John Fjerstad, DPM
(707) 840-0226 · McKinleyville (707) 464-3245 · Crescent City jfjerstaddpm.com
2025

JOHN FJERSTAD
SHOE
GUIDE

The Foot + Ankle Specialist
(707) 840-0226 1967 Central Ave, McKinleyville, CA 95519 1080 Mason Mall #3, Crescent City, CA 95531 jfjerstaddpm.com
TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
Highlights3
Shoe Evaluation Guide4
Picks for Pain9
Running17
Everyday Shoes20
Sports22
Beach + Leisure27
Work + Dress Shoes28
Comfort + Support30
At Home Care32
Contact Us35

THE
RUNDOWN

Lifestyle Needs

For daily wear, prioritize comfort & arch support.

Customization

Look for shoes that accommodate custom orthotics and have soles you can remove.

Notice

If you have custom orthotics, you may need to size up to accommodate them. We recommend purchasing your shoes after you receive your orthotic.

Sports Specific
  • RunningLook for cushioning and motion control.
  • HikingSelect sturdy outsoles with good grip.
  • BasketballChoose shoes with ankle support.
Common Conditions
  • Plantar FasciitisSeek shoes with arch support.
  • Flat FeetLook for stability shoes.
  • OverpronationSelect motion-control shoes.
Shoe Evaluation Guide

EVALUATING
SHOE
STABILITY

If you're shopping on your own, knowing what to check for makes all the difference. Here's our quick rundown on stability & support.

Assess the Outsole
Check the Midsole
Evaluate the Upper
Heel Counter
  • StiffnessA firm heel counter helps stabilize your heel during movement.
  • ShapeA contoured heel counter should align with the natural curves of your foot.
Test for Flexibility
  • Twist TestHold the shoe at both ends and try to twist it. A stable shoe should resist twisting.
  • Bend TestBend the shoe at the ball of the foot — it should flex there, not in the middle or heel.

Walk & Run

Always try the shoes on and walk or jog to assess comfort and stability. Test on different surfaces — pavement, grass — to ensure they perform across conditions.

FOOT
PAIN?

Finding the right shoe is essential for managing foot pain — whether it's heel pain, pain on the top of the foot, or discomfort in the ball of the foot. Let's look at features to seek out, and our top picks based on where you hurt.

Heel Pain
What to Look For
  • Arch SupportProvides stability & helps distribute weight evenly.
  • CushioningAbsorbs shock & reduces impact on the heel.
  • Heel ElevationA slight raise can relieve stress on the plantar fascia.
  • StabilityPrevents excessive pronation, reducing strain on the heel.
We Recommend
  • Hoka One BondiPlush cushioning & great arch support for heel relief.
  • Brooks GhostExcellent support & shock absorption.
  • ASICS Gel-NimbusGel cushions ease heel pressure.
  • New Balance 990v5Comfortable & supportive design.
  • Saucony TriumphResponsive cushioning for increased comfort.
Top Foot Pain
What to Look For
  • Flexible UppersSoft materials that accommodate foot shape without pressure.
  • Wide Toe BoxAllows room for toes, relieving compression.
  • Low ProfilePrevents pressure from shoes that pinch the top of the foot.
  • Lightweight MaterialsReduces strain on sensitive areas.
We Recommend
  • Nike Free RNFlexible upper for reduced pressure.
  • Altra EscalanteWide toe box that promotes comfort.
  • Saucony KinvaraLightweight & flexible, perfect for sensitive feet.
  • Brooks LevitateSoft, knit upper for comfort.
  • Adidas UltraBOOSTStretchy design offers support without pressure.
Ball of Foot Pain
What to Look For
  • Cushioned InsolesExtra padding to reduce pressure on the metatarsals.
  • Metatarsal PadsHelp redistribute weight across the foot.
  • Arch SupportProper support to relieve pressure on the balls of the feet.
  • Shock AbsorptionEffective cushioning to minimize impact.
We Recommend
  • New Balance Fresh Foam 1080Exceptional cushioning & forefoot support.
  • Hoka One One CliftonThick sole & cushioning for ball-of-foot relief.
  • Brooks GlycerinGreat cushioning with options for extra metatarsal padding.
  • ASICS Gel KayanoExcellent support & gel cushioning for pressure relief.
  • Skechers Go WalkLightweight with a wide toe box, ideal for metatarsal pain.
Flexible & Rigid Rocker

