers are big fans, too: “Love them," reported an Amazon reviewer with "arthritis from my neck all the way down to my feet. They are the only shoes that I can wear, and they don't give out. You can't go wrong with these shoes."

Every pair of shoes from the Vionic brand has been specially designed by a team of podiatrists to provide you with the support and comfort you need for a full day on your feet. The sandals have a built-in orthotic that is effective in helping to treat heel pain like plantar fasciitis) and its flexible EVA midsole absorbs shock and reduces stress on your feet, ankles, and knees.

Dr. Hillary Brenner, DPM at NYC Private Medical, is a big fan of the brand because they are “the most supportive out of a variety of sandals, and they have good arch support.” This cute pair is one of Vionic’s most popular sandals, and it’s easy to see why. Not only do they have a Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association, but they have also been biomechanically designed “to hug your arches and support your feet in comfort."