“Proper arch support distributes pressure evenly across the foot, which reduces stress on the ligaments and tendons and prevents overuse conditions like shin splints, arch pain, and tendonitis,” Dr. Cunha notes. To that end, these slip-on Vionic sneakers have impressive arch support. Made from canvas, they’re designed by a podiatrist and have a unique three-zone comfort layer that helps relieve strain, low back issues, and discomfort caused by flat feet. They’re also machine washable — just remove the insoles before tossing them in.

• Available sizes: 5 — 11
• Available colors: 6

Flip-flops aren’t known for their support, but this pair of orthopedic recovery sandals can be a relief for feet when you’re walking around the house. With a thicker sole than standard thong sandals, they have ergonomic arch support that helps improve your stance and reduces strain and stress on the feet. They’re made with soft, squishy midsoles that absorb shock and offer comfort with each step.

• Available sizes: 5 — 13
• Available colors: 10

Dr. Yakel says, “Most athletic shoe companies have a version of a maximalist shoe where a layer of foam is added to thicken the midsole. The midsole is the material in the middle of the shoe. These type of shoes are great for people who stand on concrete all day by reducing impact. The feedback I get from patients is that those type of shoes help knees and backs as well as feet.”

These walking sneakers fit the bill, featuring a layer of memory foam, as well as a thickened midsole with a layer of air cushioning. The knit upper is ultra breathable, while the nonslip bottom keeps you steady and secure with each step.

• Available sizes: 5 — 11
• Available colors: 5

Dr. Menchin also recommends looking at the outer construction, saying, “The materials used in shoes are crucial for foot health, comfort, and durability. For the upper part of the shoe, breathable materials such as leather and mesh are often preferred.”

These monochromatic sneakers are made of soft, breathable mesh that keeps your feet cool, no matter the weather or time of day. They’re built with arch support and padded heel collars, and have flexible laces that move with your feet. Dress them up with denim or pair them with leggings for a workout and enjoy the easy, slip-on design.

• Available sizes: 6 — 9.5
• Available colors: 5

Another great option for shock-absorbing kicks are the Adeline walking sneakers by PUMA. With an athletic-meets-casual silhouette, they feature foam cushioning, plus light and breathable uppers. For added impact support, the durable rubber outsole is another standout (or should we say step-out) feature.

• Available sizes: 5.5 — 11
• Available colors: 11

Don’t let the laces on these monochromatic walking sneakers fool you — they don’t require tying, since these sneaks have an easy, slip-on design. This pair is designed with EVA soles, per Dr. Menchin’s advice, for a lightweight, flexible feel. A knit upper completes the picture for breathability and sweat wicking.

• Available sizes: 5.5 — 10.5
• Available colors: 8

According to Miguel Cunha, DPM, a board-certified foot surgeon and founder of Gotham Footcare in Manhattan, “Arch support is important because it promotes natural foot alignment, reduces fatigue, and minimizes strain on the feet, knees, and lower back.” So if you’re looking to follow Dr. Cunha’s advice, check out these walking loafers with built-in arch support. This pair is made from faux leather complete with gold buckle details, along with breathable, suede-like insoles. They’re perfect for work but look great with denim on the weekend, too.

• Available sizes: 6 — 11
• Available colors: 4

While you may not want to walk miles in them, these ballet flats with arch support are a great choice when you need a comfortable shoe to go with a more polished look. And they’re not flat at all; a slight wedge in back lifts them up for a little more shock absorption than you’d get with a standard flat. The nonslip outsoles complete the picture for solid footing with every step.

• Available sizes: 6 — 11
• Available colors: 4

If you’re looking for a go-to shoe for the office, this is it. These wedge shoes pair perfectly with trousers and dresses and are comfortable, too. They’re made with memory foam for added cushioning and have arch and heel support. Choose from narrow, standard, and wide widths.

• Available sizes: 6 — 12 (standard, narrow, and wide widths available)
• Available colors: 5

These thong-style sandals prove you don’t have to sacrifice style for support. The ergonomic design mimics the natural curve of your foot, offering arch support and heel stability. Complete with a cushy footbed and toe grips, they’re available in five colors and are versatile enough to be your staple warm-weather sandal.

