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The 9 best shoes to end tingling and burning. In depth reviews from real neuropathy patients.
Many shoes claim to have the ultimate solution to neuropathy symptoms. But which ones really work (if any)? We put them to the test.
Final Winner: 1 Out Of 5
(See Below For An In Depth Review)
(See Below For An In Depth Review)
Active 2.0
By
A+
Overall Grade
Suitability for different foot types:
Comfort:
Support:
Return Policy / Warranty:
Value:
PROS
Greatly reduced numbness and tingling
No more shooting pain
Best value and quality for the price
Innovative, breathable materials
Wide toe box and zero drop sole
30-Day-Relief-Trial
Greatly reduced arch and heel pain
Reduces bunions
CONS
Only available online
How and why we reviewed these 5 shoes
I spent many years just wearing any old footwear I happened to pick up at the store. It worked fine for me. Or so I thought. Despite suffering from regular foot pain and discomfort due to neuropathy, I never made the connection with my footwear. Then a friend told me about her orthopedic shoes, and what a difference they had made to her. I realized that I require a specific type of footwear. But with so many options out there claiming to help, which would be best for me?
I spend a lot of time researching various types of footwear to find which ones were most popular, and which seemed to get the best (and worst) reviews. To thoroughly test them, I narrowed the list down to several options, looking at:
I spend a lot of time researching various types of footwear to find which ones were most popular, and which seemed to get the best (and worst) reviews. To thoroughly test them, I narrowed the list down to several options, looking at:
- Effectiveness at reducing foot pain associated with neuropathy
- Comfort
- Support
- Return policy / warranty
- Value
Thousands of reviews read, 40 shoes considered
5 market leading shoes tested
3 months spent testing
It was an unusual 3 months, to say the least. But my experiment was successful – I found what I was looking for and now my steps are steadier, my pain is almost completely gone, and I feel more connected to the ground.
All the footwear options were good. Except one. The Barestep Barefoot Shoes – these were INCREDIBLE, and the shoes I decided to wear. I found that their minimalist design was ideal, providing essential support while allowing natural foot movement and a 'ground feel' that helped prevent awkward movements and reduced pain. I definitely felt much better and more comfortable with these shoes.
A very close second was the Vivo, another barefoot shoe with a similar minimalist design. The main differences are that it’s a bit wider (which makes it a better choice for many), and features a slightly thicker sole for extra cushioning while still maintaining a good ground feel.
All the footwear options were good. Except one. The Barestep Barefoot Shoes – these were INCREDIBLE, and the shoes I decided to wear. I found that their minimalist design was ideal, providing essential support while allowing natural foot movement and a 'ground feel' that helped prevent awkward movements and reduced pain. I definitely felt much better and more comfortable with these shoes.
A very close second was the Vivo, another barefoot shoe with a similar minimalist design. The main differences are that it’s a bit wider (which makes it a better choice for many), and features a slightly thicker sole for extra cushioning while still maintaining a good ground feel.
Do you HAVE to spend $$$ to get shoes that work?
As with anything, the cheapest options are usually a compromise in some way. I actually haven’t included the very cheapest options into the list, because in my experience they simply won’t give you the relief you’re looking for.
Cheap shoes will usually be made of cheap materials that don’t feel supportive, last long or adapt to your feet properly. They’ll also usually be developed with shortcuts often actively uncomfortable. Even if they offer relief at first, they’re unlikely to last as long as a more expensive, better quality pair of shoes, saving you more money in the long run.
You might also want to consider what a good quality shoe means to you. If comfort and less pain means you’re able to focus harder on work and be more productive, your shoes could even make you money back. If you’re on a tight budget, look out for discount deals. At the time of writing, the winning shoe (Barestep) was on offer at a 70% discount, for example.
Cheap shoes will usually be made of cheap materials that don’t feel supportive, last long or adapt to your feet properly. They’ll also usually be developed with shortcuts often actively uncomfortable. Even if they offer relief at first, they’re unlikely to last as long as a more expensive, better quality pair of shoes, saving you more money in the long run.
You might also want to consider what a good quality shoe means to you. If comfort and less pain means you’re able to focus harder on work and be more productive, your shoes could even make you money back. If you’re on a tight budget, look out for discount deals. At the time of writing, the winning shoe (Barestep) was on offer at a 70% discount, for example.
Final Winner: 1 Out Of 5
(See Below For An In Depth Review)
(See Below For An In Depth Review)
Active 2.0
By
A+
Overall Grade
Suitability for different foot types:
Comfort:
Support:
Return Policy / Warranty:
Value:
PROS
Greatly reduced numbness and tingling
No more shooting pain
Best value and quality for the price
Innovative, breathable materials
Wide toe box and zero drop sole
30-Day-Relief-Trial
Greatly reduced arch and heel pain
Reduces bunions
CONS
Only available online
The Bottom Line
The Barestep Active 2.0 is designed specifically to foot pain and neuropathy symptoms. And I found that it really did work, and did the job better than any other pillow I tested. The barefppt design helped keep my lower body and feet aligned, so I was able to move around pain free.
