What is worn on the feet greatly affects foot function and subsequently, foot health.

If shoes are fitted incorrectly this can place increased pressure on joints of the foot, resulting in blistering, corns or callus. Incorrect fitting shoes can also make certain muscles work harder than necessary, which can either lead to injury, or slow the rate of recovery of an injury. Conversely, wearing good footwear that fits well and supports your feet can have a positive impact on healing.

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Some shoe companies and shoe shops we recommend include:

Ziera – Started in New Zealand in 1946 by two Podiatrists who measured more than 10,000 women’s feet to understand what makes the perfect fit. Ziera have been crafting shoes for 70 years and counting. Recently, Ziera was purchased by Munro Footwear Group in Australia, who will continue to sell the well renowned brand.

Ecco – Ecco is a global footwear company that began it’s story in Denmark in 1963. They have multiple stores in Auckland, New Zealand. Their approach is to shape the shoe to fit the foot, not the other way around. Their shoes are high quality, durable shoes that last for years and years.

Bared Footwear – A Melbourne based fashion footwear company which began 11 years ago by Podiatrist Anna Baird. Anna was sick of reaching for a brochure full of shoes she would never want to wear herself. She identified and filled the gap in the market for great looking shoes that are actually good for you. Bared makes mens and womens footwear. They have a fantastic customer service team that help you with online ordering.

Frankie 4 – Fashion forward shoes designed by the company’s Podiatrist and Physiotherapist founders. Frankie 4 prides themselves on their patented custom fit footpack which results in their shoes fitting a wide range of feet. All their enclosed shoes are able to accommodate orthotics. Frankie 4 have some stockists in Auckland, see their stockists page.

Hush Puppies A well known specialist footwear retailer in New Zealand. They are strongly committed to providing their customers with comfort and quality. Some Hush Puppies shoes accommodate orthotics.

Vionic Shoes provide essential stability and addictive support. With a contour seamlessly engineered into each shoe, sandal and slipper, Vionic shoes help support natural alignment from the ground up.

Birkenstock began in 1774 and has been growing steadily ever since. Birkenstock is a well known, reliable brand renowned for its durable & functional Birkenstock footbed – a deep heel cup, moulded arch support and wide forefoot. We highly recommend Birkenstocks as a good option for summer – particularly the water – friendly options which are made of a soft EVA material.

Comfoot shoes is a specialist shoe shop in Ellerslie. Owner Chris Erikson started the business out of a room in his wife’s Podiatry clinic, it grew and grew and is now right next door to Ellerslie Foot Clinic. Chris has an in depth knowledge of footwear and is excellent at finding solutions for the most difficult to fit. They stock a wide range of European brands and Chris is constantly looking for new styles.

Collective outlet stock a range of orthotic friendly and foot friendly shoes. They are based out of the Ziera shop in Albany and sell Ziera, Frankie 4, Revere and many more orthotic friendly brands.

Mikko shoes began in 2013 to offer an extensive range of stylish and comfortable European shoes to the women of New Zealand. Owner Michaela continues to hand pick all styles sold in store, ensuring they are of high quality and excellent craftsmanship. Mikko sell a wide range of orthotic friendly shoes.

Know about some great shoes that we don’t? We’d love to know! Please email info@hobsonvillepodiatry.co.nz

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