Comfortable Dress Shoes for Healthy Joints

After posting some recommendations on casual shoes and sandals for healthy feet, a number of readers wrote in asking about supportive dress shoes.

For the past few months, with the help of a few good men and women in my extended family, I was able to assess about a dozen pairs of dress shoes that made it onto my research list.

Above all else, I was looking for dress shoes that offer exceptional support for the heel region, good flex in the forefoot area, and quality cushioning throughout the entire length. I also asked assessors to provide feedback on how breathable the shoes were throughout the day.

Durability wasn't something that we could test, though all of the shoes that made our final grade appear to have solid seams and are made with quality materials, so I imagine that they'll hold up well with regular use.

Here are our top picks for comfortable dress shoes for women:

Dansko Kate Mary Jane

Above all else, this dress shoe is known for its other-worldly cushioning and shock absorption. If you have to stand or walk for a good chunk of the day, Dansko Women's Kate is an excellent choice.

For more details, view:

Dansko Women's Kate Mary Jane

Beautifeel Pivot

Super soft and cushy, this slip-on is particularly good for warmer days.

Light, flexible, and breathable.

The heel is about half an inch, low enough not to put unnecessary stress on your metatarsals.

For more details, view:

BeautiFeel Women's Pivot Flat

Rockport Works Dress Pump

For times when a higher heel is almost a must, here's one by Rockport that offers more comfort and support than any others that the ladies in my family tried.

The slip-resistant rubber sole is noticeable on first step - an excellent feature. Safety first, right?

For more details, view:

Women's Rockport Works Dress Pumps

And our top picks for men who want dress shoes that support all major weight-bearing joints:

Clarks Unstructured Men's Slip

This is my current dress shoe of choice. Not too many dress shoes provide top notch ventilation and support - this shoe provides the best combination of flex, comfort, support, and breathability of all of the dress shoes I have tried so far.

I've also come to appreciate not having to tie shoelaces - a highly underrated feature.

For more details, view:

Clarks Unstructured Men's Un.Sheridan Slip On

Rockport Men's Margin Oxford

More of a traditional oxford shoe, this one feels particularly good on hard surfaces like concrete and tile.

I definitely noticed good flexibility in the forefoot area without any instability in the heel region - an excellent combination in any shoe.

For more details, view:

Rockport Men's Margin Oxford

If you'd like to review why your feet and major weight-bearing joints will thank you for wearing comfortable and supportive shoes, please feel free to read through my original post here:

Shoes and Sandals for Healthy Feet

Happy standing, walking, and trotting. :)