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.

You may notice many of our sandals with arch support have a back strap. This is intentional, as we recently learned from Dr. Cathleen McCarthy, a top podiatrist in Phoenix and author of Podiatry Shoe Review, that sandals with back straps are a must if you suffer from hammertoes or bunions. The rear foot control that a back strap provides discourages toe-gripping to keep the sandal on (this motion speeds up the progression of hammertoes…and bunions.)   Even if bunions and hammertoes aren’t an issue for your feet, you may still appreciate the security of a back strap, but we’ve also included some supportive slip-on options.

Clogs are making yet another comeback for 2025 and I’m happy to see that Dansko has kept this cutie around for yet another “Season.” Two velcro straps allow for a customized fit (even though the ankle strap looks like a real buckle). If you struggle with arthritis of the big toe (hallux rigidus) or need a rocker sole shoe to take pressure off the forefoot, the Dansko Season is a great choice. Plus it offers excellent arch support and cushioning for the sole.

• Sizes: euro 36-42 (5.5-12) • Width: M • Price: $61-130 from Dansko, Zappos & Amazon

“Really surprised by these, they blow my Teva and Chaco sandals out of the water! I can’t wait to wear them all summer. Recommend sizing down a half size from your Vionic sneaker/boot size.” Vionic customer

Incorporating Vionic’s newest and most lightweight midsole (Super Critical Foam) infused with nitrogen, the Vionic Walk Max Wanderer offers enhanced arch support, deep hee cup and three padded, adjustable straps.

• Sizes: 5-13 • Widths: M & W • Price: $63-150 from Vionic Shoes, Zappos and Amazon.

If your podiatrist insists on you wearing orthotics even in the summer, the Revere Emerald comes in clutch. A removable contoured footbed allows for the use of personal orthotics and three adjustable straps (forefoot, instep and ankle) ensure a secure fit.

• Sizes: 5-12 • Widths: M & W • Price: $169.95 from Comfort Co. Shoes and Amazon.

If you like the Skechers price point, but have found them to be less than supportive, think again! Skechers new machine-washable Arch Fit collection features shoes and sandals with podiatrist-certified arch support, contoured memory foam insoles and bunion-concealing stretch uppers.

• Sizes: 5-13 • Width: M • Price: $53-55 from Amazon & Zappos

As a The Walking Company customer so aptly put it, “It’s so nice to have a shoe manufacturer that not only takes care of my orthopedic needs, but also my aesthetic needs.” The Abeo Solstice sandal features a built-in orthotic footbed with enhanced arch support and a real buckle for a secure fit around the ankle. We love that the Solstice comes in both a neutral and metatarsal (for high arches) insole.

• Sizes: 5-11 • Width: M (run slightly wide) • Price: $79 from The Walking Company & Nordstrom

Minimalist but with maximum arch support. Basic design yet beautiful. This is the Naot Kayla. It’s been one of Naot’s bestsellers for years and for good reason. A cork and latex footbed molds to your foot’s shape over time and a 1.5″ wedge heel provides just enough lift. Available in 25 colors!

• Sizes: Euro 35-43 (4-12.5) • Width: M & W • Price: $119-145 from Naot, Zappos, Nordstrom & Amazon

SAS Pampa sandal:  Every Zappos customer that left a review for the sandal awarded it five stars for comfort–every single one so far!  A contoured footbed with soft suede lining conforms to the natural arch and curves of the foot.

Extra cushioning at the ball-of-foot and heel comes as a welcome relief for those suffering with plantar fasciitis or metatarsalgia (forefoot pain). Available in whole and half sizes 5-12 (including hard-to-find 10.5 and 11.5), medium and wide widths at Zappos, and Amazon.

The Orthofeet Paloma will comfort your troubled feet. A removable orthotic insole allows for the use of Orthofeet’s specialized Arch Booster system (a small orthotic device that can be placed under the insole for added arch support). Adjustable straps and a mild rocker sole enhance the overall comfort and support of the Orthofeet Paloma sandal. Find it in sizes 5-12, medium and wide widths for $97.95 at Orthofeet.com.

More arch support sandals that deserve mention: Mephisto Helen (see our review) and the Stegmann Layna wedge (see our review).

What are your favorite sandals with arch support? We get some of our best info from our readers, so please chime in! For more recommendations, check out our recently updated “6 Stylish Sandals for Hallux Rigidus” as most feature excellent arch support.

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Hello, Kirsten!
I have been reading your blog for a few months now. Your blog has helped me on my never-ending search for shoes. I have been living with plantar fasciitis for 2 1/2 years. After 1 1/2 years of treatment I finally gave up and had surgery. It has now been a year since my bone spur removal and heel resection. I still have pain. I have tried 3 different custom orthotics which lead to new pain in my knees, hips and lower back. I gave up on them.

