You didn’t mention if you are a man ir a woman. That being said, I wear Embark by SAS sandals that offer support and comfort. Not exactly the prettiest sandals but I got them in a light pink and they truly are comfortable and supportive

Ecco Yucatan sandals. Great support…costly, but worth it.

My doctor suggested birkenstock. He wears them. He told me that when you buy them, do not go out shopping for the whole day. Your feet will hurt and you would probably throw them away. He suggested to wear them for about 20 minutes in the house and then put on your other shoes for a few hours. Then put them on again for 30 minutes. He told me that they slowly mold to your feet. They have the best support for me.

NB is made in different countries. The same shoe size and make , The black ones are made in one country and the white ones are in a another country. And one is tighter than the other.

Fashionable supportive shoes
 

Birkenstocks . They make closed shoes as well as sandals. ABEO brand from TheWalkingCompany.com for sandals and sneakers.

The Walking Company used to have brick and mortar stores and they have several brands but the Abeo work best for me.

ASICS are hands down the best. Surprised no one has mentioned them. Hoka is a close second.

This is the one of the most useful threads I have seen in ages on TOTV.

Lots of shoe brands I had never heard of, but now I know. All the comments are helpful too.

Thank you.

Boomer

I wearCole Haan and Aldo shoes and boots and Nike for gym , running and walking . I never wear flip flops or sandals because I never wear shorts except to exercise in ,I don’t even own a pair of of casual shorts ,when I’m out anywhere I wear jeans or slacks with shoes or boots only

Ecco/Brooks
 

Ecco for golf and for sandals. They’re awesome. Brooks Ghost for walking.

Shoes
 

Another vote for Sketchers slip ins. You don't have to bend down to put them on.

Try OoFOS. They have support, many style for daily wear.

So far, three posters have misspelled Skechers, by adding a "T" that is not in the name. Note that Skechers actually had a Super Bowl ad in 2024 about this common misspelling, featuring Mr. T.

Recently, I have bought used golf shoes with nubby soles at thrift stores for wearing outside when doing yard work. They are high quality shoes and are built fairly wide, which I like. Outside in the grass, they are perfect. Inside I wear socks and the kind of flip-flops that does NOT have a rubber post between toes. If I am working inside at a work bench, I will usually wear a wide tennis-type shoe and I tie the laces to the side of the shoe so that they can be slip-ons.

I like SAS shoes. I have 2 pairs. They are wide enough and are very comfortable.

Kizik Shoes
 

I like the Kizik shoes you can purchase on line. No need to tie or untie the shoe. Your feet just slip in and out with ease. I do take their inserts out, as I do with any brand of shoe I purchase, and put spenco inserts in to the shoe. If I don't I would have trouble with plantar fasciitis. Very comfortable shoe. You might find your New Balance shoe would work for you if you took their insert out and put a decent insert into the shoe. I like New Balance shoe as well. They were my go to shoe until I tried the Kizik shoes.

Some posters have recommended SAS shoes. I have been buying Rockport M7100 walking shoes for at least 30 years. I buy them from Amazon. I can buy 3 pairs of Rockport shoes for the cost of one pair of SAS shoes. They look the same online. I would really need a good reason to switch to SAS. What makes them worth 3 times as much as Rockport?

Skechers has really upped their game in recent years. I love the Slip-in and have several pair (in different styles/colors). I've not had a problem with them falling apart. Rotate your shoes and they will last MUCH longer.

I have their casual shoes, a couple pair of their golf shoes, and a pair of their Pickleball shoes.

For athletics (like long walks or going to the gym), I like the Brooks Adrenaline. A nice wide toe box and plenty of support. I wore them in the office daily for years. I've yet to try the Hokas, but from what I've seen when examining them in the stores, I've recommended them to my patients for years. They are quite popular with the nursing staff at all the hospitals I've visited.

AFA flip flops go, I have a pair of Olukai thong type sandals and a pair of Oofos recovery sandals. The Olukai are for the pool and if I just feel like wearing them and the Oofos are for around the house. I think the the Oofos would wear out quickly if you wear them on concrete/asphalt.

