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 bothersome bunions and aching arches. As you know, the search for the right pair of workout shoes for your foot condition can leave you with a Texas-sized headache. We’re here to help you narrow down the many options so you can enjoy a more active lifestyle in comfort.
Shopping online for workout shoes has its benefits (especially with free returns), but visiting a local running store may be your best bet (see this list of the top 50 running stores in the US). Most offer a free gait analysis and shoe fitting (and don’t worry, you don’t need to be a runner–walkers are welcome).
If online shopping for workout shoes is easier for you, we’ve rounded up six from different fitness categories with high marks for comfort and support. We hope you find a shoe that lets you achieve your fitness goals for the new year.
Best Walking Shoes
Saucony Progrid Intensity ST 2
The Saucony Progrid Integrity ST 2 is a wonderful shoe for neutral walkers (neither over-pronating or supinating). A wide and high toe box comforts bunions, hammertoes and toes affected by Morton’s neuroma. Reading through reviews, we’re happy to report that both podiatrists and physical therapists recommend the Integrity ST 2 for its excellent stability, support and fit. A removable footbed allows for the use of an orthotic. Find the Saucony Progrid Integrity ST 2 in sizes 5-12, four widths for $72.00 from Zappos, $39-75 at Amazon.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19
Although the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19 is billed as a running shoe, it doubles as a fantastic motion control walking shoe for over-pronators thanks to the Progressive Diagonal Rollbar®–a tri-density midsole designed to promote progressive pronation control (read more here). The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19 comes in nine colors from basics to brights; whole and half sizes 5-12, 13 and four widths for $120 from BrooksRunning.com and Zappos. 
Orthofeet CoralFinally, an orthopedic walking sneaker with a youthful vibe (especially in black). The Orthofeet Coral features extra depth and width in the toe box for swollen joints, while providing a secure fit at the heel. A contoured orthotic insole offers excellent arch support (and it’s removable to accommodate an orthotic). The Orthofeet Coral is a wise choice for sensitive feet due to peripheral neuropathy or rheumatoid arthritis. Available in whole and half sizes 5-12, three widths for $119.95 from Orthofeet.com 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 Running Shoes
On Cloudflyer. Photo: 43EinHelb.com
Whether you’re a serious runner or just starting a couch to 5k training program, we think you’ll hit your stride in the On Cloudflyer. It’s an amazing combination of stability with a lightweight ride (plus we love the streamlined, futuristic aesthetic). The outsole may look gimmicky, but the “cloud” pods provide support and cushioning (instead of multiple layers of foam or a posted heel). Watch this video to find out how the pods function through the stride:
I own the On Cloud shoe and wear them for fast walks on the treadmill at Orangetheory Fitness the last few months, I’ve noticed more and more women wearing On shoes, so I asked a lady what she liked about her new On Cloudflyers. She’s returning to running after knee surgery and loves how the Cloudflyer provides shock-absorption and the right amount of support for her slight over-pronating ankles. She mentioned that the lateral support of the Cloudflyer is better than the Cloud making it a good choice for the floor work portion at Orange Theory.
The On Cloudflyer is recommended for the moderate overpronator and is available in whole and half sizes 5-11 for $159.95 from Onrunning.com, Zappos. Find a deal at Amazon.
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 (this article explains supination well).
Mizuno Wave Rider 20
Mizuno Wave plate
A well-cushioned and flexible running shoe will make up for the lack of shock-absorption due to high, rigid arches. We recommend the Mizuno Wave Rider 22. Mizuno’s signature technology, the Wave plate (left photo) runs through the midsole of their Wave series with the purpose of absorbing shock and dispersing it through the length of the plate. This is good news for supinators as the shoe is doing the job their rigid arches can’t. The Mizuno Wave Rider 22 is available in whole and half sizes 6-12, three widths for $129.95 from Zappos.
Altra Escalante
If you absolutely can’t bear the thought of cramped toes in your workout shoes, let us introduce you to Altra shoes (read our review of the Provision model). Their trademarked FootShape™ toe box is a fast friend to feet with bunions, hammertoes, arthritic forefoot, or toes that crave space. We personally like how our toes don’t go numb on the elliptical machine in our Altras!
Altra Shoes Gender-Specific Fit
Altra’s Zero Drop™ platform places the heel and forefoot at the same distance from the ground which naturally aligns feet, back and body posture. The lower heel position may feel strange at first–take it easy on the first few runs, jogs or walks to give feet time to adjust.