• Available sizes: 6 — 11
• Available colors: 5

This pair is a fun twist on Mary Janes, and they actually have the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance, so you know they’re good. Available in leather and fabric options, the shoe features a contoured footbed that includes arch support, a heel cup, and deep cushioning to absorb shock. The straps keep them securely on your feet, so you won’t need to use your toes to grip.

• Available sizes: 5 — 11
• Available colors: 5

These gardening clogs are such an easy grab-and-go option, featuring amazing arch support and a lightweight construction. They also have a roomy toe area to reduce pressure on the forefoot, as well as deep heel cups and textured bottoms for traction. They’re water resistant and boast plenty of ventilation.

• Available sizes: 6 — 14
• Available colors: 6

James Yakel, DPM, is a podiatry sports medicine specialist at the Colorado Center for Podiatric Sports Medicine in Longmont, Colorado. He says, “Wider toe boxes are very helpful for people who have bunions [...] as it gives the foot more room and decreases the pressure on the bony prominences. Just allowing the toes to have more room makes the shoe more comfortable.”

These walking shoes give you plenty of room in the toe area, and they’re easy to slip on and go, too. Available in six colors, they’re super lightweight and soft with a low-cut design that hugs your foot. They’re breathable even in warm temperatures and can be dressed up for the office or worn with casual leggings for running errands.

• Available sizes: 6 — 11
• Available colors: 6

Shoes can be fancy and have support features, too, as proven by these round-toe ballet flats that won’t squeeze your forefoot the way similar options might. With an iconic ballet flat silhouette plus a rhinestone buckle, these shoes feature a soft microfiber lining with padded insoles. They’re best for shorter periods of wear since they don’t boast quite as many support features, but they’re an amazing choice when you need a dress-up shoe. If you’re not in the market for rhinestones, the listing has metallic buckle options, too.

• Available sizes: 5 — 10
• Available colors: 18

These espadrille-style flats feature daisy cutouts on the uppers for added style, whether you pair them with jeans or a dress. The roominess in the toe area helps prevent foot issues, while the super soft padding and slight platform construction absorb shock. One reviewer wrote, “Not very often do I meet a new shoe that doesn’t require breaking-in. [...] The comfort never ends. Fits well; allows air flow; allows toe movement.”

• Available sizes: 5 — 11
• Available colors: 8

James Menchin, DPM, is a podiatrist at LEAP Foot and Ankle Specialists in Colorado, and he has some words about the toe area, too: “Roomy toe boxes also accommodate foot swelling. Throughout the day, especially during prolonged periods of standing, feet tend to swell. A roomy toe box provides the necessary space to accommodate this natural swelling without causing discomfort.”

So if you’re looking for another great option with a wider toe box, check out these simple yet adorable sneakers by Skechers. Available in an impressive 29 colorways, they’re made of breathable canvas with cushiony memory foam insoles. The best part? They come in wide widths, so you can guarantee plenty of room for your feet.

• Available sizes: 5 — 11 (standard and wide widths available)
• Available colors: 29

Ideal for wider widths, these zip-up sneakers fit the natural shape and contours of your foot, while still giving your toes some much-needed wiggle room. The outsoles are made from durable rubber, while the uppers are made with a breathable knit material. A padded heel collar only upgrades the comfort.

• Available sizes: 6.5 wide — 11.5 wide
• Available colors: 9

The Hey Dude Wendy loafers are having a serious moment, having earned a 4.7-star overall rating after racking up 29,000 reviews. And for good reason — they feature a low-profile design with a wide toe box for superior comfort. Available in 16 colorways, these loafers are made from canvas with durable outsoles. They’re machine washable, too.

• Available sizes: 5 — 12
• Available colors: 16

Dr. Cunha recommends this trick while shoe shopping saying, “Squeeze the heel of the shoe to see how firm it is. There should be a good bit of padding called an ankle collar which is intended to cushion the ankle and the achilles tendon. You shouldn't be able to compress it — so when you are working it supports the heel.”

