What Shoes Should I Wear with PTTD? A Practical Guide

The right shoes can make a huge difference in managing PTTD. Here’s what to look for—and what to avoid.

What to Look For in PTTD-Friendly Shoes

Good arch support — This is the most important feature. The arch support helps take pressure off the posterior tibial tendon.

Stiff sole — A firm sole prevents your foot from rolling inward excessively (overpronation), which strains the tendon.

Stable heel counter — This is the back part of the shoe that holds your heel in place. It should be firm and not collapse when you press on it.

Motion control features — Many athletic shoes are specifically designed to limit excessive foot motion. Look for shoes marketed as “motion control” or “stability.”

Room for orthotics — If you use custom orthotics or over-the-counter inserts, make sure the shoe has a removable insole so you can fit them in comfortably.

Best Shoe Types for PTTD

Stability/Motion Control Sneakers

• Brooks (Dyad, Beast)
• New Balance (940, 857)
• ASICS (Kayano, GT-2000)
• Saucony (Omni, Hurricane)

These are designed specifically to control excessive pronation.

Walking Shoes

Good for everyday wear if you want something less athletic-looking but still supportive.

Athletic Shoes

Running or cross-training shoes with support features work well for active people.

Recovery Sandals

Brands like Oofos and Vionic make sandals with good arch support for after-activity wear—but they shouldn’t replace supportive shoes for everyday use.

What to Avoid

• Flats — No arch support puts extra strain on your tendon
• Flip-flops — Virtually no support
• High heels — Shift pressure to forefoot and strain the tendon
• Worn-out shoes — Once the sole compresses and the support breaks down, they’re no longer helping
• Flexible shoes — Shoes that bend easily in the middle allow too much motion

Using Custom Orthotics in Your Shoes

If you have custom orthotics:

• Make sure the shoe has a removable insole so you can swap it for the orthotic
• You may need to size up half a size to fit both your foot and the orthotic
• A good shoe + orthotic together provides the best support

When to Replace Your Shoes

• Every 300-500 miles of walking/running
• Every 6-12 months with regular wear
• When you notice the sole is worn unevenly or the heel counter has collapsed

The Bottom Line

Invest in quality stability or motion control shoes. Replace them regularly. Avoid flexible, flat, or worn-out shoes. If you’re unsure, ask a podiatrist for recommendations specific to your foot structure.