Traditionally,
orthopedic shoes have gotten a bad rap for being, well, ugly. But
they’ve come a long way over the years. Even medical-grade shoes for
people with severe deformities, chronic problems, and diabetes are
beginning to look more mainstream, says Jacqueline Sutera, a podiatric surgeon at City Podiatry in Manhattan.
For
the average person concerned about overall foot health, which affects
the entire body from alignment to knee and hip issues, there are more
options than ever before that provide stability and comfort without
sacrificing style. To help us navigate the myriad brands and styles out
there, we spoke to podiatrists like Sutera and John Brummer of Brummer Surgical Podiatry, as well as Michael Schwartz, vice-president at Eneslow, one of Manhattan’s oldest purveyors of orthopedic shoes, about what to look for when choosing the right shoe for you.
The best orthopedic flats
Clarks Janey June
Sutera recommends loafers and Mary Janes as stylish alternatives to the commuter sneaker, from brands like Clarks and Born.
The best heeled orthopedic boots
The best orthopedic pumps
Vionic Josie Kitten Heel Pump
Vionic
was started by a podiatrist, and its shoes are engineered for maximum
comfort. The American Podiatric Medical Association considers wearing
heels over two inches the point at which damage can occur to your feet.
So Sutera, who, full disclosure, does consulting work for Vionic,
recommends a kitten heel instead. This pair features a foam-padded
insole molded with biomechanic contour
The best clogs
Dansko Professional
Clogs are not meant for agility, but for people who are on their feet all day. “I wear clogs
in the operating room sometimes,” says Brummer. “They alleviate a lot
of stress on the foot, and because the heel is heightened, there’s a bit
of lift, which decreases strain on the Achilles and relieves tension on
the bottom of the foot.” As for wooden clogs, Sutera advises against
overusing them: “The hard surface can bruise your feet, wearing them out
and causing them to get thinner.” Your best bet is to stick with this
Strat favorite, the Dansko clog.
The best orthopedic sandals
Birkenstock Gizeh
All
three of our experts are in wide agreement: Birkenstocks are great for
your feet. “Birkenstock is doing cutting-edge things for the masses, not
just for folks who need orthopedic features for relief or
restrengthening muscles,” says Schwartz. They have a solid footbed that
makes good contact with your feet and provide good arch support
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