Top Shoe Brands for Sore Feet Relief

Finding the perfect pair of shoes that provide comfort for sore feet can be a game changer in enhancing daily activities and overall well-being. Many brands have dedicated themselves to creating footwear that focuses on foot health, with innovative designs and technologies that offer exceptional support and cushioning. From specialized orthotic options to stylish choices that don’t compromise on comfort, understanding the best brands available is crucial for those who experience foot discomfort. Below, we've compiled a list of the top shoe brands renowned for their exceptional comfort, support, and design tailored for soothing sore feet.

Illustration of shoe for sore feet

Best brands of shoe for sore feet in 2025

Brooks

Brooks is renowned as one of the best producers of shoes for sore feet, offering exceptional cushioning, support, and stability. Their shoes, such as the Brooks Beast and Adrenaline GTS, feature advanced technologies like GuideRails and DNA LOFT foam, which adapt to the wearer's stride and weight, providing up to 51% softer cushioning than average shoes. These features are particularly beneficial for individuals with arthritis or foot pain, as they help reduce joint stress and inflammation. For example, the Brooks Glycerin 21 boasts a heel stack of 37.2 mm and a forefoot stack of 26.6 mm, ensuring endless comfort and stability. Additionally, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 offers a midsole softness of 19.5 HA, which is 18.41% softer than most shoes, providing optimal balance between support and comfort. For more insights on arthritis-friendly footwear, explore the benefits of Brooks athletic tennis shoes.

New Balance

New Balance is highly regarded as one of the best producers of shoes for sore feet, particularly for conditions like plantar fasciitis and flat feet. Their shoes, such as the New Balance 880 V13 and 860 V13, feature advanced technologies like Fresh Foam X cushioning, which provides high-density, high-durability comfort and support. The 860 V13, for instance, offers extra thick padding and cushioning to help tilt the foot outward, reducing strain on the plantar fascia, making it ideal for those with lower arches. Additionally, New Balance shoes are known for their customizable fit and width options, ensuring a proper fit for various foot shapes and sizes. This commitment to quality, comfort, and support has earned New Balance a reputation as a go-to option for optimal foot health. For more insights, check out The Podiatrist's Pick: New Balance Shoes for Optimal Foot Health.

Hoka One One

Hoka One One is renowned for producing some of the best shoes for sore feet, particularly with their maximalist cushioning that provides exceptional comfort and support. Their shoes, such as the HOKA Bondi, offer 360 degrees of comfort and a soft mesh upper, making them ideal for relieving foot and knee discomfort, especially for those who stand or walk all day. The Bondi features a midsole hardness of 20.4 HA, which is 21.2% softer than average, ensuring a plush and comfortable ride. HOKA shoes are also praised for their durability, with some models lasting hundreds of miles, and their innovative designs, including breathable uppers and carbon plate technology. These features make HOKA shoes a top choice for runners and individuals with flat feet or other foot issues.

ASICS

ASICS is renowned for producing some of the best shoes for sore feet, particularly for conditions like plantar fasciitis and rheumatoid arthritis. The ASICS Gel-Kayano Lite, for example, offers enhanced internal supportive chambers and a wider plantar base to improve foot alignment and reduce abnormal foot motion, which is crucial for preventing early erosive changes in rheumatoid arthritis patients. The Gel Nimbus 26 stands out with its midsole foam being 21.6% softer than the average road running shoe, providing exceptional comfort and cushioning. The GT 2000 13 is another top pick, offering a lightweight stability shoe with a 3D Guidance System that promotes balance and sure-footedness, and it is 11.5 mm wider in the heel than average. These features make ASICS shoes highly recommended for runners seeking relief from foot pain.

Skechers

Skechers is highly regarded for producing shoes that offer significant relief for sore feet, particularly for individuals with plantar fasciitis. The brand is known for its high comfort and affordable pricing, which has helped it achieve over $2 billion in quarterly sales in 2023, a 10% increase from the previous year. Skechers shoes are lauded for their cushioning, arch support, and flexible outsoles, which are beneficial in alleviating heel pain and reducing pressure on the plantar fascia. The Skechers Arch Fit series, for example, offers exceptional stability and cushioning, with a heel stack height of 39.2 mm, which is one of the highest recorded among walking shoes. However, it is important to note that while Skechers can be very comfortable, they may not be ideal for everyone, especially those with underlying biomechanical issues. For more details on their products, visit the official Skechers website.

