Best orthopaedic shoes for 2025, comfortable styles tested by an expert – UK Times

We put a lot of thought into what we wear, but when it comes to our feet, most of us don’t realise just how much the right shoes can improve our long-term health. It’s not just about comfort or style; good shoes help with our posture, alignment, and can prevent foot pain in later life. With this in mind, I set out to find the best orthopaedic shoes that don’t compromise on comfort or look.

To get an expert opinion on the impact of footwear on our feet, I spoke to consultant podiatric surgeon Mr Kaser Nazir from Jorja Healthcare Group, who explained why the right fit matters so much. “It’s unrealistic to expect that we’ll all start wearing orthopaedic shoes, but certain shoes can have a huge impact on foot health,” he told me. “Ill-fitting footwear can cause excessive pressure and compression on the toes, and this increases when wearing high heels, as your weight shifts towards the front of your foot. Uncomfortable shoes can also hinder the natural movement of the toes, which can weaken foot muscles.

Mr Nazir adds that other types of footwear, such as flip-flops, are not good for the skeletal and muscular elements of the foot, with the lack of arch support and shock absorption often leading to problems such as plantar fasciitis as well as pain in the knees, hips, and back.

So, what should we be looking for in terms of a good shoe? “A toe area that is wide enough not to compress the toes,” says Mr Nazir. “Also, ample support to the feet and arches, for avoiding injury and pain. If you have a pre-existing foot condition such as bunions, hammertoe or hard skin and calluses or if you have diabetes or spend hours on your feet every day, it’s particularly important to choose comfortable, well-fitting footwear.”

If you’re keen to improve your footwear situation but fear for your style credentials, the good news is that supportive and comfy shoes have come a long way in the fashion stakes and no longer look clumpy and boring. Below, I’ve done the miles in a range of styles, from trainers to boots and sandals, to bring you my favourite top-rated designs.

How I tested

I’ve tested lots of shoes over the years, from running trainers to gym shoes and tennis shoes. To ensure these trainers received proper testing, I used them on various lengths of walks and on surfaces with differing levels of elevation and impact.

When trialling each of these shoes, I looked for five main qualities:

• Comfort: This goes without saying, but comfort is vitally important for the health of our feet. During testing, I was assessing the comfort both in the underfoot and in the foot of the shoe.
• Roominess: Like Mr Kaser Nazir says, ill-fitting shoes can cause damage to your feet, so with each of these shoes, I wanted to make sure there wasn’t excessive pressure on my toes, and that they were able to spread comfortably.
• Ankle fit: Ill-fitting shoes also won’t support the heels and ankles, so this was an important testing factor.
• Support: Many orthopaedic shoes claim to provide specific support. During testing, I paid close attention to whether each pair delivered on these promises and if they helped to reduce strain and improve stability throughout my walks.
• Value for money: Orthopaedic shoes vary in price, so during testing, I considered whether each pair offered quality, durability, and the promised benefits at a price that felt fair.

Why you can trust IndyBest reviews

Lisa Buckingham is a journalist who has been contributing to IndyBest since 2019. She has specialised in health and fitness for years, using her expertise to review a wide range of products, from running shoes and belts to free weights and fitness balls. When it comes to shoes, she knows what works and has tested everything from gym shoes to tennis shoes, and even tests the latest release trainers from top running brands. When it comes to orthopaedic shoes, she knows which brands you can trust for both support and comfort.

The best orthopaedic and supportive shoes for 2025 are:

• Best for all-day stability – New Balance fresh foam X 860v14: £140, Newbalance.co.uk
• Best for everyday pottering – FitFlop relieff recovery slides: £50, Fitflop.com
• Best for off-road walking – Ecco MX W shoes: £65, Amazon.co.uk
• Best smart footwear – Calla Meredith loafers: £159, Callashoes.co.uk
• Best for those with reduced mobility – Skechers slip-ins arch fit arcade, forever cozy: £75, Sketchers.co.uk
• Best for cushioning – Hoka Clifton 10: £140, Hoka.com