Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I have severe arthritis & reoccurring plantar fasciitis, and have been unable to walk without severe pain for the last three months. As a teacher, I am on my feet all day, and the pain is so distracting and limiting. After a ridiculous amount of time trying/returning the more expensive recommended shoes that my podiatrist suggested, I ordered two different brands of Clarks. I've never worn Clarks before, and am SO glad I tried them! My arthritic big toes don't bend without pain, and so I can't wear heels - but my plantar fasciitis feels better WITH heels. So...a conundrum. I got these shoes because they just have a tiny angle of a heel, and they have a great inner cushion in the heel. The softer rubber seems more forgiving then the harder rubber soles on the more expensive brand. Also, these are cute - I don't feel like an old lady wearing them, which is more than I can say about most shoes designed to reduce foot pain! The elastic goring allows me to easily slide my foot in without hurting my arthritic thumbs or toes. They do not have a wide toe box, which was a concern for me. However, I put shoe-stretchers in them for one day, and since they are leather they stretched to the perfect width. I found them true to size with my thinner socks, but if you wear thick socks you may want to order up one half size. These are literally half the price and twice the pain relief as the cork-bottomed, highly-touted brands (and way cuter). I will definitely buy Clarks in the future! Note: These do not have removable insoles, which may be a problem if you wear custom orthotics.