Physical therapists are involved in a range of activities throughout their work hours and need the right shoes to feel comfortable.
After retiring as a school teacher, I frequently experienced back and neck pain, and someone suggested I visit a physical therapist. During my visits to the clinic, I noticed that the shoes worn by physical therapists are quite different from what people regularly wear. And I was intrigued!
So, I started to research more about these shoes to find options that are most comfortable to wear. Soon, I was compiling a list of shoes that work perfectly for men and women physical therapists. And I thought it would be best to share the findings with my readers.
Hi! I am Stacy Smith, and today, I will take you through the best shoes for physical therapists that you can try. So, let’s begin!
Top 5 Shoes For Physical Therapists Reviews
1. New Balance Nergize V1 Sneaker
New Balance has been enjoying great popularity on the market for decades, and the Nergize V1 sneakers are among its top products. This pair of shoes is the perfect fit for physical therapists who may experience foot aches from staying on their feet for long hours.
Product Highlights
For starters, these shoes score a perfect ten for providing users with the ultimate comfort, thanks to the lightweight REVlite midsole cushioning, among other things. The midsoles prevent your feet from experiencing any significant fatigue, no matter how long your work hours are.
You will also find additional NB memory soles for reinforced underfoot comfort to make your steps feel plush and comfortable on different surfaces. This makes this pair extremely suitable for working women who often do longer shifts.
The upper portion of these shoes is made of mesh and a synthetic material, which makes it suitable for all seasons. I liked how these shoes have a snug fit and come with shock absorption to prevent the risk of injuries.
What's There To Like About It?
I prefer lightweight shoes, especially when I have to work for long hours. If you are like me, you will surely love this option! The mesh and synthetic upper construction, along with the rubber soles, will satisfy your need completely.
I was happy about the fact that it is available in 12 different colors, meaning there’s something for people with different color preferences. What also requires a special mention is the durable rubber soles, which enhance the longevity of the shoes.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The only issue that I faced when ordering this pair was deciding the correct size for me. Since this sneaker pair has a performance fit, the shoes may cling to your feet more than usual. So, it is best to order ½ -size bigger than what you do with regular shoes.
Pros and Cons of New Balance Nergize V1 Sneaker
Pros
Cons
- These shoes have a performance fit. We recommend ordering a 1/2 size bigger than your typical NB size.
- Midsole Cushioning: These New Balance sneakers feature a REVlite midsole that delivers incredibly lightweight cushioning and provides a responsive ride for comfortable all-day wear
- Underfoot Comfort: With an NB Memory Sole Comfort Insert that offers a plush feel with every step, this everyday shoe for women was made for wearing anywhere and everywhere
2. Hey Dude Women's Wendy Shoes
Next up, I have the Hey Dude women's wendy shoes, which have been a favorite of many physical therapists for years now. Apart from the exceptional fit, this pair of shoes has a very summery feel to them and goes with all types of attires. No doubt it will make for a great addition to your closet.
Product Highlights
One of the first things about these shoes that caught my attention is the Flex and Folds technology, which provides ultimate comfort to your feet. Plus, the anatomical memory foam insoles work to take the entire load of your body and keep foot fatigue at bay.
What is really impressive is that this pair of shoes is elastic, and you will have no problem flexing your feet from time to time. Moreover, the slip-on design allows you to put them on or take them off easily without any effort. Trust me- this feature can be a great savior when you’re running late for your appointments.
The list of impressive features does not end here! You will be happy to see how the outsoles are ultralight and won't add any extra weight to your feet. They also have shock-absorption properties, which do not allow your toes or ankles to get hurt.
What's There To Like About It?
My therapists tell me how their job keeps them busy, and how they don’t like to spend hours cleaning and maintaining their shoes. So, I was highly impressed by the fact that this pair is so easy to take care of. The material is machine-washable, and you don't have to spend a lot of time cleaning them. And the color stays intact even after months of use.
Unlike the New Balance Nergize V1 Sneaker, this pair is not the best bet for people who are looking for a performance fit. But the lace closure makes up for it, and the fit is quite satisfactory.
What's There Not To Like About It?
I hardly have any complaints about how well this pair performs. However, I have to say that it is not suitable for wearing all year round. The upper portion of the shoes has a textile lining, which can get wet when exposed to moisture and takes a lot of time to dry.
Pros and Cons of Hey Dude Women's Wendy Shoes
Pros
Cons
- Rounded Toe Design and Flex & Fold: This supports healthy feet with its unique shape giving complete freedom of movement. The Hey Dude Wendy will be an instant favorite in your modern-casual shoe collection and are the perfect women’s shoes.
- Lightweight with Elastic Laces: Manufactured using an elastic material that allows them to flex with the foot, resulting in a shoe that fits more uniformly. Each shoe weighs under 5 ounces making it one of the lightest pairs of shoes around. The ideal Hey Dude Shoes for Women that you will surely love!
