Why I No Longer Do Shoe Reviews as a Foot Doctor

What your feet really need is more than just a brand name.

If you landed here looking for a list of the “best shoes for plantar fasciitis” or the perfect pair to fix your foot pain, I get it. Over the years, I've made some posts, and have been quoted in popular U.S publications abuot shoe reviews. And while maybe these reviews or guides could of helped some people, I realized that recommending shoes without seeing your feet in person isn’t just incomplete, it can be misleading, even harmful.

So I’ve made the decision to take down those shoe review pages and explain why here.

Why Generic Shoe Advice Isn’t Good Enough

Your feet are as unique as your fingerprint.

Foot pain isn’t just about the shoes you wear; it’s about your:

• Arch type

• Foot structure

• Gait mechanics (biomechanics)

• Injury history

• Activity level

• Medical conditions

That’s why one person’s “perfect shoe” could make someone else’s pain worse.

The Problem With “Top 10” Shoe Lists

Shoe review content is everywhere online. But most of it:

• Doesn’t come from foot specialists

• Assumes every case of plantar fasciitis, heel pain, or flat feet is the same

• Promotes what’s trending—not what’s clinically effective

• Encourages trial-and-error instead of personalized care

Even the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM) has issued guidance against making brand-specific recommendations without proper evaluation. Click here to read their statement on why they do not do shoe reviews.

What You Can Do Instead

If you’re dealing with chronic foot pain or nail issues, your next step isn’t a new shoe, it’s a real evaluation. That’s where I come in.

At Direct Podiatry Arizona, I take a full-body, holistic look at what’s going on—so we can treat the root cause, not just the symptom. Whether your solution involves an integrative medical approach or gait-supporting footwear, you’ll get a plan tailored to your feet, not a list from the internet.

Book Your Free Consultation at Direct Podiatry Arizona Today

📍Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale & the East Valley

If you're in the Phoenix area and ready to get to the bottom of your foot pain, not just cover it up with another pair of shoes, I’d love to help. My name is Dr. Tarr, and I am the owner of Direct Podiatry Arizona in Tempe. To view my available times for a free consultation, click here.