Your guide to the comfiest shoes to shop.

By Carly Totten

Senior Shopping Writer

As a frequent runner, walker, and tennis player, I suffer from bouts of plantar fasciitis. I can confirm it’s the worst, but there’s one thing that keeps the foot pain at bay: comfortable shoes with excellent arch support. According to podiatrist Dr. Janine Ferrigno-Taddeo, DPM, proper support helps “align your body from the ground up,” which is key for any type of movement. Below, I’m sharing my favorite pair of sneakers, as well as six other options that get a podiatrist's seal of approval.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 Sneakers: If there’s one pair of shoes I swear by, it’s this style from Brooks. The arch and ankle support are superior to everything else I’ve tried, and the built-in GuideRails for added stability, fun colors and patterns, and cushioning to comfortably walk 20,000+ steps per day have made me a loyal fan for almost 10 years. Bonus: My podiatrist loves them, too.
Dr. Scholl’s Webster Loafers: These loafers prove it’s possible for shoes to be stylish and comfortable. They’re made from faux leather and have a handy tab to help you slip them on. But the standout feature is the insole, which provides optimal comfort for all-day wear at the office and beyond.
Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 Sneakers:“This sneaker is lightweight but provides maximum cushioning and shock absorption—all important when looking for proper running footwear,” shared Dr. Ferrigno-Taddeo. The pair is also a good option for senior citizens in need of stability, as the bottom’s special grip pattern offers plenty of traction.
Hey Dude Wendy Chambray Lace-Up Loafers: These comfy slip-on shoes boast more than 59,000 perfect ratings and nearly 6,000 five-star reviews. “My feet no longer bother me at all, and I can run around all day in them. I don’t even need inserts to wear these,” wrote one reviewer with plantar fasciitis, adding, “I love them so much and recommend them to everyone.”
Cushionaire Hana Slip-On Buckle Clogs: Designed with a suede exterior, cushioned sole, adjustable buckles, and advanced traction to prevent slipping, these clogs are an everyday style you can throw on to run errands or walk the dog. “I have plantar fasciitis, and they have enough support for me to wear them all day with no pain,” wrote one shopper.
Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneaker: White sneakers are a must for spring and summer because they’re so easy to pair with jeans, shorts, and dresses, and this is the style to buy. The shoes are water-resistant and flexible, with anatomical cushioning and deep grip for added comfort and balance.
Clarks Juliet Palm Loafer: These flats are ultra-versatile, as they can be worn with jeans on days off and dress pants for in-office work days. They’re made out of 100 percent leather, but the true star of the show is the OrthoLite foodbed that molds to your feet every time you put them on.

Days are much more enjoyable when you’re not counting down the seconds until you can take off your shoes. Slip into comfort with any one of these podiatrist-approved pairs.