Your blog lead me 2 months ago to Alegria Paloma. A welcome relief. I still have pain when the shoes are off but at least I can walk now without pain. I can not tell you how much I appreciate you for helping me find these shoes. I need to know what other brands of plantar faciitis sandals might help me? I think I should have a rocker bottom as well as a very stiff sole, no flex seems to help, but I think the key is the cushioning to keep my knees and hips from aching. Thanks so much for you and your blog!

I am very sorry to hear about your post-surgical heel pain. Yet, I’m happy to hear you’ve found temporary relief while wearing certain styles of plantar fasciitis shoes from Alegria footwear–a godsend to many with PF, over-pronation problems and other foot maladies. Since you’re well into sandal season in California, let me recommend five styles that won’t over-flex while providing good cushioning and support. Alegria sandals are a great place to start, but I’d like to show you a variety of styles from reputable comfort brands.

“These are cute and they really help me manage my plantar fasciitis pain. There’s a mild break in period to get used to the support, but I got zero blisters and can now wear these shoes very comfortably with almost every spring and summer outfit I have!” – Vionic customer Mrs Lindy611

Vionic has done it again with the stylish Mar platform sandal! Enhanced arch support takes strain off the fascia and a deep heel cup with back strap keeps the feet secure. An added bonus for those that hate velcro closures–it’s a real buckle! Available in sizes 5-12, medium and wide widths for $85-135 from Zappos, Amazon & DSW.

“I have a very hard time finding a comfortable shoe. I have 3 neuromas in each foot and if that’s not bad enough I have plantar fasciitis in one too! I bought the tan pair and they look so cute with flare or straight leg jeans, shorts or even a summer dress. I do a lot of walking too and these are steady and secure on my feet. Fit great. I highly recommend!” -Taos customer Bev

Adjustability, excellent arch and metatarsal support, shock-absorbing cushion all in a good-looking sandal. Many A+ reviews for fit, comfort and style. The Show by Taos is available in whole sizes 6-11, medium and wide widths for $139-155 from Taos Footwear, Zappos and Amazon.

“As a teacher, I’m up and down on my feet all day. I have severe plantar fasciitis and these shoes ensure I don’t end the day crying.” – Kuru customer Sharon

The Kuru Coda Muse features Kuru’s patented, built-in KURUSOLE–a heel-hugging technology that flexes with each step to hug your heels and support your arches to help fight plantar fasciitis pain. There’s elastic goring at the top of each strap to accommodate different foot shapes. Available in whole sizes 5-12, medium width for $139 from Kuru Footwear.

“I’ve worn these for three years and finally getting a new pair. I suffer from plantar fasciitis and these sandals are super comfy to wear all day in the summer. Great, cheaper alternative to Birks.”- Amazon customer Chel

This Birkenstock Mayari dupe scores high marks for comfort and plantar fasciitis relief for a fraction of the Birk price tag. While the straps are made of faux leather, the cork footbed is covered in genuine suede. The arch support isn’t as aggressive as Birkenstock and there’s no metatarsal support, so keep that in mind. Available in sizes 6-12, medium and wide widths for $34.99 from Amazon.

“Great looking shoes. I bought them for the arch for my plantar fasciitis and they are very helpful. The leather is very soft. Comfortable from day one.” – Zappos customer Carey B.

This is just one of many Fitflop Lulu styles, but we endorse it because of the ankle strap which helps secure the heel. The MicroWOBBLEBOARD EVA midsole features a high-density heel, low-density midsection, and mid-density toe cap that provides arch support and firm cushioning. Available in sizes 5-11 for $68-110 from Fitflop, Zappos, Amazon and Nordstrom.

We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment about your favorite sandals for plantar fasciitis.

The post Reader Request: 5 Plantar Fasciitis Sandals with Style and Support appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.

The Oofos Oolala Sandal provides exceptional arch support, which has been instrumental in taking the pressure off my sensitive forefoot (I recently had a cheilectomy and fifth metatarsal osteotomy). There’s a mild rocker sole also, which guides the foot through the stride while alleviating pressure on heel and toes.

I typically don’t like the feel of a toe post, but after a few days, it didn’t bother me at all. I understand podiatrists say to steer clear of flip flops, but Oofos sandals are anything but flimsy.

I find the fit is true. The Oofos Oolala sandal is available in whole sizes 5-11 for $69.95 from Oofos.com, Zappos, and Amazon. (FYI, the color in the video is called “Stardust”).

The post Oofos OOlala Sandal Review: Video Review appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.

The lovely Mephisto Helen sandal comes back year after year in new colors, textures and patterns.  Its classic style and superb support make it a crowd favorite among comfort shoe lovers. And if I may say so, it edges out Birkenstock just a smidge in the style category with its studded, sparkling upper.

The Mephisto Helen sandal features Soft-Air Technology: a shock-absorbing midsole that relieves pressure on joints and spine. The cork and latex footbed is contoured with anatomical support for heel, arches, toes. The adjustable instep strap allows for a customized fit and the Caoutchouc rubber outsole won’t break down, crumble or mark up your floors (plus it provides even more shock-absorption).

