Go looking for Kuru Footwear reviews online, and you probably won’t find many from sneaker influencers, who often praise good-for-your-feet (but-still-trendy) brands like Hoka, Brooks, and New Balance. Instead, you’ll hear from nurses, physical therapists, and folks who deal with painful foot conditions like plantar fasciitis—all of whom swear by this company for shoes that keep their feet happy, even when they’re standing for hours at a time.

“They offer a great selection of foot-friendly shoes,” Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist based in North Carolina, tells SELF. She adds that the brand’s site makes it easy to find the right shoes for your needs, lifestyle, or job. She says Kuru is in the same league as brands like Vionic, Clove, and Waco: “These companies tend to offer great arch support and shoes that help with many common foot ailments.” Your comfort and well-being are their priority—it’s just a bonus that the shoes happen to look pretty nice too.

But, here’s the thing: Kuru’s selection is only getting bigger. With guidance from Dr. Daughtry and SELF staffers who’ve tried Kuru shoes firsthand, we narrowed the field and selected the very best pairs to try.

Our top picks

• Best Overall: Kuru Atom 2, $175
• Best for Arch Support: Kuru Triple Max Ion, $195
• Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Kuru Quantum 2, $175
• Best Sandal: Kuru Tread, $155
• Best Minimalist Pick: Kuru Flex Via, $135
• Best for Recovery: Kuru Moment, $105
• Best Hiking Shoe: Kuru Atom Trail, $175

In the market for some seriously supportive kicks? Give these pairs a try.

Best Overall: Kuru Atom 2

The Atom is Kuru’s best-selling model and one of Dr. Daughtry’s top picks from the brand. I have a pair of the first version—they’re flexible yet supportive, and surprisingly breathable. It was already a great shoe, but with the Atom 2, Kuru made it truly impressive.

Its subtle upgrades include a sleeker look, more cushioning underfoot, and an improved fit through the heel. Plus, the ride is bouncier and peppier—so you don’t have to worry about dragging your feet after a long day or challenging walking workout.

Best for Arch Support: Kuru Triple Max Ion

Need a lift? The sporty Triple Max Ion should provide solid arch support, with a side of shock absorption, Dr. Daughtry says.

Case in point: I have flat feet and felt instant relief the first time I wore the Triple Max Ion for a walk around the neighborhood. I’m a bit of a heavy stepper, which can make my feet feel tender when I’m walking on pavement, but I didn’t notice any pain. One thing to note: This is a seriously chunky shoe with a decent amount of heft to it. I didn’t feel especially nimble while wearing it, but I did feel nice and stable.

Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Kuru Quantum 2

The Quantum 2 is one of several Kuru models that Dr. Daughtry recommends for people with plantar fasciitis, which is usually characterized by pain through your heel, arch, and Achilles tendon. (It was also previously recommended to SELF by Bianca Beldini, DPT, a physical therapist, founder of Sundala Wellness, and a USA Triathlon level-one coach in New York City.)

With a broad platform, secure heel cup, and Kuru’s widest toe box, the Quantum 2 supports your entire foot, relieving uncomfortable pressure with every step. And since it’s designed for walking, you can trust it’ll hold up—even after miles of wear.

Best Sandal: Kuru Tread

One SELF editor loved how easily her pair of Treads molded to her feet, after only a few wears. “There's some legit cushioning [in the insole], so they’re really supportive to wear for long periods of time,” she says.

The Tread is great for walking and running errands, but it’s rugged enough to wear while hiking too. Its sole is grippy and protective, and its upper fits comfortably around your feet without restricting movement. Bonus: “The straps themselves have some elastic in them, so they stretch a bit with your feet as you move,” our editor says.

Best Minimalist Pick: Kuru Flex Via

Kuru may specialize in sturdy, supportive shoes—but that doesn’t mean all of its pairs feel clunky. The Flex Via, in particular, is impressively lightweight and breezy for a sneaker that’s made for foot pain. That’s why Dr. Daughtry recommends it to people who prefer more minimal, flexible footwear.

This shoe gets its name from its bendy rubber outsole that easily moves with your foot, whether you’re enjoying a stroll or commuting to work. It’s also a great sneaker to toss in your carry-on for vacations that involve lots of sightseeing, since it only weighs 9.6 ounces.

Best for Recovery: Kuru Moment

Few things feel as nice as slipping on a plush pair of slides (like Kuru’s Moment) after a long day, and Dr. Daughtry seems to agree. “The Moment is a great option for a house shoe or recovery shoe following a long run,” she says.

Its contoured, grooved footbed cradles and cushions your tired soles, while its thick, comfy strap wraps around the top of your foot, so you don’t go sliding out. Podiatrists agree that you shouldn’t always go shoeless at home—consider a pair of Moments an investment in your feet’s happiness.

Best Hiking Shoe: Kuru Atom Trail

More protective than a sneaker and more versatile than a hiking boot, a good hiking shoe can keep you comfy on moderate trails and trips into town. The Atom Trail is Kuru’s best version of this style, with grippy treads along its sole, a secure fit, and adjustable laces.

Even if you don’t have hiking plans on the books, Dr. Daughtry says the Atom Trail is worth a look anyway. Thanks to its enhanced traction, it’s also a great choice if you often walk on slippery surfaces.

FAQs about Kuru Footwear

All of Kuru’s shoes feature the brand’s patented, pain-relieving orthotic insole, aptly called the Kurusole. It has a deep heel cup and a flexible design. It’s buoyed by a midsole layer of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam known as Kurucloud. “EVA offers great shock absorption, and the Kurusole would add to said shock absorption for your heel strike. And it’d be stable enough to support the arch,” Dr. Daughtry says.

If you need extra support in your shoes to get through your work shifts (or the day in general), consider trying Kurus. “Those who find themselves doing excessive standing and walking on hard surfaces (such as those in health care, the food industry, or teachers) would benefit greatly from many of these shoes,” Dr. Daughtry says.

You should also pick up a pair if you’re a fan of comfy footwear and want to see how Kurus compare to other brands (even if you don’t have a diagnosed foot condition). “[Kuru has] a great variety of shoes for those with an active lifestyle and might suffer occasionally from different pains and aches,” Dr. Daughtry says. (Note: she’s quick to add that its shoes might not be the right fit for people with high arches.) As with any new pair of shoes, it’s always a good idea to try them on before you commit—and Kuru’s return policy allows for returns and exchanges within the first 45 days.

Related:

• Podiatrists Agree: These Are the Best Sandals With Arch Support
• The Best Hiking Boots for Plantar Fasciitis, Approved by Podiatrists
• The Best Insoles for Flat Feet Meet Your Arches Where They Are

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