Disclaimer:
I get asked daily which brands actually work and which ones are a waste of money. This list is built from my own clinical use, personal trial, and peer-reviewed evidence. If it’s here it’s because I actually use and recommend these products to real people in my personal private practice. Some links to products may be affiliate links that will give me a small commission at no cost to you to help keep the site up and running and otherwise ad free.
As always, these recommendations are based on my opinions and for what I see in my clinic and average patient population. Your condition and situation may be very different. I have not examined or evaluated you. Always seek the care of a Podiatrist to give you specific recommendations and treatment plans for your unique pathology.
Always Put Your Best Foot Forward,
Dr. Dawson
🛠️ Feet Made Simple Product Resource Page
Curated products I recommend based on evidence and daily clinic use.
Some links are affiliate links that help support this site at no cost to you.
👟 Shoes & Sandals
The right shoes reduce stress on your joints and tissues. Rocker soles lower forefoot pressure and cushioned midsoles absorb impact for heel and Achilles pain.
- Brooks Ghost Max 3 – Rocker sole for heel/forefoot relief
- Hoka Bondi 9 – Plush maximalist shock absorption
- Hoka Skyline Float-X – Stable rocker for mixed activity
- Topo Ultraventure 4 – Trail shoe with wide toe box
- Topo Atmos – Roomy maximalist road shoe
- Altra Torin 8 – Zero-drop natural positioning
- OOfos Recovery Sandal – Rocker recovery sandal
👉 Learn more in my Plantar Fasciitis Guide and Achilles Tendinopathy Guide.
🦾 Orthotics & Insoles
Orthotics support the arch, control motion, and offload painful pressure points. They are especially effective in conditions like plantar fasciitis and flatfoot.
- Powerstep Pinnacle Maxx – General purpose with firm heel control
- Powerstep Morton’s Extension – Offloads Morton’s neuroma and sesamoid pain
- Tuli Heel Cups – Shock-absorbing heel cups
- Metatarsal Pads – Stick-on pads for forefoot pain
- Slim Dress Orthotic – Low-profile support for narrow shoes
👉 See my Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction Guide for more on orthotic use.
🧰 Rehab & Stretching Tools
Rehab tools restore strength, balance, and mobility. Night splints and stretching aids are especially useful in plantar fasciitis recovery.
- Rigid Night Splint – Keeps plantar fascia/Achilles stretched
- Wedge Stretch Device – Simple calf/plantar fascia stretching aid
- Theraband Resistance Bands – Strengthening tool
- ASO Lace-Up Ankle Brace – Semi-rigid support for sprains
- Cleat-Specific Ankle Brace – Slim brace for athletes
- Cold Therapy Ankle Ice Pack – Wraparound cooling
- Wobble Board – Balance/proprioception training
👉 For recovery, see my Ankle Sprain Guide.
🧴 Skin & Nail Care
Keeping skin and nails healthy lowers pain and infection risk. Urea cream, antifungal sprays, and gentle callus care are staples in foot health.
- Urea 40% Gel – Softens thick nails and callused skin
- Antifungal Shoe Spray – Prevents reinfection
- Epsom Salts – Classic foot soak
- Pumice Stone – Callus control
👉 Learn more in my Toenail Fungus Guide.
🧦 Socks & Accessories
- Padded Athletic Socks – Extra cushioning
- Moisture-Wicking Diabetic Socks – Reduce friction/moisture
- Silicone Toe Sleeves – Protect toes from rubbing
- Compression Ankle Brace – Light swelling support
🔧 Professional Tools
- Barrel Hinged Nail Nipper – Heavy-duty for thick nails
💊 Vitamins & Supplements
Supplements may support nerve health but should never replace medical care. Always discuss with your doctor.
- Alpha Lipoic Acid 600mg – Sometimes used for nerve support
- Vitamin B12 1000mg – Key vitamin for nerve health
📚 Parent & Pediatric Resources (Non-Affiliate)
👉 Also see my Flexible Pediatric Flatfoot Guide.
⚠️ Disclaimer
These are general product recommendations I use in practice and are not personalized medical advice. Some links are affiliate links that help support Feet Made Simple at no cost to you. Always consult with your podiatrist before starting new treatments.