These Mary Janes feature firm heels with padding, as well as wide toe boxes that provide lots of breathing room. The memory foam footbeds even boast molding to support the arches and heels. The hook-and-loop straps keep them securely on your feet.

• Available sizes: 6 — 11
• Available colors: 5

These lace-up platform sneakers are another pick with cushioned heel collars. Made from vegan leather and suede, they’re breathable, lightweight, and comfortable. They have anti-slip EVA soles, with a retro-modern design that’s so sporty, whether you wear them with athleisure or use them to dress down a skirt. Besides this two-tone white option, they come in colorful styles, too.

• Available sizes: 5 — 11
• Available colors: 8

An excellent go-to office shoe, these loafers feature firm heels that will provide plenty of support, along with a padded foam footbed. The insoles are breathable, with contoured arch support and cushioned heel cups for stability. Available in four neutral colors, they’re complete with bow-knot tassels on the top for a touch of classic style.

• Available sizes: 6 — 11
• Available colors: 4

If you want leather, per Dr. Mechin’s advice, it’s worth considering these casual loafers with criss-cross accents. The padded insole ensures lasting comfort, while the upper snugly cradles your foot for a slipper-like fit. The insoles are padded and the sturdy outsoles provide lots of shock absorption.

• Available sizes: 5 — 11
• Available colors: 20

These espadrille-style flats are another breathable woven-mesh option. They’re lightweight with memory foam footbeds that cradle and cushion your feet. They boast a rope detail around the perimeter, and the versatile design can be dressed up or down depending on your desired look.

• Available sizes: 6 — 11
• Available colors: 5

These wear-anywhere knit flats provide everything you could want in a shoe — breathability, wearability, shock absorption, friction reduction, and a supportive lining. At first glance they look like a loafer, but are a bit more comfy thanks to the soft lining. Choose from eight fashion-forward colors.

• Available sizes: 5 — 9.5
• Available colors: 8

These slip-on walking loafers are designed for comfort and versatility. The soft leather upper keeps your feet snug while allowing for breathability, and the durable outsole helps ensure all-day comfort and stability. They also have a padded insole making them perfect for long days.

• Available sizes: 5 — 11
• Available colors: 14

These mesh flats are perfect for everyday wear, thanks to their slip-on elastic design that offers a secure yet flexible fit. They’re lightweight and comfortable, with a breathable mesh upper and chic striped detailing. The suede heel pad helps prevent rubbing and chafing and you can pair these with everything from your favorite cutoffs to boyfriend jeans or trousers.

• Available sizes: 5 — 11
• Available colors: 6

“If you work in areas that may be wet, select shoes with high-traction, slip-resistant rubber outsoles to reduce the risk of slips and falls, which can lead to ankle sprains and other injuries,” advises Dr. Cunha. These chunky platform loafers are bold in style and feature a thick rubber outsole that’s slip-resistant and shock absorbent, too. The slip-on shoe showcases chain-link accents across the top and pairs perfectly with your favorite wide leg pants or mini skirts.

• Available sizes: 5.5 — 10.5
• Available colors: 9

A pair of Chelsea boots should be a staple in anyone’s closet, and as Dr. Cunha recommends, this pair boasts lots of traction. They feature a lug-sole platform and chunky block heel, with elastic gores and pull tabs that make them easy to slip on. Available in classic black and five other colorways, you can pair these boots with skinny denim, a leather skirt, and more.

• Available sizes: 5 — 11
• Available colors: 6

These ballet flats offer more traction than similar options, making them a better choice than most. Plus, they have a plush, ergonomic insole with padding placed strategically in specific areas to cut down on foot fatigue. The flats have a classic round-toe design, complete with detailing on top and a breathable lining to keep your feet dry and odor free.

• Available sizes: 6 — 11
• Available colors: 4

Cushioning is key too, as Dr. Cunha explains, “Effective shock absorption is important because it reduces and evenly distributes the impact from each step across your feet, protecting your muscles, bones, and joints from excessive force. [...] When choosing shoes, I recommend looking for those with cushioning in the heel and midsole, made from materials like EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) or memory foam, for enhanced shock absorption and long-lasting comfort.”

