Five shoes that are good for your feet

Healthy shoes get away from the traditional

Phillip Vasyli had been trying to get women out of heels and flip-flops and into lace-up runners for years. “As a podiatrist, my instinct was not to embrace fashion,” he says. But that was back in the '80s, when he first began practising podiatry in Australia. 

Protect your feet at home

Eventually, he came to terms with the fact that custom orthotics were too clunky and pricey for many of his patients. To solve the problem, Vasyli created Orthaheel – shoes, sandals and slippers (seen here) with a built-in orthotic. They were about as utilitarian – and stylish – as their name suggests. (“Hey, I’m not a marketing guy, give me a break,” Vasyli laughs.)

Keep feet happy at work

This spring, Orthaheel has evolved into Vionic: shoes that contain the same technology as the old Orthaheels (a deep heel cup for stability, a biomechanical foot bed), but ones that you can actually pair with all the latest fashions. Vasyli simply averaged out the angle of his orthopedic shoes at four degrees, then hid the foot-saving orthotics in everything from pony-print flip-flops and sparkly black ballet flats to strappy wedge sandals and platform heels. “I just studied the foot in a higher heel, then conformed the shoe to the contours of the foot at that height,” he says. “It’s fashion meets science.”

Read on for more fashionable and functional shoes.

Naot Yama brogue

The shoe has a 1.5-inch heel, with a removable cork and latex foot bed, providing hallux and arch support, heel stabilization and shock absorption. The shoe comes in grey/metallic silver or brown. It’s a bit flashier than a traditional brogue, so you can dress it up or down.

Available at various Naot locations and retailers throughout Canada.  

Ziera July high-heeled pump

These shoes come in medium and wide widths and boast Ziera’s “Soft Journey” comfort technology. The foot bed consists of a soft stabilizing cradle, a contouring support layer, a soft pillow rubber layer and a soft leather upper layer to enhance comfort and grip. The pumps have a patent toe and heel that add to their appeal. 

Available at various retailers throughout Canada.

Click here to see our guide to buying the perfect running shoe.