Northwest Foot & Ankle Shoe List

1

Ray McClanahan, DPM

725 N.W. 19th Avenue

Portland, OR 97209

(503) 243-2699

Brand: Birkenstock

Suggested Models: Rockford (pictured), Sierra, Torino, Perth, and Waterford

Pros: Relatively flat; wide in the toe box

Cons: Some toe-spring and heel elevation; only somewhat flexible

Website: www.birkenstockexpress.com

Brand: Chaco

Suggested Models: Redrock Cross

Pros: Flat and flexible

Cons: Too narrow in the toe-box for some; slight toe-spring

Website: www.chacousa.com

www.nwfootankle.comNorthwest Foot & Ankle

Introduction

We usually recommend the same kind of footwear for most

activities; that is, footwear that is flat, widest at the end of your

toes, and possesses a flexible sole. This description includes

shoes used for hiking and sports. Your body does best when your

foot is allowed to move as it should, feeling and responding to the

changing terrain encountered during hiking, for instance.

Note: Many of the shoes, boots, or sandals that appear in this

document may serve multiple functions. For example, a shoe

listed under “Casual” may also be appropriate as a running shoe.

Talk with your podiatrist to get a better sense of what activities

your footwear may be appropriate for.

Table of Contents

Hiking Shoes & Boots 1

Boots & Cold Weather 3

Work 5

Professional/Dress 5

Dance 7

Casual 8

Running/Sports 13

Active/Sports Sandals 15

Casual Sandals 16

Dress Sandals 17

Brand: Crocs

Suggested Models: All Terrain (winter) (pictured), Off Road (summer)

Pros: Flat, flexible, wide, and waterproof

Cons: Poor traction

Website: www.crocs.com

Hiking Shoes & Boots

2

Brand: Minnetonka Moccasins

Suggested Models: Fringe Boots

Pros: Light; flexible; flat; some models are wide

Cons: Many models are tapered in the toes; not waterproof

Website: www.minnetonka-by-internet.com

Notes: Moosehide moccasins come in wide sizes for both men and women

Brand: Steger Mukluks

Suggested Models: All models are acceptable

Pros: Light, flexible, flat and wide; extremely warm; comes in wide and extra-wide sizes

Cons: Expensive; not fully waterproof

Website: www.mukluks.com

Brand: Sanuk

Suggested Models: High Desert

Pros: Flat, wide, and flexible

Cons: Not waterproof

Website: www.sanuk.com

Ray McClanahan, DPM

725 N.W. 19th Avenue

Portland, OR 97209

(503) 243-2699

www.nwfootankle.comNorthwest Foot & Ankle

Brand: Keen

Suggested Models: Delany (pictured), Pacifica, Toronto, Humboldt, Newport, Bend

Pros: Mostly flat and wide; waterproof; many styles

Cons: Relatively stiff sole; toe-spring; some models have a heel

Website: www.keenfootwear.com

Notes: Keen models designed for casual wear typically have a more flexible sole, which makes

them more acceptable as a hiking shoe.

Brand: Teva

Suggested Models: Cape Mid (women) (pictured), Shay Slip-on (women), Kendal (men)

Pros: Flat; relatively wide in the toe box

Cons: Toe-spring; relatively stiff sole

Website: www.teva.com

Hiking Shoes & Boots (cont.’d)

3

Ray McClanahan, DPM

725 N.W. 19th Avenue

Portland, OR 97209

(503) 243-2699

www.nwfootankle.comNorthwest Foot & Ankle

Brand: The North Face

Suggested Models: Hayden Shoe

Pros: Flat and flexible

Cons: Narrow in the toe box for some; mild toe-spring

Website: www.zappos.com

Boots & Cold Weather

Hiking Shoes & Boots (cont.’d)

Brand: Crocs

Suggested Models: Georgie (pictured), All Terrain

Pros: Flat, wide, and flexible; waterproof

Cons: Poor traction

Website: www.crocs.com

Brand: Keen

Suggested Models: Winterport (pictured), Dakota

Pros: Wide toe box; relatively flat; warm; waterproof

Cons: Stiff soles; toe-spring

Website: www.keenfootwear.com

Brand: Keen

Suggested Models: Shay Boot

Pros: Flat and flexible

Cons: Some toe-spring; not wide enough in the toe box for some

Website: www.keenfootwear.com

Brand: Merrell

Suggested Models (for women): Tibet Spirit Low or Tibet Spirit High (pictured)

