Including spring-ready styles all available at Amazon
NEED TO KNOW
- We spoke to three podiatrists, and they shared the top sneakers, sandals, and shoes they regularly recommend to their patients.
- Birkenstock sandals, Hoka sneakers, and Vionic ballet flats are among the podiatrist-approved picks featured on this list.
Finding shoes that are truly breathable, comfortable, and supportive isn’t easy.
Some shoes look great but fall short for all-day wear, while others offer support but sacrifice style or fit. Whether you're on your feet for hours or just want something that feels good from the moment you put it on and stays comfortable beyond a quick walk around the block, finding the right balance is key. So, we spoke to three professionals about what to look for in footwear that delivers on both comfort and style.
Meet The Experts
Chandler Hubbard, DPM, clinical director at Western University of Health Sciences’ Foot and Ankle Center in California;
Samantha Landau, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine
Anne Sharkey, DPM, founder of Solely Podiatry and Solely Nails in Cedar Park, Texas
From supportive sandals to cushioned sneakers, the podiatrists shared the styles they consistently recommend for all-day comfort. Here are their top picks from brands like Hoka, Birkenstock, Vionic, and more.
Best Podiatrist-Approved Shoes
- Birkenstock Arizona Sandals, $118
- $80 Off: Asics Gel-Kayano 30 Running Shoes, $80 (orig. $160)
- Hoka Clifton 10 Sneaker, $154
- Vionic Klara Ballet Flat, $64 (orig. $140)
- Benassal Orthopedic Pumps, $60
- Dr. Scholl's Time Off Win Sneaker, $60 (orig. $110)
- Lifestride Parigi Pumps, $50 (orig. $60)
- Vionic Evie Knit Slide Sandal, $119 (orig. $125)
- Editor Approved: Naot Kayla Sandals, $150
Related: Kick Off March with the Best Sales Happening This Weekend — Save Up to 86% at Nordstrom, Spanx, West Elm, and More
Hoka Clifton 10 Sneaker
If you’re looking for shoes with all-day support and comfort, Dr. Landau suggests the Hoka Clifton 10 sneakers. They’re a go-to for walking and running, thanks to a firm heel counter, breathable mesh upper, and a flexible sole that bends only at the ball of the foot. She tells PEOPLE they’re especially helpful for plantar fasciitis and low to neutral arches, and ideal for anyone on their feet all day, like teachers, nurses, or healthcare workers.
Birkenstock Arizona Sandals
Celebs like Sandra Bullock and Chrissy Teigen are fans of the Birkenstock Arizona Sandals, and Dr. Hubbard is, too. She recommends them for their cork-latex footbed, which supports all arch types, promotes alignment, and molds to your foot. Adjustable straps, a deep heel cup, and a roomy toe box help relieve pressure points, bunions, and hammer toes. “They’re effective for common foot conditions, including flat feet, high arches, and mild plantar fasciitis,” Dr. Hubbard tells PEOPLE. Their breathable design is also a smart pick for warm-weather days and vacations.
Vionic Evie Knit Slide Sandal
$125
“This slide has been a hit this season,” Dr. Sharkey tells PEOPLE. Crafted with Vionic’s signature comfort technology, it features built-in arch support, a deep heel cup for stability, and cushioning that absorbs impact with every step. The footbed is lined with soft, breathable microfiber, and the lightweight EVA midsole provides flexible support to help reduce pressure on your joints. Plus, “they’re great for someone with plantar fasciitis or flat feet,” she adds.
Asics Gel-Kayano 30 Running Shoes
$160
Dr. Hubbard also recommends the Asics Gel-Kayano for its all-day wearability and podiatrist-approved design. “I personally wear them daily in the clinic, the hospital, during surgery, and even on my walks,” she says. The shoe carries the APMA Seal of Acceptance and is ideal for flat feet, low arches, and overpronation. With heel cushioning for shock absorption, it’s also a solid choice for those with plantar fasciitis or anyone who spends long hours on their feet.
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Dr. Scholl's Time Off Win Sneaker
$110
Dr. Sharkey also suggests these sneakers for their “lightweight, flexible design that moves with you throughout the day.” They offer the right balance of cushioning and arch support for long hours spent on your feet. She especially loves that the insoles are both antimicrobial and anti-odor, which she says “make them the perfect sneakers for summer adventures” when your feet tend to sweat more.
Naot Kayla Sandals
Dr. Landau also points to Naot sandals as a wise choice for warm-weather comfort. With a cork footbed that molds to your foot, they deliver arch support and shock absorption — while staying lightweight and flexible enough for all-day wear. “They’re a healthy and eco-friendly option, thanks to cork’s natural antimicrobial properties,” she says. The sandals are especially helpful for anyone dealing with arch pain or plantar fasciitis and are ideal for weekend getaways (one of our editors loves wearing them for beach trips in particular).
Lifestride Parigi Pumps
$60
If you’d like to wear heels without sacrificing support and comfort, Dr. Sharkey suggests these pumps. She notes that shoppers should look for a heel height of three inches or less to ensure better stability throughout the day. She also highlights the rounded toe box, which helps prevent crowding and discomfort, unlike more narrow, pointed styles. Additionally, she says the textured outsole enhances traction, helping you stay steady on your feet with every step.
Vionic Klara Ballet Flat
$140
Though flats are not her favorite shoe silhouette, Dr. Hubbard highly recommends these Vionic ballet flats for their rare blend of style and support. Unlike most flats, they feature removable orthotic insoles with built-in arch support and semi-rigid midsoles that help reduce overpronation and ease heel pain. Lightweight and sleek, it pairs well with professional outfits and is ideal for those with “mild plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or everyday foot fatigue.” She adds that they also come in wide sizes for anyone with a broader forefoot.
Benassal Orthopedic Pumps
If you’re looking for a dress shoe that won’t destroy your feet, Dr. Landau recommends the Benassal Orthopedic Pumps. With cushioned insoles, ergonomic heels, and bunion-friendly interiors, these heels are a stylish solution for sensitive feet. “They’re great for anyone dealing with bunions [or] foot fatigue, or needing extra toe room,” she says. With breathable materials and an orthopedic structure, they’re ideal for all-day wear at work, a night on the town, and more.
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