Respected podiatrist and foot/ankle specialist Dr. Tom Biernacki explains the condition well over at his wonderful YouTube channel. He states, “A shoe can make all the difference in the world.” When it comes to the best shoes for hallux rigidus he recommends footwear with a stiff heel, stiff midsole and a non-flexible forefoot.

Keeping Dr. Biernacki’s wisdom in mind, I’ve tried my best to round up the most comfortable (and stylish as possible) women’s shoes for hallux rigidus. Yours truly had a cheilectomy on my right big toe last summer due to hallux rigidus caused by rheumatoid arthritis, so I have first-foot experience with a few of these. Even if you have turf toe (a sprain or injury to the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint of the big toe), you’ll find these women’s shoe recommendations helpful!

Athletic Shoes

My personal favorite fitness shoe is the Topo Athletic Atmos (or any of their styles with a thicker sole). I love this brand so much. The toe box is wide, the arch support is perfect (so is the cushioning), and the fit at the heel is snug–plus a rocker sole! I wore them pre-cheilectomy and post-cheilectomy. You can watch my video review to find out more about the Atmos style. I also wear the Magnifly model for every day walks and fitness classes (Zumba and Les Mills Body Pump at the Y).

• Sizes: 6-12 • Width: M • Price: $106-129 from Topo Athletic, Amazon & Zappos

Hoka fitness shoes: Hoka shoes (specifically the Bondi style) are one of the best running shoes for hallux rigidus on the market. The combination of rocker sole, thick outsole, enhanced cushioning and wide toe box means the big toe is protected from cramping and over-flexing. Find the most current Hoka Bondi 9 in a variety of neutrals and brights.

•Sizes: 4-12 • Widths: M, W, XW • Price: $175 from Hoka, Zappos & Amazon

If your hallux rigidus is severe, consider the Hoka Skyward with a carbon fiber plate that stiffens the forefoot area of the shoe preventing it from bending and protecting the big toe joint.

“A friend with hallux rigidus turned me onto these and they are fantastic… the lower drop puts less pressure on my big toe.” – Zappos customer

A generous toe box, gentle forefoot rocker sole, and plush but stable platform make the New Balance Fresh Foam x 1080 a great option for hallux rigidus sufferers.

• Sizes: 5-13 • Widths: XN, N, M, W • Price: $129-164 from New Balance, Zappos & Amazon

“I looked for and purchased several shoes to accommodate my Hallux Rigidus (rigid toe) and a bone spur. None worked. They usually were too tight across the ball of my foot where I have the bone spur on the top of my foot. These shoes are perfect. I got the wide because that is what my podiatrist recommended. Most wides were to loose fitting, but these were great. Also, they have just enough “rocker” to keep my rigid toe from hurting.”

If you’re on a budget and don’t want to fork over $170 for Hokas, consider the Skechers Go Run “Consistent” line of running shoes. Read this review from a happy Zappos customer!

• Sizes: 5-11 • Width: M • Price: $63-70 from Skechers & Amazon

Casual Shoes

Fitflop has diversified their footwear collection to the point it’s hard to know which footbed you’re getting. Good news! The F-Mode footbed features their original podiatrist recommended Microwobbleboard technology (three levels of targeted cushioning plus anatomical arch support). A generous toe box and sturdy yet lightweight flatform keep sensitive toes happy.

• Sizes: 5-11 • Width: M • Price: $80-130 from Fitflop & Amazon

If you have difficult-to-fit feet (narrow or even extra wide width), the Ros Hommerson Dannon is definitely worth a try! This comfortable loafer is another excellent recommendation from a member of the Hallux Rigidus Support Group.

• Sizes: 6-13 • Widths: N, M, W, XW • Price: $129-154 from Amazon & DSW

We love the new Chelsea boot style of popular Ariat Fatbaby boot! A generous toe box, moderate arch support and thick outsole make this cute boot a excellent choice for hallux rigidus. Available in a variety of colors and patterns, sizes 5.5-12, medium and wide width (for some color choices) for $109.95 from Ariat, Amazon and Zappos.