The upper and outsole are really supportive and high-quality, and adapted well to my unique feet.
One of the brand’s big selling points is the natural movement they provide. Simply, I have not experienced anything quite like it. After a full 12 hours of wear, I didn’t even feel like I wanted to take them off. After giving them to a patient with a more severe case of neuropathy. I wasn’t surprised to hear that she felt exactly the same way.
The upper and outsole are really supportive and high-quality, and adapted well to my unique feet.
One of the brand’s big selling points is the natural movement they provide. Simply, I have not experienced anything quite like it. After a full 12 hours of wear, I didn’t even feel like I wanted to take them off. After giving them to a patient with a more severe case of neuropathy. I wasn’t surprised to hear that she felt exactly the same way.
This was the only pillow I tested that helped reduce shooting pains and burning sensations significantly significantly. This meant I could finally enjoy my morning walks again. I think it's because of how all of the elements work together: the barefoot design combined with the amazing materials.
The insoles provide great relief, but one downside is they don’t last as long as regular shoes. You may need to replace them after a year. However, Barestep does offer replacements at less than $5 a pair.
The bottom line is that this shoe distinguishes itself from other shoes in 3 ways.
The bottom line is that this shoe distinguishes itself from other shoes in 3 ways.
- Actually helps you reduce pain. After wearing Barestep, I finally can live my day without the usual soreness that usually burdened my life.
- Quality materials. This shoe has retained its comfortable feeling to this day. While in some shoes, the relief and comfort started to dwindle rapidly.
- Helps with bunions and arch pain. This one was a surprise for me.
You’ll see from pictures of the shoes that they come in really nice colours too. Of all the shoes I tested, I definitely got the most compliments on these.
This is the one that I think is likely to work for the greatest number of people, and reduce pain regardless of your foot shape.
There is a 30-day refund period too, so you can try them out and see if they’re right for you. I’ve been using them for around several months now, and I've found them to be ideal for me.
This is the one that I think is likely to work for the greatest number of people, and reduce pain regardless of your foot shape.
There is a 30-day refund period too, so you can try them out and see if they’re right for you. I’ve been using them for around several months now, and I've found them to be ideal for me.
Limited Time: CLICK HERE FOR OUR 70% OFF EXCLUSIVE LINK
Vivo Barefoot Shoe
By Vivobarefoot
B
Overall Grade
Suitability for different foot types:
Comfort:
Support:
Return Policy / Warranty:
Value:
PROS
Good quality materials
30 day warranty
Helps With neuropathy symptoms
Suitable for bunions
CONS
May not fit your feet
Only available online
Expensive
The Bottom Line
The Vivo’s are the most similar shoe on this list to the Baresteps but you may find difficulty finding comfort in them if you have more unique feet. They also do not do as good of a job in preventing symptoms.
It has a similar barefoot design as the Barestep, and I found it kept my feet aligned. After wearing them for a full day, I did have a desire to want to take them off.
They also weren’t as breathable, so I would recommend not wearing them on the waremest days, or investing in some cooling socks.
It has a similar barefoot design as the Barestep, and I found it kept my feet aligned. After wearing them for a full day, I did have a desire to want to take them off.
They also weren’t as breathable, so I would recommend not wearing them on the waremest days, or investing in some cooling socks.
Unlike the Barestep, the Vivo is made for more athletic purposes, as you’ll see in the pictures above.
They are marketing towards athletes and fitness-focused people. Personally, I like a shoe that is versatile and multi-functional, but my primary goal is all day comfort. If you’re like me in this regard then I would definitely choose Barestep over Vivo.
They are marketing towards athletes and fitness-focused people. Personally, I like a shoe that is versatile and multi-functional, but my primary goal is all day comfort. If you’re like me in this regard then I would definitely choose Barestep over Vivo.
Irvine Comfort Sneakers
By Kizik Irvine
C
Overall Grade
Suitability for different foot types:
Comfort:
Support:
Return Policy / Warranty:
Value:
PROS
Great Amazon reviews
Return policy
Great for casual settings
CONS
Only slightly reduced symptoms
Lacks major relief
Expensive
The Bottom Line
Designed to be a more stylish, casual comfort shoe, these definitely feel premium when you slip them on.
The materials did a good job with providing some relief on my initial wear. Plus, they weren’t as tight around the top of my foot as similar models. If you really love the look of tennis shoes, perhaps you should consider these.
However, while it is a shoe, I found a couple of problems.
The materials did a good job with providing some relief on my initial wear. Plus, they weren’t as tight around the top of my foot as similar models. If you really love the look of tennis shoes, perhaps you should consider these.
However, while it is a shoe, I found a couple of problems.
- No contoured shape. There’s no specific neck pain reduction. Many pillows have a contoured shape designed to reduce neck pain, but the Saatva doesn’t. Nor is it adjustable, and it doesn’t align your back and neck (something I find essential). I did feel my neck felt a bit niggly in the morning after sleeping on it. If neck pain is an important issue for you, I’d suggest choosing another pillow.
