The Best Shoes for Physical Therapist In 2022: With Buying Guide
Being a full-time physical therapist can be a tiring job. On a particularly busy day, you might have to stand around the whole time. Needless to say, if you are wearing an uncomfortable pair of shoes, the job will become much harder.
That is why you need to think long and hard about the sort of footwear you should be getting. If you are not comfortable yourself, you will not be able to treat your clients to the best of your abilities. And buying the right physiotherapy shoes is the first step to making sure of that.
In this article, we will cover some of the best shoes for physical therapists that are proven to be comfortable and can minimize fatigue during your job.
In a Rush? Check Our Top 3 Picks of Best Shoes for Physical Therapist
[amazon box=”B00L522Z0U,B014GN3QLQ,B07R4HH3KB” grid=”3″ price=”none”]What Shoes Do Physical Therapists Wear?
Since there are no specific dress codes for physical therapists, understanding which type of shoe you should get might be a bit confusing. So, it is a very natural question to ask which shoe is right for you.
The simplest answer to this question is the shoe that gives you the most comfort. However, there are some other things you need to think about too.
- Breathable
Since you will be wearing the same pair of shoes for quite a while during your work, it also needs to be breathable. Otherwise, as you keep wearing it, the sweat from your feet will start to give off a foul smell, which can be quite embarrassing.
- Lightweight
Typically, most physical therapists choose to go with a lightweight pair of sneakers, preferably featuring a mesh body. These shoes are both comfortable and depending on the unit you are buying, give off a professional enough look that suits well for a physical therapist.
- Support
Sneakers also feature better support for your heel and give you decent traction. Both of these aspects are important since you will have to guide your clients through exercise routines. Besides, sneakers are also quite presentable and come in different designs. You should also consider arch support if you have flat feet.
Top 6 Best Shoes for Physical Therapists Reviews
As a physical therapist, your comfort should never come second. Here are some of the shoes you might want to get to make your job a lot less tiring.
1. Skechers Performance Men’s Go
Skechers is a great brand that focuses on comfort more than it does on looks. That is why people who need to wear a pair of shoes for a long period often look to them for their next purchase. The performance Men’s Go by them is popular footwear among physical therapists because of this.
This unit features a mesh upper that makes sure that the shoe remains breathable. As a result, you will get uninterrupted airflow inside the shoe to keep your feet fresh and odor-free.
The specially-designed bamboo-lined footbed on the inside of the shoe further prevents odor and improves the wearer’s comfort. It even has a tapering midfoot design that gives you better arch support.
Since the shoe is quite lightweight, you will be able to wear it throughout the day without any discomfort. The sole is made of synthetic rubber that offers good traction while walking. It is available in 7 different color options.
Pros
- Breathable mesh upper
- Synthetic rubber outsole
- Lightweight shoe with excellent arch support
Cons
- It is a bit squeaky
2. Skechers Women’s D’Lites Memory Foam Lace-up Sneaker
Next up, we will be looking at another pair of physical therapist shoes by the brand Skechers, but this one is for the female physical therapists out there. We know the last unit that we showcased did not offer much in terms of looks, but this one more than makes up for it.
Instead of mesh and leather, this one features a combination of leather and synthetic fabric. The result is equal amounts of breathability, without having to deal with the relatively shorter lifespan of mesh.
Comfort-wise, you will find absolutely nothing to complain about. Its synthetic rubber sole is shock-absorbant and lightweight ensuring you feel comfortable in every step. It also has a slightly higher heel giving you decent arch support.
The unit is quite lightweight and flexible. It comes in a plethora of designs and color combinations. So if you are the type of person who wants different color choices, this shoe will not disappoint you.
Pros:
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Flexible rubber sole
- 1-1/4 inch heel
Cons:
- No apparent cons
3. TIOSEBON Women’s Athletic Walking Shoes
For our next option, we will be going with an athletic shoe by the brand TIOSEBON. Since it is aimed at people who walk marathons or jog regularly, it is designed to give you ultimate comfort for extended wearing.