Zappos customer Jennifer says all we need to know about the Taos Ultimate mary jane:

“I have the World’s Worst Feet. Hallux rigidus and no arches. Shoes that don’t make matters worse are really hard to find. These are wonderful. The arch support is fantastic and they have a nice wide toebox. The adjustable velcro gives a snug fit and they are super cute. Yay.”

The Taos Ultimate is available in sizes 6-11.5 for $185 from Taos Footwear, Zappos and Amazon.

I love these shoes. I own a pair and recommend them to everyone that suffers from plantar fasciitis to bunions to hallux rigidus. (see my Youtube review). The footbed is contoured to support arches, heel and metatarsals. The sole is thick and doesn’t overly bend (the name of the shoe is a misnomer), protecting the forefoot. The toe box is generous and foot-shaped. A+. Available in euro sizes 36-41 (6-10.5–I take a 41 for my size 10 feet) for $140-150 from Birkenstock, Nordstrom, Zappos and Amazon.

“No pain with Hallux Rigidus and large bone spur. I’ve tried so many nursing shoes and other rocker shoes, but these with the cork sole are the ones. I will be getting another pair in another color.” – Zappos customer

The Alegria Orygin features a removable (and replaceable) cork, latex and memory foam footbed with excellent arch support. A slip-resistant rocker sole gently propels the foot through the stride taking pressure off painful toes and heels.

Sizes: 5-12 • Widths: M & W • Price: $54-130 from Zappos, Nordstrom & Amazon

Fitflop’s take on the chunky loafer includes their trademark Microwobbleboard midsole (triple-density cushioning follows three footstep stages–firm heel, soft middle, medium at toes). The substantial one inch platform sole means limited forefoot/toe bend during the stride–a win-win for hallux rigidus toes!

•Sizes 5-11 • Width: M • Price: $105-169 from Fitflop & Amazon

The Dansko Frankie Chelsea boot comes recommended by a few members of Kristi Ferguson’s wonderful resource, The Hallux Rigidus Support Group. Featuring a rocker sole, generous toe box and cushioned footbed, the Frankie propels the foot gently through the stride taking pressure off the forefoot.

Sizes: euro 36-42 (5.5-11.5) • Width: M • Price: $180 from Dansko, Zappos & Amazon

Sandals

“Saved me. I have Hallux Rigidus aka Turf Toe aka Big Stiff Toe from arthritis and a bone spur on top. Flat feet and low volume feet. These are pretty stiff; soft but supportive with no high arch support that feels like a rock. They are adjustable. They are perfection”

I ordered a pair after reading the good reviews and while they look a little clunky on my size 10 feet, I love the fit and feel–so I wear them with confidence! See my video review here.

• Sizes: 5-12 • Width: M • Price: $84-120 from Ugg, Zappos & Nordstrom

I wore these all over the place last summer from a Canadian camping trip, to long walks down the river path near our home, to North Carolina beaches. Next stop–Akumal, Mexico. I love the Taos Super Side for its enhanced arch support, thick outsole and mild rocker, soft wateproof neoprene straps that adjust over the toes (and bone spurs). See my complete review here. (By the way, I wore these pre-cheilectomy and post!)

• Sizes 6-11 • Width: M • Price: $89-160 from Taos Footwear, Amazon and Zappos.

The Wolky Jewel sandal has been around as long as I can remember and shows no sign of retiring–I used to have a pair and sadly donated them! The firm yet shock-absorbing rocker outsole gently propels the foot forward through the stride taking pressure off the forefoot. The three adjustable straps offer a good fit for narrow to wide feet and a removable anatomic footbed provides good arch support.

• Sizes 36-44 (5.5-12.5) • Width: M • Price: $189 from Amazon and Nordstrom.

Dress Shoes for Hallux Rigidus

Recommended by members of the Hallux Rigidus Support Group, the Aerosoles Cosmos (and similar platform heel iterations) could be the golden ticket for getting through a special occasion without wincing in pain all night. The 3″ stable block heel and 1.25″ platform work together elevate the foot without the drastic toe to heel angle. An Ortholite footbed provides good cushioning to sensitive feet. Available in a variety of colors/textures in sizes 5-12, medium and wide width for $99-135 from Aerosoles, Nordstrom, Amazon and Zappos.

