If you find that your feet feel achy and painful after wearing regular trainers, the best orthopaedic trainers will make sure your feet are comfortable and supported. These trainers have been designed with comfort in mind with features such as additional arch support, special soles and sometimes a wider fit to accommodate your feet. Nobody's feet are the same, which is why there are different types of orthopaedic trainers to cater to the needs of your heels, soles and toes.
Trainers are a very versatile piece of footwear that can be worn casually with dresses and trainers for day-to-day errands, or you may associate trainers specifically for working out and achieving your fitness goals. However you choose to wear trainers, it's important to find ones that support and protect your feet, keeping them nicely cushioned and comfortable. People who suffer from conditions such as bunions, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis or foot neuropathy may find that orthopaedic trainers may be better for their feet and help with comfort and over time, may improve symptoms of certain conditions.
Best orthopaedic trainers UK at a glance
One of the biggest things that the best orthopaedic trainers provide is stability. As we get older, we’re not as stable on our feet as we once were so these trainers will aid you in keeping your footing. They are made to promote proper alignment of the foot and ankle to reduce the risk of you going over on your feet. Whether you’re after trainers for walking or to wear every day, orthopaedic trainers will provide your feet with the extra support they need.
From arch support trainers to support those with flatter feet to wider fitting trainers that have plenty of room in the toe box for your toes to spread out and breathe, we’ve rounded up all the best orthopaedic trainers in the UK that will ensure your feet are comfortable and supported every step of the way.
Best orthopaedic trainers UK
Best overall
Best overall
thefitville.uk
These podiatrist-approved FitVille Women's Rebound Core Shoes are just what you need to keep you in comfort all day long, whether you're walking or standing. You can bid farewell to cramped toes as it has an extra-wide toe box and a high instep that will give your toes plenty of wiggle room while boosting blood circulation. The U-shaped arch support insole combined with dual-density EVA and the EnergyWave pad will cradle your arches at every stride and the heel ring maintains consistent gait posture, keeping you steady on your feet.
Customer review: "I would highly recommend these trainers to anyone suffering from heel and ankle pain. For the first time in years, I can actually go fast walking pain-free. Thank you Fitville it’s been a life changer for me."
Pros
- Extra-wide toe box
- U-shaped arch support insole
- Two widths and three colours to choose from
Cons
- Designed with wider feet in mind so may not be for you if you are more narrow-footed
Sizes: | Wide, Extra Wide in UK 4-9.5 |
2.
Hoka Bondi 8
Best orthopaedic workout trainers
Best orthopaedic workout trainers
www.hoka.com
Just because you may need a little extra support and comfort from a pair of shoes doesn't mean you can't get a pair of workout trainers to cater to your needs. Hoka was one of the first footwear brands to have an endorsement from The Royal College of Podiatry for creating shoes that actively promote foot safety and well-being when keeping active to aid rehabilitation and minimise the risk of any future problems. The Bondi 8shoes are great for those who need extra support while working out as they provide a protective cushion from heel to toe with a rear crash pad for an incredibly soft and balanced ride.
Customer review: "My Hkoas saved me. I am a teacher, and I spend a lot of time on my feet on very hard floors. I have advanced arthritis in my feet and knees. I have tried just about every shoe without success. It was breaking my spirit to have to walk with a cane starting in my late 40s because I used to be an avid hiker. Since I started wearing the Hoka Bondis several years ago I have not needed to use a cane. The cushion and support have reduced the impact and wear on my joints, reduced my pain, and improved my quality of life."
Pros
- Plenty of cushion
- Lightweight
- Choice of colours
Cons
- Could provide more stability
Best for extended toe room
Best for extended toe room
thefitville.uk
If you're someone who struggles with getting their shoes on and off, the FitVille Women's EasyTop Wings have adjustable straps for ease as well as allowing for adjustments for high insteps and swollen feet. They have a solid rubber outer to provide a slip-resistant and reliable grip, plus it has a U-shaped heel cup which will cradle your heel and evenly distribute any impact pressure to reduce the pain.
Customer review: "Finally shoes that dont hurt my arthritic feet. Plenty of room in the toe box area."
Pros
- Designed for swollen feet
- Wide opening Velcro strap for easy on and off
- Friction-free cushioned collar and silky lining
Cons
- Standard fit not available
Sizes: | Wide, Extra Wide in UK 3.5-8.5 |
Best for breathable orthopaedic trainers
Best for breathable orthopaedic trainers
www.skechers.co.uk
With a breathable athletic mesh knit pull-on exterior that is overlaid with a synthetic duraleather, the Skechers Arch Fit Refine trainers will make sure there's plenty of room to move your toes and feet around while also having a layer of protection from outside elements. They have a removable arch-fit insole that offers podiatrist-certified support, which is designed to mold to your feet to reduce shock and increase weight dispersion.
