The Top Orthopedic Shoes That Do No Harm

Finding glamorous and trendy vegan shoes is incredibly easy these days. For those of us who want or need to opt for practicality, though, finding orthopedic shoes can be a bit more of a challenge. When I undertook this task, I found zero online resources to assist me—I hope you can benefit from my subsequent research. The last orthopedist I saw was amazed that I’d found anything that fit me besides athletic shoes, so you really are getting an inside scoop here.

I’ll focus on shoes that offer solutions for multiple foot issues, since those are the most difficult to find and will work for folks with less complicated feet as well. The best brands for this are Orthofeet and Drew. Both brands come in a wide range of sizes and widths, and many styles have several levels of removable insoles so even chunky custom orthotics will fit (their built-in orthotic insoles might work for you, too). Neither company is completely vegan, so please remember to check the materials for each style!

Orthofeet Springfield

You may find that your new lifestyle includes a lot of Mary Janes and oxfords. These are my go-to shoes when I’m wearing a skirt or a dress.

Colors: Black

Sizes: 5 to 12

Widths: Medium to XX-wide

Removable insoles: Two

Other features: Made from a stretchable fabric that accommodates swollen feet and will work for diabetics.

Drew Jada

These are the cutest shoes that should theoretically fit me—I found the smallest sizes ran quite large, though, so my tiny feet and I were out of luck. Perhaps you’ll fare better.

Colors: Black or ivory

Sizes: 6 to 12

Widths: Medium to XX-wide

Removable insoles: Two

Other features: Made of Lycra

Orthofeet Wichita

These oxfords are my second-most-often-worn shoes. They work well with dress pants or dark-wash jeans.

Colors: Black

Sizes: 5 to 12

Widths: Medium to XX-wide

Removable insoles: Two

Other features: Made from a stretchable fabric that accommodates swollen feet and will work for diabetics.

Orthofeet Amalya

If you’re looking for oxfords with a bit more design, these may be perfect for you. They come in black or gray and look good with jeans or yoga pants. Note that they run a half-size large.

Colors: Black or gray

Sizes: 5 to 12

Widths: Medium to XX-wide

Removable insoles: Yes

Other features: Made from a stretchable fabric that accommodates swollen feet and will work for diabetics.

Orthofeet Alps

Some of the hardest things to find for me were things we take for granted, like slippers and waterproof boots. Orthofeet finally came out with these faux fur-lined boots, so now I can go outside if there’s weather.

Colors: Black or beige

Sizes: 5 to 12

Widths: Medium to XX-wide

Removable insoles: Two

Drew Posy

These cute canvas oxfords have decorative buttons for a slightly less “orthopedic” look.

Colors: Black or tan

Sizes: 5 to 12

Widths: Medium to XX-wide

Removable insoles: Yes

Drew Sloan

Sandals with removable footbeds can be more difficult to find than other types of shoes, but this casual style from Drew has one, along with adjustable straps for even more flexibility.

Colors: Black or tan

Sizes: 6 to 13

Widths: Medium to XX-wide

Removable insoles: Yes

I hope this is a good starting point for you! Definitely explore the other vegan styles from both brands. Here’s to solving your pain issues while being kind to animals—and here are a few other articles that may interest you.

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