Pros: Flat, wide, and relatively flexible; water resistant

Cons: Most Merrells are too narrow

Website: www.merrellboot.com

Notes: Most Merrell boots work with crampons

4

www.nwfootankle.comNorthwest Foot & Ankle

Brand: Minnetonka Moccasins

Suggested Models: Sheepskin boots

Pros: Flat, wide, flexible, and light

Cons: Not fully waterproof

Website: www.minnetonka-by-internet.com

Brand: Ugg

Suggested Models: Classic Mini-Boot (pictured), Classic Short

Pros: Flat, wide, and flexible

Cons: Too narrow in the toe box for some

Website: www.uggaustralia.com

Brand: Teva

Suggested Models: Mimmick (men and women) (pictured), Roslyn (women)

Pros: Flexible; no toe-spring; no arch support; waterproof

Cons: Some heel elevation

Website: www.teva.com

Brand: Steger Mukluks

Suggested Models: All models are acceptable

Pros: Flat, wide, and flexible; warm; models come in wide and extra-wide sizes

Cons: Expensive; not fully waterproof

Website: www.mukluks.com

Brand: Sorel

Suggested Models: Bota Bag (men)

Pros: Flat, wide, and flexible

Cons: Some heel elevation; mild toe-spring

Website: www.sorel.com

Ray McClanahan, DPM

725 N.W. 19th Avenue

Portland, OR 97209

(503) 243-2699

Boots & Cold Weather (cont.’d)

5

Brand: Crocs

Suggested Models: Velocity

Pros: Flat, wide, and flexible

Cons: Poor traction

Website: www.crocs.com

Notes: This shoe is ideal for workers in the food service, hospitality, and healthcare industries

Ray McClanahan, DPM

725 N.W. 19th Avenue

Portland, OR 97209

(503) 243-2699

www.nwfootankle.comNorthwest Foot & Ankle

Work

Brand: Birkenstock

Suggested Models (men): London (pictured), Corvallis, Leon

Suggested Models (women): Boston, Tokyo, Limari, Merida, Annapolis, Cambria, Eden,

Madera, Corvallis, Pavia

Pros: Flat and wide; no toe-spring; built-in metatarsal pad

Cons: Stiff; arch support; expensive

Website: www.footprints.com

Brand: Aravon

Suggested Models (for women): Anything from the Everyday Collection

Pros: Flat and flexible; comes in various widths

Cons: Too narrow for many; some toe-spring

Website: www.aravonshoes.com

Brand: Skidbuster

Suggested Models: SB108, SB109 (men); SB208, SB209 (women)

Pros: Relatively wide; good traction on slippery work surfaces

Cons: Slight heel elevation

Website: www.skidbustershoes.com

Brand: Shoes for Crews

Suggested Models: Steel Toe Voyager

Pros: Relatively wide toe box; steel toe

Cons: Slight heel elevation; only somewhat flexible

Website: www.shoesforcrews.com

Professional / Dress

6

Brand: Clarks

Suggested Models: Various models

Pros: Relatively wide; flat and flexible; formal in appearance

Cons: Too narrow in the toe box for many

Website: www.zappos.com/clarks

Brand: Madden Girl

Suggested Models: Lazzo

Pros: Wide and flexible

Cons: Slight toe-spring; slight heel elevation

Website: www.shoes.com

Ray McClanahan, DPM

725 N.W. 19th Avenue

Portland, OR 97209

(503) 243-2699

www.nwfootankle.comNorthwest Foot & Ankle

Professional / Dress (cont.’d)

Brand: Keen

Suggested Models (men): Briggs (pictured), Austin, Presidio, Delany Clog, Ashland, Boston,

Boston II, Providence, Portsmouth

Suggested Models (women): Berkeley, Barcelona, Mary Jane, Sydney II, Sofia,

Carmel, Seattle

Pros: Wide and flat; some models are flexible

Cons: Some models are too narrow (particularly in the women’s models)

