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As Physical Therapists, we understand the stress placed on your feet, from standing still to treating patients and demonstrating exercises. Physical Therapists need a versatile shoe that provides comfort and cushioning with some stability depending on your foot type.
James McCormack is a Physical Therapist specialising in knee, foot & ankle injuries. www.james-mccormack.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The money earned from this helps us to create free educational content without affecting the price of the shoes that we recommend.
Best Shoes for Physical Therapists
The Best Shoes for Physical Therapists should have responsive cushioning, a stable midsole and a wide toe box. The responsive cushioning provides comfort underfoot when standing still but makes it easy to demonstrate exercises. In contrast, the stable midsole ensures you can hold good alignment when treating a patient or demonstrating an exercise protocol. A wide toe box spreads your feet, reducing the risk of foot neuromas and metatarsal discomfort.
Based on our experience as foot specialists and Physical Therapists, where we have tried different shoes, we have collated our recommendations for the best shoes for Physical Therapists.
Best Shoes for Physical Therapists: High Arches
We recommend the Hoka Bondi 8 for Physical Therapists with high arches due to their plush cushioning, neutral sole and 4mm heel drop.
The plush cushioning allows your feet to sink into the sole like walking on a cloud without compromising the gait cycle. The neutral sole helps to maintain a good foot position.
The 4mm heel drop maintains an even distribution of force across the feet, and the extra wide fit toe box is essential for those with Tailor’s Bunions.
Buy Hoka Bondi 8 on AmazonBest Shoes for Physical Therapists: Mild to Moderate Support
We recommend the New Balance X 880v13 for Physical Therapists with a neutral foot type.
The 880v13 has a 10mm help drop that helps to offload the calf when standing all day, and alongside their dual-layer midsole, it reduces the forces placed through the foot when treating patients or demonstrating exercises.
These are a good option for men and women who require mild to moderate levels of cushioning.
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Best Shoes for Physical Therapists: Flat Feet
We recommend the Asics Gel-Kayano 30 for Physical Therapists with Flat Feet due to their medial arch support with a deep heel cup, FF Blast cushioning and high heel drop.
The Deep heel cup helps to control the ankle joint when making contact with the floor. Alongside the medial arch support, it helps to control excess pronation when walking or demonstrating exercises.
The stable midsole with midfoot support controls the foot and provides extra comfort when standing all day.
Buy Gel-Kayano on AmazonPhysiotherapy with James McCormack
This is not medical advice, and you should consult your healthcare practitioners before trying any of the footwear that we recommend. James offers Online Physiotherapy Appointments weekly.