4 Podiatrist-Recommended Shoes for Spring

As the weather starts to warm up (or maybe you have a tropical vacation on the calendar), shoe style choices definitely diversify. And some of us (hi, it’s me!) are thrilled to break out of our winter shoe rut and start showing more skin in the form of ankle-bearing flats and sexy heeled sandals. There’s a potential problem, though: some of our favorite skin-showing shoe choices aren’t actually good for your feet. “Certain types of footwear are best avoided if you want to keep your feet healthy and pain-free,” says Arti Karmur, DPM, Podiatrist at HealthyU Clinics. 

“As a podiatrist, I often see patients suffering from foot pain and injuries that could be avoided with proper footwear choices. With spring approaching, it’s essential to be mindful of your shoe selection when it comes to sandals, sneakers, and special occasion shoes,” says Karmur. 

So, with that in mind, I asked a small handful of podiatrists and footwear experts for the top spring shoe styles to avoid and what we should be wearing instead. Here’s what they said: 

Don’t Wear: Flip Flops

Do Wear: Chaco Z/Cloud Sandals

“Flip-flops offer little to no arch support, cushioning or shock absorption, which can lead to issues like plantar fasciitis, arch pain and ankle instability,” says Karmur. Instead, Kamur says to opt for sandals with arch support, cushioned footbeds and adjustable straps for stability, like these Chaco Z Cloud sandals. “Adjustable straps also keep your foot securely in place to get proper support from the footbed,” adds Derek Roach, owner of Flow Feet Orthopedic Shoes, an orthopedic and comfort shoe company.

Don’t Wear: Ballet Flats

Do Wear: Vionic Women’s Uptown Loafer

“I do not recommend any type of shoes that do not have arch support, such as flats,” says Janine Ferrigno-Taddeo, DPM, Vice President of Millburn Podiatry Group. And Kamur adds that ballet flats, with their thin soles and inadequate support, can strain the arches and heels, especially if worn for extended periods. You should prioritize comfort and support—and Vionic is a great choice because the brand is known for its supportive footbeds and ergonomic designs.

Don’t Wear: Pointed Toe Dress Shoes

Do Wear: Vionic Women’s Kirra

“Narrow- or pointed-toe dress shoes are commonly worn for special occasions,” says Kamur, and that can be problematic. “Cramped toe boxes put pressure on the forefoot, increasing the risk of bunions, hammertoes, and metatarsalgia.” Look for a shoe with a wider toe box. Or go for something like this Vionic Kirra style with ample room for the toes, but is also supportive. “When a shoe allows your toes to spread more naturally, you get better weight distribution across the foot, and that provides more stability when walking and prevents pressure points on the foot,” adds Roach. 

Don’t Wear: High High Heels

Do Wear: Naturalizer Women’s Vera Ankle Strap Block Heel Dress Sandal

Don’t worry: Wearing heels is still allowed! Just look for shoes with lower heels—preferably under two inches—and with cushioned insoles, says Kamur. Similar to shoes with pointed toes, “excessive heel height can place immense pressure on your forefoot.” 

Other Podiatrist-Approved Shoes for Spring

Oofos Ooahh Recovery Slide

Propét Women’s Ultra Athletic Sneaker

Vionic Women’s Reese Slingbacks Sandal

Clarks Women’s Sharon Dolly Loafer

Orthofeet Men’s Orthopedic Hands-Free Tilos Slip-On Sneakers

Vionic Men’s Walk Max Sneaker

Can’t find a shoe or style that you like? The experts I interviewed also put their stamp of approval on Hoka, Aetrex, Oofos, New Balance and Brooks.