Thank you, Abeo, for giving us a comfortable dress sandal with a modest 2″ block heel that looks modern (dare I say svelte?). The forefoot strap adjusts to accommodate big toe bone spurs or a wider forefoot. The footbed offers arch support and is available in a metatarsal option with a met pad to alleviate forefoot pain. Find the Abeo Avenue in six colors, sizes 5-11 for $149.95 from The Walking Company.

If you must dress up for a special occasion and can manage a heel for a few hours, the Pammy heel by Ros Hommerson is one of the kinder ones. This comfortable heel features a round toe box, cushioned insole and 1/2″ platform and 3″ heel. Both buckles adjust for a great fit over the instep. Find the Ros Hommerson Pammy in sizes 5-13, medium and wide widths for $159.95 from Walking Company and Amazon.

Another closed toe dress option for hallux rigidus toes, the Aerosoles Soir features a 1″ platform and 2.5″ block heel. An Ortholite footbed keeps sensitive feet cushioned well.

• Sizes: 5-12 • Width: M • Price $51-175 from Aerosoles, Nordstrom, Amazon & DSW

Which hallux rigidus shoes (or hallux limitus shoes) have we missed?  Please leave a comment and let us know if you’ve found shoes that work for you!

The post Best Women’s Shoes for Hallux Rigidus & Hallux Limitus: 19 Stylish Picks appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.

Hi! I’m Liz – a florist at the Sweetbay shop, entrepreneur and mom of two young kids. My daily routine involves countless hours on my feet from lugging heavy buckets full of water, to standing in place designing for hours at a time.

I’ve had Hallux Rigidus for a good 15 years now and have been through all the ups and downs of shoe styles for this painful condition. I have very little mobility in both my big toes with large red bones spurs on top of my feet. They are quite pronounced and painful to look at. Style is hugely important to me and I was on the lookout for a metallic sneaker that felt chic and of course comfortable. Luckily, I stumbled upon Steve Madden’s Momentum sneaker.

It was love at first sight. The working Velcro straps are perfect for adjusting width to accommodate a bone spur in the front, but also make the shoe snug enough for those that have a narrow foot. I actually like that I can tighten the straps to really hug my foot. I ordered my larger shoe size ( 11 ) in hopes that it will allow for some more extra width. I will share that these are a more flexible sole – I actually can tolerate that well as long as the upper is not pressing down on the toe box. If you require a stiff, rocker sole I wouldn’t recommend this sneaker. These are cushy, support my feet, knees and back for a long 8-10 hours standing on my feet. I can wear my Momentums to an event installation carting back and up and down ladders and feel comfortable and stylish (I think they would even look cute with a dress or skirt). This shoe is available in medium width only, but with the Velcro closures I find the width flexible.

As an aside, I cannot wear the same shoe two days in a row. My feet and toes overcompensate for the hallux rigidus issues and I find that I need to rotate shoes constantly to change it up or else I develop a muscle strain in my feet. It’s a constant struggle!

Find a pair of Steve Madden Momentum sneakers:

• Sizes: 5-12 • Width: M • Price: $45-75 from Steve Madden, Amazon & Zappos

The post Steve Madden Sneakers Review: Momentum Style appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.

I really wanted to love Adidas Samba sneakers because they’re so chic, sleek, street-smart. But they were too low, flat and narrow on my pickety feet. If you’re young, go for a pair. If you’re older with a pair of great feet–again, go for the Sambas. But if you’ve accepted the fact that the dogs aren’t getting any younger but still love a trendy sneaker, then the Grand Court Alpha might be for you.

The Adidas Grand Court Alpha is the puffier, fluffier, roomier version of the Samba. In my video I describe the lovable features such as the Cloudfoam cushioned midsole, roomy toe box and sturdy rubber outsole. I love the densely cushioned tongue, ankle and heel. Best of all, I can fit my custom orthotics in with no problem at all.

The Grand Court Alpha runs true to size lengthwise and fits a little on the wide side. The color of mine is called wonder taupe (slightly mauve).

• Sizes: 5.5-11 • Width: M (generous fit) • Price: $50-80 from Amazon, Zappos & Nordstrom Rack • Find a deal on eBay!