Website: www.keenfootwear.com

Brand: Finn Comfort

Suggested Models: Various models

Pros: Wide and flexible

Cons: Arch support; some heel; too narrow for many

Website: www.finncomfort.com

Brand: Crocs

Suggested Models: Yukon Clogs (pictured), Off Road

Pros: Flat, wide, and flexible

Cons: Poor traction

Website: www.crocs.com

7

Brand: Rocket Dog

Suggested Models: Sonova (pictured)

Pros: Properly shaped toe box; flat and flexible

Cons: May be too narrow for some

Website: www.rocketdog.com

Brand: Naot

Suggested Models: Minke (women)

Pros: Wide and flexible; only a slight heel

Cons: Too narrow for many

Website: www.naot.com

Notes: This shoe has a thick cork liner that may be removed in favor of a thinner, more

flexible liner

Brand: Merrell

Suggested Models: World Leader (pictured), World Summit, World Peace

Pros: Relatively wide, flat, and flexible

Cons: Too narrow; not formal enough for some

Website: www.merrellboot.com

Ray McClanahan, DPM

725 N.W. 19th Avenue

Portland, OR 97209

(503) 243-2699

www.nwfootankle.comNorthwest Foot & Ankle

Professional / Dress (cont.’d)

Dance

Brand: Coast

Suggested Models: Rita (high heel), Star (flat) (pictured)

Pros: Upper is completely adjustable using the laces (Rita); soft upper and flat sole (Star)

Cons: High heel (Rita); too narrow for most

Website: www.coastdanceshoes.com

Brand: Vivo Barefoot

Suggested Models (for women): Kali (pictured)

Pros: Flat and flexible; no toe-spring

Cons: No known cons

Website: www.vivobarefoot.com

8

Casual

Ray McClanahan, DPM

725 N.W. 19th Avenue

Portland, OR 97209

(503) 243-2699

www.nwfootankle.comNorthwest Foot & Ankle

Brand: Birkenstock

Suggested Models (men): Oklahoma (pictured), Tassil, Tobis, Clogs

Suggested Models (women): Lindsey, Torrance, Pittsburgh, Manon, Zamora, Annapolis, Clogs

Pros: Flat and wide; no toe-spring; built-in metatarsal pad

Cons: Stiff; arch support; expensive

Website: www.footprints.com

Brand: Born

Suggested Models (men): Wess (pictured), Brink, Tribune, Clipper, Ronan, Nomad, Reign,

Towen, Volk, Battue, Courier, Sequim, Kendal

Suggested Models (women): Glen, Knoll, Sabina, Joni, Pavane, Kavan, Rodeo, Hillspire,

Jamba, Sylvan

Pros: Somewhat flat and flexible; models above are wider in the toe box than others

Cons: Toe-spring; some heel elevation; many models will be too narrow for some

Website: www.bornshoes.com

Brand: Camper

Suggested Models (for women): Mini Flat, Peu Flat, Peu Ideal Boot, Peu Sumini (pictured)

Pros: Flat; some are flexible; little toe-spring

Cons: Some toe-spring; too narrow for some

Website: www.camper.com

Brand: Crocs

Suggested Models: Any model is acceptable

Pros: Flat, wide, and flexible; no toe-spring

Cons: Risk of slipping in wet weather

Website: www.crocs.com

Brand: Stem

Suggested Models: All models are appropriate

Pros: Flat, wide, and flexible; little toe-spring

Cons: Sole may be stiff

Website: www.stemfootwear.com

9

Ray McClanahan, DPM

725 N.W. 19th Avenue

Portland, OR 97209

(503) 243-2699

www.nwfootankle.comNorthwest Foot & Ankle

Casual (cont.’d)

