These shoes are made for walking

On a long weekend walk in New York last year, I took full advantage of strolling down skyscraper canyons, exploring charming cobblestoned streets, and ambling down the paths of Central Park. But all of the hoofing caused a wicked case of plantar fasciitis the likes of which I have never before experienced. I tried to treat the pain with stretches, Dr. Scholl’s shoe inserts, and ice, but eventually I had to admit more extreme measures were necessary: it was time to invest in some comfortable shoes.

A lot of us start feeling foot pain in midlife even if we didn’t spend our 20s and 30s wearing stilettos. Our feet put up with a lot, and even normal wear and tear over the years can cause them to start making noise. Almost a quarter of people over 45 report some kind of foot pain.

While in recent years I’ve made some concessions to comfort in my shoes (I rarely wear heels anymore), looking good has always been important to me. Could I find stylish, comfortable shoes to help heal my pain, or would I be relegated to ugly orthopedic clunkers?

Luckily, there are options beyond Crocs, whether you are suffering from a (hopefully) short-term condition like me or facing more long-term foot pain from arthritis, bunions, gout, or just plain age. 

My first stop was my neighborhood Fleet Feet, which scans your feet to assess factors like arch height, instep height, and gait to recommend the best shoe options. I have both a high arch and a high instep, which led the staff member to suggest a few different brands and styles. After walking around the store in a few pairs, I opted for some Hoka shoes — specifically Cliftons, which compared to my other shoes, feels like walking on a cloud. 

I’m not a sneaker person — my look trends more toward chic than sporty. But I decided I could make these work, choosing a pretty lilac color that gives a boost to my wardrobe of navy, gray, and green. 

Is this a silhouette I would normally choose? No. But part of being stylish is having confidence about unexpected combinations, so I’ve paired them with everything from wide-legged jeans to a black pantsuit. And it’s been fun experimenting with a different vibe. 

Fashionable feet without the pain

Luckily, there are more choices than ever for cool-looking shoes that are good for your feet. 

Did anyone else wear Birkenstocks during a hippie phase? While these cork-soled sandals were long associated with granola-eating earth-child types, today you can find styles that are — dare I say it — even sleek. The EVA sandals are made out of an extremely light and cushioning plastic material, making them even more comfortable than the traditional version. And they come in appealingly bright colors.

I also like the sporty touches on other lines, like the platform soles in white. 

While many orthotic-friendly shoes are easily identified as such, Naot has some sandals, loafers, and boots that are extremely fashion-friendly. Naot’s regular shoes are also designed with comfort in mind. 

If you suffer from occasional foot pain after runs or long walks, recovery shoes may be the answer. Extremely supportive, comfortable, and shock-absorbing, these are designed to reduce pressure on the feet and minimize muscle fatigue and soreness. They’re also an alternative to walking barefoot on floors — another activity that can cause or prolong plantar fasciitis pain.

The key to styling these is to keep the rest of your look on point. If you’re already a fan of athleisure, you should have no problem. However, for the rest of us, it can be challenging to incorporate these into our wardrobe successfully.

If you only have the funds for one pair, choose a style that best fits your usual look. If you tend toward a classic vibe, a pair of loafers might be the ones for you, while those with a more fashion-forward aesthetic might go for some statement boots. For the goth and bohemian girlies, clogs can look great with long skirts.

You can incorporate comfortable sneakers into your regular wardrobe, but make sure your entire outfit is crisp and clean, or you risk looking sloppy. Confidence is the key here: if you feel like you can pull them off with some dressier pants, go for it.

More options for reducing foot pain: orthotic insoles and padded socks

Maybe you don’t need to go full-on with the shoes but need some relief. In that case, there are accessories and other options that can help.

Orthotic insoles work with regular shoes to add arch support and padding. You can find Dr. Scholl’s at any drugstore, but you might consider higher-end or custom-designed versions to target your specific needs.

There are even socks that can help. Padded socks are available for almost every type of exercise. I’ve found a lot of relief from these socks specifically designed to relieve plantar fasciitis pain by improving circulation, stretching the fascia, and providing additional support.

After a couple of months of wearing my Hokas, doing regular calf and foot stretches, and donning my special socks, I’m experiencing significant improvement, and I’m hoping to be pain-free soon. But I’ll need to treat my feet better in the future, which means no more long walks in flats or flimsy sandals. Luckily, there’s no need to trade style for comfort.