The post Adidas Grand Court Alpha 00 Review : More Comfy than Sambas! appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.

Ecco Soft 7 Sneakers

My Ecco sneakers have become the first pair of shoes I reach for when packing for any trip, be it a weekend getaway to visit a friend, or an extended European vacation. Why? Let’s start with versatility.

I’m a committed light packer, and nothing takes up more space and weight in a suitcase than multiple pairs of bulky shoes. So any style that works equally well with shorts and a t-shirt, dressier pants, a trim skirt and blouse or a breezy dress is a slam dunk. Ecco sneakers are it.

Beth in her Ecco Soft 7 sneakers

Comfort is another key consideration. You’ve probably seen women teetering through an airport in pointy pumps or boots with 4-inch heels. But for me – unless there’s a wedding or gala involved – no shoe makes the packing list that isn’t 100 percent comfortable. Ecco sneakers shine in this department.

They have the best arch support of any non-workout sneaker I’ve worn. The leather upper is soft and forgiving and good underfoot cushioning means all-day walkability with no aching legs. The lace-up styling provides welcome adjustability for wider or narrower feet, or for feet that tend to swell on airplanes or during warm weather. A partial leather lining adds breathability, and the removable insole features the Ecco Comfort Fibre System, which helps keep the shoes fresh and dry.

At first I found it hard to believe all these comfort features could be found in such a sleek, stylish shoe, but the proof is in the wearing. My Ecco Soft 7 sneakers have taken me to parks, museums, restaurants, shopping malls, botanic gardens, around cities on long days of sightseeing, on light hikes, around evening fire pits, and on trains, planes and automobiles everywhere in between. They really are the perfect travel shoe. Pack them with a comfy pair of flip flops for around the hotel or AirBNB (I love both my Vionic Beach Pismo and Teva Mush flip flops), consider adding one other pair of sleek, semi-dressy comfortable shoes (like these Allbirds flats) and you’ll be good to go. Need more ankle coverage? Check out Joanne’s review of the Ecco Soft 7 bootie.

Find the Ecco Soft 7 sneaker in 11 colors, euro sizes 35-43 (4.5-12) for $160 from Zappos and Nordstrom and  Find a deal on the Soft 7 at Amazon.

Ecco Soft 7 Sneakers

The post Ecco Sneakers: Soft 7 Lace-Up Review appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.

Introduction

Hi, I’m Kirsten, a 50-something active mom, wife and former teacher who loves reviewing the most comfortable shoes for women. Living with rheumatoid arthritis gives me a unique perspective when evaluating shoe comfort and support. Today, I’m sharing my experience with the Altra Experience Flow 2, a lightweight yet thoughtfully designed running/walking shoe.

Fit & Sizing

Weight is often underrated—this shoe weighs just over 7 ounces, making it feel almost weightless out of the box. My first concern? Whether such a light shoe could support my feet, especially with chunky orthotics.

I ordered a size 10.5, intentionally sizing up as this model runs small, and to accommodate my orthotic. The fit was just right, especially with thin, seamless ankle socks; my toes reach the front without feeling cramped, and a little lace loosening gives relief for my tailors bunion.

Comfort & Design Features

Altra’s FootShape toe box is a consistent winner. The Flow 2 uses the standard foot shape—roomy without going overboard. If you need more or less space, Altra offers “original” (wider) or “slim” foot shape versions.

The thick, padded tongue provides excellent protection and comfort, especially around the ankle and lace area. The upper feels snug yet breathable, flexing naturally without squeezing. I also appreciate the densely cushioned heel tab at the back of the shoe.

Ride, Cushioning & Stability

The rocker sole delivers a smooth forward roll that eases pressure on both forefoot and heel. Cushioning is light, bouncy, and springy—EGO P35 foam feels softer and slightly more responsive than Topo Athletic’s Zipfoam(Believe in the Run).

The 4 mm heel-to-toe drop gives a subtle lift that’s easier on the plantar fascia but still maintains that grounded Altra feel.

Who Should Try This Shoe?

