Best Workout Shoes for Problem Feet? See Our Top 6 Picks

Do you have a chronic condition that limits your ability to workout at the intensity you’d like? Or perhaps you’re an avid runner experiencing your first brush with osteoarthritis or the discomfort that goes along with bothersome bunions and aching arches. We’re here to help you narrow down the many options so you can enjoy a more active lifestyle in comfort. Here are six best athletic shoes for foot pain.

Best Walking Shoes:

You’ve no doubt heard the Hoka hype and wondered if they live up to it. I think it’s more than a fad at this point, Hoka is here to stay. The Bondi style seems to be a favorite among fitness walkers. Happy Hoka customer Pat says this about the Bondi 9:

“I am a walker but prefer a running shoe for the extra support. Hoka brand was recommended to me by my orthopedic foot specialist. I have bunions and at the time a numb toe due to back issues. I have since had a lumbar fusion and decided to try these shoes once I started walking again. They are wonderful for the support and comfort for both my back and feet.”

Try for yourself! Hoka offers a 30 day guarantee (take them on a test walk/run and if you’re not satisfied, return them in 30 days for a full refund or exchange). Find a pair of Hoka Bondi 9s in sizes 5-12, medium and wide widths for $175 from Hoka. Also available through Zappos and Amazon.

Best workout shoe for bunions / wide forefoot

What do I currently wear for fitness walking? The fifty-something author of this site with rheumatoid arthritis and myriad foot problems? The Topo Athletic Atmos, of course! See my detailed review here. Basically, it’s a low drop shoe (5mm) with great arch support, firm but lightweight cushioning with a generous toe box but snug fit at the mid foot and heel–perfection for my wonky feet. Find a pair of Topo Athletic Atmos shoes in sizes 6-12, medium and wide widths for $123-164.95 from Topo Athletic, Zappos and Amazon.

Honorable Mention: Ryka walking shoes (women-specific fit, good cushioning, moderate arch support); Easy Spirit Punter (wide toe box, multiple widths, removable insole for orthotic).

Best workout shoe in multiple widths

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS comes highly recommended by our Facebook community of fitness walkers with problem feet. It provides excellent support, stability and comes in hard to find sizes like 11.5 extra wide! Plus, it works well with orthotics (perhaps order up a half size?). The Brook Adrenaline GTS 23 is available in sizes 5-13, narrow to extra wide for $99-140 from Brooks Running, Zappos, and Amazon.

Best workout shoe for plantar fasciitis:

Do you have extra high arches? Chances are you supinate when you walk and run (under-pronate). The motion of pronation (rolling in of the foot during the stride) is how a normal foot absorbs shock. High arches are rigid and don’t allow the foot to roll inward therefore placing too much weight on the outer edge of the foot. Overtime, the runner (or walker) experiences tight Achilles tendon, knee pain and tight hips. We recommend the Saucony Ride 17, a lightweight yet well-cushioned shoe with a wide base for stability. Take it from a happy Saucony customer:

“This is my fifth version of these shoes and I feel like these are the most comfortable and well designed ones yet. Great for supination. They have great stability and cushion and felt amazing right out of the box.”

…and an even happier Zappos customer:

“First of all I supinate & have high arches. Then I had to have right hip & right knee replaced, so it has been hard to find shoes. I I have read about every review & YouTube video there is. These Saucony Ride 17 are awesome. I discovered I can only have a foot drop of 8mm. If you need cushioning, theses are for you. I tried Hoka, Asics, Brooks, etc, but these are the best.”

Find the Saucony Ride 17 in sizes 5-12 for $105-140 from Saucony, Zappos and Nordstrom.

If you absolutely can’t bear the thought of cramped toes in your workout shoes, let us introduce you to Altra shoes. Their trademarked FootShape™ fit is a fast friend to feet with bunions, hammertoes, arthritic forefoot, or toes that crave space.

Available in sizes 5.5-12 for $140 from Altra Running, Zappos, and Amazon.