I’ve been searching your web site for info on boots – how to find a good pair that doesn’t hurt when worn all day, for example. We will be moving to northern Michigan (think: SNOW) to retire in a few years, and by that time I would like to have a good pair of boots. But if I’m going to spend extra money for good quality boots, I just want a pair that I will want to wear a lot. What brands do you recommend for problem feet? I have plantar fasciitis and large feet with large big toes, medium width.
When shopping online it’s hard to know what will work before it arrives on your doorstop. That’s why, for unknown brands and styles I stick to companies that have free shipping and liberal return policies:
- Zappos – Free shipping, and you have 365 days to decide to return (and returns are also free). To try from Zappos, it’s important to wear socks and try them on a clean carpeted floor; they do not take back worn shoes. I’ve been known to order a pair and have them sent to my office and wear them around the workplace which is clean and carpeted. If they go home, there’s a chance that they will get dirty, dog hair, or never gotten around to being returned.
- Planet Shoes – A great site for eco-friendly, vegan, and USA-made footwear, Planet Shoes has free shipping and free returns on unworn merchandise if sent back within 90 days of purchase.
- Nordstrom – Nordstrom has a stellar shoe department, free shipping, and free returns. While it’s unethical to return clothes you happily wore, it’s nice that with Nordstrom if you get a pair of shoes you think are comfortable but then say wear sightseeing and end up with pain, you can still return them.
- Online Shoes – While returns cost $7.95, exchanges are free at Online Shoes and they have categories for footwear such as orthotic-friendly and up to 4X wide shoes and healthy-feet brands like Rockport, Dansko, Cobb Hill, and Sofft. It’s a great site if you’re more familiar with a brand and its fit but wish to try a new style in their collection as they have selection and also customer reviews.
- The Walking Company – The Walking Company’s return policy kind of sucks, but if you have a store nearby (and there’s one in Ann Arbor which you mentioned in your email), you can return in stores for free. The Walking Company breaks down book categories by style and brand like other retailers, but also by comfort level with a specific category just for plantar fasciitis.
If you have plantar fasciitis, you want to find a shoe with good arch support, plenty of cushioning, and a shock-absorbing heel. This can be achieved with a shoe brand and style that provides this, or a shoe that has room for an insert to achieve these goals. Brands like Aravon, Dansko, ECCO, Naot, and Orthaheel are highly rated by those with plantar fasciitis, while brands like David Tate, Munro, Cougar, and Cobb Hill are known for being orthotic-friendly and are more likely to have a roomy toebox for your toes. Searching online, these are tall boots I found that are a classic style, well-rated brand, and would work for plantar fasciitis.
KEEN Tyretreat Boot
With KEEN’s metatomical footbed design, this boot cradles the foot, has excellent arch support, a shock-absorbing polyurethane midsole, and still room for orthotics. Reviews say these are as comfortable as a pair of sneakers and roomy in the toes. Made with waterproofed leather, this classic style comes in black, brown, and tan; there’s also a waterproof version in black and tan that has seam-sealed construction and a moisture wicking lining which would be even better for a snowy climate.
Naot Viento Boot
This is a classic leather riding boot with simple styling that will be fashionable for seasons to come. What makes this and other Naot boots special is the anatomically shaped cork and latex footbed that molds to your unique foot shape with wear. The footbed also features arch support for pronation control, a heel cup for added stability, hallux support to prevent foot slippage, and an elevated footbed center to release pressure in the joints located in the central area of the foot. Naot claims that wearing this boot, you’ll gain better posture, balance and body alignment. Available in black and brown leather, while this boot isn’t waterproofed, some waterproofing spray and regular maintenance can protect them from occasional splashes and interaction with salt.
Cobb Hill Britney Boot
Cobb Hill, a New Balance Company, sent me some of their shoes to try earlier this year and I was highly impressed by the comfort and support of their shoes. The Britney has a stability shank embedded into the midsole which supports the arch and helps create a smoother gait; the TR outsole provides traction control while absorbing shock and maintaining stability. Though the Britney does sport some ankle straps and hardware, the look is still classic enough to withstand footwear trends. As with the Viento, I recommend prepping this boot with a waterproofing spray.
Naya Abira Boot
The Abira is a classic riding boot in buttery leather with a cushioned footbed that massages the foot with every step and a rubber outsole that delivers long-lasting durability on a variety of surfaces. The foot is roomy enough to fit an orthotic, and the style can dress up or down quite nicely. Naya is a brand known for quality and comfort but can often be found on discount sites like 6pm; when researching this post I found the boot almost 50% off in tan on 6pm.
Now I wish to hear from you readers; any suggestions for this reader? Do you deal with plantar fasciitis? If so what shoes and boots have you found that are supportive, comfortable, yet still stylish?