• Received APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) Seal of Acceptance for promoting good foot health.
• Soft unlined leather or suede uppers that pack easily.
• Contoured arch support and deep heel cup.
• Comes in brights and neutrals.
• Sizes up to 13!

Keep in mind:

• Has flexible outsole which is great for walking if you don’t have forefoot issues that require a non-flexible sole.
• Toe box could be too narrow for wider forefeet or feet with bunions.
• See actual feedback on this shoe from our Facebook followers.

Available in sizes 5-13, medium and wide widths for $130 from Vionic Shoes, Zappos, and Amazon.

Why we love it:

• Podiatrist-designed footbed with arch, heel and forefoot support
• Comes with Sole Saver pack of inserts to customize fit
• Beautiful biscuit leather (comes in black too)
• Orthotic friendly

Keep in mind:

• Doesn’t come in wides, so may fit too narrow on wider feet.

The Frankie4 Saint loafer is available in whole and half sizes 6-10,11 for $228 from Frankie4.

Why we love them:

• Comfortable fit and feel: room for toes/good fit at heel
• More lightweight than other chunky loafers
• Cushioned EVA footbed with arch support
• Made in Spain–the land of good shoes

Find the whole collection of Wonders chunky loafers in euro sizes 35-42 (5-11) for $210-220 from Nordstrom.

Why we love it:

• Elegant and modern. The slingback design lessens the heft of the chunky outsole.
• Good fit for narrow heels
• Comes in wides!

Find the Naturalizer Darry Slingback in sizes 5-12, medium and wide widths for $80 from Naturalizer.

Why we love it:

• Orthotic-like arch and heel support in a stylish loafer
• Removable EVA footbed
• Available in sizes up to 12 and wide widths

Keep in mind:

• Reviews state it runs a little large
• Narrow heels beware – quite a few reviews cite slippage

Find the Vionic Kensley in sizes 5-12, medium and wide widths for $60 from VionicShoes.com, Zappos and Nordstrom.

Why we love it:

• Price point under $100
• Lots of reviews on Zappos helps understand fit/feel of shoe
• Wide widths available

Keep in mind:

• Synthetic leather/patent – doesn’t have much give/stretch.
• No removable insole

The Franco Sarto Carolynn is available in whole and half sizes 5-10,11 for $69-99 from Zappos, Amazon an Nordstrom.

Why we love it:

• Extra wides and sizes 4-12
• Roomy toe box accommodates bunions and hammertoes
• Rigid shank provides stability
• Removable insole accommodates orthotic
• Seamless interior of shoe won’t rub on hot spots

Keep in mind:

• Runs a little large and wide

Find the Dr. Comfort Mallory in sizes 4-12, medium-extra wide widths for $117 at Dr. Comfort.

The post 8 Fabulous & Foot-Friendly Chunky Loafers 2025 appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.

The original Taos Crave boot now has a Mini Me and isn’t she beautiful? If you own the original, I don’t have to tell you how wonderfully supportive it is. The mini version has all the same comfort features as the original: arch and metatarsal support, cushioned footbed that’s removable, grippy rubber outsole and side zipper for easy on and off.

• Sizes: euro 37-42 (6-11.5) • Widths: M & W (in some colors) • Price: $230 from Taos Footwear, Zappos & Amazon

Oh, so many colors and patterns – how will you choose? The stylish square-toe Vivaia Ryan features a water-repellent stretch upper made from recycled water bottles, cushioned (non-removable) insole with moderate arch support and one-inch heel with anti-slip rubber outsole.

• Sizes: 5-11 • Width: M • Price: $89-149 from Vivaia,

They accommodate my high arch/high instep feet easily with room for medium or heavy weight socks, and I easily added my orthotics. _{Nordstrom customer}

We love a nice chunky heel and the Josef Seibel Marta 03 wears it well. With flexible goring on one side and a zipper on the other side, these comfortable ankle boots are easy to put on and take off. A generous toe box accommodates bunions and wider forefeet. Reviews state the boot runs a little large, you may want to order down a size unless you plan to wear with thick socks. Find the Josef Seibel Marta 03 in sizes 5.5-11 for $125-180 from Amazon and Zappos.

I wanted some boots to accommodate my wide feet (including painful bunions) and these have been and excellent fit. I use the half inserts to give a bit more space in the toe box. The boots are excellent quality and looking great dressed up or down. _{Melody, Frankie4 customer}

Beautiful and foot-friendly, the Frankie4 Liberty classes up any outfit. Each pair comes with a Sole Saver pack enabling a customized fit (two full-length footbeds, two half-length footbeds and two forefoot cushions). Available for in sizes 6-13 for $194-278 from Frankie4 and Nordstrom.

Great for feet that crave a roomy and high toe box! Other features to love: surprisingly lightweight outsoles, great traction, moderate arch support. A happy Ariat customer says this about the Fatbaby Chelsea boot: “I love these boots. I have wide feet and often have trouble with squeezy toe boxes. These fat baby Chelsea boots are roomy in the toe box, super cushy comfortable and have an arch support. I’m also in love with the print!” Availabe in a variety of solids and patterns, sizes 5.5-12 medium and wide widths (in some colors) for $77-109.95 from Ariat, Zappos and Amazon.

 I have a neuroma, a painful foot condition, and have trouble find shoes that don’t exacerbate the condition. These boots are fantastic! _{Naot customer}

Israeli brand Naot does it again with the Pali lace-up boot with faux shearling collar. Featuring Naot’s removable cork/latex footbed, the Pali provides structured support while maintaining a lightweight feel on the feet. Find the Naot Pali in euro sizes 35-43 (4-12) for $119-214.95 from Naot.com, Zappos, and Amazon.

