Orthopedic Shoes for Men (2024)

Every podiatrist has their own preference regarding what shoes are best. However, all would agree that the best shoes are ones that are designed to promote biomechanical movement and a healthy foot environment. Orthopedic shoes can help correct underlying structural conditions such as giving arch support to flat feet or cushioning a heel with a thinning fat pad. There are many conditions for which orthopedic shoes can be helpful.

Your podiatrist will recommend an orthopedic shoe that focuses on treating your issue. If you suffer from neuropathy, an orthopedic shoe with a seam free interior is a must, while someone with ball of foot pain will need a metatarsal pad in the toe area. However, there are basic elements all would agree upon. Shoes designed with a wide shape, that does not squeeze the foot and toes, offer a relaxed and pressure free fit and prevent the formation of bunions, and hammertoes. Arch support & cushioning is key to cup the heel, support the arch, align the feet & body and disperse shock forces. Ample adjustability and flexible uppers offer a customized fit for your feet no matter what shape they are.

Most importantly, podiatrists will always recommend wearing shoes that fit your feet! Size and width are equally important for ensuring a perfect fit.

If you are experiencing pain or have a condition, seek the advice of a medical provider. They will diagnose you and will most likely recommend a treatment plan that includes the right footwear and orthotics.

To weed through the many options that are out there, look at your feet and specific lifestyle to help you determine the best orthopedic shoes for you.

Know your foot shape: Do you have a wide or narrow foot? Do you have a mishappen foot such as a bunion, heel spur or hammertoe? Do you have a high instep? What kind of an arch do you have?

Type of activities you engage in: Do you need shoes for high impact activities, working on your feet all day, or just everyday tasks?

Type of floor you stand on: where will you wear these shoes? On concrete, a rugged path or paved ground?

Existing condition: do you have a current condition that requires specific features?

Always try on footwear at the end of the day, when your feet are fatigued and larger.

Don’t rely on the fact that you have been a certain size the last few years. Our bodies and feet age and certain life events impact our foot size. Get sized by a shoe professional.

Orthopedic shoes should always feel comfortable from the moment you put them on. If you can’t wear them out of the box, they will probably not get better with time.

The best orthopedic walking shoe for men should allow you to be comfortable on your feet, whether you work long hours standing at work, engage in physical activity or just struggle with foot pain and fatigue. The best orthopedic shoes will make walking a breeze and you’ll wonder why you didn’t buy a pair sooner. Features of good orthopedic shoes should have:

• A premium orthotic insole to provide anatomical arch support, prevent excessive pronation and help keep the foot in “neutral position”.
• An ergonomic sole with mild rocker bottom to facilitate foot motion and alleviate stress on the joints.
• A seam free and padded interior to protect the foot and prevent friction & irritation for sensitive feet.
• A wide and generously shaped toe box that offers plenty of space for the toes, prevents overlap & creates a pressure free fit for bunions, hammer toes & swelling.
• A cushioning sole with extra padding in the heel to offset pressure and soften every step.
• A minimal heel to toe drop promotes a healthy stride and evenly transfer pressure from the rearfoot to the forefoot.
• Soft flexible uppers allow the shoe to move with the foot and offer a custom and pressure free fit for many foot modalities such as bunions and swollen feet.