It is a fabric shoe featuring a mesh upper for excellent breathability. Because of this, your feet will remain fresh and free of bad odor even if you are walking or standing for a stretch.
Since it is a slip-on shoe, you do not have to lace it up every time you put it on. The outsole is highly elastic giving you a comfortable fit as long as you pick out the right size for your feet.
The sole of the shoe is made of phylon that is both durable and has excellent slip resistance making it a solid choice as a shoe for physical therapists. It is available in all sizes and a wide variety of color options.
Pros
- Highly breathable mesh fabric
- Phylon outsole provides good traction
- Wide variety of options
Cons
- Not the most durable option
4. Brooks Women’s Ghost 13
Bringing you equal parts business and equal parts style, we have the Ghost 13 line of sneakers by the brand Brooks. If you are a fashionable woman who works as a physical therapist, nurse or doctor, then this shoe is for you.
Comfort is one of the priority elements with this shoe and that is apparent the moment you pick it up. It features a comfortable and breathable mesh upper with soft cushioning on the inside to make sure you do not suffer any discomfort.
The rubber sole on the unit will ensure you have a smooth and stable time with the shoe regardless of how long you have been walking. It has excellent shock resistance and will hold your feet in the perfect position when you are standing.
This pair comes in many striking color options and designs. So you have the chance to pick out one that goes perfectly with your mood. The only downside of this unit is it is priced a bit higher than some of the other shoes on this list.
Pros:
- Comes in a wide variety of colors
- Comfortable mesh design
- Shock-absorbing sole
Cons:
- A bit on the pricy side
5. Skechers Women’s Ghenter Bronaugh Work Shoe
The last Skechers on our list is another one for Women from their Ghentar Bronaugh line. Although advertised as a work shoe, these units are equally suitable for everyday casual wearing.
These shoes are designed to be comfortable and a practical choice for any profession involving long hours of walking or standing around. Its full mesh fabric ensures you do not feel suffocated when wearing it for an extended period.
Its slip-resistant rubber sole shows excellent shock-absorbing capacity. As a result, you will feel minimal fatigue with each step. Although it is a slip-on style sneaker, it has lace on the top to get a tighter fit.
Since these shoes focus more on professionals, you do not get too many color options with them. You get to choose between a simple black or a simple white both of which are perfect for almost any work environment
Pros
- Comfortable mesh design
- Slip-resistant rubber outsole
- Perfect for a professional look
Cons
- Not too many color varieties
6. Dr. Scholl’s – Men’s Brisk Light Weight Dual Strap Sneaker
We know, we have been focusing a bit more towards female shoe, but there is a good reason for that. If you did not like the previous option by Skechers for Men, then this one by Dr. Scholl’s might be all you need.
This unit features a blend of Mesh and faux leather construction. Because of the mesh in the middle part of the upper, the shoe provides excellent airflow inside it making it extremely comfortable to wear.
The Air-Pillow gel insoles in the shoe also promote comfort if you are planning to wear them for an extended period. And since its outer layer is made of high-quality leather, you do not have to worry about damaging the shoe any time soon.
Since it features dual-strap Velcro closures, you do not need to waste any time lacing up your shoe. This shoe is available in two simple colors, white or black. It is a no non-sense, straightforward shoe that is well-suited for professionals.
Pros
- Mesh and leather combination
- Highly breathable and lightweight
- Comfortable to wear for an extended period
Cons
- Not too much arch support
What To Look for Before Choosing a Shoe for Physical Therapist

Getting a decent shoe for your daunting job is essential for a productive day. And without understanding some key factors, you will not be able to pick out the perfect pair. Since you have already gone through our list of products, you already have a decent idea of your options.
After reading through the following key elements, you will be able to pick out an excellent shoe for yourself depending on your needs and requirements.
Comfort
Comfort should be the first thing on your mind when choosing your shoe. Remember, you will be wearing this shoe for a long period at a time, and without a comfortable pair of shoes, you will not be able to concentrate on your job. An uncomfortable shoe will drastically impact your productivity.
