Here’s a concise, practical guide to podiatrist‑recommended shoes available in Australia — grouped by common needs, with features to look for and where to buy locally.

Top brands and models often recommended by podiatrists (Australia)

• Everyday / walking
  • Hoka (Clifton series) — highly cushioned, good for neutral‑to‑high arches. (news.com.au)
  • New Balance (walking/running models and wider fittings) — good stability and orthotic room. (news.com.au)
  • Ascent (Stratus) — marketed as podiatrist‑recommended walking shoe with built‑in arch support. (news.com.au)
• Support / orthotic‑friendly
  • Vionic — built‑in orthotic footbeds, good for plantar fasciitis and pronation control. (acehealthcare.com.au)
  • Brooks / Saucony — many models accept custom orthotics and offer stability options. (news.com.au)
• Dress / work shoes
  • Clarks, ECCO, Naot — leather uppers, structured footbeds, low broad heels and room in the toe box. (acehealthcare.com.au)
• Sandals
  • Birkenstock, Vionic, Naot, Keen — contoured footbeds, adjustable straps, good arch support and heel cup depth. (acehealthcare.com.au)
• Children / first‑walker shoes
  • Brands made to podiatric specs (wide toe box, firm counters, removable insoles): specialist kids’ brands sold in Australia (examples: First Walkers range, orthotic‑friendly brands). Podiatrists commonly recommend shoes with a stiff heel counter, roomy toe box and removable insole for orthotics. (firstwalkers.com.au)
• Podiatrist‑founded / Australian brands
  • Frankie4 — Australian brand that promotes podiatrist‑designed comfort styles. (Frankie4.com)

What podiatrists usually look for (fit and design checklist)

• Correct length: about a thumb‑width (approx. a finger’s width) from longest toe to end of shoe.
• Adequate depth and wide, rounded toe box (allows toe splay).
• Firm heel counter and secure fastening (laces, strap) to prevent heel slip.
• Low, broad heel (reduces forefoot pressure and improves stability).
• Good arch support or removable insole so orthotics can be inserted.
• Non‑slip, resilient sole with some cushioning but not excessively soft/unstable.
  These items are consistent with Australian podiatry guidance. (drrajivdesaimd.com)

Which shoes for common problems

• Plantar fasciitis: supportive shoes with firm heel counters and good arch support (Vionic, stability models from New Balance/Brooks, Hoka with supportive insole). (acehealthcare.com.au)
• Overpronation / flat feet: stability shoes or custom orthotics fitted into shoes that accept removable insoles (New Balance, Brooks, some Ascent models). (news.com.au)
• Bunions / wide forefoot: look for wide/extra‑wide sizes, soft/stretch panels or wide toe‑box designs (many Clarks, specialist comfort ranges). (drrajivdesaimd.com)
• Diabetes / neuropathy: shoes with deep, soft toe box, seamless interior, and removable insole (ask your podiatrist for a diabetic shoe list).

Where to buy in Australia

• Major retailers: The Iconic, JD Sports, Foot Locker and brand stores (New Balance, Hoka, Clarks, ECCO).
• Specialist stores: independent orthotic/podiatry clinics and medical footwear stores (they can fit and accept custom orthoses).
• Brand websites: Frankie4, Vionic AU, Birkenstock AU, Ascent and others sell in Australia. (When shopping online, check returns for fitting and local warranty.)

Practical fitting tips (in‑store or at home)

• Try shoes later in the day (feet swell).
• Wear the socks you’ll normally use and take orthotics you use into the store.
• Stand and walk ~5–10 minutes; check heel stability and toe comfort.
• Ensure there’s removable insole if you may need custom orthoses later.
  These are standard, podiatry‑recommended fitting practices. (drrajivdesaimd.com)

Short summary / recommended next steps

• If you want a versatile everyday shoe: consider Hoka Clifton or a New Balance walking shoe (try with your orthotic). (news.com.au)
• If you need built‑in orthotic support: try Vionic or podiatrist‑designed Australian brands (Frankie4, Ascent Stratus). (Frankie4.com)
• For sandals: Birkenstock, Naot, Keen or Vionic are commonly recommended by podiatrists. (acehealthcare.com.au)

If you’d like, I can:

• Narrow these to specific models in your size/width range available in Australia right now (I’ll check stock/links).
• Recommend shoes for a specific foot problem you have (plantar fasciitis, bunions, diabetic foot, etc.).

Which would you like me to do next?