We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals.
Podiatrists pick today's best Presidents' Day shoe sales — from Amazon to Zappos
Our favorite precursor of Spring? Presidents' Day shoe sales! Why is it that sneakers seem to be the last thing in our wardrobe we remember to replace? They're arguably more important than anything else we wear, yet we tend to wait till they're falling apart to get a new pair. Now is the time to pounce! We asked podiatrists for their most supportive picks, and Crocs, New Balance and Brooks made the cut. And these podiatrist-approved Vionics are a whopping 67% off! Get comfy, but not too comfy: The best deals are going fast, so make sure to strike quick.
Vionic Mesh Lace-Up Athletic Sneakers
Getting the APMA seal of acceptance is a pretty big deal, Melissa Lockwood, DPM, a podiatrist at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates in Bloomington, Illinois, tells Yahoo Life. “They run rigorous tests before they apply the seal of acceptance,” she says. "Having that seal of acceptance lets a customer know that it’s approved by podiatrists—you’re getting a quality product."
Crocs Classic Clogs
"They’re wide and extremely lightweight," says foot surgeon Diane Koshimune of these popular clogs. "People love to say that their favorite shoes are 'like walking on air,' but thousands of reviewers can confirm that in the case of Crocs, that is the total truth."
The doc adds: "Crocs fit great right out of the box. The toe box is enlarged so there's plenty of room for those of us with large feet. Very comfortable and work perfect for these 'stay at home' days."
Skechers Women's Go Joy Walking Shoe
The stylish Go Joy sneaker is a friend to all who suffer from joint pain and foot aches. The slip-on style — which features a rear pull-tab in the back — is a bonus for those with dexterity issues.
“Excellent walking shoes need to be supportive, lightweight and good for your specific foot type,” podiatrist Dr. Dana Canuso explains to Yahoo Life, who selected this pair as one of her favorite walking shoes. “My most recommended walking shoe is one with a moderate amount of stability, a supportive arch and lots of cushion.”
"Finally…I found the perfect nursing shoe" wrote one of more than 54,000 five-star reviewers. "10/10 recommend for anyone who is constantly on their feet and just can’t get on board with the look of nurse clogs."
Adidas Puremotion-Adapt Running Shoe
Explains Dr. Polina Zaydenberg, a board-certified by the American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry, Prevention and Treatment of Diabetic Foot Wounds and in Diabetic Footwear: "The heel lift is great — it helps take the pressure off the posterior and the bottom part of the heel. The texture of the material doesn’t contribute to creating pressure in that part of the foot as well.”
"This is the second pair I have bought for my job as a nurse working 12+ hours a day," shared a shopper. "I love them!"
Doussprt Slip-On Walking Shoes
These shoes are a go-to for people who are on their feet all day, thanks largely to something called an air cushion. Save 43% for Presidents' Day!
"Stability, or ‘support,’ is probably the most important quality of a sneaker or any other shoe that someone will wear to be on their feet for more than a few minutes at a time,” explains Richard H. Graves, DPM, of Sol Foot & Ankle Centers in Longwood, Calif., in support of these shoes. “Making the foot stable means that the joints of the foot are in better alignment and the muscles, tendons and ligaments are not having to work as hard. A good shoe will do a lot of that work.”
"I have problems finding comfortable working shoes as a nurse," one of more than 23,000 five-star reviewers wrote. "I have knee replacements and I found these to be the best shoes I have had in a very, very long time. Super comfortable with just the right amount of support."
New Balance DynaSoft Nergize v3 Running Shoes
Looking for a reliably comfortable shoe that comes in a slew of great colors? You can't go wrong with the New Balance DynaSoft Nergize shoes.
These kicks have picked up plenty of accolades. Even professional "dog" whisperers rave about New Balance sneakers: Board-certified podiatrist Ernest L. Isaacson recommends New Balance due to their comfort and support, while Dr. Nelya Lobkova, an ABPM (American Board of Podiatric Medicine) Certified Surgical Podiatrist, agrees that the brand is “great for prevention and generalized foot soreness.”
One shopper said the New Balance DynaSoft Nergize shoes are "beyond comfortable and stylish. Met more than my expectations by far."
Brooks Ghost 14 Running Shoe
These kicks are great for running and walking since they feature properties that both cushion and propel you.
Dr. Zaydenberg is a huge fan of these popular kicks by the respected brand Brooks. “They’re accommodating and stretchy," she told Yahoo Life. "The platform is great for those with arthritic deformities in the mid-foot area."
"I absolutely love the Brooks Ghost 14s!" a five-star reviewer wrote. "They were comfortable right out of the box and did not need to be broken in. They have great arch support but still provide good cushioning and overall support so they are perfect to wear all day. They have adequate room in the toe box, and I do not have any trouble with the heels slipping."
New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v3
Achy feet? Try a pair of these New Balance sneakers with breathable mesh upper, a cushioned sole and a responsive insert for shock support. Dr. Lobkova declared that the brand is “great for prevention and generalized foot soreness," plus thousands of shoppers swear by this particular pair.
"Attention girls with bunions, these are the shoes!! Surgery on only one foot and it still gets a huge callous with most shoes. I now have two pairs of these, the blue/black and the light gray. After a couple of weeks on my daily two-mile walk, my callous is doing better and with no additional pain!" one person gushed. "I've tried three competing brands of athletic shoes. Right now, these are No. 1."
Lamincoa Women's Air Running Shoes
“These are good for people with plantar fasciitis," explains NYC-based podiatrist Dr. Zaydenberg. "I like to tell my patients to get gel heel cups, but the bubble on the heel is even better because it has a lower density, which provides better shock absorption.”
Plus: More on-sale favorites
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.