Most of the time, going with mesh shoes is the right choice. Since these shoes are innately more comfortable than closed shoes, you will have a much better experience with them. These are also deceptively durable and as a bonus, easier to wash. So, you will be able to keep it clean when it gets dirty or smelly.
Breathability
A breathable shoe is a comfortable one. You need to wear shoes that will not restrict air access inside them. Wearing a breathable shoe will keep your feet fresh and prevent any foul odor from coming out of it.
Since physical therapy involves a lot of movement, your feet will naturally start to heat up. If the shoe is breathable, it can dissipate the heat and help keep your feet cool. That is why breathability is a critical factor the lack of which can result in severe discomfort and aching on your feet.
Traction
The last thing you want is to wear a pair of shoes that does not have good traction. Remember, physical therapists also need to go through the movements to guide their clients. And if you are wearing a slippery pair of shoes, there is always a risk of you injuring yourself.
Make sure you take a look at the sole and the material of the sole before you buy a specific shoe. Rubber shoes provide decent traction while managing to be quite lightweight. However, not all rubber soles are equally stable. It is best to try it out yourself before buying it.
Weight
Physical therapists love it when their shoes are lightweight. A lighter shoe is easier to wear. You will be able to move around more freely during your job with a lightweight pair of shoes. On the other hand, a heavy shoe might offer better protection but will restrict your movement.
All of the units we showcased on our list are lightweight and perfect for physical therapists. So regardless of which one you choose, you should have a pretty good time with it.
Motion Control
Physical therapists perform many movements. However, if you are guiding a patient through an exercise prescription, you may be doing more than that. It is therefore important to have shoes with motion-based technology.
Motion-control shoes provide comfort and stability. Foot stability shoes protect your feet from pronation and the resulting pain and muscle stretch that may accompany it.
Fitment
It is common knowledge that having shoes that fit is important, but we’ve long taken it for granted. Physiatrists shouldn’t wear shoes that are too tight on their feet.
A tight shoe may result in pain in the toes and, at times, diseases such as hallux rigidus. The opposite is true for large shoes, which cause friction, ultimately resulting in blisters and wounds. So choosing the correct size depends on many factors, including the size of your feet.
High Quality Rubber Sole
Buying shoes every now and then isn’t a pleasant experience. Before buying shoes, therapists should make sure that the sole and midsole of the shoe are appropriate. A good-quality shoe has a good outsole. As opposed to this, a well-designed midsole improves cushioning. Your foot will land harder or softer depending on the cushioning. Cushioning absorbs shock when you land.
When Should Physical Therapists Replace Their Work Shoes?
Not just physical therapists, but most people don’t know when to replace their shoes. You wear your shoes beyond their expiration date because you don’t know when to replace them.
Maintaining your health means changing your shoes as often as you change your toothbrush. You should switch your shoes every eight to twelve months. Following are ways for you to know when your working shoes need to be replaced as a physical therapist.
- A shoe’s outsole is worn.
- The midsole is compressed.
- The interior is worn out.
- The upper layer is torn away.
- The soles of the shoes are worn out more on one side than the other.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is it important to buy the right shoe for a physical therapist?
The job of a physical therapist requires a lot of intensive movements. Without a comfortable shoe that gives excellent support, there is a high risk of injury. That is why it is important to wear the right set of shoes for this job.
2. How often should I clean my shoe?
The shoe that you use during work as a physical therapist might require frequent cleanup. Since you are likely to sweat a lot during this line of work, it is recommended that you clean your shoes at least once or twice a month for proper hygiene.
3. Can I use any pair of shoes as a physical therapist?
Yes, you can. However, that does not mean you should wear a heavy-duty boot during this job. Use your best judgment and our guide for picking out the perfect pair of shoes to make your life easier.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right pair of shoes might seem too much work for a physical therapist. Amidst managing a busy schedule and personal time for friends and family, it can be difficult to go through the research when buying your work shoes.
However, since we did all the research for you, you can simply pick out the one you want without any extra hassle. After thorough research, the list has been compiled, so you can completely trust it.
In addition, the products have been appropriately tested, and we compared reviews from many physical therapists. We hope our extensive article on the best shoe for physical therapists could help you out.