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Published on April 5th, 2025 | by Kirsten Borrink

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Facebook Fans 31 Favorite Non-Mainstream Comfort Footwear

No Vionics, Hokas or Birkenstocks here! I asked my Facebook followers for their favorite non-mainstream comfort footwear. Here’s a compiled list of their 31 recommendations. You can access the original Facebook post here.

1. I-Runner Explorer Trail Shoes – Less well-known but great for hiking; accommodates bunions without being overly wide.

2. Corkys – Affordable, comfortable stylish wedges.

3. Arcopedico – Lightweight, breathable, and supportive, especially good for travel.

4. Brooks Ghost, Brooks Adrenaline – Brooks Ghost is a favorite among runners, with a soft but responsive feel. Adrenaline is good for stability and motion control.

5. Hotter Shoes – Good for wide feet; praised for comfort and durability.

6. Dromedaris – Platform Oxford models are well-loved; some people compare them to Dansko’s Golden Gate line.

7. Lems Primal Zen – A barefoot-style shoe with a wide toe box, suitable for those transitioning to minimalist footwear.

8. Orthofeet – Provides relief for foot pain and is often recommended for those with foot conditions like plantar fasciitis. Great for recovery after surgery.

9. Altra Lone Peak, Altra Olympus, Altra Torin – Zero-drop design with a wide toe box. Lone Peak is preferred for hiking, Olympus for cushioning, and Torin for gym workouts. Some newer models are reported to be narrower than previous versions.

10. Oboz – Well-cushioned hiking shoes that are durable for outdoor adventures.

11. Kuru Sneakers – Good for arch support and a roomy toe box; highly rated for those with foot pain.

12. ABEO – High arch support and custom footbeds available. Styles from sneakers to stylish heels.

13. Frankie4 (Australian brand) – Stylish and orthopedic-friendly; known for their comfortable fit.

14. FitFlop– Loved for cushioned sandals, slippers and sneakers.. Microwobbleboard technology provides extra comfort.

15. Taos – High arch support; their short leather booties are especially comfortable.

16. Aetrex– Good for foot health with stylish options. Aetrex’s cork-based sandals (e.g., Vania and Jillian) are especially well-reviewed.

17. Hartjes (Austrian brand) – High-quality, long-lasting comfort shoes.

18. Topo Athletic – Similar to Altra with a roomy toe box. Good fit at midfoot and heel.

19. Wolky – Comfortable, well-padded sandals with great arch support and adjustable straps.

20. Stegmann – Comfortable clogs with good support. Branching out into sandals, flats and loafers.

21. Sanita – Similar to Dansko, known for strong arch support and all-day wear.

22. Josef Seibel Paloma 03 Chelsea – Good option for Morton’s Neuroma; accommodates orthotics well.

23. Helle Comfort Shoes – Stylish dress sandals with orthopedic benefits.

24. Trotters Sugar Mary Jane – Soft, true wide fit; comfortable and supportive.

25. SAS Pampa Sandal – High-quality, comfortable sandal with good arch support.

26. Bared Footwear – Built-in orthotics, many stylish options, and removable footbeds for custom orthotics.

Bared Bittern

27. Oofos Recovery Sandals – Great post-workout recovery shoes; help alleviate foot fatigue.

28. Hoff – Fashionable sneakers and sandals with contoured memory foam insoles for comfort.

29. Xelero Shoes – Less commonly known but recommended for foot stability and comfort.

30. Reef – Popular for casual sandals. Some women’s styles in sizes up to 12.

31. Manitobah Mukluks – Traditional Canadian footwear, great for warmth and comfort.


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2 Responses to Facebook Fans 31 Favorite Non-Mainstream Comfort Footwear

  1. Julie says:

    This list omits Hotter shoes. It’s a British brand, and I love their ballet shoes! I have to order a 1/2 size down.

  2. Julie says:

    Oops, never mind. I see Hotter is listed after all.

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