Orthotics Fit Perfectly Into These Editor- and Podiatrist-Recommended Shoes (2024)

Sneakers tend to have an easy-to-remove insole, making them a convenient and comfy choice to pair with your custom inserts. These come recommended by Daughtry and are available in eight colors, and in three widths (narrow, regular, and wide), on the brand’s website.

“I wear AFOs and have recurrent fractures so the running shoe is nice and wide to help with the support,” wrote one Nordstrom reviewer.

With an upper that snugly hugs your foot, these shoes should help avoid the dreaded slippage that is all too common when adding orthotic insoles to shoes. Vivaia’s square-toed beauties also boast a “blister-proof” padded heel, per the brand, and a breathable toe box, as well as pressure-relief insoles, so some may be able to forego their custom orthotics altogether (just ask your healthcare provider first). These come recommended by Daughtry, and we can see why.

“Was pleasantly surprised when I got these. At first I thought they were too big—there is a bit of a gap at the heel. But I walked around and they stayed on my feet! No slipping out of the heel,” wrote one Vivaia shopper. “I have a very thin pair of orthotics that I sometimes wear in my shoes. Tried them out—fit okay, but I prefer them without. Overall—happy and will likely purchase more.”

Vionic is a podiatrist-loved brand for a reason. “Vionic is going to be a great brand of shoe dress shoes as they have orthotic support integrated directly into their shoes,” Sharkey says, recommending this specific style, along with Daughtry.

“I already owned several pairs of these Vionic pumps. I ordered the cream leather pair to wear to a spring wedding. These shoes were comfortable enough to wear throughout the evening. They were a stylish match to the garden dress that I wore. I plan to wear these heels to work also,” wrote one Vionic shopper.

Another Daughtry recommendation, these loafers from Naot feature a classic loafer style with a metallic buckle detail. A small heel offers a bit of height, while the leather upper feels luxe. They also feature an abrasive heel to fight slippage.

“These shoes provide very nice support. I also love that low heel height, it adds that perfect height,” wrote one Naot shopper.

Sharkey says that flats “are not going to typically fit an orthotic well. In this instance, I would look for a shoe that has integrated orthotic support.” Another Vionic pick, these feature the brand’s signature arch support. While the footbed is removable, you may find your heel slipping if you decide to swap them for your custom insoles.

“These shoes are perfect! The Velcro strap is incredibly comfortable and fits well for my narrow, thin foot,” wrote one Vionic shopper. “The arch support is superb. I would say there is a SLIGHT break-in period because the leather is good quality and somewhat stiff upon first wear. After two wears, they feel absolutely amazing and the comfort is perfection. Staple shoe!”

Sharkey says finding boots that go with custom insoles is a bit easier. “I recommend this pair of boots from the Waco shoe company. I personally have these and have got both my over-the-counter and custom orthotics in these booties,” she says.

The elastic stretch fabric helps ensure your foot doesn’t feel too tight with the insole beneath.

According to Sharkey, it all comes down to the below factors:

• A deep enough heel
• A wide enough toe box
• A deep midsole to accommodate both your foot and the orthotic comfortably.
• No slipping in the heel

We spoke with Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S., a podiatrist at North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute; and Elizabeth Daughtry, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S.; board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery in Foot Surgery to get their recommendations for the best shoes for orthotics. Deputy Editor Emily Goldman also tried more than a dozen shoes with her custom orthotics to offer recommendations.