Adidas, New Balance, Keds: A podiatrist picks the comfiest shoes on sale for Labor Day

4 September 2022 at 9:57 am·3-min read

Your feet will thank you. (Photo: Amazon) — Lots of shoe retailers are putting their best foot forward this holiday weekend; now it's your turn to step up. (Photo: Amazon)

Whatever you're doing this Labor Day — camping out, cooking out, hanging out — you'll probably notice your footwear. Is it serving all your needs? We hope you take a moment to stop and shop because today is the day to score big-time on doctor-recommended, fall-ready footwear. For shoes that are good for both your feet and gentle on your wallet, we asked a podiatrist to peruse the Labor Day sales and report back. We tapped Dr. Polina Zaydenberg, who is Board-certified by the American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry, Prevention and Treatment of Diabetic Foot Wounds and in Diabetic Footwear. The good doctor had plenty of opinions about her faves — and what's worth spending your hard-earned cash on.

Scroll for the comfiest podiatrist-approved shoes, all on sale for Labor Day.

Zappos

Asics GEL-Venture 8

These are great for working out, long trail walks and everyday too — especially if you work a job that demands you to be on your feet from 9 to 5 and beyond.

$45 at Amazon

They provide plenty of traction — perfect for slippery restaurant or hospital floors — and are available in both regular and wide widths.

Dr. Zaydenberg shared that she's a fan of Venture 8's rocker sole, which helps offload pressure from different parts of the foot. It also helps with propulsion, plus the heel is great for those with plantar fasciitis.

Slow Man

Slow Man Women's Walking Shoes Sock Sneakers

The Slow Man Women's Walking Shoes are made of mesh fabric, so they feel light on your feet and are just as flexible as your favorite pair of socks.

$37 at Amazon

The outsole has an air bubble and a chunky rubber sole, which Dr. Zaydenberg says is “a great shock absorber” and provides “plenty of cushioning.” The wide toebox accommodates those who have bunions and hammertoes too. If that's not enough to convince you to get them, perhaps the 54,000 five-star reviews will do it.

PUMA

Puma California Sneaker

This sporty sneaker is made entirely of buttery leather and the chunky style will win you points around town. You'll want to wear these with everything: leggings, jeans, even skirts and dresses.

$40 at Amazon

Dr. Zaydenberg is most intrigued by the shoe's thick base. "The platform is good for people with insertional Achilles tendonitis," she explained. (Translation: inflammation at the back of your foot, where your Achilles tendon meets the heel bone.)

"Elevating your heel is relaxing the Achilles tendon, and it provides less tension in the area of concern," Dr. Zaydenberg adds.

Brooks

Brooks Ghost 14 Neutral Running Shoe

Rarely on sale, these Amazon bestsellers have earned the praise of over 10,000 shoppers for their versatility, comfort and seemingly endless array of colors.

$198 at Amazon

“They’re accommodative and stretchy," shared Dr. Zaydenberg. "The platform is great for those with arthritic deformities in the mid-foot area."

New Balance

New Balance Women's FuelCore Nergize Sport V1 Sneaker

These top-rated kicks (available in 29 colorways) have Amazon shoppers in a tizzy: They've received over 5,800 five-star reviews. An instant classic..

$50 at Amazon

Spoiler: You'll have a hard time picking just one color.

They're good for those with painful foot deformities, shared Dr. Zaydenberg. That's thanks to their inflexible sole.

adidas

Adidas Cloud Foam Pure Running Shoe

Amazon's No. 1 bestselling sneakers have an army of fans — as in nearly 60,000. They come in 26 colors, and are the perfect everyday sneaker, thanks to their sock-like feel.

$55 at Amazon

Dr. Zaydenberg is a fan of these for people with metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of the foot) and bunion deformities, thanks to their wider (read: more accomodative) toe box.

Nordstrom Rack

Skechers Summits Slip-On Sneaker

This slip-on sneaker is available in dove grey and black, and its sporty style is perfect for errands, around the house, and even low-intensity workouts.

$50 at Nordstrom Rack

An added benefit? They're great for wide feet, according to the podiatrist. The elastic laces stretch to accomodate wider feet, as well as those with a high instep.

Zappos

Keds Alley PU Suede

Consider this an update on your classic Keds. This trendy mauve pair goes with everything — jeans, dresses, skirts, leggings — and is comfy to boot.

$51 at Zappos

These handsome kicks have a lot going for them; the podiatrist's favorite part, however, is their composition.

"Leather, suede and canvas are natural materials, which is good for those with various skin conditions," she shared. The reason? They don't promote sweat.