Getting to Know Vionic
Vionic was founded in 1979 by Australian podiatrist Phillip Vasyli, who invented a heat-moldable orthotic insole to help his patients find affordable pain relief. The technology, now called Vio-Motion, provides stability, arch support and cushioning.
In 2008, the company moved from Australia to the U.S. and rebranded from Orthaheel to Vionic in 2014. Today, Vionic combines podiatrist-approved comfort features with on-trend styles ranging from sandals and slippers to sneakers, boots and dress shoes.
Vionic By the Numbers
Here are some key facts about the innovative footwear brand:
- 40+ years of podiatric research and development
- 20+ global patents
- 75,000+ Five-star customer reviews
- 1,000+ Vionic store partners worldwide
- 3 key zones targeted for comfort: heel, arch, ball of foot
Why Vionic Shoes Stand Out
Vionic shoes aren‘t just stylish – they‘re meticulously crafted to provide targeted foot support right out of the box. Here‘s an overview of Vionic‘s proprietary comfort technologies:
Vio-Motion Support
The podiatrist-developed Vio-Motion technology builds stability and arch support into every shoe. Strategic contouring and durable materials provide comfort where you need it most – reducing stress on feet, knees and backs.
Advanced Orthotics
While many orthotic inserts can feel bulky and rigid, Vionic orthotics are ultra-thin and seamlessly integrated into the design of the shoe. This allows for natural foot positioning and shock absorption.
Removable Footbeds
Certain Vionic shoe styles allow you to remove the orthotic footbed and replace it with your own custom insert for maximum personalization.
Deep Heel Cups
This ergonomic heel support helps stabilize feet inside flats, sandals and other shoes without a backing. The design properly positions ankles and knees.
The Pros and Cons of Vionic Shoes
Here‘s a balanced overview of the biggest selling points and potential drawbacks:
The Pros
- Clinically Proven Relief: Vionic shoes deliver measurable improvements by realigning feet, reducing pain points and taking pressure off knees, hips and backs.
- Podiatrist Trusted: With decades of R&D guided by foot health doctors, Vionic is proven to aid conditions like plantar fasciitis and arthritis.
- Trend-Right Styling: Unlike clunky orthopedic brands of old, Vionic offers cute sandals, chic boots, sneakers and more.
- Responsive Cushioning. Vionic insoles provide soft, bouncy support right where arches need it – never flat.
- Customizable Options: Certain styles allow you to swap out footbeds to suit your support needs.
The Cons
- Break-In Period: The supportive structure may feel rigid at first. Allow 1-2 weeks to adjust.
- Narrow Sizing: Some Vionic styles run narrow. Wide width options available.
- Expensive Investment: With prices ranging from $100-150, Vionics cost more than average shoes.
- Limited Half Sizes: Vionic sandals only come in whole sizes. Size down if between.
What Do Vionic Shoe Owners Say?
Vionic customers can‘t stop raving about the instant pain alleviation these shoes provide. Here‘s what real buyers had to say:
"I have arthritis in my feet and knees. I can walk all day in these shoes with no pain whatsoever. Worth every penny!" – Mary R.
"These flats saved me from having foot surgery. My plantar fasciitis went away completely after wearing them for just a few weeks." – Danielle P.
"So cute and comfortable right out of the box! The arch support helps my chronic ligament pain and bad knees." – Alicia T.
Based on thousands more reviews, Vionic shoes consistently deliver outstanding comfort that holds up well over time. Many wearers say they feel like they‘re "walking on clouds."
Spotlight: Top 10 Best-Selling Vionic Styles
After analyzing over 100 different Vionic shoe options for women and men, here are 10 of the most popular models that customers say they can‘t live without:
1. Women‘s Tide II Toe Post Sandal
With over 3,000 five-star reviews, this cute flip flop is Vionic‘s #1 best-seller. The contoured design provides optimal arch support to banish foot pain for good.
2. Women‘s Bella II Sandal
This pretty bow-embellished sandal offers the same signature Vionic comfort but dressed up with feminine charm. Reviewers say it‘s like "walking on a cloud."
3. Women‘s Pacific Leather Sneaker
The everyday lace-up sneaker is updated with subtly supportive comfort features to keep you moving with ease. The Pacific bounces back stride after stride.
4. Women‘s Walker Classic Shoe
Specifically engineered to realign footsteps, this walking shoe corrects overpronation and absorbs shock mile after mile. Plus, it has a smart leather/mesh design.
5. Men‘s Walker Classic Shoe
This fan favorite men‘s walking shoe builds in stability and traction to prevent slips and falls. An anti-bacterial lining keeps feet healthy and odor-free all day.
6. Women‘s Cabaletta Ankle Boot
Water-resistant leather and textile fabrics give this chic bootie durability and structure. The zipper makes it easy to slip on and off swollen feet.
7. Men‘s Pierce Loafer
For stylish gentlemen, this sleek loafer includes concealed orthotics to banish pain without cramping your style. Reviewers say it fits true-to-size.
8. Unisex Relax Slipper
Treat your toes after a long day on your feet! This cozy slip-on surrounds feet in plush faux fur and massages pressure points with every step.
9. Women‘s Regent Knit Sneaker
A laceless slip-on design meets advanced arch support in this tennis shoe alternate. The knit fabric feels like a sock but provides structure.
10. Men‘s City Lace-Up Shoe
An ultra-lightweight EVA midsole absorbs shock in this sleek lace-up shoe. It looks sharp for the office but feels like an athletic sneaker.
