Your feet ache, and the shoes on the high street were never designed with you in mind.
If you have bunions, plantar fasciitis, wider feet, or a pair of orthotics that won't fit inside anything remotely pretty, you already know the drill: something supportive, or something you'd actually choose to wear. You shouldn't have to pick one.
Below we're selected our favourite supportive shoes that you will actually want to wear.
Please remember that the advice below is general, and if you are experiencing foot pain you need to see your podiatrist.
A black trainer in mixed leather and suede that reads as smart or casual, and the one Star cut wide around the heel as well as the toe box. Lace-ups fine-tune the forefoot to an EEE, while the fully lined seam-free toe box gives the bunion a smooth surface. Fits EE-EEE, true to size.
Origin
Handcrafted in Portugal at a family-run factory in the Porto region
Material
Black leather and suede upper, lamb leather lining
Heel
Flat
Colour
Black
Fit
Wide fit, fits EE-EEE width feet
Toe box
Wider toe box with extra depth, fully lined with no internal seams, wide fit around the heel
Browse more images of the Star - Black Leather Wide Fit Sneakers:
Our Review
The black Star is the trainer I wear when I want one pair to cover smart and casual, since the leather-and-suede mix doesn't look like a gym shoe with trousers. It is also the Star with a wider heel, which matters to me because my foot is broad at the back as well as the front, so I'm not gripping to keep it on. The seam-free lined toe box means nothing rubs across my bunion on a long walk, and I can open the laces when the joint swells. I have worn it from a meeting into the evening without the forefoot ache I expect from flatter trainers. True to size in a wide fit, EE-EEE.
Pros
Mixed leather and suede panels give a softer surface than an all-leather trainer
Seam-free toe box lining avoids rubbing the bunion joint
Removable moulded footbed fits your own orthotic
EE-EEE width with laces to adjust the forefoot
Cons
Suede panels need weatherproofing and will mark in wet conditions
The Charlotte is Calla's crossover ballet flat, the one customers keep coming back to, here in soft black nappa leather. The leather crosses over the toes and stretches across the bunion, with a panel that gives both bunions and tailor's bunions room. Fits up to EEE, true to size.
Origin
Handcrafted in Portugal at a family-run factory in the Porto region
Material
Soft black nappa leather upper, lamb leather lining
Heel
Flat ballerina
Colour
Black
Fit
True to size, fits up to EEE width feet
Toe box
Stretch panel across the toe box for bunions and tailor's bunions, crossover design that stretches to the foot shape
Footbed
Enhanced arch support, extra cushioning at the heel
Browse more images of the Charlotte - Black Leather Ballerinas:
Our Review
Black Charlotte is the ballet flat I reach for most, because the crossover design stretches gently over my bunion instead of pressing a hard line across the joint. The soft nappa leather gives where my foot is widest, and the stretch panel handles both my bunion and the tailor's bunion on the little-toe side. Enhanced arch support and extra heel cushioning mean it carries a full day rather than leaving my feet flat and sore. It is the flat I'd recommend to anyone after a bunionectomy who needs softness and width over the scar area. Fits up to EEE, true to size.
Pros
Stretch panel across the toe box gives over both the bunion and the tailor's bunion sides
Nappa leather softens with wear
Extra heel cushioning eases the back of the foot
Fits up to EEE width
Cons
Flat ballerina sole has limited grip in wet weather
Crossover stretch design relies on the panel rather than laces so cannot be tightened
The Ophelia is Calla's classic brogue in a mix of smooth black leather and soft suede, with the brogue detailing across the toe. A hidden stretch panel in the toe box gives the bunion room and flexibility, on an EEE toe width. Fits up to EEE, true to size.
Origin
Handcrafted in Portugal at a family-run factory in the Porto region, designed in the UK
Material
Smooth black leather and soft suede upper, lamb leather lining
Heel
Flat
Fit
True to size
Width cap
Fits up to EEE toe width
Toe box
Wide Calla last with hidden stretch panel in the toe box
Browse more images of the Ophelia - Black Leather Brogues:
Our Review
Black Ophelia is the brogue I reach for when I want a smart flat that goes with everything, since the leather-and-suede mix and the brogue detailing look polished with trousers or jeans. The hidden stretch panel in the toe box gives over my bunion so the brogue doesn't press the joint. The shape leaves extra room and flexibility through the forefoot. It is the flat I wear most through autumn and winter. Fits up to EEE, true to size.
