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.
Best Walking Shoes:
Hoka Bondi 8
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 8:
“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 8s in sizes 5-12, medium and wide widths for $165 from Hoka. Also available through Zappos and Amazon.
Topo Athletic Atmos
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 $160 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).
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
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 Running Shoes:
On Cloudflyer 4
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 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 On and Nordstrom.
Saucony Ride 17
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.
Altra Experience Flow
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.
Altra’s zero to low drop platforms are built to place the foot in a natural position which 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.
The new Altra Experience Flow is a favorite among seasoned runners to fitness walkers. With a low drop, spacious fit for toes, mild rocker sole, and responsive cushioning, this Altra shoe is a crowd favorite!
A recent Altra customer says this about her new shoes:
“The women’s Experience Flow may be the perfect walking and running shoe for me! I’ve recently been moving more whether that’s running, hiking, or walking, and these shoes are extremely comfortable, light weight, and provide the support I need. I love the low drop and the spacious room for my feet
Available in sizes 5.5-12 for $140 from Altra Running, Zappos, and Amazon.
Related Posts
Topo Athletic Atmos Review by a Non-Runner with RA →
Topo Athletic Shoes Review: Roomy Toe Box with Great Support →
On Cloud 5 Sneaker Review from a Non-Runner with Rheumatoid Arthritis →
2 Responses to Best Workout Shoes for Problem Feet? See Our Top 6 Picks
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Recommendations for best workout shoes for Zumba? I need the dance pivot point and support for lateral movement so my Hoka Bondi’s won’t work. I have Hallux limitis and need wide sneakers and have suffered frequent bouts of Achilles Tendonitis.. I’ve had a bunch of pairs of Ryka but their quality is poor and the parts come unglued quickly.
Hi Julie, if you’re on Facebook, check out this thread!