The Altra Experience Flow 2 is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a shoe that is:

• Arthritis-friendly – The rocker sole helps reduce joint stress and makes walking smoother, which is ideal for people managing foot pain or stiffness.
• Orthotic compatible – With the right sizing, this shoe easily accommodates custom inserts, making it a smart pick for those who rely on podiatrist-prescribed orthotics.
• Rocker sole comfort – Perfect for walkers and runners who want a shoe that propels them forward and eases pressure on the forefoot and heel.
• Everyday versatility – Light enough for exercise yet cushioned for all-day wear, making it a great option if you’re on your feet a lot.

If you’ve struggled with narrow shoes or need something that combines comfort, support, and lightweight design, the Altra Experience Flow 2 deserves a spot on your list.

Find a Pair of Altra Experience Flow 2 Shoes:

• Sizes: Women’s: 5.5-12; Men’s: 7-15 • Width: Medium/Regular with Standard Footshape Toe Box • Price: $84-140 from Altra Running with a free 30 day trial.

The post Altra Experience Flow 2 Shoe Review appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.

Best Walking Shoes:

You’ve no doubt heard the Hoka hype and wondered if they live up to it. I think it’s more than a fad at this point, Hoka is here to stay. The Bondi style seems to be a favorite among fitness walkers. Happy Hoka customer Pat says this about the Bondi 9:

“I am a walker but prefer a running shoe for the extra support. Hoka brand was recommended to me by my orthopedic foot specialist. I have bunions and at the time a numb toe due to back issues. I have since had a lumbar fusion and decided to try these shoes once I started walking again. They are wonderful for the support and comfort for both my back and feet.”

Try for yourself! Hoka offers a 30 day guarantee (take them on a test walk/run and if you’re not satisfied, return them in 30 days for a full refund or exchange). Find a pair of Hoka Bondi 9s in sizes 5-12, medium and wide widths for $175 from Hoka. Also available through Zappos and Amazon.

Best workout shoe for bunions / wide forefoot

What do I currently wear for fitness walking? The fifty-something author of this site with rheumatoid arthritis and myriad foot problems? The Topo Athletic Atmos, of course! See my detailed review here. Basically, it’s a low drop shoe (5mm) with great arch support, firm but lightweight cushioning with a generous toe box but snug fit at the mid foot and heel–perfection for my wonky feet. Find a pair of Topo Athletic Atmos shoes in sizes 6-12, medium and wide widths for $123-164.95 from Topo Athletic, Zappos and Amazon.

Honorable Mention: Ryka walking shoes (women-specific fit, good cushioning, moderate arch support); Easy Spirit Punter (wide toe box, multiple widths, removable insole for orthotic).

Best workout shoe in multiple widths

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS comes highly recommended by our Facebook community of fitness walkers with problem feet. It provides excellent support, stability and comes in hard to find sizes like 11.5 extra wide! Plus, it works well with orthotics (perhaps order up a half size?). The Brook Adrenaline GTS 23 is available in sizes 5-13, narrow to extra wide for $99-140 from Brooks Running, Zappos, and Amazon.

Best workout shoe for plantar fasciitis:

Do you have extra high arches? Chances are you supinate when you walk and run (under-pronate). The motion of pronation (rolling in of the foot during the stride) is how a normal foot absorbs shock. High arches are rigid and don’t allow the foot to roll inward therefore placing too much weight on the outer edge of the foot. Overtime, the runner (or walker) experiences tight Achilles tendon, knee pain and tight hips. We recommend the Saucony Ride 17, a lightweight yet well-cushioned shoe with a wide base for stability. Take it from a happy Saucony customer:

“This is my fifth version of these shoes and I feel like these are the most comfortable and well designed ones yet. Great for supination. They have great stability and cushion and felt amazing right out of the box.”

…and an even happier Zappos customer:

“First of all I supinate & have high arches. Then I had to have right hip & right knee replaced, so it has been hard to find shoes. I I have read about every review & YouTube video there is. These Saucony Ride 17 are awesome. I discovered I can only have a foot drop of 8mm. If you need cushioning, theses are for you. I tried Hoka, Asics, Brooks, etc, but these are the best.”

Find the Saucony Ride 17 in sizes 5-12 for $105-140 from Saucony, Zappos and Nordstrom.

