Finally…..Spring!!! This is the perfect time to shop for…the little white sneaker. To help you along, I’ve tried on a bunch and will provide a little guidance on fit. Things to keep in mind when purchasing this style of shoe: Toe box, heel cup depth/rigidity, cushioning, arch support and heel height. Generally, they will all be lacking some of those features. The trick is to know what you need for your foot type.
Pes planus (Flatfoot) needs deeper, rigid heel counter and arch support. Removable footbeds will be helpful to you.
Pes cavus (High arch) needs shock absorption and not too flat a heel.
Hammertoes and bunions need upper with no stitching and deeper toe box.
Hallux rigidus (stiff big toe joint) needs inflexible sole in the forefoot or a generally thicker sole.
Ugg – Cas Slip-On
Nice fit in toe box. Reasonable heel counter and cushioned. You could wear these if you have mild hammertoes or bunions. This is also good for high arches.
Ugg – Rooney
Also cushioned so good for high arches but squeezed in toe box.
Cole Haan – Grand Pro Tennis
Roomy fit but not a lot of cushioning. Fairly rigid. Good for bunions, hammertoes, stiff big toe joint and flat feet.
Coach – New York Low Top
Nice fit with stiffer heel counter. There is not a lot of shock absorption. I found the back of the heel hit a little high on my foot and likely would have irritted my Achilles tendon. This shoe is good for flat feet although you would need to add an arch support.
Michael Kors – Irving Lace up
Narrow fit and shallow, however, the heel counter is fairly stiff and there is decent shock absorption. This is likely to work for a higher arch. There is no room for an added arch support. There is a lot of gold decorative trim which I would worry about chipping off!
Sperry – Sea Coast
Shock absorbent with a generally good fit. Good for high arches and mild hammertoes. Not for severe pronators. (This is the one I bought).
Tretorn – Nylite 15
Narrow toe box
Converse CTA Shoreline
Comfortable but a bit narrow. Toe clearance is adequate.
Puma – Basket Platform Strap
Comfortable and roomy. Wide velcro closure. Chunky look.
Puma – Basket Heart Oceanaire
Removable footbed and average width. Good for flat feet but may be a problem for bunions and hammertoes.
Keds – Triple Kick Jute
Shallow. Narrow fit. Adequate shock absorption. Not for hammertoes, bunions or severe flat feet.
Cole Haan – Zerogrand Stitchlite
Narrow and not much shock absorption, but very lightweight.
Converse – Chuck Taylor One Star Platform
Shock absorbent with slight heel raise. This was a good fit for me but may be an issue for bunions. The platform is fairly stiff so good for stiff or arthritic big toe joint.
Vans – Classic Slip On (Unisex)
Nice overall fit, but very flat and no padding.
P448 – John
Removable arch support. Fairly generous forefoot width and toe clearance. Overall good fit for flat feet, bunions and hammer toe.
Ted Baker – Kelleip Trainers
Nice shock absorbent sole with a slight anterior rocker sole. Removable footbed. Good for high and low arches.
J-Slides – Karla
Cute slip on, but upper is quite rigid and no shock absorption.
Munro – Lulu
For narrow feet! Removable footbed but not a lot of shock absorption.
Tod’s – Perforated T Sneaker
Nice shock absorbent insole but upper quite rigid.
Paul Green – Serena
Well supported with slight heel raise. Good for high arches.
Available at Nordstroms
Frye – Lena Zip Low
Good shock absorption but not for high arches (you’ll never get the zipper done up). Good for neutral feet.