Pros
Hidden stretch panel in the toe box flexes over the bunion joint
EEE width cap accommodates wider forefeet
Mixed leather and suede upper takes both office and weekend outfits
Flat heel suits all-day standing and walking
Cons
Suede panels need weatherproofing before wet-weather wear
Black suede shows salt marks in winter
Lace-up entry takes longer to put on than a slip-on flat
The Nadia is Calla's sleek, minimalist loafer with no hardware to interrupt the line, and black leather is the clean everyday one. A 2.5cm heel and bunion-stretch lining give a slight lift with room over the joint, while arch support carries the day. Fits up to EE, true to size.
Origin
Handcrafted in Portugal at a family-run factory in the Porto region
Browse more images of the Nadia - Black Leather Loafers:
Our Review
Black Nadia is the loafer I wear when I want something pared back, since the clean minimalist shape with no buckles or tassels keeps it quiet under tailoring. The 2.5cm heel gives a small lift, and the stretch lining flexes over my bunion so the joint isn't pressed. The built-in arch support is what lets me wear it through a full day rather than just a couple of hours. It goes with everything from a suit to jeans. Fits up to EE, true to size.
Pros
2.5 cm heel gives a small lift without raising the forefoot
Slip-on loafer construction quick on and off
Lamb leather lining flexes over the bunion area
Black leather pairs with work and casual outfits
Cons
Width caps at EE so EEE feet will not fit
Slip-on cut relies on the topline grip rather than laces to hold the foot
Leather upper needs occasional conditioning to keep the finish
The Emily is Calla's 3.5 inch (9cm) heeled sandal on a half-inch platform, with straps positioned to conceal the bunion, here in soft black leather. The platform eases the pitch off the forefoot and the cushioned arch-supported insole carries you, so you can dance into the early hours. Fits up to EE, true to size.
Origin
Handcrafted in Portugal at a family-run factory in the Porto region
Material
Black leather upper, lamb leather lining
Heel
3.5 inch heel with a half inch platform
Fit
True to size, fits up to EE width, suits a wider toe area paired with a narrower midfoot and heel
Toe box
Wide toe box that conceals the bunion joint, standard at the heel
Strap layout
Positioned to sit clear of pressure points across the forefoot
Footbed
Cushioned, arch-supported insole
Best for
Parties and evening occasions paired with black tailoring
Browse more images of the Emily - Black Leather Heeled Sandals:
Our Review
Black Emily is the tall occasion sandal I wear when I want to actually dance, because the 3.5 inch heel is softened by the half-inch platform so my weight isn't driven onto my bunion. The straps are placed to conceal the joint rather than frame it, which matters to me in a bare sandal. The arch-supported insole means I forget I'm in heels by the end of the night. It fits a wider toe area even if the rest of your foot is narrow, which suits my feet. Fits up to EE, true to size.
Pros
Half inch platform softens the angle of the 3.5 inch heel
Black leather pairs across an evening wardrobe without colour-matching
Strap layout sits clear of the bunion joint
Cushioned arch-supported insole inside
Cons
3.5 inch heel sits at the upper end for full-evening standing
EE width cap so EEE feet will need a different style
Smooth leather sole needs grip pads on slick dance floors
The Ruby sandal in champagne leather with a soft shimmer, dressy enough for a summer wedding but neutral enough to wear all day. The strap still covers the bunion and the moleskin 'hallux' panel cushions the joint, so an occasion on your feet stays comfortable. Fits EE-EEE, true to size.
