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A few months ago, I slipped in my kitchen and ended up breaking my foot. The break was minor, but even after getting my boot removed weeks ago, the foot pain has remained — as have any hopes of wearing my cute heeled sandals this summer. At first, I thought I was destined to wear unattractive recovery shoes everywhere, but I did my research and found more than a few comfortable, stylish pairs that actually help with foot pain.
Whether you’re recovering from a break, fracture, or surgery, or you’re dealing with something like plantar fasciitis, the sneakers and sandals below are supportive enough to get you through the day, even when you’re on your feet most of the time. They offer plenty of cushioning and arch support, and maybe even better, they’re chic and elevated. Shop some of my favorite picks that I’ve been living in this summer.
13 Comfy Shoes I Wear All The Time For Foot Pain
1. My Favorite: Hoka is a brand recommended by my orthopedic surgeon, and the Hoka Bondi 9 sneakers have been my favorite reliable shoes ever since. They’re incredibly supportive, cushioned and stacked — they’re comfortable even when I’m wearing them for hours. The chunky sneaker look is so stylish and goes with everything.
2. Runner-Up: For the summer days it’s too hot to wear sneakers and socks, I almost always reach for strappy Crocs sandals. The minimalist design makes them so versatile, and they’re soft, lightweight and flexible while still offering an impressive amount of support.
3. Beach Day Go-To: I’m always at the beach and knew I needed a reliable pair of shoes that could stand up to the sand and keep my feet comfortable. These Crocs buckle sandals fit the bill, with a comfy fit and supportive feel that is still very lightweight.
4. Hands-Free Sneaker: Sliding in and out of these hands-free sneakers is an absolute breeze. They have laces, so they look like normal sneakers, but they’re actually slip-ons. They’re so cute and have high-rebound cushioning that makes them a dream to wear. I walked around Disney World for four days with these on, with no issues at all.
5. Casual and Comfy: A pair of flip-flops is essential for the summer, but with foot pain, that can feel hard. These are an exception — they offer memory foam cushioning, arch support to relieve fatigue and a padded strap that won’t leave blisters.
6. Active Staple: My On Cloud sneakers have been a wardrobe staple since I first got them years ago. They’re reliably comfortable for walking, exercising or just running errands, and the athletic style makes them feel casual in the cutest way.
7. Versatile Basic: After breaking my foot, I found that the bulkier the shoe, the more comfortable it felt. These slip-on sneakers offer a comfy fit, with a wide base for stability and a thick midsole with plenty of cushioning. Plus, they’re a breeze to put on.
8. For Some Height: Since I couldn’t imagine ditching heels completely, I knew I had to find a comfy pair. Enter these low wedge sandals, which feature a small platform heel that offers just enough height. They’re surprisingly stable and supportive thanks to a raised insole.
9. Hot Girl Walk: Once I felt comfortable going on walks again, I started reaching for these lightweight athletic sneakers. They have responsive cushioning that absorbs shock and impact, and they’re made of a breathable mesh that helps keep feet cool.
10. Dress Up or Down: I’ve had these Dr. Scholl’s sneakers forever, and after breaking my foot, they came right back out of the closet. These are a little more casual rather than athletic, so they go with everything from dresses to leggings. Plus, the flexible outsoles offer plenty of grip and comfort.
11. Looks Expensive: I love slipping on these leather slides, which look more expensive than they are and offer the most supportive feel. The sturdy footbed is made with stable natural cork and cushioned memory foam, and the base keeps my foot steady.
12. Walking On Clouds: Perfect for running errands, hanging with friends or just walking around the house, these rubber slides are cute and versatile. They’re also waterproof, lightweight and secure, made with cushioning that helps reduce impact and foot fatigue as you move around.
13. Elevated Feel: These might be Crocs platform sandals, but they look like a much more elevated option – and they’re super comfortable too. The platform offers just enough height without compromising support, and it’s very lightweight.
