Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences, and savor the journey.

Guys, we are now free to move about the country (and beyond!). The only problem? We can’t go barefoot! Before you jet set, you’re going to need some quality footwear. And if you’re anything like me, you’re looking for something stylish that offers comfort and support at the same time.

Thankfully, the orthopedic experts at Vionic have created comfortable, well-fitting, and stylish sandals, sneakers, dress shoes, boots, casual shoes, and slippers that actually offer support. Whether you suffer from foot problems or are just looking for the perfect new pair of cute and comfy shoes for your next travel adventure, Vionic is your sole mate.

Founded by renowned podiatrist Phillip Vasyli, a pioneer and innovator in the field of lower-limb biomechanics, Vionic makes comfortable, stylish shoes for both women and men. Vionic footwear is made of high-quality and breathable materials, from soft suede and durable leather to lightweight mesh. Biomechanically designed Vionic shoes hug your arches to comfortably support your feet.

The Vionic Innovation Lab has a podiatrist, a board-certified clinical specialist in sports physical therapy, and a fitness expert who collaborate to provide insight and expertise to content surrounding overall well being and foot health.

Each shoe, sandal, and slipper Vionic makes is backed-up by its Vio-Motion™ Technology delivering Three-Zone Comfort stability, arch support, and cushioning. Not only are these comfortable shoes designed for all-day wear, but Vio-Motion™ Footbed Technology can actually help relieve foot pain.

These ain’t your mama’s orthotics — they’re actually really cute. From lightweight sandals to wear on vacation to heels you can actually walk in, Vionic has versatile shoes for every occasion and season that prove that style doesn’t have to hurt. Shop metallic sandals to pair with summer dresses, terry-cloth slip-ons you can toss in your bag, or those beach kicks men are loving lately. Trendsetters will be happy to know that Vionic carries everything from chunky soles to loafers. And yes, they are available in wide sizes!

Unfortunately, aging and heel pain go hand-in-hand. According to Dr. Jackie Sutera, as we age “the muscles and ligaments in the foot become weaker, as do the bones due to calcium reduction. In addition, the fatty padding under the foot thins out, which means less protection and cushioning for trite bones, in particular the heel bone. Fallen arches combined with thinning fat tissue are a recipe for foot problems.”

Heel spurs, which the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) define as “calcium deposits that cause a bony protrusion on the underside of the heel bone,” are the most common foot complaint among those over 50. However, heel pain can also be caused by plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis.

Vionic helped fund a peer-reviewed clinical 12-week study of 150 people ages 50 and up who were experiencing moderate, non-traumatic heel pain that showed that Vionic contoured sandals effectively alleviate heel pain. Patients wearing Vionic contoured sandals were 68 percent more likely to report improvement in symptoms compared to those wearing flat flip flops. 

According to the company, “Results also showed that the contoured sandal provided similar relief to best-selling Vionic orthotic insoles in alleviating heel pain.” We’ll get to Vionic’s amazing insoles below, but first, let’s dive into how Vionic shoes help alleviate foot and heel pain.

Orthotic shoe inserts and supportive shoes help align your feet to reduce overpronation (that is a fancy word for your foot rolling out as you move). I didn’t go to medical school, so I’m going to leave this explanation up to the experts. According to Vionic, “Extra arch support and realignment of the lower leg to its natural angle reduce the pulling and strain on the plantar fascia. This can take away a common cause of heel pain and reduce the aggravation of heel spurs. Vionic technology is shown to help reduce overpronation and associated conditions due to misalignment.”

Do you suffer from plantar fasciitis? Vionic has shoes that have been certified by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) with arch and heel support to help relieve pain. Your podiatrist may recommend other treatments such as stretching, icing, cross-training, and rest in addition to supportive footwear.

As briefly mentioned above, Vionic even has contoured sandals to help manage heel pain! My mom suffered from plantar fasciitis and was always on the hunt for a good pair of sandals, so I know how hard they can be to find! Women, try the Tide II Toe Post Sandal. For men, Vionic offers the Tide Toe Post Sandal.