Origin
Handcrafted in Porto, Portugal
Material
Champagne leather upper, lamb leather lining
Heel
Flat toe-post sandal
Fit
True to size
Width cap
EE to EEE
Bunion cover
Strap positioned to conceal the big toe joint, hidden moleskin hallux panel
Browse more images of the Ruby - Champagne Leather Sandals:
Our Review
I keep the champagne pair for summer occasions, because the soft shimmer reads as dressed-up at a wedding or a garden party without shouting the way a bright gold would. It is still the bunion-friendly Ruby underneath, so the strap covers my joint and the moleskin panel cushions it through hours of standing for photographs. The arch-supported footbed is what lets me stay in them from the ceremony to the evening rather than going barefoot by the speeches. It sits beautifully against blush, cream and pale florals. True to size on me at an EE-EEE.
Pros
Strap positioned to cover the big toe joint while keeping a toe-post silhouette
Hidden moleskin hallux panel against the joint
Arch-supported cushioned insole under the foot
EE-EEE width cap fits wider feet
Cons
Toe-post style takes a few wears to soften against the skin between the first and second toe
Flat profile gives no pitch under the heel
Light champagne leather shows scuffs at the toe edge with regular wear
The Cosmos is the chunky trainer Calla's founder built because the dad-trainer trend kept squeezing her bunions, and black is the wear-with-everything one. A chunky cushioned outsole adds height, while the wider, deeper toe box and removable insole give the forefoot room and take your orthotics. Fits EE-EEE, true to size.
Origin
Handcrafted in Portugal at a family-run factory in the Porto region
Material
Black leather upper with textile side detail, lamb leather lining
Heel
Flat with chunky outsole
Closure
Lace-up
Fit
Wide fit, EE and EEE width feet, standard fit around the heel with additional width and depth in the toe box
Insole
Removable moulded footbed with arch support, swap for own orthotics
Browse more images of the Cosmos - Chunky-Sole Black Wide Fit Sneakers:
Our Review
Black is the Cosmos I reach for most, because a chunky trainer usually crushes my forefoot and this one was designed by someone with bunions to do the opposite. The wider, deeper toe box means my bunion has room inside a sporty shape, and the insole lifts out for my orthotics. The chunky outsole gives me a bit of height and a lot of cushioning on hard pavements without any forefoot pressure. In black it goes with jeans, joggers or a midi without a thought. True to size in a wide fit, EE-EEE.
Pros
Chunky outsole gives lift and stride length without putting pitch through the forefoot
Removable footbed accepts the wearer's own orthotics
EEE width cap with extra toe-box depth accommodates wider forefeet and Morton's neuroma
Lace-up closure adjusts across the instep
Cons
Chunky-sole silhouette is heavier on the foot than a standard trainer profile
Leather upper needs conditioning to keep the side panels looking fresh
Sporty trainer styling means it will not slot into smart workwear or occasion outfits
The Saturn rides on a 3cm platform sole, and the cream-and-orange suede is its warm retro-sporty colourblock. The platform adds height with no heel pitch, while the wider seam-free toe box gives the bunion a smooth surface. Fits EE, true to size.
Origin
Handcrafted in Portugal at a family-run factory in the Porto region
Material
Cream and orange suede upper, lamb leather lining
Heel
Flat with a 3cm platform sole
Fit
True to size, fits up to EE width
Toe box
Wider toe box with seamless lining over the bunion area
Browse more images of the Saturn - Cream & Orange Suede Wide Fit Sneakers:
Our Review
Cream and orange is the Saturn I wear when I want a bit of height from a trainer without a heel, because the 3cm platform lifts me evenly rather than pitching my weight forward onto the bunion. The two-tone suede has a retro, sporty look that lifts plain denim. The wider seam-free toe box means nothing rubs my bunion, and the laces let me fine-tune the forefoot. Worth knowing it fits an EE rather than going up to EEE, so it suits a moderately wide foot. True to size, and I brush the suede.
Pros
3cm platform sole adds height without a heel angle
Seamless toe-box lining means no stitching to rub the bunion joint
Lace-up lets you slacken the forefoot when feet swell
Cushioned arch-supported insole inside
Cons
Suede needs weatherproofing before wet-weather wear
Cream panels show scuffs and dirt more than darker colours
EE the width cap so EEE feet will need a different model
The Alice is Calla's low-heel flat boot on a 4cm heel, in soft calf leather with an easy back zip. An extra wide toe box gives the bunion room while the arch-supported cushioned insole carries an all-day boot. Fits EE-EEE, true to size.