Altra’s gender-specific design means an even more comfortable fit from heel to toe. While we’re not exactly sure how a female-specific outsole is different than a male outsole (we can imagine), it’s sure nice that Altra is looking out for us! Find Altra footwear in a selection of styles with light, moderate or max cushioning at Zappos, and Amazon.
We recently asked our Facebook community for recommendations for best workout shoes. See their favorites and chime in with yours–just click through the embedded frame below to like our page and join in the conversation.
Related Posts
Topo Athletic Shoes Review: Roomy Toe Box with Great Support →
On Cloud Shoes Review: Light as a Feather with Sturdy Support →
33 Responses to Best Workout Shoes for Problem Feet? See Our Top 6 Picks
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Hello, Im searching all type of shoes for Hallux rigidus and artrosis. Marek
Here is a link to the recommended shoe list for Hruska Postural Restoration Clinic in Lincoln, NE. Included are photos on what makes a quality pair of shoes.
http://www.hruskaclinic.com/file_download/inline/4b828a53-f841-4601-9539-386c92448db3
Hi! Was hopeful but Hawaii was left off the list. I particularly wanted a recommendation: the last 2 shops gave opposing opinions: flat footed vs. high arches.
My costly Brooks shoes caused pain. & hello! the touted natural walking shoes were so painful, I gave them away immediately. As a retiree, I can’t afford any bad choices.
I have very wide feet & my feet very obviously roll outwards. If not a store could you recommend a podiatrist? Thanks.
Liann,
It looks like the Aloha Foot Centers gets great reviews on Yelp–have you heard of it? I agree that going to an orthopedic or reputable podiatrist is the way to go.
I’ve been looking for an honest and true shoe/ sneaker support evaluation site ! I’ve had bone fusion surgery on one foot due to a ruptured tibial tendon due to flat foot syndrome and need very supportive shoes . Because of this surgery and the 3 screws I also suffer from multiple tendon and ligament issues due to scar tissue and some nerve issues. I’m a size 10 1/2 to 11 and usually need to shop on line so I really appreciate Clinical and style evaluations . I’m so tired of trying and returning or reordering shoes due to lack of proper support or a heavy feel that’s unsafe to walk in . I will definitely consult your site for recommendations!!!
Donna, I’m so sorry to hear of your foot woes. I really think that Saucony Progrid Integrity featured above would be worth a try, especially if you you’re looking for a supportive walking shoe that’s fairly lightweight.
REALLY GOOD REVIEW OF ATHLETIC SHOES. I WOULD LOVE TO TRY THE ALTRA PROVISION 2.5 BUT I CAN ONLY FIND A FEW OF THEM AVAILABLE IN MY SIZE, EVEN AT THE ALTRA SITE. MIGHT THE INFORMATION BE A BIT DATED? I FOUND LOTS OF SHOES WITH 3.0 AND 4.0 WHICH I’M ASSUMING WOULD BE LATER EDITIONS OF SHOES. I GUESS WHAT I NEED TO KNOW IS IF THESE WITH THE HIGHER NUMBERS WILL WORK AS WELL AS THE REVIEWED PROVISION 2.5.
I switched to Altra Torin last summer, after your initial review, and just love them. I had to get used to the zero-drop footbed, but my arthritic big toes are so happy to have room. And my PF is actually better in these shoes, because the zero-drop helps stretch my calves. Thanks Kirsten!
What are the best shoes for orthotics and for extra padding for losing the fat pads under the ball of foot area, causing alot of pain daily…please help!
Valuable information. Lucky me I found your web site by accident, and I’m shocked why this accident didn’t happened earlier! I bookmarked it.
I would love recommendations for best athletic shoes for someone with very high arches, plantar fasciitis, and hammertoe. I’m also looking for shoe recommendations for work. It’s hard to find tie shoes I can wear to work that not only look good, but are also good for my high arches, PF, and hammertoe.
I have both plantar fasciitis and bunions. My bunions never bothered me until I had to buy stability shoes for my plantar fasciitis. I’ve tried the On Cloudflyer, which are great for my plantar fasciitis but not for my bunions. Any recommendations?
And their most recent updated 2018 recommended shoe list is a must-see
Love your blog I wanted to comment that I have found the Mizuno Wave Riders to be a great choice for plantar fasciitis and heel spurs plus they actually have a black one now that is pretty good-looking with casual clothes
Great to hear, Karen! Thanks for the feedback on the Mizuno Wave Rider.