Personally, I love the close fit of this supportive sandal. It doesn’t slap my heel when I walk and stays put on my foot. The arch support is excellent, the footbed soft yet not too flexible (perhaps a good choice for toes with hallux limitus/rigidus?). The slight elevation of the rubber outsole provides more lift than my Birkenstocks–my heels feel protected from hard pavement and floors.

About the toe thong post…I thought it would bother me, but the nubuck leather is soft and after a few wearings, I don’t notice the toe post.

Seventy-five percent of the over 2500 Zappos reviewers award the Mephisto Helen 5 stars for comfort and style. One happy customer says this about her favorite sandals:

“Between arthritis, plantar faciitis , achilles tendonitis, etc., it’s been a long time since I’ve been out of my Spira walking shoes for more than a few minutes at a time. My orthopedic surgeon’s nurse turned me on to Mephisto. She wears them religiously. I can actually wear my Helens the whole day long. They fit like a glove. The engineering of the arches and heels provides the support and stability I need.

The Euro size 40, or 10 fits my 9.5-10 foot best. I have a medium width foot, but I imagine these would work for a slightly narrow or wide foot too since the instep strap is adjustable.

The Mephisto Helen sandal is available in euro sizes 35-43 for $104-159 from Zappos, Nordstrom, and Amazon.  Need a wider fit? The Mephisto Helen Plus will suit your feet best. See our comfortable sandals category for more supportive, stylish picks for your “barking dogs.”

The post Mephisto Helen Sandal Review : Incredible Arch Support in a Stylish Sandal appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.

Stegmann Layna Wedge

What are the creative folks up to at Stegmann these days? Releasing new styles into their collection of exceptionally comfortable, supportive footwear–that’s what! Meet the Layna wedge sandal–their newest sandal with a slightly elevated 1.25″ heel for a little lift. I’m quickly becoming a fan of my new Stegmann Layna wedges as they’re dressier than my Birkenstocks, but support my arches just as well.

Stegmann Layna Wedge

I love the secure fit of the Layna wedge. The vamp encloses the instep with a gentle hug (covers up bunions well too). The elastic goring provides some give when walking so the leather vamp doesn’t crease too much. If you have a low volume foot, the fit may not be as secure. The vegetable-tanned leather is gorgeous, albeit slightly stiff at first wear, but breaks in nicely.

The footbed is heavenly with its soft suede, enhanced arch and metatarsal support and deep heel cup. The low slope from toe to heel offers just enough lift making it an excellent option for women that suffer from plantar fasciitis. The grooved rubber outsole provides good traction on slippery surfaces. All in all, the Stegmann Layna wedge satisfies the “stylish yet supportive walking sandal” gap in the shoe closet.

Stegmann Layna Wedge

When it come to sizing, I find the Layna wedge to run small. I’m typically a size 10 but had to size up to an 11 for a good fit. I’d recommend the Stegmann Layna for slightly narrow to medium widths–I think the vamp would feel to tight on a wide foot.

Find the Stegmann Layna wedge in sizes 6-11 for $120 from StegmannUsa.com.

Read our in-depth review of Stegmann’s iconic wool and suede clogs here.

The post Stegmann Layna Wedge Review appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.

1. Vionic Tide 2:  Developed ten years ago by a podiatrist, Vionic (once called Orthaheel) footwear caught on quickly with those suffering from plantar fasciitis, fallen arches, knee problems and other structural problems of the lower leg and foot.. We love the iconic Tide 2 sandal. The arch and heel support are unsurpassed–they even carry the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) seal of acceptance. Read a review of these terrific Vionic sandals by our friend, Anne. Find the Vionic Tide in sizes 5-12 (fits both medium and wide feet) for $74.95 from VionicShoes.com, Zappos, and Amazon.

2. Vionic Beach Panama: We’re huge fans of Vionic’s Beach line of casual, affordable footwear for warm weather (see our review of the Pismo slip-on sneaker.) New for summer 2022, the Vionic Panama is leather-free, washable with moderate arch support. Find these cute Vionic sandals in sizes 6-11 for $59.95 from Vionic Shoes.

3. Recover well from a long workout or even foot surgery in the new Vionic Rejuvenate sandal. The reviews are coming in five-stars for the Vionic’s new recovery line offering a textured footbed,  oversized side walls allow for maximum cushioning, and deep heel cups promote maximum stability. Find the Vionic Recovery line in sizes 5-13 for $79.95 from Vionic Shoes and Zappos.

Vionic sandals not only offer excellent arch support, the new flatform line features a sturdy outsole to protect the forefoot from discomfort caused by hallux rigidus, bunions and metatarsalgia. The Brandie flatform is our favorite with two adjustable straps, fun colors and groovy wavy outsole! Find the Vionic Brandie in sizes 5-11 for $119.95 from Vionic Shoes, Nordstrom, Amazon and Zappos.

Do you have a favorite pair of Vionic sandals? Leave us a comment and let us know which style and how it fits/feels!

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