As an avid shoe lover, I’m always on the hunt for comfy kicks that don’t leave my feet screaming by the end of the day.
Vionic shoes are great – with their orthotic insoles and arch support, they’re like walking on clouds!
But let’s be real…their price tag can be STEEP.
That’s why I’ve made it my mission to find Vionic alternatives that’ll give me the same cushy feel without breaking the bank.
After lots of research (and more than a few blisters!), I present my picks for the top 10+ shoe brands just like Vionic, but more budget-friendly.
Propet
If you’re looking for shoes with maximum comfort and support, Propet should be at the top of your list. Their orthotic insoles provide excellent arch support, and many of their styles have removable footbeds so you can insert your own custom orthotics.
While not as cheap as some brands, Propet offers great bang for your buck – I just scored a cute pair of walking shoes called the TravelActiv Mary Jane for only $50! This Mary Jane style has a removable cushioned footbed that supports high arches.
It’s made of stretchy knit fabric that moves with your foot, and the rubber sole has great traction. For sandals, Propet makes several cute orthotic-friendly options like the Propet Maya. This adjustable slide sandal has arch support and heel cushioning built right in.
The lightweight midsole absorbs shock and the toe strap keeps your foot in place as you walk. If you need a shoe that accommodates braces or swelling, the Propet Clarity Walker is designed with an extra depth toe box and adjustable closure.
It has are moveable footbed to fit your own orthotics too. Propet footwear comes in a wide range of widths and sizes to get the perfect fit, which is essential for comfort and support.
Their shoes may cost more than generic brands, but they make models specifically engineered for orthotic wear, so you get what you pay for in terms of quality construction and materials.
Orthofeet
These are made specifically for people with foot pain and conditions like plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and diabetes. What makes Orthofeet unique is their extra depth design, which gives your foot lots of wiggle room without sacrificing stability.
They aren’t the cutest shoes on the block, but sometimes function has to come before fashion! One of their most popular styles is the Orthofeet Avery Island diabetic shoe, which has a seam-free interior to prevent irritation.
It has anatomical arch support and extra cushioning in the heel, plus a roomy toe box. The lightweight sole absorbs shock with each step you take. For a slip-on option, the Orthofeet Asheville has a stretchy upper for a flexible fit and a cushioned sole to softly cradle your foot.
The orthotic insoles provide arch support and help alleviate pronation. Orthofeet also makes athletic shoes like the easy-on Coral Sneaker. This has a soft, breathable knit fabric upper and their Ergonomic-Stride design to guide your feet into an easier heel-to-toe motion.
The extra depth lets you insert your own custom orthotics.
While Orthofeet shoes are on the pricier side, they often have sales on their website so you can grab a pair for 20% off or more. They also come in a huge range of sizes and widths to accommodate swelling, bunions and hammertoes.
Dansko
Known for their comfortable clogs, Dansko also makes some incredibly cushy athletic shoes.
I just tried their Professional Oiled Leather sneakers and was amazed at the arch support. The footbed has great shock absorption too.
The Dansko LTPro is a super lightweight athletic sneaker perfect for walking or workouts. It has a dual-density foam midsole to soften each step, and a roomy toe box to prevent pinching and blisters.
I love the mary jane Dankso Sophie too – the soft nubuck leather stretches to conform to your foot shape, and the rocker bottom helps propel you forward.
For sandals, the Dansko Nomi flat provides arch support with its contoured footbed. The adjustable straps and foam midsole cradle your foot in comfort. Dansko’s specialty work shoes have excellent cushioning as well.
The Dansko Professional clogs have a roomy toe box that lets your feet relax, and the PU foam footbed is designed with arch support in mind. While Dansko shoes tend to run about $120-$150, I always keep an eye out for sales.
Oofos
These have become my new gym shoes! Oofos’ whole shtick is recovery footwear to re-energize your feet after tough workouts. They have awesome arch support and their foam cushioning feels like walking on a cloud.