I cannot recommend the Oofos highly enough. They are fantastic! If you have LVP or ceramic tile flooring, they are a godsend!

Sorry for the long winded post, but this topic is right up my alley...

I LOVED my Abeos. I need a wide, non-pointy toe box and metatarsal support, because I have a neuroma. But getting "wide" width shoes wasn't a good option because my heel isn't wide. I'd just keep slipping out of them.

The inserts that the Walking Company sells are the best. They're inflexible arches with metatarsal pads and a nice well-cushioned heel cup. If you have dropped arches or pronated ankles, nothing's better in my opinion.

I've been wearing Merrell's hiking shoes (from Fleet Feet). Not happy with the style I picked this time around, the toe is too tapered and it's irritating my neuroma. But the last style I picked was amazing.

I also wear Birkenstocks. Another shoe I really miss is Earth Shoes, with the negative heel.

I have a pair of Skechers but I can barely wear them. Their insole is fixed and not removable, so you can't add orthotics without it raising your foot higher than it should be, and that causes irritation around the seams.

Just to clarify, Skechers used to make slip-ons only, but then began making slip-ins also. The difference is that the newer design slip-ins have a higher and stiffer heal that makes it easier to slip into the shoes completely hands free. I personally don’t like the slip-ins as I find the newer design to be much less comfortable. The slip-ons are a little harder to slip into and sometimes the heal folds down when attempting to slip into them, requiring bending over so you can slip a finger between the back of the shoe and your heal. For me, the added comfort of the slip-ons is well worth the slightly greater effort sometimes required to put on the shoe. I guess it’s a matter of personal opinion?

Go to Amazon and type in FitVille shoes. When they pop up click on anyone and then look for the Fir VIlle site and click on it and you will be directed to ALL of the FitVille shoes. Every size that they have, at least the ones that I checked out, have 4 sizes each, For Example: size 10, size10W, size10WW and size 10WWW. I now have 4 pairs and they all fit great. They also have wider box toes for people maybe with a bunyon toe.

OOFOS flip flops 90% of the time. They are AWESOME. The rest is pickleball shoes on the courts.

Hoka, Merrell, Salomon, Oakley, Lowa, etc.

Have never worn Birkenstock/Crocs, never will.

Don't ever wear flip-flops when you're out and about.

Always Brooks! Great support, has different shoes with medium to high support. Cushion, breathable, comfortable and available.

great thread! mostly i wear Ryka orthopedic sneakers with shorts or jeans. when wearing skirts or dresses, it's a rockport mule-type covered toe shoe

try using the Spenco 'boot-style' inserts. my dr recommended these years ago & i have a pair in every shoe. don't be alarmed by the boot-style, it fits all shoes and has better support. you may have to get then on amazon

I am still teaching so I am on my feet throughout the day. I used to live in blowfish canvas sneakers. My new go to is hobibear barefoot shoes. These have a wider toe bed and slip on ( covered elastic adjustable bands on top) I now have 3 pairs because they are so comfortable!

