One novel shoe is specially designed to be easy on and easy off. This can be due to arthritis, being overweight or recovering from surgery among other reasons. Many people have trouble getting their shoes on and off and also tying them. As an example, New Balance Fresh Foam Cruz and Fresh Foam Zante are neutral and this entire page is a list of New Balance neutral shoes. In the case of New Balance, you would check ‘neutral’ and not ‘stability’ or ‘motion control’. Once you select the correct filter, you should be directed to neutral shoes.

On the Brooks site, you would check ‘neutral’ and not ‘support’. Most of the shoe brand web sites have a filter for you to indicate your foot type. If you have a high arch foot you do not need additional arch support and are usually better off with a ‘neutral’ type shoe. High Arch: People who have a high arch foot, called a ‘ cavus‘ foot, should look for a ‘neutral’ type sneaker. Several sandals incorporate generous amounts of arch support, among them Abeo, Allegria sandals (which accommodate orthotics), Chacos, Birkenstocks, Fit Flops, Keen (sandals and water shoes), Israeli Naot sandals, Hawaii inspired OloKai, Reef (more flip flop than sandal), Rainbow (in leather, hemp and rubber materials) and Teva brands. I would recommend acclimating to wearing fit flops or sandals, increasing the length of time you wear them each day by a few hours. On the other hand, I do see some patients who develop heel pain after a summer of wearing flat flip flops. I am okay with flat sandals or even flip flops if you have no foot issues. If you have no history of foot problems, than wear whatever isĬomfortable. If you have any history of heel pain or fasciitis in the past and plan to wear sandals or ‘flip flops’ for an extended time during the summer I would recommend a pair with built in arch support. If your feet fit within the boundary of the liners, the shoes are likely to fit well.

Better yet, take out the shoe liners and stand on them. You may very well find that a shoe an entire size larger is the most comfortable. Then, use that information as a guide to try on shoes. Have your foot measured while you are standing. They generally have better than average arch support and some of them have a remove-able liner, allowing you to use your own orthotic or arch support. I recommend the following brands of shoes and sandals (see below). Below are some specific recommendations to help you get started. It could very well be an under $20 pair of shoes from Walmart (which I have seen a number of my patients wearing) or something else ten times as expensive. What is best for your foot is a shoe that is comfortable and well suited for your activity. The point is, do not mistake “best” quality with “best” for your foot.

Secra arch support sandals