Origin
Handcrafted in Portugal at a family-run factory in the Porto region
Material
Calf's leather upper, lamb leather lining
Heel
4cm block heel
Entry
Back zip
Fit
Fits EE-EEE width feet
Toe box
Wide toe box with hidden stretch panel over the bunion area
Browse more images of the Alice - Black Leather Boots:
Our Review
Black Alice is the everyday flat boot I reach for, since the 4cm heel and soft calf leather are easy with jeans, trousers or a skirt. The back zip makes it simple to get on, and the extra wide toe box gives my bunion room rather than pressing it. The arch-supported cushioned insole means I can wear it all day. It is the go-to boot I pull on without thinking. Fits EE-EEE, true to size.
Pros
4cm block heel gives lift without strain through the forefoot
Back zip eases entry over a wider foot
EEE width cap accommodates the bunion joint
Calf's leather upper softens to the shape of the foot over wear
Cons
Leather uppers benefit from regular conditioning and weatherproofing through wet UK winters
Back zip is the only adjustment so calf width is fixed
4cm heel is not flat so will not suit anyone needing a fully flat boot
The Maya is Calla's mid-heel ankle boot, smooth black leather finished with a delicate gold chain, built with hidden stretch panels over the bunion. Specified to a 28cm ankle and 16cm shaft, the mid-heel takes it from day to evening. Fits EE, true to size.
Origin
Handcrafted in Porto, Portugal. Designed in the UK
Style
Heeled ankle boot in black leather
Material
Black leather upper, lamb leather lining
Heel
Mid heel
Fit
EE width
Toe box
Wide toe box with hidden stretch panel
Ankle circumference
Approx. 28cm
Shaft height
Approx. 16cm
Detail
Gold chain across the vamp
Insole
Arch-supported cushioned insole
Best for
Day-to-night dressing with tailored trousers or a midi skirt
Browse more images of the Maya - Black Leather Boots:
Our Review
Black Maya is the ankle boot I wear day-to-night, since the smooth leather and gold chain detail give it a bit of edge over a plain boot. The mid-heel is dressier than a flat ankle boot but still walkable, and the hidden stretch panels give over my bunion. I like that the ankle and shaft are measured, 28cm and 16cm, so I knew it would fit before ordering. It goes with trousers or a midi skirt. Fits EE, true to size.
Pros
Hidden stretch panel over the bunion area flexes with the joint
16cm shaft sits at the ankle without pressing on the calf
Gold chain detail across the vamp lifts the boot for evening wear
Black leather pairs across the wardrobe
Cons
Fixed 28cm ankle circumference suits standard ankles only
EE width cap rules out EEE feet
Smooth leather shows scuffs at the toe with daily wear
What makes a shoe orthopaedic?
A shoe earns the word orthopaedic when it has support built into its structure, not when it looks a certain way. That means arch support, cushioning that absorbs impact through the sole, a toe box with enough room for your toes to sit without being squeezed, and a firm heel counter that holds the back of your foot securely.
These features are engineered into the shoe itself, so they work whether you're wearing trainers, loafers, boots, or heels.
It's worth knowing the difference between orthopaedic and orthotic, because the two get mixed up all the time. An orthopaedic shoe has support built in. An orthotic is a separate insole, usually prescribed by a podiatrist, that you place inside the shoe.
The best supportive shoes do both: they offer solid built-in support and have a removable footbed so you can drop in your own orthotics if you use them.
The clinical look most people associate with the word is not a requirement. The support can be hidden inside a shoe that looks like something you'd actually choose to wear. Dina Gohil, an HCPC-registered podiatrist, has said she finds it refreshing when supportive shoes don't look hideous, because so many of her patients reject the footwear she recommends on appearance alone.
What to look for in a supportive shoe
The five features that separate a genuinely supportive shoe from one that just calls itself comfortable are arch support, cushioning that absorbs impact, room across the toe box, a firm heel counter, and a removable footbed for your own insoles. They're the same things foot professionals point to.