But that’s not all; Vionic’s breakthrough technology is built into all sorts of shoes, from dressy to casual to slippers. For instant relief, shop women’s plantar fasciitis shoes and men’s plantar fasciitis shoes with heel support, comfort, and style.

I have been suffering from plantar fasciitis for over 6 months now. I’m in so much pain, I can’t stand up straight or walk from the pain in my feet. I bought different medical insoles and boots tried them all but was always in pain, until a friend of mine recommended Vionic shoes. I went straight home and bought a pair and WOW. I’ve had them on since I woke up and I work long hours and am on my feet all the time. Will never wear anything else from now on.” – Lulu

Vionic also carries amazing insoles for women and men. “It is estimated that over 70% of the population suffer from rolling inwards of the foot and fallen arches (i.e., excess pronation), which is the major contributing factor to foot problems. As we get older this problem often worsens,” the company shares.

Its insoles take Vionic’s classic footbed contour and add foam cushioning for support and forefoot padding for comfort. Available in active and relief series, here are some of the insole features:

Vionic guarantees comfort, or your money back. Their 30-day wear test lets you take your new shoes or insoles on a test drive for a 30-day trial period. The company suggests wearing its shoes for a few hours at a time for the first few days so your body can adapt to Vionic’s innovative biomechanical orthotic technology.

Vionic shoes are carried in stores, but you can order as many styles to try on as you like online. They offer free returns and exchanges! However, note that original shipping charges are not refunded.

Lightweight, flexible, and supportive, these comfy active shoes come in seven colors, with two widths and half sizes available. The mesh upper is breathable, while the rubber soles are firm yet flexible. Tokyo Sneakers have a removable podiatrist-designed EVA orthotic insert. You may see the mention of “1st Ray Technology” in the description, which just means that the shoe stabilizes the forefoot by allowing for increased flexibility beneath the first metatarsal, aka the bone in the foot just behind the big toe. Translation: these shoes are great for those who experience forefoot pain or sensitivity. 

These versatile Vionic slip-ons address a few issues: Number one, stinky feet. Anyone who has worn shoes without socks knows that those shoes are bound to start smelling at some point. Laguna Espadrilles are washable! Just remove the twill-covered EVA foot bed before you toss in the washing machine. 

Made with eco-conscious certified cotton canvas textile, the second issue they address is sustainability. Thirdly, for the vegans or cow-conscious folks out there, they are leather-free. Available in a variety of colors, this is the perfect pair of shoes to pack for your next adventure! 

Also available in a variety of prints and colors from neutrals to neon, these Bella Toe Post Sandals offer some serious support. Like all Vionic shoes, these sandals have a built-in orthotic that is biomechanically designed to hug your arches and comfortably support your feet.

A group of APMA podiatrists ensured they promote foot health and awarded them the APMA Seal of Acceptance. Their lightweight and flexible midsoles absorb shock to reduce stress on feet, ankles, and knees. Unlike many sandals, they have rubber outsoles that actually have some tread on them for traction wherever you go.

One reviewer calls them the “must-have sandal for plantar fasciitis.” Pop these cute sandals in your suitcase and sightsee in style all the livelong day!

Return to travel with the confidence that your shoes will let you see all the sights with comfortable and supportive Vionic footwear.

Laura Ray has lived in Atlanta, the Bay Area, SoCal, and Austin. After moving from Texas, she and her husband rambled about the Midwest in a camper for a couple of years before finally settling on 35 acres in their home state of Kentucky. When she isn't clacking around on the keyboard (cat in lap), you can find her practicing yoga, gardening, or playing the ukulele. In addition to writing for Quillt sites such as SeniorsMatter.com and Oola.com, she’s also written for Zumper.com and served as Oola's editor before becoming a Content Strategist for TravelAwaits. This travel-lover's favorite destinations include Italy, the Greek isles, and Kentucky Lake.