Level up your summer-to-fall outfits
Best Physical Therapist-Approved Shoes
- Celeb-Worn Style: Whitin Mary Jane Ballet Flats, $42 (orig. $55)
- Room to Move: Altra Paradigm 8 Road Running Shoe, from $115 (orig. $160)
- Easy Strides: Whitin Wide-Toe Retro Barefoot Sneakers, $43 (orig. $53)
- Custom-Like Comfort: Project Cloud Slip-On Clogs, $41 with coupon (orig. $45)
- Strappy Standout: Merrell Haven Backstrap Sandals, from $81 (orig. $90)
- Built to Last: Keen KS86 Retro-Style Sneakers, from $79 (orig. $110)
- Grip and Go: Altra Lone Peak 9 Trail Running Shoe, $145
- Heeled Hero: Dansko Tegan Peep-Toe Sandal, $50
Finding a pair of shoes that’s supportive, comfortable, and stylish isn’t always easy.
Some look great but leave your feet aching, while others aren’t exactly something you’re excited to wear. So, we asked two physical therapists what really matters when looking for shoes — and it turns out, they can affect more than just your feet. Dr. Milica McDowell tells PEOPLE the right pair can support your knees, hips, and even your spine, while Ashley Katzenback, PT, DPT, warns not to overlook toe room. “When you give your toes space to spread and move, you let your intrinsic foot muscles do their job,” she explains.
With that in mind, they shared their favorite Amazon footwear picks, from supportive sandals to cushioned sneakers. Ahead, shop their recommendations from $41.
Dr. Milica McDowell, Doctor of Physical Therapy, exercise physiologist, and AVP of Education at U.S. Physical Therapy
Ashley Katzenback, PT, DPT, owner of Cape Concierge Physical Therapy
Altra Paradigm 8 Road Running Shoe
$160 $115 at Amazon
While the brand Altra earned a stamp of approval from both physical therapists, they each recommended a different pair. Katzenback calls these her “favorite all-purpose sneakers,” noting that she’s impressed by how well they’ve held up. She especially likes the wide toe box, explaining that you should be able to comfortably wiggle your toes in your sneakers, as well as the supportive feel that isn’t “overly padded and restrictive.”
Another bonus? They hold up well in the washing machine, making them easy to freshen up between outings.
Whitin Mary Jane Ballet Flats
$55 $42 at Amazon
Ballet flats are having a major moment, and Dr. McDowell is a fan of this Mary Jane style that reminds us of pairs we’ve spotted on Katie Holmes and Aubrey Plaza. The breathable knit material keeps your feet cool, while the Mary Jane strap adds security and prevents “that annoying slipping that flat shoes often have,” per McDowell.
She also likes that the flat heel and wide toe box can help “reduce stress on your Achilles tendon, ankles, and knees.” Better yet, they’re comfortable enough for all-day wear, whether you’re at the office or exploring on vacation.
NEED TO KNOW
Your shoe size may not stay the same forever. Dr. McDowell explains that factors like weight fluctuations and certain medications can change your feet over time, which is why she recommends getting them measured once a year instead of automatically reaching for the same size you’ve always bought.
Project Cloud Slip-On Clogs
$45 at Amazon
Fans of Birkenstock clogs may want to check out this similar style, which McDowell recommends for its supportive cork footbed and roomy shape. She likes that the cork “molds to your feet over time,” helping the shoes feel more personalized the longer you wear them. There’s also plenty of room for your toes to “wiggle and move,” which she says can be especially helpful for those with bunions or hammer toes. Plus, McDowell says the arch support “doesn’t break down over time,” which can help you get more longevity out of the pair.
Merrell Haven Backstrap Sandals
$90 $81 at Amazon
Katzenback says these sandals are a “crowd favorite” among her patients — and she even owns a pair herself. She likes that they’re well-made and have a grip on the bottom for added traction. The back strap is another standout feature: It helps keep the sandal secure, and, according to Ashley, allows for a “completely normal gait pattern.”
Unlike a typical flip-flop, the strap means you don’t have to work as hard to keep the shoe on your foot as you walk. Plus, the classic design gives you the ease of a casual sandal with a more secure fit.
Keen KS86 Retro-Style Sneakers
$110 $79 at Amazon
Supportive sneakers don’t have to look overly sporty, and Katzenback calls this pair “super practical, yet also very cute.” She likes the wide toe box and deep heel cup, which give your toes room to move while helping your foot feel secure. They also strike the right balance between “sturdy” and pliable, so you’re getting support without a shoe that feels overly stiff. They’re made to stick around: Katzenback has owned a similar pair from Keen for three years.
NEED TO KNOW
Wearing the wrong shoes can affect more than just your feet. McDowell explains that shoes that don’t fit properly can contribute to bunions, hammer toes, corns, and calluses — and may even be linked to leg and lower back pain.
Whitin Wide-Toe Retro Barefoot Sneakers
$53 $43 at Amazon
If you’re logging lots of steps, McDowell likes this pair for walks, work, and travel. The supportive lace-up style has a wide box that gives your toes plenty of room, plus a flat sole that helps your feet “work smarter, not harder,” she says. The low-cut design also allows for a full range of motion through the foot and ankle, making them a practical pick for long days on your feet.
Shoppers agree they can go the distance. “I can literally wear these all day, and as a nurse who works 12 hr shifts, that is saying something!” raved one reviewer with bunions and wide feet.
Dansko Tegan Peep-Toe Sandal
$50 at Amazon
Finding a dressier sandal that’s still supportive isn’t always easy, but Katzenback says this pair gives her the best of both worlds. She wears them during public speaking events when she wants a few extra inches of height but still needs comfort. “I can move around, demonstrate postures and exercises, all with ease and confidence,” she says. The platform gives you height without relying on a traditional heel, so you can get a more dressed-up look without skimping on support.
Altra Lone Peak 9 Trail Running Shoe
$145 at Amazon
McDowell recommends these sneakers by Altra — a pair she owns and wears often. She likes the wide toe box because it helps reduce crowding, which can be especially helpful if you have bunions or discomfort around your toes. The grippy outsole also comes in handy on sidewalks, trails, and grassy fields. They’re less cushioned, which McDowell says makes them a good option for those with balance issues, and they can even double as running shoes when you want to pick up the pace.
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