A 2018 systematic review in BMC Public Health by Buldt and Menz found that between 63 and 72% of participants were wearing shoes that did not accommodate either the width or the length of their feet, and that 50% of women wore shoes too narrow, compared to 34% of men.
One simple test before you buy: hold the shoe at the heel and the toe and try to twist it along its length. A supportive shoe resists that twist. If it folds in half or wrings out like a dishcloth, the sole has no structure and your foot will do all the stabilising work itself.
And it's worth buying well. Quality construction with a leather upper and a proper sole will outlast a pair of cheap, mass-manufactured comfort shoes many times over, and a well-made shoe can be resoled and repaired rather than replaced.
Proper arch support
Arch support holds your foot in its natural position and spreads your weight across the whole sole instead of concentrating it at your heel and the ball of your foot. Without it, the muscles in your feet and lower legs do the stabilising work themselves, and that's where the aching starts.
Completely flat, unsupported shoes can be the worst offenders, even if they feel soft when you first put them on. If arch support is your main priority, our guide to shoes for flat feet goes deeper into what to look for.
Cushioning that absorbs impact
Cushioning in the sole and footbed absorbs the impact when you're walking, particularly through your heel and the ball of your foot. If you're on your feet for long stretches on hard floors, or walking on pavement, that absorption makes a real difference to how tired your feet feel at the end of the day.
A slightly raised heel, even just a centimetre or two, is usually more comfortable than a completely flat sole. It takes pressure off your Achilles tendon and tips your weight back slightly so your forefoot isn't bearing the full load. You don't need height for this, just a small, supportive lift. Podiatrist Claire Forbes agrees, noting that a small heel lift combined with proper medial arch support really does help with under-heel pain.
Room across the toe box
A supportive shoe needs room across the toe box so your toes can sit in their natural position without being pushed together. If you have bunions, a narrow toe box puts pressure directly on the joint, which is exactly what you're trying to avoid.
Our shoes follow what we call the Calla Comfort Method: a dual-width last, the form a shoe is made on, shaped to an EE to EEE forefoot width with a standard fit around the heel, so the shoe stays on your foot securely and gives room only where you need it. A hidden stretch panel in the toe box, lined with moleskin, flexes over the joint rather than pressing on it.
The important point is that width should come at the front of the shoe, not all over. If you size up in length to get width, you end up with shoes that are too long. Your foot slides forward, your toes get driven into the tapered front, and you're back to square one. What you want is a wide, roomy toe box with a standard fit around the heel.
The upper material matters too. Soft leather or suede has a little give over the widest part of your foot, and a stretch lining at the pressure points reduces rubbing on sensitive joints. If you can feel a stiff seam pressing right on your bunion, that shoe will cause problems before you've reached the end of the road.
A heel that holds your foot in place
A firm heel counter, the structured part at the back of the shoe, holds your heel securely so your foot doesn't slide forward with each step. When the heel slips, your foot moves into the narrower front of the shoe, your toes get crowded, and any bunion or sensitive joint takes the pressure.
This is the other half of the same approach: width at the front of the shoe, and a standard fit at the heel. A shoe that's wide all over, heel included, will gape at the back and slip as you walk. The support comes from a shoe that's standard at the heel and generous at the toe box: it stays on your foot and gives room only at the front.
A removable footbed for your own insoles
If your podiatrist has prescribed orthotics, you need a shoe that can hold them. A removable footbed lets you lift out the shoe's own insole and drop in your custom one without the fit becoming too tight or your foot sitting too high in the shoe.
Look for what's sometimes called an orthotic-depth footbed: a footbed deep enough to accept a proper custom insert, not a thin flat liner that leaves no room. The shoe should leave room for the device your podiatrist prescribed, rather than replacing it. Our own Star trainers do exactly that, with a removable moulded footbed on a 3cm sole, so you can lift out the insole and drop in your own orthotics without losing the support underneath.
Orthopaedic shoes that still look stylish
The word orthopaedic still carries an image problem, and honestly, it earned it. For years, the only shoes with built-in support came in beige, with thick Velcro straps and a shape that belonged more in a waiting room than on a night out. That era is over.