- Comfortable Durable High-Quality Material: Wendy provides everywhere comfort, but with a style ideal for women who enjoy life’s ever-changing journey. The relaxed look and feel allow you to explore your passions and experience new places with the confidence your feet will fit into any occasion.
3. Merrell Men's Moc Slip-On
The Merrell men's moc slip-on may not look like a usual pair of shoes for physical therapists, but there's no going back once you try them. This pair combines style and comfort for multi-purpose utility. Hence, you can wear them for post-work outings with your work buddies.
Product Highlights
When you are purchasing shoes as a physical therapist, comfort should be your first priority. And I can assure you that this pair won't let you down. This pair of shoes comes with an Ortholite footbed and pigskin lining, making it suitable for all-day wear. Hence, you can rest assured about not experiencing foot fatigue.
What's more, the Merrell air cushioning inserted in the heels of the shoes makes walking comfortable even on uneven terrains. They also work as shock absorbents and reduce the chance of ankle twists on slippery or rough surfaces.
Additionally, the suede leather combines with a special synthetic material to account for the lightweight construction of this pair. The material is pretty soft, and there's hardly any chance that your toes will get hurt by the toe box.
What's There To Like About It?
This pair of shoes comes with rubber outsoles that are waterproof so that users don’t have to worry about slipping on water spills.
Besides, if you like to make fashion statements at work, then these shoes will come in really handy! They come in more than 20 color options, and you can get a few that match your wardrobe. Most of the options are in neutral shades, and I am sure there's one for everyone.
What's There Not To Like About It?
I did not notice that material before making the purchase. The suede material needs to be handled with care since this pair cannot be machine washed, unlike the Hey Dude women's wendy shoes. So, cleaning them will require more time and effort. This pair looks great but is not the best one when it comes to regular use.
Pros and Cons of Merrell Men's Moc Slip-On
Pros
Cons
- Suede casual shoe featuring pull-on styling with inset goring wedges and contrast webbing loop at heel
- M-Select FRESH odor-resistant breathable lining
- Shock-absorbing air cushion heel. Features molded nylon arch shank
4. Skechers Sport Men's Equalizer Coast to Coast Mules
Skechers is an award-winning global footwear brand, and its coast to coast mules have managed to win the hearts of many. Its high-quality construction and causal look appeal to trend-savvy physical therapists. So, let's take a look at what this pair has to offer.
Product Highlights
When it comes to comfort, these mules will have you at hello! The upper portion shoes are made of suede and mesh, which enhances their breathability and adds a plush feel to them. Besides, the mesh covering keeps your feet from sweating, which keeps the insides of the shoes dry and hygienic.
Moreover, the memory foam insoles add to the comfort of the shoes. The foam will adjust itself to the shape of your foot and provides it with the ultimate support. It can take your body weight well and keep you free of foot fatigue.
Additionally, the design of this pair of shoes requires a special mention. And that, along with the stitching and overlay accents, makes this pair pretty durable.
What's There To Like About It?
I was pretty impressed with how this pair of shoes can be worn for different purposes. But it still remains a great pair for physical therapists. The best part is that it also doubles up as a comfortable, sporty clog that you can wear for your evening walks.
Also, it hardly takes any time to wear the shoes. This pair is essentially a low-backed clog that you can slip on at any time and slip out of equally comfortably.
What's There Not To Like About It?
I noticed that this pair does not come with heel cushions, unlike the Merrell men's moc slip-on. And without proper heel support, the shock absorption capacity of the shoes goes down. Hence, this might not be the best pair for people with previous foot injuries.
Pros and Cons of Skechers Sport Men's Equalizer Coast to Coast Mules
Pros
Cons
- Memory foam insole
- Slip-in
- Designed with quality and comfortable in mind
5. CLARKS Sillian Bella Mary Jane Flats
Ladies, if you are on the lookout for a slim and sporty pair of shoes for work, give the CLARKS Mary Jane flats a try. This pair is not only comfortable but also looks very stylish and will compliment different outfits.
Product Highlights
The first thing that I noticed when I wore this pair of shoes was that my movement was not at all restricted. These shoes come with Sillian Bella features that add great stretchability to the fabric. Therefore, you can rest assured that you can enjoy easy and agile movement when wearing this pair.
The outsole is quite flexible and supports your feet as you walk. Moreover, you will find an EVA outsole that allows for great shock absorption. This feature is particularly helpful for users who have a history of foot injuries.
Furthermore, the Ortholite footbed reinforces the comfort factor, and it can be easily removed. While you can keep the footbed inserted during work, you can take them out when going out for errands that don’t require a lot of walking.
What's There To Like About It?
First and foremost, I liked the cushion soft technology on these shoes, which keeps the insoles from bouncing back after every step that you take. Comfort is the key to any good footwear, and this brand understands that pretty well.
