Shoe companies that use science on your feet

June 11, 2022 7:43 AM

Mrs. Musofire suffers from bunions, but has had limited success with off-the-rack orthopedics. We once went to The Walking Company on vacation. She stepped on some sort of scanner and they fitted her feet precisely. Those were the best shoes ever. What are some other companies that use science to fit your weird feet?
posted by musofire to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (9 answers total)

This place makes specialty shoes with fancy science-based methods.

Oh and thanks for asking this because I have been wanting to get shoes for my husband (his feet are different sizes and he's resorted to buying multiple pairs to make one pair before).

They list their tech and it looks very impressive to me.
posted by RobinofFrocksley at 8:54 AM on June 11, 2022 [1 favorite]

I've bought running shoes (well, power-walking, jogging, in my case) from an athletic shoe store (Road Runner, I think) that had the custom shoe foot-scanner/orthopedic-insert making machine. I think it's pretty common now, since in 2019 I wanted a specific pair of shoes that was apparently having a supply chain issue, ended up at two different stores in the SF bay area, and they both had the equipment. You might try a store like that, even if you don't want running shoes, and ask about compatibility with other shoes?
posted by Alterscape at 8:56 AM on June 11, 2022

Red Wing Boots now uses 3D scanners to measure your feet and I learned that my feet are different sizes! It's the same tech used by Superfeet to make custom insoles. Here's a press release with more info on the scanning tech and other companies that use it.
posted by bCat at 9:20 AM on June 11, 2022 [1 favorite]

If you just buy any pair of shoes and then get orthotics, Dr Scholls has a foot scanning machine in many US pharmacies that will recommend a particular orthotic.
posted by kevinbelt at 10:14 AM on June 11, 2022

So, there are no local outlets of The Walking Company near your home. Are there any local stores for runners nearby—Runner’s Roost, etc.? Or even just a niche sport place or two? Because these places are going to be your best bet for foot-scanning tech.

If you strike out with the foot-scanning, have Mrs. Musofire try out a pair of Hoka shoes. I have a bunion and gout and I walk on concrete for 8+ hours a workday (fun times!), and I have gotten a ton of relief from wearing Hokas. Just a thought. Sorry for the near ad-copy.

Good luck to your wife. Foot pain—bleargh!
posted by Don.Kinsayder at 10:41 AM on June 11, 2022

Not a real answer to your question, but in case it is helpful, my bunion is on the side of my foot where the base of the big toe pushes out. I found that I didn't need an orthotic insert, I just needed a shoe that was wide enough to really fit without rubbing. I found for my bunion that the key thing was just get a shoe that was wide enough that it didn't rub. I shopped at orthofeet.com and after trying an assortment of their shoes in wide and extra wide, was able to find three different styles that I could wear all day in reasonable comfort.
posted by metahawk at 2:51 PM on June 11, 2022

Fleet Feet is also another one of those stores!
posted by yueliang at 3:37 PM on June 11, 2022

New Balance flagship stores usually have one of those scanners.

Fleet Feet depends on location, some may have it.
posted by kschang at 4:35 PM on June 11, 2022

Sorry not an answer to your precise question, but I can’t say enough good about my Altra Lone Peaks. I don’t have bunions but my dear friend does and after I heard her describe the challenges I raved about the comfy/roomy toe box of my shoes. She was desperate and ordered a pair immediately and was SOLD. A permanent convert. They have waterproof or not. I can say they aren’t super long lasting unfortunately, but incredibly comfortable. Plus a great tread if that matters to you. Good luck.
posted by AnOrigamiLife at 4:18 PM on June 12, 2022 [1 favorite]