These sneakers feature plush foam on the inside that absorbs shock and adds a bit of bounce and support to each step, plus an EVA layer, per Dr. Cunha’s advice. The chunky style of the sneaker add a more modern vibe to any look and you can choose from 25 color options including prints, solids, and color-block styles.

• Available sizes: 6 — 12
• Available colors: 25

Another awesome find by Skechers are the Cleo Flex wedges. In an all black colorway that will go with literally anything, the wedges feature air-cooled memory foam footbeds for cushioning and shock absorption. The scalloped uppers stretch to fit your foot snugly and comfortably, and as an added bonus, they’re machine washable, too.

• Available sizes: 6 — 11

For the days when you don’t want to contort yourself, these tennis shoes can be slipped on completely hands free. They feature plush foam insoles and breathable mesh Lycra lining for lots of softness and shock absorption. The knit uppers are breathable and reviewers have raved about the arch support.

• Available sizes: 6 — 11
• Available colors: 5

If you’re looking for an everyday sneaker with built-in arch support and air cushioning, these slip-on mesh sneakers are a great contender. Available in 12 colors, they’re easy to get on and off, while the shockproof sole absorbs impact, adds stability, and enhances traction for each step.

• Available sizes: 5.5 — 10
• Available colors: 12

What you wear on your feet at home matters, too. These memory foam slippers are like walking on clouds. Complete with adjustable toe posts for a more custom and comfortable fit, these spa slippers are made of high-density memory foam with EVA midsoles for plush support and shock absorption.

• Available sizes: 5 — 10
• Available colors: 8

This pair of wedges offers superior shock absorption, thanks to the addition of memory foam footbeds. The uppers are made from synthetic leather for a supportive fit, while the sturdy, thick outsoles help absorb impact. They’re available in neutral colors and slip easily on and off. Dress them up for the office or down with jeans for a daytime look.

• Available sizes: 5 — 11 (with wide widths available)
• Available colors: 4

Comfort and style combine in these foot-hugging knit sneakers with a simple, timeless look. They feature memory foam insoles with shock-absorbing midsoles, plus an easy, slip-on design and adjustable laces. They’re available in neutrals like beige and black, as well as brights like royal purple and fire engine red.

• Available sizes: 6 — 11
• Available colors: 6

“The material of the sole is equally important. Rubber is a commonly used material for shoe soles due to its excellent shock absorption, flexibility, and grip. EVA is another popular sole material, particularly in athletic and casual footwear. EVA is lightweight, flexible, and offers excellent shock absorption,” says Dr. Menchin

These slip-on sneakers are made of 100% vegan faux leather and a soft, durable rubber sole with grain on the bottom for added traction. They are designed with quilted uppers for a chic look, while still being a functional and comfortable sneaker you can wear all day long.

• Available sizes: 6 — 11
• Available colors: 10

These lightweight loafers also boast EVA outsoles, and offer a classic silhouette combined with modern comfort features. Featuring durable canvas uppers, they’re breathable and wear resistant, while the slip-on style with adjustable elastic laces helps provide a perfect fit. They’re a perfect casual shoe when you want something that’s just a step above a sneaker.

• Available sizes: 5 — 11
• Available colors: 7

Dr. Menchin notes, “Cork is another material often used in the midsoles of shoes, especially in orthopedic or comfort shoes. Cork provides excellent support and cushioning, and it molds to the shape of the foot over time, offering a custom fit that enhances comfort.”

These classic cork clogs are a great option, molding to your foot and helping to evenly disperse weight. They have faux suede uppers with adjustable buckles for a secure fit. The built-in arch support and nonslip outsoles are the cherries on top.

• Available sizes: 5 wide — 10.5 wide
• Available colors: 5

Another cork-midsole option are these buckle slide sandals complete with arch support, deep heel cups, and toe bars to relieve foot fatigue with every step. They feature buckle straps, so you can adjust them to a snug but comfortable fit. And of course, the design is so classic, they’ll never go out of style. Choose from 15 different colors to match your taste.

• Available sizes: 5 — 11
• Available colors: 15