Don’t get us wrong: We’ve loved wearing sandals for the last few months, but we’re positively buzzing at the prospect of boots season. Seriously, bring on the leather and suede…in every color. But before we filled our carts with a few new pairs for fall, we wanted to check in with a podiatrist to find out which styles are healthiest for our feet. Here are four boot shapes to consider, according to Dr. Miguel Cunha, founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City.
A Podiatrist on the 4 Fall Boots That Are Actually Good for Your Feet (They're Cute, Too!)
•
Published Sep 15, 2021
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
Christian Vierig/getty images
1. Low Wedges
According to Dr. Cunha, a low wedge (we’re talking three inches max, preferably with only a 1.5-inch difference between the heel and the toe) allows you to add a little height without overworking your arch. In general, our expert advises against any heel over three inches, since higher styles change the way you walk, which could lead to shorter strides, more pressure placed on the balls of your feet and unnecessary stress on your knees and lower back. Another advantage of the wedge boot? It provides support to the foot and ankle—but remember, only if it’s lower than three inches.
Get the look: Franco Sarto Black Amsterdam Pointed Toe Wedge Boots ($162); Frye Amado Demi Wedge Bootie ($130); Geox Anylla Wedge Chelsea Boot ($190; $95); Ecco Shape 45 Wedge Bootie ($180); A.S.98 Tremont Boooties ($350)
Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
2. Chelsea Boots
As previously mentioned, wearing a short heel is preferable to a completely flat shoe. Another great option, then, is a Chelsea boot with a low, thick boost of height. Dr. Cunha stresses the importance of choosing a chunkier heel with a wider toe box, to accommodate the toes comfortably. This, he tells us, can reduce the probability of developing Morton’s Neuroma (a condition that affects the ball of your foot) or aggravating an existing bunion.
Get the look: ASOS Design Appreciate Chelsea Boots ($64); Topshop Angel Chelsea Boots ($178); Stradivarius Chunky Sole Chelsea Boots ($71); Public Desire Boston Chelsea Boots ($56; $42); Pull&Bear Chunky Chelsea Boots ($60; $42)
Jeremy Moeller /Getty Images
3. Riding Boots
Dr. Cunha is a fan of the very slight heel most riding boots have. “It’s actually better for you than shoes that are completely flat,” he tells us, “because it takes the stress off the Achilles, which can help maintain proper posture and alignment of your ankles, knees and spine.” Everyone's feet pronate (a natural movement of the foot that occurs when your foot lands while running or walking), but flat shoes can cause your feet to pronate too much, which could increase the progression of underlying foot deformities like bunions and hammertoes. No, thanks! Also, look for riding boots that have a wider toe box, “which will give the forefoot more wiggle room and places less aggravation onto feet,” Dr. Cunha says.
Get the look: Nine West Riding Boots ($189); Clarks Orinco 2 Waterproof Riding Boot ($189); Vince Camuto Prolanda Boots ($244); Camper Alright High Boots ($228); Vagabond Hedda Boots ($240)
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
4. Combat Boots
Like a slightly edgier Chelsea boot, a combat boot features all the aforementioned podiatrist-approved features: a low heel and a roomy toe box. Another plus to this style? They're often super-supportive of your ankles, making for a way more stable walking experience.
Get the look: Sam Edelman Lydell Combat Boots ($207); All Saints Brigade Combat Boots ($350; $210); Kurt Geiger london Silva Boots ($220); Billini Xandro Combat Boots ($90); Ash Lynch Zip Boots ($315)