FOREFOOT

Asics
Gel-Kayano 31
Altra
Via Olympus 2, Provision, Torin 8, Torin 8 GTX
Brooks
Caldera 8, Ghost Max 2, Ghost 16, Glycerin 22, Flycerin Max, Adrenaline GTS24
Hoka
Stinson 7, Bondi 9, Carbon, Arahi 7, Clifton 9 GTX
New Balance
Fresh Foam Vongo v6, Fresh Foam X 860 v14, FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4, FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3
What is the difference between a flexible and rigid rocker shoe?
Flexible rockers follow your foot's natural bend, while rigid rockers have a curved sole that helps push you forward.
Do I need a flexible or rigid shoe?
It depends on your goal. A flexible shoe can provide comfort during long walks & runs, while a rigid rocker can enhance your performance & relieve pressure on the forefoot.
Children's

RUNNING
SHOES

Children's Running
Nike
Sonic Fly, Pegasus Trail 5, Revolution 7, Air Max Dn
New Balance
Fresh Foam x 1080v14, FuelCell Propel v5
Saucony
Big Kids' Kinvara 14 Sneaker
Trail Running
Altra
Experience Wild 2, Lone Peak 9, Timp 5 GTX/BOA
Brooks
Cascadia 18, Catamount 4, Caldera 8
Hoka
Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX, Challenger 7, Torrent 4, Stinson 7
Merrell
Moab 3, Nova 4, MTL Adapt Matryx
New Balance
Tektrel, Fresh Foam X Hierro v8
Salomon
Speedcross 6, XA Ultra Glide 2, XA Pro 3D v9, S/Lab Ultra Dust
Saucony
Peregrine 15, Peregrine 15 GTX, Ride TR2 GTX

CROSS
TRAINING

Adidas
Dropset 3, Rapidmove ADV 2
K-Swiss
Hypercourt Supreme
New Balance
MX857v3, MX608v5, CSP x Minimus TR v2
Nike
Motiva SE, Metcon 9
Reebok
Nano X5
Walking &

EVERYDAY
SHOES

Adults
Aetrex
Danika, Carly, Morgan, Renee
Brooks
Ghost Max SE, Ghost Max 2, Glycerin Max Beast/Ariel, Adrenaline GTS 24, Addiction Walker 2
Hoka
Clifton 9, Bondi LTR, Bondi 8, Gaviota 5
New Balance
Fresh Foam X 1080v14, Fresh Foam X 860v15, 928v3, Fresh Foam X More v5, Fresh Foam X Vongo v6
Rockport
DMX Colby, Rafferty Step, DMX Bater, DMX Bowen
Children's Everyday Sneakers
Adidas
Anthony Edwards, Superstar II Kids, Lite Racer 7.0
New Balance
574, 327, 990
Nike
Air Jordan, Vomero 5, C1TY Fountain

SPORTS

Basketball – Adults
Adidas
Jabbar Ji, Anthony Edwards
Nike
LeBron NXXT Genisus, LeBron XXII, G.T. Hustle 3, Giannis Freak
Puma
Scoot Zeros II, Lamelo Ball MB.04 1
Under Armour
Curry Series
Basketball – Children's
Adidas
Jabbar Hi Shoes, Anthony Edwards
New Balance
TWO WXY v5, 550
Nike
Air Jordan 1 Low, LeBron XXII, Giannis Freak 6, Tatum 3, LeBron NXXT Genisus
Under Armour
Curry Series, UA Jet '23
Tennis – Adults
Adidas
Barricade 13, Adizero Ubersonic 5
Asics
Court FF 3
New Balance
FuelCell 996v6, 696v6
Nike
Vapor 12, GP Challenge Pro, Court Lite 4
Wilson
Rush Pro 4.5
Tennis – Kids
Adidas
Barricade
Asics
Gel Resolution X, Gel-Game
Head
Sprint Pro 4.0
Nike
Court Team 2
Pickleball – Adults
Adidas
Gamecourt 2, Adizero Series, Barricade
Asics
Gel-Renma
Fila
Volley Zone
Head
Motion Pro, Sprint Pro
K-Swiss
Pickleball Supreme
New Balance
FuelCell 996v5
Nike
Court Air Zoom Vapor Pro 2
Wilson
Rush Pro Ace Pickler
Golf Shoes
Adidas
CodeChaos 25, Tour360, ZG21
Callaway
Coronadov4, Solana TRX
FootJoy
Quantum
Nike
Air Zoom Victory Tour
Under Armour
Drive Pro SL

Kids: Adidas Junior Tour360, FootJoy Fuel, PUMA Fusion Crush

For the Family

BEACH
SHOES

Flip-Flops
Oofos, Reef, OluKai, Teva
Keen
Hoodzerra, Bali Strap, Leiki
Teva
Tirra, Aventrail, Hurricane XLT, Psyclone XLT
Merrell
Bare Steps
OluKai
Tuahine Sandals
Reef
Water Beachy
Teva – Kids
Kids' Original
Steel Toe