Bonus – they’re machine washable to get that post-workout stank out! I just got the Oofos OOahh slide sandals, and they are heaven after leg day! They have an egg-crate style footbed that cradles your arches and absorbs impact.
The footbed is designed to mold to your feet over time for customized support. These are so cushy yet bouncy – when I walk, it feels like I’m walking on a soft trampoline! For sneakers, the Oofos OOmg low tops have arch-hugging sidewalls and foam cushioning to reduce fatigue. They’re so light and flexible, I can toss them right into the washing machine to freshen them up.
As a personal trainer, I’m on my feet 8+ hours a day, so recovery is key for me. Oofos shoes help recharge my feet with instant arch support and impact absorption. While they’re not the cheapest at around $120-$150, I score them on sale quite often
New Balance
For athletic shoes that won’t bust your budget, New Balance is a great Vionic alternative. Models like the Fresh Foam 860v12 have a roomy toe box and provide stellar arch support. While not as orthotic-focused as some brands, New Balance offers stability at an affordable price point.
The Fresh Foam 860v12 is one of New Balance’s premier stability shoes, with a thick foam midsole to absorb shock. It has a wide base and multi-directional grooves for flexibility as you move. The bootie construction hugs your foot in comfort.
For trail running, the Hierro v6 has cushy Fresh Foam cushioning yet provides responsiveness on uneven terrain. Its grippy sole and rock plate help protect feet from sharp surfaces. An affordable fresh foam option is the FuelCell Propel v2, which retails for $100. It has a cool knit collar for a sock-like fit and plenty of plush cushioning for miles of comfort.
Multiple widths are offered too, including 4E extra-extra-wide shoes to accommodate problem feet. While not custom-made orthotics, New Balance shoes provide stability and comfort at mid-level prices. I can usually find them for 20-30% off online or at outlet stores, bringing the cost down even more.
Brooks
Brooks running shoes are renowned for their cushioning and support. The Glycerin 19 has a super plush midsole to give your arches some TLC. While Brooks don’t have removable insoles, their arch support is impressive right out of the box.
Use them for running or all-day wear. The Glycerin 19 has Brooks’ DNA LOFT cushioning which softens every step you take. Internal stretch bootie construction gives you a custom foot-hugging fit. For trail running, the addictive Cascadia 16 offers cushioning plus traction and stability on uneven terrain.
Mud-ready lugs and a protective rock plate help shield feet from rocks and roots on the path less taken. Brooks also makes supportive walking shoes like the Addiction Walker V-Strap 2.0, designed with Hydro-flow in the midsole and full-grain leather for comfort.
While not the absolute cheapest brand, Brooks running shoes can often be found for $40-60 less than full price if you hunt for sales.
Asics
Like Brooks, Asics are well-known for their comfort and performance technology. The Gel-Kayano models have excellent arch support from their IGS Technology in the midsole.
While pricey at full cost, Asics often go on sale – I scored a pair for 50% off! The Gel-Kayano 28 employs a special exoskeleton heel counter for stability and support. Flytefoam technology gives you a super-soft landing with each step.
For trail running, the Gel-Kahana 8 keeps your feet comfy across miles of tough terrain. Lugged soles, a rock plate, and Gel cushioning team up to shield feet from roots and rocks. For casual wear, the Gel-Quantum 360 Knit 2 has an adaptive stretch knit upper and built-in ortholite sockliner. Asics makes shoes for flat fleet and overpronation too, like the GT-2000 10.
It has a Guidance Trusstic System and Dynamic Duomax support system to guide feet into proper alignment. While Asics have premium price tags, the sales are golden. I once snagged a pair of Gel-Nimbus for 50% off – just $55! Check their website often for deals on previous seasons’ styles.
Hoka One One
If maximum cushioning is your goal, you can’t go wrong with these pillow-like shoes. Hoka One One’s have a thick midsole and a Meta-Rocker design that guides your foot’s movement to reduce strain. While they may look clunky, they feel like walking on a cloud! The Clifton 8 running shoe has a full-length compression-molded midsole for the smoothest ride.