If you absolutely can’t bear the thought of cramped toes in your workout shoes, let us introduce you to Altra shoes. Their trademarked FootShape fit is a fast friend to feet with bunions, hammertoes, arthritic forefoot, or toes that crave space.

Available in sizes 5.5-12 for $140 from Altra Running, Zappos, and Amazon.

The post Best Workout Shoes for Problem Feet? See Our Top 6 Picks appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.

Disclaimer: I am not a runner. I wear running shoes to work out because they cushion my joints better than other types of fitness shoes (I do an interval-type workout of elliptical, rower and weights along with Zumba dance). If you have compromised joints yet still enjoy working out, read on. Or if you wear custom orthotics and have a difficult time finding an exercise shoe to accommodate them, watch the above On Cloud 5 review by yours truly (the pick up a pair of Not Socks orthotic covers–the combo of On Clouds +orthotics+Not Socks has been a game-changer for me–see my Not Socks review here).

It was 2018 when I bought my first and only (until now) pair of On Cloud shoes. The pod-soled shoes hadn’t trended yet but the initial reviews were stellar. At the time, there were only a few styles to choose from, so I opted for the original On Cloud sneaker–similar to the one featured above. I loved how lightweight they felt on my aching RA feet and how the mesh uppers conformed to my bunions and hammertoes. But over time, I opted for more supportive footwear as I found the arch support of the On Clouds to be minimal to moderate at best.

Fast forward six years and On Cloud shoes have taken off among Lululemon moms, Gen-X dads, health professionals, serious athletes…and then there’s me: 50-something former teacher with rheumatoid arthritis that has ruined her feet. Yep, I bought myself the same basic On shoes I wore back in 2018 with a new motivation: I wanted a pair of stylish sneakers that would accommodate my new clunky orthotics. I already have my favorite fitness shoes for Zumba and long walks (Topo Athletic), but I wanted something a little spiffier for casual outings around town.

I read that the On Cloud 5 runs just a little short, so I ordered the 10.5 (glad they carry this unicorn size). They accommodate my orthotics perfectly as you can see in the above video. The speed lacing system stretches nicely to conform to my instep which an be painful due to midfoot arthritis and a bone spur on top of my left foot (I swear, I’m falling apart).

Of course, the signature CloudTec® cushioning pods on the outsole provide that springy, lightweight feel that I remember from my very first pair of On Cloud shoes six years ago. These are keepers. Whatever it takes to cheer up my sad feet, I’m ON it!

• Sizes: womens 5-12, mens 7-15 • Width: M • Price: $160 from ON, Zappos, Amazon & Nordstrom

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Someone recommended UIN shoes over on my BarkingDogShoes.com Facebook page, so I had to investigate and I’m glad I did. They appeal to my creative, whimsical, free-spirited side and also to my slightly less prominent practical side.

The upper is made of 100% cotton canvas. It’s lightweight, breathable and easy on the toe bumps (bunions, hammertoes, bone spurs). The intricate designs are created with digital inkjet technology which means they’ll stay vivid, no fading (even through washes–yes! they’re machine washable).

The toe box is generous allowing toes to spread out and there’s an elastic goring inset at the instep that allows the shoe to stretch for easy on and off.

The EVA outsole is lightweight and features a fairly detailed map of Toledo, Spain (the artistic designer’s hometown).

UIN shoes feature a removable Ortholite footbed (you can see what it looks like in above video) which is key for me as I must wear custom orthotics to keep my arthritic feet from complaining. They fit nicely into the Toledo 1 canvas slip-on and provide needed structure to the shoe. I did order up a half size to make sure I had plenty of room for orthotics.

I’m anticipating wearing my new UIN shoes on an upcoming trip to the Mayan Riviera. They seem like perfect airport shoes (easy on and off) and lightweight walk-about shoes on days I want my toes covered. I’ll report back!

The UIN Toledo 1 canvas slip-on runs wide and is available in women’s sizes 5.5-10.5 and men’s sizes 6.5-12.5 for $120-145 from Uin Footwear and Amazon. Find a pair for 50% off in Uin’s sale section.