- Less comfortable than Barestep or Vivo. In comparison, it just wasn’t that comfortable. The upper is good for keeping cool if that’s your priority, and the quality is there, but it felt like my feet were working too hard in these to me. This is partly a personal preference though.
I also don’t think the Kizik Irvine is great value. It’s significantly more expensive than others on the market, and I can’t see how that’s reasonable. It has quality materials, but not good enough to justify the price tag. And I’d expect a better quality outsole, rather than something that is already showing some big signs of wear.
Wendy Mix
By Hey Dude
A+
Overall Grade
Suitability for different foot types:
Comfort:
Support:
Return Policy / Warranty:
Value:
PROS
Prevents Snoring
Prevents Snoring
Prevents Snoring
CONS
Only slightly reduced symptoms
Lacks major relief
Expensive
The Bottom Line
This is a great shoe for everyday use, but I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone who struggles with neuropathy symptoms. It just feels like a regular shoe that helps slightly with arch pain.
Neuropathy symptoms get exacerbated when the nerves are aggravated. Because the laces can be loosened while maintaining a secure fit, you can find a fit that may work better. But still… I wouldn’t choose these shoes if you’re battling with neuropathy.
Neuropathy symptoms get exacerbated when the nerves are aggravated. Because the laces can be loosened while maintaining a secure fit, you can find a fit that may work better. But still… I wouldn’t choose these shoes if you’re battling with neuropathy.
The toe box also could be wider, so this will be an issue for many cases of neuropathy and for those who have bunions too.
They could be a great option if you’re just looking for a shoe to wear a couple of times every month, but if you want all-day, every-day comfort then this is not it.
They could be a great option if you’re just looking for a shoe to wear a couple of times every month, but if you want all-day, every-day comfort then this is not it.
Orthopedic Sneakers
By Stunahome
C-
Overall Grade
Suitability for different foot types:
Comfort:
Support:
Return Policy / Warranty:
Value:
PROS
Color selection
Reputable brand
CONS
Poor design
Difficult to adjust
Discomfort after hours of wear
Doesn't help neuropathy symptoms much
The Bottom Line
Similar to the Coop, these are good shoes for everyday use, but they’re not a great choice if you need something to prevent or relieve neuropathy symptoms like numbness, tingling, shooting pain, and burning.
They are adjustable in height, so they can provide some alignment for your feet and legs, but they won’t offer much support to prevent excessive movement while walking. I found my feet moved around a lot in these shoes, and I experienced increased discomfort. This was true whether I was walking short or long distances.
There are some issues though. I just like they don’t look that nice, and I did get a lot of strange looks in public. Additionally, while the material feels nice and cool, it’s not very smooth. I found the textured pattern uncomfortable to wear for extended periods.
Adjusting the fit can also be a hassle, as the adjustment mechanism is somewhat cumbersome. Plus, there’s no convenient place to store any inserts or padding that you’re not using.
They are adjustable in height, so they can provide some alignment for your feet and legs, but they won’t offer much support to prevent excessive movement while walking. I found my feet moved around a lot in these shoes, and I experienced increased discomfort. This was true whether I was walking short or long distances.
There are some issues though. I just like they don’t look that nice, and I did get a lot of strange looks in public. Additionally, while the material feels nice and cool, it’s not very smooth. I found the textured pattern uncomfortable to wear for extended periods.
Adjusting the fit can also be a hassle, as the adjustment mechanism is somewhat cumbersome. Plus, there’s no convenient place to store any inserts or padding that you’re not using.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with these shoes as. However, they’re not a good choice if you suffer from neuropathy symptoms like numbness, tingling, shooting pain, or burning.
Conclusion
For most people who suffer from neuropathy symptoms such as numbness, tingling, shooting pain, and burning, I would recommend the Barestep shoes. Barestep is a barefoot shoe, which offers numerous benefits for those dealing with neuropathy. The minimalist design promotes natural foot movement and improves circulation, which can help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with neuropathy.
Barestep shoes were my personal favorite because they provide excellent ground feel and flexibility, allowing for a more natural walking experience. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals looking to reduce neuropathy symptoms. The wide toe box also accommodates foot swelling and ensures toes can move freely, reducing pressure points.
If you prefer a more traditional shoe, you might not find the same level of comfort and symptom relief as with Barestep. The benefits of barefoot shoes, such as promoting natural alignment and enhancing sensory feedback, make them a superior choice for managing neuropathy.
In summary, while traditional shoes might offer general comfort, Barestep barefoot shoes stand out for their ability to address and potentially alleviate the discomfort caused by neuropathy.
Barestep shoes were my personal favorite because they provide excellent ground feel and flexibility, allowing for a more natural walking experience. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals looking to reduce neuropathy symptoms. The wide toe box also accommodates foot swelling and ensures toes can move freely, reducing pressure points.
If you prefer a more traditional shoe, you might not find the same level of comfort and symptom relief as with Barestep. The benefits of barefoot shoes, such as promoting natural alignment and enhancing sensory feedback, make them a superior choice for managing neuropathy.
In summary, while traditional shoes might offer general comfort, Barestep barefoot shoes stand out for their ability to address and potentially alleviate the discomfort caused by neuropathy.
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