Zonal 3D printed overlays offer strategic support right where you need it. For trails, the Speedgoat 5 provides featherlight agility plus traction over tough terrain. Its responsive midsole and breathable mesh upper move with your foot stride after stride.
Hoka One One walking shoes boast next-level comfort too – take the Bondi 7 for instance. Its full EVA midsole absorbs shock while the roomy design allows your feet to swell and relax. At around $130 a pop, Hokas fall on the pricier side – but I watch for sales to grab them under $100.
Altra
Designed with a FootShape toe box, Altra’s are ideal if you have wide feet or bunions. I like that many models have a zero drop platform to align the heel and toes – feels kinder on my knees. While they don’t have orthotics, the cushioning and roomy fit provide great support.
The Altra Torin 5 Altra EGO midsole gives you a soft feel underfoot and responsiveness in the forefoot. A FootPod outsole maps to the bones and tendons in your feet to encourage natural movement. For trail running, the award-winning Lone Peak 6 has cushioning and grip for rugged terrain.
Its FootShape toe box lets your toes relax and move naturally as you run. Altra also makes Zero Drop walking shoes like the Provision 5.
It has a supportive guide rail to keep you aligned and a Balanced Cushioning midsole. While they’re on the pricier side around $130, I stalk their sale page for deals – I just scored 30% off!
Munro
This American brand specializes in shoes for narrow or wide widths, so you can get an exact fit. Their contouring footbeds mold to your feet over time for customized arch support. Munro’s sandals are especially comfy for summer.
The Munro Brie sandal has a stretchy strap that accommodates swelling and twin gore panels for easy foot entry. It has a contoured cork footbed that supports your arches. For athletic shoes, the Munro Jillian has a removable comfort footbed to accommodate your own orthotics.
It’s available in five widths and half-sizes to dial in your perfect fit. I also love their Penny mary jane with its stretchy bungee lacing – the plush latex foam footbed keeps me comfy all day.
Vionx
If you haven’t heard of Vionx, check them out for cute orthotic sneakers at affordable prices. Their arch support isn’t as robust as premium brands, but they have shock absorption for walking comfort.
I like their Melissa and Naomi styles – so modern and stylish! The Vionx Melissa has a stretch knit fabric upper and their signature Rebound footbed. It provides arch support and heel cushioning for all-day wear. For athletic sneakers, the Vionx Brooklyn is a steal at just $60.
It has a breathable knit mesh upper and Cloud EVA midsole to absorb impact. The Naomi is a Mary Jane-style sneaker with an adjustable hook-and-loop strap for a customized fit. At $50-70 per pair, Vionx shoes ring up at an affordable price point while still delivering features for orthotic wear.
I appreciate that many of their sneakers have removable footbeds so you can insert your own custom orthotics too. Their cloud-like midsoles absorb shock and they come in wide sizes to accommodate swelling and bunions.
Dr. Comfort
These therapeutic shoes and inserts are designed by – you guessed it – podiatrists! Dr. Comfort is ideal for severe foot issues like diabetes, arthritis, and plantar fasciitis. Their shoes have plush cushioning and accommodate orthotics.
Pricey but worth it for the pain relief! Dr. Comfort’s Carter casual shoe has a seam-free lining and stretchy lycra upper for irritation-free wear. The removable footbed lets you insert custom orthotics. For a dress shoe, the Dr. Comfort Brian has a leather upper and gel insert to cushion your heel. It’s available in widths from B to XW to fit swelling or hammer toes.
For women, the Betty Narrow/Wide is perfect for problem feet. Its seam-free interior prevents pressure points and it has a plushtrauma-guard midsole for shock absorption.
While Dr. Comfort shoes are on the expensive side at $130+, they often run sales at 20-30% off. For severe foot pain and medical conditions, investing in their podiatrist-quality shoes pays off in comfort.
Orthaheel
For sandals with arch support, Orthaheel is fabulous. Their footbeds are contoured to cradle your arches, with most styles featuring built-in orthotics. I live in their Wave flip flops in summer – goodbye, sore feet! They run sales quite often too.
