Recommended Footwear | Brookline Podiatrist

Dr. Santopietro's custom orthotics work in concert with a properly fitted and appropriately constructed pair of shoes.

No single shoe fits every foot Individual biomechanics mean what works for one patient may not suit another. Use this guide as a starting point, and bring your orthotics when you shop.

Always fit shoes with your orthotics in place A shoe that feels right without the orthotic may be too snug once it's inside. Plan for the extra volume.

Ask for help from a knowledgeable fitter The local stores listed below have staff experienced with orthotics and wider sizing. They are familiar with the EvenKeel approach.

What to Look For

Anatomy of a Good Shoe

Whether you wear full custom orthotics or need only minimal support, the construction of your shoe matters. Here's what to evaluate before you buy.

Wide base from toe to heel

Pyramid Shaped Heel Counter

Deep, firm heel counter

Yes, those diagrams feature a Brooks Beast that's been out of production for years. An oldie but a goodie, as examples go — the principles illustrated are timeless even if the shoe isn't.

Primary Use Case

For Shoes Worn With Orthotics

Wide toe box and midfoot

Women's 2E and men's 4E widths are often needed. The orthotic takes up volume; the shoe must accommodate it without crowding the foot.
Firm, deep heel counter

Pyramidal shape preferred. Prevents the foot from sliding backward and gives the orthotic a stable surface to work against.
Thick, removable insole

Remove the factory insole before inserting your orthotic. A shoe with a glued-in liner will not work well.
Midsole that wraps the midfoot

Cushioning material should extend up the sides at the arch — not just sit underneath. This cradles and stabilizes.
Heel raised at least 5/8" above forefoot

Up to 1½" is fine. A slight heel drop reduces strain on the Achilles and plantar fascia.
Lace-up closure

Allows you to control fit precisely. Slip-ons and elastic closures cannot hold the foot securely enough.
Flexes at the forefoot, not the arch

Bend the shoe in your hands. It should give at the ball of the foot. If it bends through the middle, the shoe is too soft to support your orthotic.

For Minimal Orthotic Use

For Shoes Worn Without Orthotics

Heel raised above forefoot

Even without a full orthotic, some heel elevation helps reduce loading on the arch and Achilles.
Lace-up or boot style

Tie shoes and ankle boots provide better support than slip-ons. Boot styles are generally superior for ankle stability.
Wide, stable base

A wider sole from toe to heel gives the foot a more forgiving platform, especially on uneven terrain.
Firm heel counter

Even without an orthotic inside, a structured heel counter prevents the foot from rolling and supports the calcaneus.
Avoid open-back designs

Clogs, mules, and backless sandals offer no heel control. They alter gait in ways that compound most foot problems.

A Shoe We Often Recommend

Brooks Addiction GTS

Maximum motion control · Multiple widths available

The Brooks Addiction GTS checks nearly every box on the list above. It delivers maximum support through a combination of stability technologies, comes in multiple widths, and has enough interior volume to accommodate a full custom orthotic comfortably. It is not the only shoe that works — but it is a reliable starting point for patients who aren't sure where to begin.

Men's

Shop at Brooks →

Women's

Shop at Brooks →

Don't Overlook the Sock

Sock Recommendations

The right sock complements both your shoe and your orthotic. The wrong one introduces wrinkles, bulk, and pressure points that undermine everything else.

Look for socks with these characteristics:

Thin profile — thicker is not better

Open weave construction with minimal seams

Compressive fit — the sock should hug the foot, not bunch

Lycra or similar synthetic blend preferred

Seams away from toes and pressure points

Smooth fit with no wrinkles — put them on carefully

One We Recommend

Feetures! Running Socks

Feetures! socks provide the exact amount of compression so each sock gently hugs the foot — no bunching, no pressure points, no distraction from the work your orthotic is doing. Worth trying as a reference point if you're unsure what a well-fitted sock should feel like.

Shop Locally

Boston-Area Shoe Stores We Trust

These local retailers carry wider widths, know how to fit shoes with orthotics inside, and have staff who can help rather than just hand you a box.

A word of caution As much as we trust these stores, if we give you a prescription for a specific sneaker, make sure they get you into that exact shoe. Don't let an inexperienced sales associate steer you toward something else you don't need. And if anyone tries to convince you that a particular shoe means you won't need orthotics — don't buy it. No shoe alone can do what an EvenKeel custom orthotic does. That's not bragging, it's just what 50 years of patient outcomes tells us. If you have any questions, give us a call or send us an email and we'll sort it out.

Simon's Shoes

Harvard Ave, Coolidge Corner. Long-established specialty retailer with deep experience fitting patients who wear orthotics.

The Barn Family Shoe Store

Knowledgeable staff, wide-width inventory, and a focus on functional footwear for the whole family.

Panza Shoes

Family-owned. Good selection across athletic and dress categories with a practical approach to fit.

Footstock

Athletic focus with a solid range of motion-control and stability options in multiple widths.

Marathon Sports

Boston's go-to running specialty retailer. Knowledgeable staff and a strong selection of stability and motion-control shoes in extended widths.

Please Avoid

Bare feet, flip flops, clogs, and zero-drop or flat-soled shoes work against nearly everything we're trying to accomplish with an orthotic. Even on a quick trip to the mailbox, footwear matters. If you have an active foot condition, treat shoe choice as part of the treatment.

For Dress Occasions

We understand that dress shoes require compromise. When you can't wear your full orthotic, always favor a moderate heel over a flat. A dress orthotic is available for patients who need support in a slimmer shoe profile. Ask Dr. Santopietro at your next visit.

These recommendations will not suit every patient. Foot biomechanics vary widely, and what works well for one person may not be right for another. If you're uncertain about a specific shoe or have questions about fit, bring the shoe to your appointment and we'll evaluate it together. We update these recommendations as we learn more from our patients and from new products in the market.