Brand: Doc Martens

Suggested Models: 8B97

Pros: Flat and flexible

Cons: Too narrow for many

Website: www.dmusastore.com

Notes: Most Doc Martens are unacceptable, but the above-mentioned model is OK

Brand: Halfinger

Suggested Models: Most models are acceptable

Pros: Flat, wide, and warm

Cons: Stiff sole; arch support

Website: www.haflinger.com

Brand: J-41

Suggested Models: Libra (pictured), Mary Jane

Pros: Flat and flexible

Cons: Toe-spring; too narrow for many

Website: www.j-41.com

Brand: Groundhog

Suggested Models: Hog 52

Pros: Wider than normal toe box; relatively little heel elevation

Cons: Sole is on the stiffer side

Website: www.groundhogshoes.com

Brand: Diesel

Suggested Models: Ivalo

Pros: Flat, flexible, and light

Cons: Some toe-spring; too narrow for some

Website: www.diesel.com

10

Brand: Keen

Suggested Models: Wear-around slip-on

Pros: Flat and flexible

Cons: Too narrow for some in the toe box

Website: www.keenfootwear.com

Ray McClanahan, DPM

725 N.W. 19th Avenue

Portland, OR 97209

(503) 243-2699

www.nwfootankle.comNorthwest Foot & Ankle

Casual (cont.’d)

Brand: Merrell

Suggested Models (men): World Outlook (pictured), Topo Moc Pro, World Sensation, World

Piece, World Passport, World Renowned, Zen

Suggested Models (women): Carousel, Tetra Wave Slide, Primo

Pros: Most models are relatively flat and flexible

Cons: Most models are too tapered in the toe box

Website: www.merrellboot.com

Brand: Keen

Suggested Models (men): Delany, Pacifica (pictured), Austin, Presidio, Silverlake, Portsmouth,

Bronx, Brooklyn, Diego

Suggested Models (women): Any of the BLVD and Market Street designs

Pros: Wide in the toes; durable; many styles; waterproof varieties; mostly flat

Cons: Stiff soles; toe-spring; some have heels

Website: www.keenfootwear.com

Notes: Of all their different styles of shoe, Keen’s casual shoes have the most flexible soles

Brand: Josef Seibel

Suggested Models: Various models

Pros: Flexible; wide

Cons: Some heel elevation

Website: www.josef-seibel.com

11

Ray McClanahan, DPM

725 N.W. 19th Avenue

Portland, OR 97209

(503) 243-2699

www.nwfootankle.comNorthwest Foot & Ankle

Brand: Patagonia

Suggested Models (for men): Larry, Kauri, Loulu, Olulu (pictured), Wollemi

Pros: Flat, wide, and flexible

Cons: Narrow in the toe box for some

Website: www.patagonia.com

Casual (cont.’d)

Brand: Reebok

Suggested Models: Temptra

Pros: Flat, wide, and flexible

Cons: Too narrow for some in the toe box

Website: www.shoes.com

Brand: Rogue

Suggested Models: Any model is acceptable

Pros: Flat and wide; little toe-spring

Cons: Somewhat stiff

Website: www.rogueshoes.com

Notes: There’s a fake heel and some heel build-up in the removable liner

Brand: Sanuk

Suggested Models: Almost all are great (including the Donna, which is pictured here)

Pros: Most models are flat, wide, and flexible and have little toe-spring

Cons: No known cons

Website: www.sanuk.com

Brand: Minnetonka Moccasin

Suggested Models: Clogs, Moosehide, Women’s Concho (pictured)

Pros: Flat and flexible; no toe-spring; no arch support

Cons: Too narrow for many; not waterproof

Website: www.minnetonka-by-internet.com

Notes: Moosehide comes in wide sizes; women should buy men’s shoes if there is a similar

model in order to get a wider shoe

12

Ray McClanahan, DPM

725 N.W. 19th Avenue

Portland, OR 97209

(503) 243-2699

www.nwfootankle.comNorthwest Foot & Ankle

Casual (cont.’d)