The Orthaheel Raven sandal has layered arch-supporting EVA for all-day wear. An adjustable slingback strap lets you customize the fit. For athletic sandals, the Orthaheel Kali has a built-in orthotic footbed and EVA midlayer for comfort.
The 360o heel cup keeps you stabilized as you walk. Orthaheel also makes specialty slippers like the Relax which gently cradles your arch. It hasmulti-layer cushioning and a flexible sole so you can wear them indoors or out.
While their shoes are typically $80-$100, Orthaheel offers 15-20% off sales a few times per month.
Vasyli
This medical footwear company has options galore for orthotic-friendly shoes. I like their Oxypas line designed for various foot conditions. They have removable insoles to accommodate your own custom orthotics too.
Major comfort at mid-range prices! The Oxypas Elaine Mary Jane has a roomy toe box, cushioned midsole, and dual arch support system. Its rocker bottom helps propel you through each step. For athletic shoes, the Oxypas Rush Running shoe boasts high-rebound cushioning and plush protection underfoot.
Though made for running, I wear them as my everyday walking shoes! Vasyli also makes specialty shoes like the Claudia Extra Depth which has a seam-free interior and foam-padded collar to avoid irritation.
Though not the cheapest at $100-$150, Vasyli/Oxypas shoes are made specifically for orthotic needs. Sales pop up too – I recently snagged 40% off using a coupon code on their site!
P.W. Minor
Founded by a podiatrist, P.W. Minor has been making orthotic shoes for over 150 years! Their footwear has extra depth, cushioning, and support features to alleviate pain. Their specialty is custom-made orthotics if you need something ultra-personalized.
The P.W. Minor Naturalizer Josie has a removable footbed for your own orthotics and a stretchy hook-and-loop strap for easy adjustment. The rocker sole helps guide your stride.
For athletic sneakers, the Velocity Pro has high-rebound cushioning and a padded tongue to prevent irritation across the instep. P.W. Minor’s Orthopedic Walker is ideal for post-op recovery or severe conditions, with
its extra depth design and adjustable closures. While they are one of the pricier brands at $150+, P.W. Minor offers medical-grade comfort and support.
Custom orthotics start at $199 but can be a game-changer if you need precise correction. I appreciate that they engineer each element of their shoes to alleviate specific foot issues – from swelling to neuropathy to arthritis.
Gravity Defyer
Their patented VersoShock technology absorbs impact and propels you forward to reduce stress on joints and muscles. If you have flat feet or overpronate, Gravity Defyer shoes can help correct your gait. I feel so springy walking in them!
The G-Defy Ion for women has athletic-shoe cushioning with their special VersoShock tech in the heel. It literally absorbs the shock of each step then returns that energy to propel you forward. The external heel counter keeps you stabilized too.
For men, the G-Defy Mighty Walk has a removable orthotic insole as well as their spring-loaded VersoShock heel. It provides supportive cushioning plus shock absorption for problem feet.
While Gravity Defyer shoes tend to cost $130+, they have sales around major holidays that bring prices down by 40-50%. If you need gait correction and joint relief, they are worth the splurge!
Joybees Orthotics
This brand offers insertable orthotics at affordable prices – starting around $40. Their contoured arch support helps realign the foot. I use their Sport model for working out and the Dress option for heels.
It’s nice to swap them between shoes! The Joybees Orthotic Sport insoles have deep heel cups to cradle and support your feet. They absorb shock and provide moderate arch support for everyday wear. The Joybees Orthotic Dress is ideal for pumps, flats and other dress shoes that typically lack cushioning.
They have contoured arch support and heel cushioning while only taking up a quarter inch in your shoes. If you don’t want to buy full orthotic shoes, Joybees is an affordable way to customize the shoes you already own.
Starting at just $40 per pair, they can make even heels more comfortable! I keep a pair in my gym shoes, work shoes, and favorite sandals for instant support.