Supportive shoes today look like normal shoes because they are normal shoes, with classic silhouettes and the support hidden inside. A leather loafer with a cushioned, arch-supported insole and a stretch lining over your bunion looks like a loafer, not a medical device. A pair of trainers with a removable moulded footbed and a fully lined, seam-free toe box looks like a pair of trainers.
The support is structural, not visible. And if the shoe is handmade from soft, supple leather rather than rigid synthetics, it feels different from the moment you put it on.
What we hear from our customers, more than anything, is the relief of being able to wear shoes they actually like again. For many, it had been years. Nicole danced all night in her Calla heels and couldn't believe the comfort held up the whole way through. The range has also been featured by the Evening Standard.
If concealing a bunion matters to you, and for many women it really does, that's a perfectly reasonable thing to want. Look for styles where the upper comes up high enough across the toe box to cover the joint, and where the shape of the shoe does the covering rather than a chunky strap drawing attention to it. Soft leather moulds to the shape of your foot without creating hard ridges over your bunion.
Choosing shoes for your foot problem
The right supportive shoe depends on what your feet actually need. Different foot problems call for different features, and it's worth matching the shoe to your specific situation rather than buying a generic comfort shoe and hoping for the best.
Bunions or a bump on the big toe joint. Room across the toe box matters most. You want a shoe with a wide toe box and soft uppers, with stitching and seams positioned away from the joint. A stretch panel over the bunion accommodates the shape of your foot, hugging the joint rather than squeezing it into the shoe. See our guide to bunion-friendly shoes.
Plantar fasciitis or heel pain. A cushioned footbed with proper arch support is the priority, along with a shoe deep enough for your custom orthotics if you use them. Completely flat, unsupported shoes aren't ideal here. Our guide to shoes for plantar fasciitis goes deeper.
Flat feet or overpronation. Arch support and a firm heel counter give the stability your foot doesn't provide on its own. Lace-up styles let you adjust the fit across the instep. See our guide to shoes for flat feet.
Arthritis or stiff, painful joints. Soft, flexible uppers reduce pressure on the joints, and a cushioned footbed absorbs impact. Side-zip or slip-on styles make getting in and out of the shoe easier on stiff hands or limited mobility. See our guide to shoes for arthritis.
Feet that swell through the day. Lace-up or adjustable styles let you loosen the fit as the day goes on. A stretch panel in the toe box stretches with your foot, so you don't have to change anything. See our guide to shoes for swollen feet.
Aching or painful feet without a single diagnosis. Cushioning, arch support and a roomy toe box each take pressure off a different part of the foot. Our guide to shoes for painful feet matches the features to where it hurts.
You wear prescribed orthotics. The feature to check for is a removable, orthotic-depth footbed. The shoe needs to be deep enough that your custom insole fits inside without pushing your foot up and cramming your toes into the top.
Wide across the whole foot, front and back. Shoes shaped with a wide toe box and a standard heel are designed for feet that are wider at the front than the back. If your foot is wide all the way through, you may need a different width fitting altogether. See our wide-fitting shoes range.
We'd rather be upfront about this: if your foot is wide all the way through, our shoes won't be the right fit for you.
If your feet are getting worse or you're in real pain, please see your podiatrist. Supportive shoes accommodate your foot and reduce pressure on sensitive areas, but they don't reverse a deformity or correct the underlying structure. Only clinical treatment or surgery can do that.
Choosing shoes for how you'll wear them
A supportive style exists for most situations, so you don't have to default to one all-purpose pair and wear it everywhere.
On your feet all day or a long shift. A cushioned footbed, a small supportive heel lift, and a wide toe box make the difference. Trainers with a removable orthotic-depth footbed are the strongest everyday option if you're standing or walking for hours at a stretch.
You struggle to bend down or tie laces. A zip-up trainer or a loafer removes the problem entirely. Side-zip styles let you set the lace tension once and leave it, so you're not fighting with your shoes every morning. Our Estella trainer is made for exactly this, with laces so you can adjust the fit and a side zip so they're easy to get on and off.