Brand: Vivo Barefoot

Suggested Models: Aqua M (pictured), Neo, Evo, Kali

Pros: Flat, flexible, and wide in the toe box

Cons: Some toe-spring

Website: www.vivobarefoot.com

Brand: Timberland

Suggested Models (men): Lazarette Venetian (pictured), Springbank Venetian

Pros: Models listed above are flat, flexible, warm, and waterproof

Cons: Too narrow for most

Website: www.timberland.com

Brand: Tsubo

Suggested Models (men): Sycorax (pictured), Incan, Exim, Pogo, Rhyt, Entom

Suggested Models (women): Psit, Sylv, Cyrt, Asios

Pros: Flat and flexible; many of the above-listed models have wide toe boxes

Cons: Slight toe-spring

Website: www.tsubo.com

Brand: Ulu

Suggested Models (men): Tuktu

Pros: Flat and flexible

Cons: Too narrow for some

Website: www.uluboots.com

Brand: Vans

Suggested Models: Various models

Pros: Flat and flexible; no arch support or toe-spring

Cons: Some heel elevation

Website: www.vans.com

13

Running/Sports

Ray McClanahan, DPM

725 N.W. 19th Avenue

Portland, OR 97209

(503) 243-2699

www.nwfootankle.comNorthwest Foot & Ankle

Brand: Altra

Suggested Models: Intuition, Eve, Adam, Instinct (pictured)

Pros: Flat and wide; light; upper easily expands

Cons: No known cons

Website: www.altrarunning.com

Brand: Asics

Suggested Models: Gel-Hyperspeed 2

Pros: Flat and flexible; light; upper easily expands

Cons: Too narrow for some in the toe box; slight toe-spring

Website: www.asicsamerica.com

Brand: Ahnu

Suggested Models: Delta Water (pictured), Lodi Cross, Tamalpais II

Pros: Flat and flexible; light; upper easily expands

Cons: Too narrow for some in the toe box

Website: www.ahnufootwear.com

Brand: Adidas

Suggested Models: adiZero

Pros: Flat and flexible

Cons: Some toe-spring; slight heel elevation; too narrow for some in the toe box

Website: www.adidas.com

Brand: Vibram FiveFingers

Suggested Models: Classic, KSO, Sprint, Flow (pictured), Bikila, Speed, Bormio, Jaya, Jane

Pros: Flat and flexible; individual toe sleeves encourage your toes to splay naturally

Cons: Takes some time to toughen up your soles

Website: www.vibramfivefingers.com

Notes: These shoes are great for those who want to experience the sensations and tactile

feedback of barefoot running but whose soles aren’t quite conditioned enough; these

shoes are also great for water sports

14

Ray McClanahan, DPM

725 N.W. 19th Avenue

Portland, OR 97209

(503) 243-2699

www.nwfootankle.comNorthwest Foot & Ankle

Running/Sports (cont.’d)

Brand: Fila

Suggested Models: Corsa Sette, Corsa Otto (pictured)

Pros: Flat and flexible; light; upper easily expands; relatively wide

Cons: Too narrow for some in the toe box; sole might be too thin for some when running on

rocky terrain

Website: www.fila.com

Brand: Inov-8

Suggested Models: 250, 230, ROAD-Xlite 155 (pictured)

Pros: Flat and flexible; light; upper easily expands; relatively wide

Cons: Too narrow for some in the toe box

Website: www.inov-8.com

Brand: Mizuno

Suggested Models: Revolver (pictured); Ronin Racing Flat

Pros: Mostly flat; flexible

Cons: Too narrow in the toe box for some; slight heel elevation (Ronin Racing Flat)

Website: www.mizunoshoes.com

Brand: New Balance

Suggested Models: RC 750 or 790, Minimus (pictured)

Pros: Mostly flat; flexible; light

Cons: Toe box is too narrow for some; many may find the sole too hard

Website: www.newbalance.com

Brand: Crocs

Suggested Models: Islander (pictured), All Terrain

Pros: Flat, wide, and flexible; no toe-spring

Cons: Soles may be slippery in wet weather; feet get wet in wet weather (Islander); shoes do not

breathe (All Terrain)

Website: www.crocs.com

Notes: Many patients find the models listed above to be their favorite running shoe, much to

their surprise

15

Ray McClanahan, DPM

725 N.W. 19th Avenue

Portland, OR 97209

(503) 243-2699

www.nwfootankle.comNorthwest Foot & Ankle

Running/Sports (cont.’d)

Brand: Keen

Suggested Models (men): Newport (pictured), Venice, Zerraport, Napali, San Clemente, Tijuana

Suggested Models (women): Newport, Venice, Catalina, Zerraport, Napali, Sarasota, Tijuana