Customer review: "I walk 10,000 to 15,000 steps a day and these sneakers are always comfortable. I had plantar fasciitis last year and these work well. My foot doctor also recommended your arch support shoes."
Pros
- Breathable athletic mesh knit upper
- Removable cushioned arch fit insole
- Lightweight cushioned midsole
Cons
- Some may prefer having a shoe with laces for extra support
Sizes: | Standard, UK 2-8 |
Best orthopaedic trainers for walking
Best orthopaedic trainers for walking
www.widefitshoes.co.uk
The I-Runner Maria Walking Trainers have plenty of wiggle room thanks to their wide toe box that provides plenty of space for potential swelling while also feeling cosy and secure, while there's also extra depth to give you room for any custom orthotics you may have. There's extra padding in the heel and a secure structure to stop your feet from slipping and to encourage better posture.
Customer review: "First pair of trainers in the size and width that I can get into. Great for summer walks."
Pros
- Extra width and depth in toe box
- Made with breathable and water-resistant materials
- Extra padding in the heel
Cons
- One colour available
Sizes: | 4E, 6E, UK 3.5-8 |
Best orthopaedic trainer for arch support
Best orthopaedic trainer for arch support
www.skechers.co.uk
The insole inside the Skechers Arch Fit - Big Appeal trainers offers podiatrist-certified arch support so you can go about your daily activities in extreme comfort. The insole also had air-cooled memory foam inside to prevent your feet from getting too hot and swelling. The athletic-style knit mesh fabric on the upper of the shoe also helps with keeping your feet cool as it's nice and breathable. And if you do find they're starting to get on the stinky side after being well-worn, you can simply pop them in the washing machine to get them looking and smelling fresh again in no time.
Customer review: "I had no idea Skechers boasted their own line of supportive shoes until I desperately googled for some sort of relief for my feet. The "Big Appeal" sneakers I bought are insanely comfortable: I cannot believe I've worn these to pack/move house, run errands all day, and stand for hours on the hard, unforgiving floors at work without any of the knee and foot pain I'm accustomed to having. Thank you Skechers for making a fashionable, sporty-looking shoe that not only supports my arches, but makes moving around a lot more enjoyable again! I feel like these sneakers match with everything in my closet, and nobody can tell I'm wearing a support shoe unless I tell them (I haven't shut up about it!) I will definitely buy from your line of arch support shoes again once these fall apart, and I can't wait to see what new styles and colors await me!"
Pros
- Wide choice of colours available
- Podiatrist-certified arch support
- Cooling memory foam sole
Cons
- Sizes in certain colours go in and out of stock regularly as they're so popular
Sizes: | Regular, Wide, UK 2-8 |
Best slip-on orthopaedic trainers
Best slip-on orthopaedic trainers
After a pair of comfy trainers you can slip on for running errands day-to-day? The HKR Womens Trainers with Memory Foam are a popular choice with Amazon customers with over 14,000 reviews. They have a sock-like fit as they're made from a stretchy mesh knit material so you can get them on if your feet are wider or swollen and they have an elastic slip-on closure with a small tab at the back to make it easy to put on and off. The insoles are made with memory foam to soften your steps and the durable, non-slip rubber outsole with keep you stable on your feet.
Customer review: "I ordered these as my arches were really painful due to heavy lifting at work and being on my feet all day. These are so comfortable and light . My foot pain has gone . I'd definitely recommend them. I'm a size 6 and they fit perfectly. When first putting them on ,it's a bit of a faff coz of the sock lining but once on they are lovely"
Pros
- Stretch fit
- Memory foam insole
- Non-slip, rubber outsole
Cons
- They may not offer as much support as a pair of trainers that has an adjustable fit
Sizes: | UK 3-9 |
FAQs
What are orthopaedic trainers?
Information from Orthofeet explains that orthopaedic trainers are specifically designed footwear that not only supports your feet, but also your ankles, legs and lower back, and provides comfort and pain relief. They are made with specific conditions, foot shapes, widths, types of surfaces and sports in mind so you can find the best trainer for your chosen activity.
How do orthopaedic trainers differ from regular trainers?
Typical features of an orthopaedic trainer, when compared to regular trainers, include extra arch support, special soles, bigger depth, protective interior and stretchable uppers. They may also be wider-fitting trainers with additional room in the toe box to allow your toes to spread out.
These extra comfortable trainers will help alleviate pain at the heels, feet, knees, hips and lower back, improve mobility and stability and provide an overall better fit. They can also offer essential protection for those with foot-affecting conditions, such as diabetes and neuropathy.
Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Yours, specialising in home appliances, décor and furnishings, as well as all things dogs. After completing her Journalism & Media degree from Coventry University back in 2015, she started her career writing about must-visit holiday destinations, moving on to creating content around outdoor living and garden buildings, before joining the team at Bauer.