I don’t know when (year, not month) the recommendations for the Altra shoes are from, but it seems they are now at Provision 3 or 3.5. I’d like to know if these are the same or how they compare to the 2.5. I have VERY painful Morton’s Neuroma’s mostly in one foot but really in both. These shoes sound like they may be just the ticket, but the exact ones you reviewed are no longer available — and “improvements” in new models are not always…improvements. Please let me know if you or anyone on your blog has experience with other Altra models. Thanks SO much!!
I have flat feet and bunions. I work on a terrazzo floor at work and I am continuously walking. I need to find tennis shoes that are comfortable and not over sixty dollars.
What is the best sneaker to take pressure off forefoot due to Freiburg disease
I have hammer toes and hallux rigidus.. I leave my shoes off as much as I can to give my toes the support and room they need. I would love to find the right kind of shoes. My closet is full of shoes I can’t wear. There is a Shoe Show, Academy and HIbbits close by. Would I find what I need in these stores? Thanks.
sounds great what about mens feet
I was looking for the Aetrex Essence Erica flats with support shown on your site,but i was unable to find them.Do you no longer carry these?
I believe it’s a discontinued style by Aetrex. They do make a loafer called the Kylie that has moderate arch support. Also, check out our feature on graceful flats with arch support.
Looking for shoes with a rocker sole that I can also fit my custom orthotic into and has wider fittings. I’m in Australia and am a D width fitting. Any ideas of brands that I could try?? I am wearing the Hoka Bondi 6 (It’s a cushioned rocker style athletic shoe) as a general about the house casual shoe but am looking for something I could wear out on casual occasions and for dressier occasions for dinner out.
I have fat pad atrophy and also have a dropped metatarsal head on one foot hence the need to wear a custom orthotic and rocker soled shoes. I am wearing the HOKA Bondi 6 Wide (D width fitting in Australia) athletic shoe for work and home and find that the cushioning and rocker sole combined with the custom orthotic are great and I am not experiencing any pain. Now looking for something to wear out for short periods for meals out at night and perhaps more casual day wear that are flat, cushioned and have rocker soles. Any ideas of brands I could try?? Has any-one had any experience with custom made shoes?
Hi. All interesting but can you add weight measurements to each listing? These days if its over about 7 ounces per shoe i dont even consider it further. Thanks.
This is a great site however I wear a size 5 workout shoe and the smallest size is a 5 1/2 for supinators in both brands. I wonder why that is. Size 5 is available for over pronators in the the Saucony and Cloud and all the other shoes. No fair. 🙁
Hi,
I am searching for walking/running shoes.
I have flat feet with painful bunions and have a tendency to injure my ankle ligaments quite often. I’ve had a total of 9 injuries so far and am scared to do anything outdoorsy. It is also mandatory for me to wear insoles tailor-made for my feet. Hence, I always wear high ankle support shoes no matter the season or the occasion. 😕
Could you please suggest some good shoes for such “feet” ?
Thanks & regards.
Just seeing this. Wanted to know if you still recommend the Altra. We have an elliptical & haven’t used in years due to the numb feet when using it. I have neuropathy, neuroma, bunions, & high arches. Wide toes narrow heel. Average height & slim-55. Would love to have your input. Thank you.
Yes, I would. Especially the Altra Escalante model–lower to the ground, nice wide toe box.
I need shoes for playing tennis after a cheilectomy.
Hi Kirsten,
I have mid-foot arthritis and posterior tibial tendonitis in my left foot. The bony protrusion from my arthritis is very sensitive to the shoe tongue and shoe laces. I can’t wear slip on shoes because I need the support for the PTT plus my fallen arches. Do you have any walk/running shoes you can recommend?
Thank you!
What is the best shoes for sore toes. I normally walk an hour every day, on weekdays, and on every other Saturdays, I walk about 3 hours. At the end of the 3 hour walk, all my 10 toes are sore. Please can you recommend the right shoes to buy?
I am having a horrible time finding a shoe. I mostly work out on an elliptical but move to the treadmill when my feet burn too much. I have a bunion and my podiatrist says I pronate but can get away with a neutral shoe with my orthotic. What I don’t want is a shoe that encourages pronation. (I like older Brooks Ghost, but the new models hurt. I tried a couple other models and they made by feet burn worse. I also tried 4 styles of Ryka.)
Which Altra model do you recommend I get (and recommend I stay away from)? I notice above you recommended Altra Escalante, but not sure how pronation affects that choice.
What about Toto? (I tried a used pair at REI and loved them but forgot to get them and they are gone.) Which model would be good.