Pros: Relatively flexible; relatively wide

Cons: Toe box may be too narrow for some

Website: www.keenfootwear.com

Brand: Teva

Suggested Models: Hurricane 3 (pictured), Volterra Alp, Volterra, Spoiler 5

Pros: Wide; mostly flat

Cons: Some have toe-spring; some have elevated heels; some are inflexible

Website: www.teva.com

Active/Sports Sandals

Brand: Branca

Suggested Models: All models are appropriate

Pros: Completely flat; light; allows toes to splay naturally

Cons: No known cons

Website: www.runbranca.com

Brand: Puma

Suggested Models: Road Racer

Pros: Flat, wide, and flexible

Cons: Too narrow in the toe box for some; slight toe-spring

Website: www.puma.com

Brand: TRUE Linkswear

Suggested Models: Tour (pictured)

Pros: Flat; no toe-spring; relatively wide toe box

Cons: This shoe may not breathe well

Website: www.truelinkswear.com

Notes: This is a golf-specific shoe

16

Ray McClanahan, DPM

725 N.W. 19th Avenue

Portland, OR 97209

(503) 243-2699

www.nwfootankle.comNorthwest Foot & Ankle

Brand: Keen

Suggested Models (men): Aruba, Shanti, Barbados, Waimea, Monterey, La Jolla, La Jolla Clog,

Francisco

Suggested Models (women): Waimea (pictured), Barbados, Shanti, Monterey, La Jolla, La Jolla

Clog

Pros: Relatively flat, wide, and flexible

Cons: Slight toe-spring

Website: www.keenfootwear.com

Brand: Luna Sandals

Suggested Models: LeadCat, Leadville Pacer, Catamount, Original Luna, Equus (pictured)

Pros: Flat, wide, and flexible; light; open toe

Cons: Expensive

Website: www.lunasandals.com

Brand: OluKai

Suggested Models: Kekai (pictured), Kumu, Hiapo and all other models

Pros: Flat, wide, and flexible

Cons: No known cons

Website: http://www.zappos.com/olukai

Brand: Sanuk

Suggested Models: Summit (pictured), almost any other model (avoid those with elevated heels)

Pros: Flat, wide, and flexible

Cons: Several models have elevated heels; some models have slight toe-spring

Website: www.sanuk.com

Casual Sandals

Brand: Ahnu

Suggested Models: Tilden II, Redding (pictured)

Pros: Flat, wide, and flexible

Cons: Slight toe-spring; too narrow for some in the toe box

Website: www.ahnufootwear.com

17

Ray McClanahan, DPM

725 N.W. 19th Avenue

Portland, OR 97209

(503) 243-2699

www.nwfootankle.comNorthwest Foot & Ankle

Dress Sandals

Brand: Born

Suggested Models (for women): April (pictured), Lillias, Mersey, Maita, Sinchi, Sutera, Cota,

Fairport, Boosey, Jasper, Seris, Mecca, Oberon

Pros: Many models are flat; some models are flexible

Cons: Many models have toe-spring

Website: www.bornshoes.com

Brand: Hush Puppies

Suggested Models: Various models

Pros: Flat, wide, and flexible

Cons: Slight heel elevation

Website: www.hushpuppies.com

Brand: Keen

Suggested Models (men): Baja Sandal

Suggested Models (women): Rosarita (pictured), Isabella Slide, Carmel

Pros: Flat, wide, and flexible

Cons: Slight toe-spring; too narrow for some in the toe box

Website: www.keenfootwear.com

Brand: Teva

Suggested Models (men): Old Town, Downtown Flip, Sorrento, Beachside, Maceo Cork,

Corrado Cork, Tamarindo Cork, Mush, Cuban

Suggested Models (women): Hurricane Slide (pictured), Downtown Ola, Macea Cork

Pros: Flat, wide, and flexible

Cons: Some models have very slight toe-spring

Website: www.teva.com

Casual Sandals (cont.’d)

18

Dress Sandals (cont.’d)

Ray McClanahan, DPM

725 N.W. 19th Avenue

Portland, OR 97209

(503) 243-2699

www.nwfootankle.comNorthwest Foot & Ankle

Brand: Teva

Suggested Models (men): Cardenas Fisherman

Suggested Models (women): Ventura Cork (pictured), Ventura Thong, Ventura Slide

Pros: Flat, wide, and flexible

Cons: Slight toe-spring; too narrow for some in the toe box

Website: www.teva.com

19