FootSmart: Where You’ll Find the Most Comfortable Shoes

What makes certain shoes the most comfortable shoes in your closet? Many different technologies and features go into making the most comfortable shoes, from a conservative heel to shock absorption to removable insoles.

You’re in luck, though, because the most comfortable shoes from the best-known brands are available right here at FootSmart.

FootSmart knows how to choose the most comfortable shoes to put in its catalog and on its Web site. That’s because the people at FootSmart do their research, meeting with different vendors and closely examining the most comfortable shoes, sandals, boots, clogs, mules and more to make sure they fit FootSmart standards. FootSmart is dedicated to keeping you moving in comfort… in the most comfortable shoes possible.

What does FootSmart look for in its most comfortable shoes? The most comfortable shoes should have some or all of the following characteristics:

• The most comfortable shoes have a firm heel counter, which cradles the heel, helps strengthen the heel cup and keeps your foot in place to help control your walking gait.
• The most comfortable shoes have a shorter heel that measures between 3/4 and – 1 1/2 inches.
• The most comfortable shoes have a wide toe box to accommodate toes without pinching or friction. People with toe problems like bunions or hammertoes will especially appreciate this feature, seen only in the most comfortable shoes.
• The most comfortable shoes have a semi-rigid or rigid shank. The shank is, according to the dictionary, the narrow part of a shoe’s sole, located beneath the foot arch.
• The most comfortable shoes have a removable inner sole. You can take out the insole to get extra room in your most comfortable shoes, or leave it in for extra support.
• The most comfortable shoes have a long vamp. The term “vamp” refers to the upper part of a shoe that covers the front part of the foot.
• The most comfortable shoes hold onto the foot, not the other way around.
• The most comfortable shoes are often adjustable, with closures made of Velcro® or ties that can easily be made tighter or looser to accommodate for changes in your feet (like natural swelling).
• The most comfortable shoes have a padded collar and tongue to help protect sensitive areas, reduce irritation and secure the fit of your most comfortable shoes.
• The most comfortable shoes have a rubber and/or flared outsole to help you stay steady on your feet in any terrain.
• The most comfortable shoes may have a plastizote foam lining that molds to the foot to reduce pressure points and provide customized comfort and protection.
• The most comfortable shoes have a firm compression EVA midsole and breathable upper to help control foot moisture.
• The most comfortable shoes have a polyurethane rocker sole to help reduce ball-of-foot pain and absorb the foot shock that comes with each step.

Also remember that if you have diabetes or sensitive feet, then the most comfortable shoes for you will be shoes that are quite roomy – like oxfords. If you have bunions, the most comfortable shoes for your ailment may have spandex stretch uppers, great for helping to reduce chafing and friction when walking.

Click here to visit the most comfortable shoes available at FootSmart – for men and women.

Information on foot and lower body health conditions and solutions, like how to choose the most comfortable shoes, provided by The Podiatry Institute, dedicated to advancing the standard of care in podiatric medicine and its effects on musculoskeletal health.