WORK
BOOTS

  • Red Wing Iron RangerDurable leather, steel toe option, great arch support.
  • Timberland PRO 6" Pit BossSteel toe, slip-resistant, anti-fatigue technology for comfort.
  • Caterpillar Second ShiftSteel toe, cushioned insole, rugged rubber outsole.
  • Keen Utility PTC WaterproofWaterproof, slip-resistant, lightweight with contoured footbed.
  • Wolverine Raider 6" BootFull-grain leather, shock absorption, slip-resistant.
  • Dr. Martens 1460 PascalSteel toe option, air-cushioned sole, slip-resistant tread.
  • Blundstone 500 SeriesSlip-on design, elastic side panels, shock-absorbing sole.
Stylish Dress Shoes
Women's Shoes
Rockport, Vionic, Taos, Dansko, Ecco, Naot, Aetrex, Ariat, Theresia, Earthies, Nickels, Sudini, Aravon
Men's Shoes
Allen Edmonds, Clarks (Tilden Cap), Cole Haan, Johnston & Murphy, Ecco, Rockport, Dunham, Naot, Aetrex, Orthofeet, Dansko, Timberland, SAS, Hubbard

COMFORT
+ SUPPORT

Built-In Arch Support
Hoka Recovery, Merrell, Oofos, PowerStep, Vionic
Removable Insoles
Aetrex, Alegria, Finn Comfort, Naot, Orthofeet, Taos
Cozy Slipper Options
Haflinger, KURU, Merrell, PowerStep, Spenco, UGG, Vionic
Moisture Wicking Socks
  • Wrightsock Double Layer Socks
  • Smartwool PhD Outdoor Light Crew
  • Darn Tough Vermont Merino Wool Athletic
  • Balega Hidden Comfort Socks
  • Drymax Sport Running Lite-Mesh
  • Feetures Elite Merino+ Crew Socks
  • Thorlo Experia Socks
Arch Supports

PowerStep ProTech, FootSteps Insoles, Quadrasteps

Kid's Arch Supports

LittleSteps, Quadrasteps

DISCOVER
MODERN
PODIATRIST

At Modern Podiatrist, we believe the journey to better foot health goes hand-in-hand with the right footwear. The home footcare line, crafted by Podiatry Innovator of the Year Dr. Nicole Freels, focuses on prescription-strength treatments for common dermatological conditions.

Key Benefits
  • Targeted SolutionsSpecifically addresses issues like toenail fungus, dry skin, calluses & athlete's foot.
  • Clinically TestedPrescription-strength formulations to meet professional standards, ensuring safety & effectiveness.
  • Natural IngredientsHandcrafted using carefully selected natural ingredients to nourish and protect your feet.
  • ConvenienceEnjoy professional-quality care from the comfort of your home.

Visit ModernPodiatrist.com

Featured Products
  • Repair | Total Nail Renewal (4-in-1)Designed to cure toenail fungus while hydrating & strengthening nails.
  • Soothe | 2500mg CBD OintmentSoothe aches, pains & nerve damage with a potent arnica-infused roll-on balm.
  • Relax | Magnesium Sulfate Antifungal SoakPerfect for soothing tired feet while combating fungal infections.
  • Heal | Antifungal Callus EliminatorUrea-based roll-on ointment with results in as little as 2 weeks.

Special Offer

Get 25% off your first purchase at ModernPodiatrist.com with code SG25.

COME
SEE US!

This guide features footwear we frequently recommend to our patients. These selections typically provide stability & support for orthotic needs, but remember — everyone's feet are unique! Don't hesitate to reach out for personalized recommendations.

McKinleyville Office

John Fjerstad, DPM
1967 Central Avenue
McKinleyville, CA 95519

(707) 840-0226 — Phone
(707) 840-0422 — Fax
info@jfjerstad.com

Hours:
Mon, Thu, Fri: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tue: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Wed: 8:00am – 4:30pm
Sat–Sun: Closed

Crescent City Office

John Fjerstad, DPM
1080 Mason Mall #3
Crescent City, CA 95531

(707) 464-3245 — Phone
(707) 840-0422 — Fax
info@jfjerstad.com

Hours:
Tue: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Wed: 8:00am – 4:30pm
Mon/Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun: Closed

jfjerstaddpm.com  |  Copyright © 2025 John Fjerstad, DPM — All Rights Reserved.