Podiatrist-Approved Brooks, New Balance and Ascics Shoes Help Relieve Foot Pain Without Slowing Down Your Summer

The supportive summer shoes shoppers swear by.

Credit: Amazon. EatingWell design.

Best Summer Shoes for Foot Problems

  • Vionic Women’s Walk Strider Knit$100 (was $165)
  • New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Shoes$95 (was $165)
  • Brooks Women’s Glycerin 22 Neutral Running Shoe$110 (was $165)
  • Brooks Men’s Ghost Max 3 Neutral Running & Walking Shoe$120 (was $160)
  • Dansko Devyn Recovery Slide Sandals for Women$40 (was $70)

There’s nothing better than frolicking around over the summer, flitting between warm-weather activities—think tennis, hiking, long strolls and the like. What’s less fun is when these recreational delights exacerbate our existing aches and pains. To help you make the most of the second half of the season, I’ve rounded up podiatrist-recommended shoes that fight shin splints, arch pain and more, because pain shouldn’t slow you down when the weather is nice. Plus, I’ve added some men’s sneakers for summer activities.

Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon

Best Podiatrist-Recommended Shoes for Shin Splints

Anybody who has suffered from shin splints knows how painful—and downright debilitating—they can be. Podiatrists recommend reducing stress on the shin and lower leg by investing in supportive, cushioned footwear that absorbs shock, instead of passing it along to your bones and muscles.

  • Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 25 Supportive Running & Walking Shoe$155
  • Vionic Walk Max$175
  • Revitalign Women’s Gaia$94 (was $120)
  • Clarks Arla Wave Slide Sandal$53 (was $70)
  • Skechers Women’s Elite 2.0 Sneaker$87
  • Saucony Women’s Guide 19 Sneaker$150
  • Brooks Women’s Glycerin 22 Neutral Running Shoe$110 (was $165)

Brooks Women’s Glycerin 22 Neutral Running Shoe

Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon

$165 $110 at Amazon

According to Brooks, one of our most trusted footwear brands, this neutral running shoe balances cushioning and support with a responsive feel for the road. Its shell-inspired color is begging for beach walks.

Revitalign Women’s Gaia

Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon

$120 $94 at Amazon

One Amazon shopper said that “these walking shoes truly do feel like walking on a cloud,” adding that they’d give the sneakers 10 stars if they could. Some of its punchier colors, like burgundyare as affordable as $25 in certain sizes today.

Best Podiatrist-Recommended Shoes for Arch Issues

If you have painful or high arches, you’re not alone. Combating them isn’t just about squishing a taller foot into a shoe—podiatrists advised us that it’s equally important to think about how your higher arch is being supported from below. Look for comfortable shoes with a deep heel cup for plenty of ankle stability, like the Brooks Women’s Revel 7 Neutral Running Shoe and Brooks Glycerin Flex.

  • Brooks Women’s Revel 7 Neutral Running Shoe$75 (was $100)
  • New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Shoes$95 (was $165)
  • Denmark Devyn Recovery Slide Sandals$40 (was $70)
  • Asics Women’s Gel-Nimbus 27 Running Shoes$110 (was $125)
  • Brooks Women’s Glycerin Flex Neutral Running & Walking Shoe$170
  • Clarks Breeze Reyna Cloudsteppers Flip-Flop$40 (was $55)
  • Skechers Sport Active Arch Fit Refine 2.0$85
  • Oofos Omega Ooahh Slide$90

Denmark Professional Slip-On Clogs

Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon

$155 at Amazon

Dansko’s iconic clogs are a favorite among healthcare workers and food-service professionals for a reason. Their wide heel, rocker sole and sturdy construction offer plenty of support for heels and ankles.

Brooks Women’s Revel 7 Neutral Running Shoe

Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon

$100 $75 at Amazon

One Amazon customer loved these sneakers, saying they’re “perfect for bunions.” “Finding shoes that don’t cause pain or pressure can be challenging. They don’t create any painful pressure points, and I can wear them for extended periods—whether I’m running, walking or just out and about—without discomfort,” they continued.

Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon

Best Podiatrist-Recommended Shoes for Back Pain

Did you know that lower back pain can stem from insufficient support for your feet? Podiatrists recommend a few techniques, like custom orthotics and never going barefoot, in addition to shoes that prevent shock from traveling through your knees, hips and lower back. While investing in high-quality sneakersopt for supportive recovery slides or house shoes when you’re home.

  • New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880v15 Running Shoe$138 (was $150)
  • Oofos Ooahh Recovery Slide$60
  • Asics Women’s Gel-Nimbus 28 Running Shoes$170
  • Brooks Women’s Glycerin GTS 23 Supportive Running Shoe$165 (was $180)
  • Vionic Women’s Walk Strider Knit$100 (was $165)

Brooks Women’s Glycerin GTS 23 Supportive Running Shoe

Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon

$180 $165 at Amazon

This shoe uses a proprietary nitrogen-infused foam that adapts to different strides and running surfaces, so that your back will be protected from pain in many scenarios. According to one Amazon shopper who works “on concrete all day” and hits “10,000 steps halfway through” their shift, their “feet don’t hurt” and their “lower back pain has reduced.”

Oofos Ooahh Recovery Slide

Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon

$60 at Amazon

According to the brand, these recovery slides are constructed with a special foam technology that absorbs 37% more shock than the average footwear, which in turn protects your lower back. I can’t wait to wear these around the house.

Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon

Best Podiatrist-Approved Men’s Shoes

If you’re looking for supportive men’s sneakers, I’ve got you covered. Not only are these picks shopper-loved—like these New Balance sneakerswhich have over 1,000 purchases in the last month alone—but they’re all on sale, as a bonus.

  • Brooks Men’s Ghost Max 3 Neutral Running & Walking Shoe$120 (was $160)
  • New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 680 V9 Running Shoe$60 (was $85)
  • Nike Men’s Air Max Excee Shoes$71 (was $100)
  • New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer$60 (was $80)
  • Reebok Next Mile Running Men’s Shoes$71 (was $80)
  • New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe$53 (was $75)

Brooks Men’s Ghost Max 3 Neutral Running & Walking Shoe

Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon

$160 $120 at Amazon

One of our writers fell in love with this neutral pair of Brooks running and walking shoes, sharing his thoughts after testing the shoes personally: “Whether I’m walking and talking to customers during my 7-hour weekend shifts at the winery or trudging up the incline on an Orange Theory treadmill, my feet never ache in these shoes.”

New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe

Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon

$75 $53 at Amazon

Versatile and lightweight, these running shoes are ready for all your warm-weather adventures. One Amazon shopper agreed, calling the shoes “perfect for summer” and adding that “the upper part is really thin and breathable—my feet don’t overheat at all, which is a big win in hot weather.”

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