Why I hardly ever wear Sandals and flip flops

AI Overview quote

Yes, certain types of sandals, particularly those with little to no support, can negatively impact your feet. They may lack the cushioning, arch support, and stability needed for comfortable and healthy walking, potentially leading to pain and injuries.
Here's a more detailed look at why some sandals can be problematic:
Lack of Support:
Minimal Sole and Arch Support:
Many sandals have thin, flat soles and lack adequate arch support, leading to increased stress on the feet and potential pain.
Poor Stability:
Sandals with little to no ankle support can increase the risk of ankle sprains and other injuries, especially when walking on uneven surfaces.
Toe Rubbing and Blisters:
The design of some sandals, like thongs, can cause constant rubbing against the toes, potentially leading to blisters and other skin issues.
Potential Health Issues:
Plantar Fasciitis:
.
The lack of cushioning and support can contribute to plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain.
Tendonitis:
.
Insufficient support can strain tendons in the foot and ankle, leading to tendonitis.
Stress Fractures:
.
Prolonged wear of sandals without adequate support can increase the risk of stress fractures in the foot.
Bunions and Hammertoe:
.
Inadequate support and the way sandals fit can put pressure on the joints of the feet, potentially worsening existing conditions like bunions and hammertoe.
Tips for Choosing Sandals:
Look for good arch support: Choose sandals with a contoured footbed and firm midsole for proper arch support.
Consider a heel cup: A secure heel cup can help stabilize the foot and provide better support.
Opt for cushioned soles: Choose sandals with a good amount of cushioning to help absorb shock and reduce impact.
Select sandals with ankle straps: Ankle straps can provide additional stability and prevent slippage.
Avoid sandals with thin, flat soles: Thin soles offer minimal protection and cushioning.
Consider your activity level: Choose sandals that are appropriate for your intended use, such as walking short distances or participating in sports.
When to Seek Professional Advice:
If you experience persistent foot pain or have concerns about your foot health, consult a podiatrist. They can assess your foot type, recommend appropriate footwear, and provide guidance on how to maintain healthy feet

Here's why flip-flops can be harmful:
Lack of Support and Cushioning:
Flip-flops typically lack arch support, shock absorption, and heel cushioning, which can strain the plantar fascia (the thick band of tissue along the bottom of your foot) and lead to pain and inflammation.
Toe Gripping:
The open design of flip-flops forces your toes to work harder to grip the shoe, which can lead to hammertoe and other foot deformities.
Impact on Posture and Gait:
Wearing flip-flops can alter your natural walking pattern, potentially causing pain and discomfort in your ankles, knees, hips, and back.
Increased Risk of Injury:
The flimsy nature of flip-flops can increase your risk of stubbed toes, cuts, and infections.
Worsening Existing Conditions:
Flip-flops can exacerbate conditions like bunions and plantar fasciitis.
While flip-flops might be fine for short-term use, they should not be worn regularly or for prolonged periods:
Choose supportive footwear:
Opt for shoes that provide adequate arch support, cushioning, and a snug fit for everyday wear.
Consider foot-friendly options:
If you enjoy the comfort of flip-flops, look for styles with more support and a thicker sole.
Don't compromise on protection:
Avoid flip-flops in activities that require stability, protection, and support, such as driving, gardening, or working with tools.

Why hard to get appointments at foot doctor…:eclipsee_gold_cup:

My go to’s are Hoka’s. Clifton or Bondi models for serious walking. Solimar for everyday casual. They come in Wides. I had bunion surgery in December 2024. Took a trip to France in April and walked about 14k steps a day, wearing my Bondi 9s, without a care in the world.

Shoes
 

For everyday wear I’ve switched to Skechers and they are fine for short walks at least. For longer walks I went to Fleet Feet and was fitted. Found a pair of shoes that are very comfortable and great for my longer walks.

Something sexy but comfy, my requirements. Crocs are great in water, good traction but def not sexy.

Ferragamo.

Waaay too much generalization in that essay...

But Amit it, made fine career off Sandals and flip flops….. :beer3:

Shoes
 

I like Hoka brand. There are different models and it is best to go to a store where they will fit you with a different model and see what works with your foot.
I see them on a lot of other seniors too.

Crocs or barefoot.

Sketchers!
 

Skechers (correct spelling!), specifically any of their slip-on (no shoe string tie required) shoes. ‘Love the light weight, durability, and the memory-foam insole.

Allen Edmonds for dress and sneakers, SAS for casual or walking, Hoka for activities.

Kuru shoes
 

My wife and I both have foot issues. Her - plantar fasciitis; me - heel spurs. We discovered Kuru shoes about 5 years ago and that’s all we wear. No more foot pain! Good stuff.

SAS shoes from the store in Brownwood. I’m on my feet all day long and they’re the best I’ve had.

Not really, except for the wafer thin soled sandals women like to wear...

All that other stuff? Never really saw it...