The Podiatrist Shoe Index: Every Shoe We Recommend, Scored by Condition

How we score. Our podiatrists rate every shoe 1–5 on Arch support, Cushioning, Stability (motion control for flat feet & overpronation), Toe-box room (space for bunions, hammertoes, wide feet), and Rocker / forefoot stiffness (offloads the big-toe joint and ball of the foot). A shoe is only listed if we recommend it in a published review — every row links to the full write-up. This is clinical guidance, not a substitute for a gait exam; fit is individual.

All shoesPlantar fasciitisFlat feetOverpronationPosterior tibial tendonitisSupinationMetatarsalgiaHallux rigidusTop-of-foot / extensorAchilles tendonitisRecovery / after work
Showing all 23 shoes.
Shoe Type Best for Arch Cush Stab Toe Rock
Bondi 9Hoka Max-cushion rocker
Plantar fasciitisMetatarsalgiaHallux rigidusTop-of-foot / extensorSupination
Full review →
Clifton 9Hoka Cushioned rocker
Plantar fasciitisMetatarsalgia
Full review →
Arahi 7Hoka Light stability
OverpronationPosterior tibial tendonitisFlat feet
Full review →
Gaviota 5Hoka Max stability
Posterior tibial tendonitisFlat feetOverpronation
Full review →
Ghost 16Brooks Neutral daily
SupinationTop-of-foot / extensorMetatarsalgia
Full review →
Glycerin 21Brooks Plush neutral
MetatarsalgiaSupination
Full review →
Adrenaline GTS 23Brooks GuideRails stability
OverpronationFlat feetPosterior tibial tendonitis
Full review →
Gel-Kayano 31ASICS Stability
Posterior tibial tendonitisOverpronationFlat feet
Full review →
Gel-Nimbus 26ASICS Plush neutral
SupinationMetatarsalgiaPlantar fasciitis
Full review →
Triumph 22Saucony Plush neutral
SupinationTop-of-foot / extensor
Full review →
Guide 17Saucony Stability
OverpronationPosterior tibial tendonitis
Full review →
1080v13New Balance Plush neutral
MetatarsalgiaPlantar fasciitisTop-of-foot / extensor
Full review →
990v6New Balance Firm supportive
Top-of-foot / extensorOverpronation
Full review →
CloudmonsterOn Max-cushion neutral
Plantar fasciitisMetatarsalgia
Full review →
CloudstratusOn Dual-cushion neutral
Plantar fasciitis
Full review →
CloudsurferOn Soft neutral
Plantar fasciitis
Full review →
TorinAltra Zero-drop wide toe-box
Top-of-foot / extensorHallux rigidusMetatarsalgia
Full review →
Professional clogDansko Rocker clog
Hallux rigidusRecovery / after work
Full review →
OOriginal / OOahhOOFOS Recovery slide
Recovery / after workPlantar fasciitisMetatarsalgia
Full review →
Arizona (footbed)Birkenstock Cork arch sandal
Flat feetPlantar fasciitisRecovery / after work
Full review →
Boston clogBirkenstock Cork arch clog
Flat feetRecovery / after work
Full review →
Walker / casualVionic Orthotic casual
Flat feetPlantar fasciitis
Full review →
Wave-style sandalOOFOS / Vionic Arch-support sandal
Achilles tendonitisPlantar fasciitis
Full review →

Score bar = 1–5. Arch = arch support · Cush = cushioning · Stab = stability/motion-control · Toe = toe-box room · Rock = rocker/forefoot stiffness.

Not sure which is right for your feet? A 15-minute gait exam settles it. Book with Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell or Bloomfield Hills: (810) 206-1402 · Book online.


Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons are affiliated with Trinity Health Michigan, Corewell Health, and Henry Ford Health — three of Michigan’s largest health systems.