I have hammer toes and find most shoes to be very uncomfortable.. until these boots! _{Orthofeet customer}

With too many features to mention here, these comfortable ankle boots come with premium orthotic insoles plus an arch booster for extra support and fitting spacers for a more loose or snug fit. A generous and high toe box accommodates bunions, neuromas and hammertoes. The Orthofeet Emma is available in sizes 6-11, medium and wide widths for $119.95 from Orthofeet.com and Amazon.

The post 8 Cute, Comfortable Ankle Boots Bring Blissful Relief to Problem Feet appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.

Sandals are ok, but I’m usually trying to cover up a side bunion on the other foot. Platform sandals might be OK if the heel height isn’t much higher than the toes which isn’t more than 1/2″. Do you have any ideas?

Dear reader,

Hallux Rigidus (big toe stiffness and pain) only worsens with flexible forefoot shoes, as you know. I’d like to tell you to stay in closed-toe footwear with a special insole to limit the motion of the big toe joint, but you’re asking me for sandal recommendations. I completely understand–just because you have a bum big toe, doesn’t mean you’ve given up on stylish, season-appropriate footwear. Let me recommend sandals with a sturdy forefoot, good support and straps that will cover your bunion (see the last pick for an orthotic-friendly choice).

The Alegria Verona tops the list of our favorite hallux rigidus sandals. Take it from Zappos customer Judith:

“The first time I wore these I stood for 7 hours straight tending bar. I have arthritis in my big toe (hallux rigidus) and these sandals were so comfortable, I felt no pain. They are cute and can be dressed up or worn with casual outfits.”

The Alegria Verona features a supportive cork/latex/memory foam footbed, three adjustable straps and a mild rocker outsole to take pressure off the forefoot through the gait cycle. Find the Verona in euro sizes 35-42 (5-11.5) for $120 from Zappos and Nordstrom. Find a deal on the Alegria Verona at Amazon.

This is a fantastic sandal in every way: moderate arch support, thick platform sole with slight forefoot rocker, excellent cushioning and shock absorption–plus, it’s just plain cute. The Amadour sandal by L’Amour des Pieds (the love of feet), will keep that pesky big toe joint stable while taking care of other foot issues like plantar fasciitis and bunions (soft forefoot strap covers them without irritation). Find the L’Amour des Pieds Amadour in sizes 5.5-11, medium and wide widths for $199 from Nordstrom and Amazon.

Another great recommendation from the Barking Dog Shoes Facebook community! The Taos Trulie comes recommended by Joanna who says this about her favorite hallux rigidus sandals:

I’ve worn them for 4 summers now–they make my feet feel so good, and the arch support is great. Good for walking a lot. Adjustable front strap misses the big toe joint.

Happy Zappos customer AMD also recommends the Taos Trulie for relief from hallux rigidus:

I bought these because I have arthritis in my big toe and finding comfortable sandals is a chore. Knowing I would have to spend more money to manage this issue, I reluctantly purchased my first pair four years ago. I am happy to report that I am in love with these sandals and have been able to wear these as my main summertime shoe without issue. Recently, I purchased other styles of sandals in other brands to replace these as they are now looking well-loved but I found that I had to pull my Trulies back out of my closet to get my arthritis pain to settle down again. I will be buying these until they no longer stock them. I will note that I did have the Velcro replaced at a shoe repair store after my second season because I wasn’t ready to part with them and the rest of the shoe was in wearable condition. It was worth it!

Find the Taos Trulie in euro sizes 36-43 (5.5-12) medium and wide widths (in some sizes) for $160 from Taos Footwear, Amazon and Zappos.

Made from proprietary OOfoam®, Oofos sandals absorb 37% more impact than other foams used in similar footwear. The thick foam outsole has a slight rocker motion to it, taking pressure off the forefoot through the stride. One of our Facebook community members said this about her Oofos:

“I have Hallux Limitus and these flip flops are fantastic. They have the bouncy house feel with a high enough arch that it takes pressure off your toes.”

We’re thrilled to see so many new colors and patterns from camo to animal print to metallics. Find Oofos flip-flops, slides, and clogs in whole sizes 5-11 (or men’s sizes up to 14) for $49.95-69.95 from Oofos, and Zappos. See my personal review here.

If you absolutely must wear a doctor-prescribed orthotic, consider the Revere brand of orthotic-friendly footwear, including sandals! The Emerald style features a removable footbed and added depth to accommodate an orthotic or brace. Three adjustable straps provide a customized fit–and the wide width comes with two strap extenders. Zappos customer says this about her Revere Emerald sandals:

I love that I can use my orthotics with this sandal. I need lots of arch support and, while the arch support may be just fine for some, I needed to add orthotics. The insole is designed to be lifted so that orthotics can be inserted below. Great design! They stay in place and are not visible except for the very back edge which is no problem for me.

Find the Revere Emerald sandal in whole sizes 5-12, medium and wide widths for $159.95 from Revere Shoes (use code BARKINGDOG for 15% off purchase).

The Abeo Riviera Ankle Strap Sandal is a stylish yet supportive choice, featuring built-in orthotic support and a firm yet cushioned footbed. Customers reviews praise its arch support and metatarsal padding. The adjustable ankle strap ensures a secure fit, making it an excellent blend of comfort and function.

Find a pair in sizes 5-11 for $154.95 from The Walking Company and Nordstrom.

Honorable Mention: Birkenstock Arizona (conform to feet, don’t overly flex, adjustable straps), Birkenstock Gizeh (same support as Arizona, no strap over big toe, more feminine).

We’ve reviewed hundreds of comfortable sandals on BarkingDogShoes.com. Hopefully these new selections expand your horizon a bit more!

The post 6 Stylish Sandals for Hallux Rigidus | Reader Request appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.