Orthofeet

Orthofeet is renowned for producing some of the best shoes for sore feet, leveraging state-of-the-art footwear technology and advanced foot biomechanics. Their shoes feature anatomical orthotic insoles that help relieve heel and foot pain, reduce pressure, and provide excellent support for flat feet, bunions, and other foot conditions. A 12-week crossover randomized controlled trial found that Orthofeet shoes significantly reduced foot pain and disability in older adults, with notable improvements in "foot pain at its worst" and "overall Foot Function Index score". Additionally, 58% of users would likely recommend Orthofeet to a friend or colleague, highlighting their satisfaction with the comfort and relief provided by these shoes. Orthofeet's innovative designs, such as the Ortho-Cushion(tm) System and ergonomic sole with mild rocker design, enhance comfort and stability. To explore more about the Orthofeet Advantage, visit their website for detailed insights on how their advanced footwear solutions can benefit you.

Vionic

Vionic is renowned as one of the best producers of shoes for sore feet, backed by a peer-reviewed clinical study that shows their contoured sandals are 68% more likely to improve heel pain symptoms compared to flat flip-flops over a 12-week period. Designed by podiatrists, Vionic shoes feature the Orthaheel orthotic footbed, which reduces pronation and corrects abnormal foot positioning, providing relief for conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and Morton's neuroma. With over 30 years of podiatric medical success, Vionic's supportive technology promotes natural alignment and offers addictive support. Their shoes are recommended by healthcare professionals and have received 5-star feedback from patients. Vionic's commitment to combining style with maximum comfort makes them a trusted choice for those seeking relief from foot pain.

Saucony

Saucony is renowned as one of the best producers of shoes for runners, particularly those with sore feet, thanks to its over a century of expertise in athletic footwear. Founded in 1898, Saucony has developed innovative technologies such as ISOFIT and EVERUN, which provide superior fit, comfort, and energy return. Their shoes, like the Guide and Endorphin series, are designed to offer cushioning and stability, making them ideal for runners with various foot types and pronation issues. With a significant increase in demand following their top 10 selection by Runner's World in the late 1980s, Saucony continues to innovate, ensuring high-quality products for athletes. Their shoes are tailored for different running styles, including trail running and racing, with features like GORE-TEX waterproof protection and PWRTRAC rubber outsoles. For more insights on Saucony's evolution from spikes to streetwear, you can visit their detailed history.

Clarks

Clarks is renowned as one of the best producers of shoes for sore feet, with a history spanning nearly 200 years since its founding in 1825 by Cyrus and James Clark. The brand is committed to craftsmanship, innovating comfort technologies, and studying foot biomechanics to ensure healthy and happy feet. According to Clarks' 2024 survey, 43% of women report health issues such as back and foot pain due to uncomfortable shoes, highlighting the importance of Clarks' focus on comfort and support. Their shoes are designed to reduce the risk of injury, enhance posture, improve circulation, and provide stable arch support, making them a reliable choice for those seeking relief from foot pain. Clarks' meticulous approach to shoe design has led to iconic styles like the Wallabee and Desert Boot, which are worn by various groups and continue to define generations.

Merrell

Merrell is renowned for producing high-quality shoes that offer excellent support, stability, and protection, making them an ideal choice for individuals with sore feet. Their shoes, such as the Merrell Moab 2 Vent, provide superior heel and arch support, along with a rigid and wide Vibram sole, which is particularly beneficial for people with flat feet or plantar fasciitis. Merrell shoes have been tested over long periods, with some users reporting they last over 3 years and more than 1000 miles of use. The brand prioritizes comfort and durability, although this can result in slightly heavier shoes compared to competitors. Despite some reports of quality decline, many users attest to the enduring quality of Merrell footwear. For more insights, check out this detailed review on Merrell shoes.