A smart occasion or a wedding. Supportive doesn't have to mean flat. A block heel with a cushioned insole and a wide toe box gives you height and structure. A thicker heel is better for stability, and keeping the height to around 4cm or less avoids overloading the ball of your foot. If you do want something higher, a platform reduces the pitch, the forward angle of the foot, so your foot sits more level. Our occasion and bridal heels carry a 3.5 inch heel with a half-inch platform, so the pitch stays comfortable even with the height.
Casual daily wear. A leather or suede trainer that doesn't look medical. The support is hidden inside (arch support, cushioned footbed, wide toe box), and the outside looks like something you chose for the style, not the features. On our trainers, the external stitching is moved forward off the bunion area and paired with a seam-free, one-piece toe-box lining, so the shoe conceals the joint rather than drawing attention to it.
Walking, errands, or a full day out. A trainer or boot with a grip outsole and proper arch support. If the ground is uneven or wet, check for a non-slip sole.
You want a vegan option. A recycled canvas upper built with the same wide toe box and arch support gives you the same fit without leather.
Getting the fit right
Getting the right fit is the difference between a supportive shoe that works and one that ends up in the back of the wardrobe. Width matters as much as length, and most women have never had their foot width measured. Buldt and Menz's 2018 systematic review in BMC Public Health put a number on that: 47% of women had not had their footwear size measured in the past five years.
Width is the circumference of your foot at its widest point, usually across the ball or, if you have bunions, across the joint. It's measured standing, because your foot spreads under your weight. Standard UK women's width is D. E, EE, and EEE denote progressively wider fittings.
If you've been sizing up in length to get more room, it's worth trying your actual size in the correct width instead: a shoe that's too long causes as many problems as one that's too narrow. You can measure your feet at home with a tape measure and our guide.
Your feet swell through the day, so try shoes on in the afternoon or evening rather than first thing in the morning. Adjustable laces and a stretch panel in the toe box take up the difference, which is worth knowing if your feet change noticeably as the day goes on. And if you wear orthotics, bring them along when you try shoes on. The fit with your insole in is the fit that matters.
FAQs
What orthopaedic shoes do podiatrists recommend?
Podiatrists recommend shoes by their features rather than by brand. The features they consistently point to are proper arch support, cushioning that absorbs impact, room across the toe box so your toes aren't compressed, a firm heel counter for stability, and a removable footbed that can accept prescribed orthotics. A shoe that delivers these and fits your foot properly is what a podiatrist will recommend.
Our own range was developed with the help of practising podiatrists, including podiatric surgeon Ron McCulloch of the London Podiatry Centre, HCPC-registered podiatrist Dina Gohil, and podiatrist Claire Forbes. Several of them recommend and wear our shoes themselves.
What is the best brand of orthopaedic shoes for women?
There isn't a single best brand, because the best shoe is the one whose fit and features suit your particular foot. If you have bunions, the best shoe is one shaped around the bunion joint: wide at the toe box, standard at the heel, with soft uppers and a stretch panel that accommodates the bump rather than pressing on it. Look for the features that match your foot and your life, rather than a brand name alone.
At Calla, every shoe is designed around the bunion joint specifically, with a wide toe box over a standard-width heel. You can browse our full guide to finding the right pair here.
Can orthopaedic shoes fix bunions or flat feet?
No. Supportive shoes accommodate a bunion by reducing pressure on the joint and giving it room, but they don't straighten it, correct it, or rebuild a fallen arch. Only surgery corrects the underlying structure of a bunion, and only clinical treatment can address a structural issue with the arch.
You will also read, more or less everywhere, that the right shoes slow a bunion getting worse or even stop it progressing. In fact, footwear changes how a bunion feels, not what it is.
Ron McCulloch, the principal podiatric surgeon and director of the London Podiatry Centre, has said that the best one can hope for is to slow down progression and to limit the worsening of the deformity by taking some simple measures. That is a long way from stopping it. Once a bunion has formed, it is usually not possible to reverse the condition without surgery.
What good shoes do is accommodate the shape of your foot and reduce pressure on your joint, so you can get on with your life. That's worth having, even if it isn't a cure.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.