'My feet never hurt': Podiatrists love these sneakers — 50% off for Labor Day

Ready to get your steps in during the temperate days of late summer and early fall? If so — and if it's been awhile since you got new sneakers — it might be time to upgrade. Amazon shoppers have found a pair you'll want to check out: Akk Memory Foam Walking Shoes, which have over 15,000 five-star ratings. Available in over 20 varieties, they're comfy yet supportive and may become your favorite footwear. Snag a pair of these podiatrist-approved kicks on sale for as little as $40 with Prime, down from $80 — that's a 50% off markdown, courtesy of Amazon's Labor Day sale.

• Related: We're snapping up these podiatrist-loved shoes and sandals, on sale from $30 for Labor Day

Amazon

Akk Memory Foam Walking Shoes

$40$80

Save $40 with Prime

Lightweight, wide and roomy, these sneakers offer just the right mix of support and cushioning.

Save $40 with Prime

$40 at Amazon

Why is it a good deal? ??

Walking shoes can cost up to $150 (about what you'll pay for popular but pricey Hokas), so it's hard to say no to a quality shoe that's $40 and at a 50% discount with Prime for Labor Day. Note that the prices differ by color and size, but they won't vary wildly. In any case, it'll be a refreshingly small price to pay for pain-free strolls around the neighborhood.

Why do I need this? ??

According to the Mayo Clinic, the average American takes 3,000 to 4,000 steps a day. Think you might be below that number? Maybe all you need to get moving in the right direction is supportive footwear.

Yahoo Life asked a pro exactly why these sneakers feel like magic. "They’re accommodative, meaning they allow the foot and the ankle to move in almost any direction that weight bearing permits," explained Dr. Rock G. Positano, director of the Non-Surgical Foot and Ankle Service at Hospital for Special Surgery's Joe DiMaggio Heel Pain Center in New York City.

But these shoes aren't just for exercise. With soft, comfy uppers, they're also fantastic for errands and yard work — whatever your day has in store. Support matters all the time, according to the pros.

"During the pandemic, we noticed a dramatic increase in foot and ankle disorders due to barefoot walking in the home," says Positano. "As comfortable as it may seem, walking barefoot increases the amount of stress that the foot must absorb." Remember: "The feet — and mainly the heel and plantar fascia — are the major shock absorbers for the body."

What reviewers say ??

As Positano put it, "The feet are the body’s Michelin tires. And the last thing you want is for your foot to become a flat tire." Well, Amazon shoppers, podiatrists and nurses say these are the shoes to keep those tires properly inflated.

Pros ??

"I fell in love with these shoes," said one fan. "Easy on, easy off, I work on my feet for 12-plus hours a day, it feels like you are walking on a cloud. I use these primarily for nursing at my job. ... I just ordered my third pair, I have used the same pair for over a year and they look and feel barely worn. ... And they breathe so well, no more damp socks."

Another chimed in: "I am a nurse and I wear compression socks to get me through the long hours. Because these shoes are made to stretch, when I'm nearing [the end of] a 16-hour day, they don't feel tight on my feet." Plus, they added, these shoes clean up great. "These are perfect to kick off and put in the wash."

Said a third: "I bought these for work since I'm a nurse and walk around all day. They are soft, very comfortable and look good. People compliment me all the time. My feet never hurt!"

Cons ??

If you have any mobility issues, take note: You may need to bend over to get these shoes on, reviewers caution.

"Love how they feel. Very comfortable," reported one shopper, before warning: "They are slip-ons, but not without using your hands, if that is what you are looking for."

"They aren't fully a slip-on," agreed this reviewer. "I still had to use my hands, but they are comfortable. For the price, they really are a decent shoe."

Amazon

Akk Memory Foam Walking Shoes

$40$80

Save $40 with Prime

These cushy sneakers come in over 20 colors, from white to bright, and in wide sizes too. Prime shoppers will get the best savings on a variety of shades.

Save $40 with Prime

$40 at Amazon

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)

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