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Not all shoes are created equal. And whether you’re trekking through the city in ankle booties or on your feet for hours on end in your favorite sneakers, comfort is key. Thankfully, it doesn’t always have to compete with style, and one way to suss out sneakers that tick both boxes is to shop using the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Approval. For fifty years, the APMA has had podiatrists review shoes and then awarded the top footwear with the seal “granted to products found to promote good foot health.”
The committee evaluates, quality, safety, and overall wearability before awarding the coveted seal. We’ve combed the latest crop of comfy kicks. Here are five favorites that are podiatric approved for everyday wear.
HOKA Women's Arahi 5 — $130.00
HOKA’s athletic and everyday sneakers are celebrated by runners, walkers, and fans everywhere. Boasting a variety of cushion and arch support, the APMA agrees. The Women’s Arahi 5 is designed for runners, but perfect for everyday use as well. With maximum cushioning and minimal weight, this shoe is a soft, smooth alternative to traditional support shoes. The shoes also have an intuitive pull tag for easy on-and-off and offer a refined collar shape that takes off that pesky pressure on the Achilles tendon that some shoes leave after hours of wear.
Says one avid fan: “I am a recreational runner, I run about three to five miles four to five days a week. This shoe feels like you are walking on a cloud. They are the lightest shoe I have ever owned and give the most arch support than any other shoe that I have tried.”
The Chaco Barbary — $90.00
Chacos are not just for summer, folks! The brand’s Barbary boots are made for walking…and walking … and walking some more. The ideal winter boot for whatever the elements bring, these leather lace-up options are equal parts technical and casual. Chaco calls them “an all-mountain, fully lifestyle” cold-weather crossover boot.
Wear the Barbay out during the cold months, take them on that trip to the Rocky Mountains, or enjoy a casual hike sporting these. With variegated wool and waterproof full-grain leather and a fold-down collar, they are adaptable for any weather—including a woold and fleece lining. Comfort, warmth, and stylish, these sleek, light boots are the comfort trifecta.
Revitalign Tahoe
Finding the perfect boot that doesn’t cause arch or ankle pain, and also provides comfort, support, and looks stylish is a pretty lofty task. But Revitalign by the Waco Shoe Company has made all the pieces come together—and the APMA consistently takes notice with their seal of approval.
Sleek leather and neutral tones with an orthopedic-support heel make the Revitalign Tahoe ankle boot a winner. The boot has a timeless look that is sure to last season after season, in both style and durability. The design keeps your feet comfortable and aligned, which is all part of the Waco Shoe Company ethos—making stylish shoes you can wear all day, every day.
Dansko Becki Low Bootie — $179.00
Your new wardrobe essential, the Becki low bootie clogs are a must for getting around town or working a long shift and they also effortlessly work for a casual night out—at the end of which, your feet will thank you. Dansko is known for high-quality, supportive footwear and the Becki features a leather stacked heel for better support and an inside zip for active, busy wearers. They are fully waterproof and have a removable memory foam footbed featuring Dansko Natural Arch technology, as well as linings treated with Aegis Microbe Shield. Pair with ankle jeans, your favorite yoga pants, or a summer dress. (And get ready to tell everyone where you got them.)
The Abeo B.I.O. System Zelma Bootie — $99.00
From the founders of Walking Co, ABEO is made for comfort, and each style of shoe has built-in orthotics for better boots with better support. And the APMA notices, consistently giving the arch-supporting B.I.O System its seal of approval. The ABEO Zelma is a fall and winter favorite, with a strap buckle detail and rich leather. The customized, built-in orthotic footbed is designed to align and balance your entire body for wear on even the longest days.
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