There is free shipping/returns available for both sites, just note that it can take up to 10 days to receive shoes with a 30 day return window (full disclosure: shoes originated in Spain but are now made in China–read more here).

The post UIN Shoes Review: Wearable (and Comfortable!) Art for Your Feet appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.

The incredible Birkenstock Bend sneaker is the magic bullet for alleviating discomfort from foot maladies such as plantar fasciitis, over-pronation, fallen arches, metatarsalgia, Morton’s neuroma, bunions, etc.

Watch my video review to find out more about the Birkenstock Bend and its comfort features. I call my Birkenstock Arizona sandals my “second feet” since they provide the support and comfort my troubled feet need–rheumatoid arthritis has done a number on my feet. So imagine my excitement to discover that Birkenstock makes a sneaker with the same contoured cork and latex footbed that I’ve come to know and love. Plus, the toe box is roomy and accommodates bunions, tailor’s bunions and other forefoot issues.

If you need to use a custom orthotic, the footbed in the Birkenstock Bend is removable and replaceable (but the footbed is so wonderfully supportive, you may not need your orthotics).

I wear a euro 41 for my size 10 feet and they fit like a dream (I also wear a narrow/medium width which fits like a true medium). The Birkenstock Bend is available in euro sizes 36-42 for $150 from Nordstrom, Zappos and Amazon.

Find a pair of Birkenstock Bend sneakers for a fraction of retail price from my curated collection on eBay!

The post Birkenstock Bend Review: The Good For You Sneaker appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.

Transcript from Kizik Athens Review video

Hi, I’m Kirsten from BarkingDogShoes.com and today I’m reviewing the Kizik Athens. Let’s take these for a walk! It’s a lovely morning here along the White River in Indiana. I’m going to be walking in my new Kiziks and giving you a play by play of how they feel on my feet as we take a little walk. So join me! My first thought is that the toe box feels really good. And as you know, I have rheumatoid arthritis in my forefoot and pretty much all over my body, along with bunions and tailors bunions.

These are really airy feeling too. I have them on with a pair of socks. I wear a lot of my shoes without socks because that extra space that they take up can sometimes irritate the tops of my feet. But anyway I have a pair of Bombas socks on.

So the arch support is moderate. It’s definitely not enhanced. It’s not going to feel like, for example, my Topos that have enhanced arch support or perhaps, you know, anything like my Birkenstocks that I live in. But it’s roomy enough to accommodate an orthotic. In fact, I have a family member that has to wear orthotics every single day. So she bought a pair of Kiziks and they work really well with her orthotics.

The feature that differentiated Kizik from other sneakers is this interesting bounce-back heel that allows you to slip the shoes on hands free and have it pop right back into place. The Kizik Athens also features a dense outsole made of something called rabbit foam. I’m not sure what that means, maybe because it gives you the hops! I like how the shoe does not flex too much at the forefoot. We’ve talked about this before on here –that if you have hallux rigidus or hallux limitus or anything else that causes pain in the forefoot, you don’t want a shoe that flexes too much.

You should note that the footbed is removable. It offers moderate arch support, but it allows plenty of room for you to insert your own orthotic. This hands-free spring back heel can be super helpful, a godsend if you’re pregnant and you can’t tie your shoes in the last trimester. If you have rheumatoid arthritis or other arthritic conditions in your hands that make tying laces just really irritating.

If you’ve just had surgery and you can’t bend over to tie your shoes, if you’re aging and it’s just difficult to get your foot in position to tie them, then Kizik is a brand you’re going to want to look into. This is only one of many styles. The Kizik Athens is available in sizes 5 to 13, medium and wide widths. They also make them for kids and men too. If I was a mom of youngins these days, I would definitely get a pair of these for them because I remember my boys. They were never taking the time to untie or tie their laces. They were constantly crushing down the heel of their shoes until there was absolutely no heel counter left. That’s not the case with these. This will compress down and pop right back up!

Find the Kizik Athens (and other hands-free Kizik styles) in whole and half sizes 6-13, medium and wide (EE) widths for $70-129 from Kizik. Update 2025: Kizik released the Athens 2 with a gender-specific fit, better traction and a rocker sole!

The post Kizik Athens Video Review: Hands Free and Orthotic-Friendly appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.