Other than that, I was happy with how the manufacturer has managed to mix both textile and mesh in making the shoe. Because of the mesh portion, the breathability of the shoes increases manifold, thereby preventing your feet from sweating.
What's There Not To Like About It?
When compared to shoes like the Skechers coast-to-coast mules, these shoes take some time to put on. Although they come with belts that keep them in place for a tight fit, you will need to use your hands to put the shoes on and take them off, unlike slip-ons that are much easier to wear.
Pros and Cons of CLARKS Sillian Bella Mary Jane Flats
Pros
Cons
- Heel Height 1.35 inches
- Removable Ortholite footbed
- Cushion Soft technology
Buyers Guide
While talking to my physical therapists, I realized that a lot of them have a hard time selecting the right pair of shoes for the job. And this problem is faced by many as the market is filled with thousands of shoes that claim to be designed exclusively for physical therapists. Without a proper buying guideline, you might find yourself lost in a pool of options.
To choose the best one for yourself, there are a few factors that you need to keep in mind. And in this section, I am going to discuss some of them.
1. Type Of Sole
When choosing the right pair of shoes for your physical therapist job, choosing a pair with the right type of soles is crucial. Unless you want to replace shoes every few months, conduct proper research to understand if the soles can stand the test of regular wear. At the same time, pay special attention to the quality of the midsoles and outsoles.
If the outsole is made of rubber, it can enhance the durability of the shoe. Plus, rubber soles do not get damaged easily and can be worn throughout the year.
You should also ensure that the midsoles are good enough to prevent your feet from getting hurt. Midsoles add that extra cushioning, which allows you to stand on your feet for a long time.
The other thing to take note of is the insoles. Most of the shoes that I have listed come with excellent insoles that work as great shock absorbers. If you have a history of foot injury, it is important to choose good soles that provide support and prevent your heels and ankles from twisting.
2. Breathability
Physical therapists generally have to wear their shoes for long hours, so I suggest you pick the ones which are breathable and come with a light mesh covering.
Such materials can also help maintain proper blood circulation in your feet. And when the blood circulation is right, your feet will be more relaxed and won't get tired easily.
Moreover, walking generates a lot of heat in the feet, and the mesh cover can help it escape to make you feel comfortable. Not only that, but it can also prevent your feet from sweating. So you do not have to worry about odors or infections after a long day at work. If your footwear is made of breathable fabric, you can even skip wearing socks.
3. Fit
To ensure that you feel comfortable throughout the day, you should always pick the right-sized shoes. Spend some extra time and ensure that the pair of shoes you buy fits you properly.
In case you wear shoes that are too tight, they may cause your toes to bend. And when that happens regularly, there's a chance that you will develop a disorder called hallux rigidus.
On the other hand, people may sometimes end up buying shoes that are bigger than their feet, which can be equally problematic. Large shoes tend to increase friction, which might result in wounds and blisters. And depending on their intensity and the location, they can take a long time to heal, thereby affecting your walking.
To get the size right, it is best that you measure your feet at the end of the day. In the morning, your feet are relaxed and often shrunken. So, smaller-sized shoes might seem like the best option. However, for the correct measurement, I suggest that you measure your feet at the end of the day, when they are swollen and the largest.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is true that shoes do not come with any expiration date, which is why many people overlook replacing them. However, you must change them at the right time to keep your feet healthy.
You must change your work shoes every 8-12 months when using them regularly. Besides, there are some ways to understand if it’s time to change your shoes. In case you see the outsole wearing out or observe that the midsole is flatter than usual, then consider getting a new pair.
You should also look for replacements if the upper portion of the top layer of the shoes are wearing off. Worn-out shoes may disrupt your balance as they tend to lean on one side.
Absolutely! The footwear needs of physical therapists are quite different from people who are involved in other jobs. Their daily activities involve a lot of movement and require them to stand on their feet for long hours. So, they must find a pair of shoes with proper cushioning and support.
First and foremost, take a close look at your feet to understand what shoes will suit you the best. Also, by seeing how the shoes wear out, you can easily identify your walking pattern and the kind of foot support that you require.
For the best results, you can consult a physician to understand what kind of foot arch you have. As a physical therapist, when you choose shoes for the job, keep factors like flexibility and foot arch in mind to give your feet the love they deserve.
My Final Recommendations
With that, it’s a wrap for today!Â
I hope that you now have a better idea about how to select the best shoes for physical therapists. Always keep in mind that comfort and support are the two most important factors to keep in mind when selecting shoes for yourself. And the right pair of shoes will help you tackle foot problems better and help you concentrate better at work.Â
However, if you are still on the fence about which shoes to select, let me help you. The New Balance nergize V1 sneakers are my all-time favorite, as they deliver exceptional performance. Likewise, the Hey Dude women’s wendy shoes can be ideal for people looking for extra comfort at work.Â
Until next time, take care!Â