The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
Like me, you have probably seen the shoe brand Kuru floating around the internet – along with its claims of offering a dynamic footwear technology built for the sole purpose of eliminating foot pain. After having reported on countless numbers of shoes with similar foot pain-related promises, I wanted to learn more – and encouraged even further after seeing the truly impressive reviewer endorsements, which we’ll get more into later.
I asked Dr. Gary Evans, a New York City-based podiatrist with no association with the Kuru brand, to take a look at some of the design elements behind these shoes and help determine why they are so effective. According to him and the brand, it’s a combination of integrated arch support and, most notably, a heel support zone that has a flexible cradling effect.
“‘Hugging’ your heel provides increased stability, support, and cushioning. Most other brand sneakers have a flat heel seat,” Evans explained.
He also explains how Kuru’s arch support system, which, in addition to the cupped heel, is present in every shoe the brand offers, is molded and contoured into the sole. And, he says, with continued use, this arch will actually slightly mold to the shape of your foot, for even better fit and support.
“These characteristics will offload the pressure from the heel and arch (plantar fascia), addressing two of the most sensitive areas people suffer with. The Kuru brand aims to be as therapeutic for foot pain as it is comfortable to wear,” Evans said.
Kuru has a very wide selection of footwear, from sandals to slippers to everyday sneakers to more outdoor-focused wear. You can even customize your search based on your foot condition and occupation. But we thought it best to focus on the Atom, Kuru’s bestselling sneaker with the most versatile of uses and the most reviews. Rated a 4.4 out of 5 stars across 5,000+ reviews on the Kuru site, this athletic sneaker is intended for everyday wear, whether you’re walking, exercising, traveling, or just running errands.
In addition to the brand’s signature dynamic arch and heel, the Atom features an ultra-cushioned and shock-absorbing base, as well as a roomy toe box perfect for bunion sufferers, and breathable outers. They are available in up to seven color combinations, three widths, and sizes for both men and women. There’s even an updated version of the Atom, which features a springier cushion and even greater heel support.
Some reviewers with the most dire of foot conditions and pain levels have said that, from the very first wear, the Atom sneakers managed to completely get rid of foot pain, while others claimed they could instantly feel the cradling effect in the heel.
“They automatically level out my [supination], and I can walk longer and further than any other shoe without wanting to cry in agony,” wrote one reviewer, who claims to deal with several foot and leg conditions.
“Kuru sneakers are a wonderful option for people who have a history of heel pain, and or plantar fasciitis,” Evans said, recommending them to people with both high and low (flat feet) arches and anyone who’s looking to prevent new issues from presenting, by maintaining good foot alignment and protection.
At $160 a pair, these shoes are certainly an investment, but as you can see for yourself by reading on to the promising reviews ahead, several Kuru shoppers have deemed it a small price to pay for pain relief and have even purchased more pairs.
Promising Kuru reviews:
“I have been struggling with plantar fasciitis for the past two years or so and I have tried different brands of shoes, wraps, etc. Nothing helped. I was feeling pretty desperate when a Kuru ad appeared on Facebook. I took the chance and I am so incredibly happy I did! From day one the pain in my heel went completely away while I was wearing these shoes. Gone! Yes, the pain still comes back when I don’t wear them but even the pain on these occasions is now a lot less. In the last month pain has been reduced from a 10 to at least a 6 and I have a feeling it will just get better. These shoes are so comfortable that I already purchased another two pairs of different Kurus: Ridge Motion and Moment. I love these equally much! Additionally: I also have bunions… New shoes have ALWAYS bothered my bunions and made them ache. None of the Kurus I have purchased have bothered my bunions at all! I am hiking again! Shopping! Standing all day in the kitchen! And I am happier than I thought possible and absolutely obsessed with Kuru!!” — Jessica H.
“I’m very impressed with my first pair of kuru shoes. I was able to wear them for the first full day, meaning I didn’t have to ‘break them in.’ My plantar fasciitis was gone within a week, my leg ache and back pain gone too!! So helpful being a full time nurse! Thank you Kuru” — Nicki
“As someone with CMT, Supination, Plantar Fasciitis, and a slew of other issues with my legs and feet, I’ve tried multiple types of shoes. I broke down and tried these a couple weeks ago. As soon as I put them on, I felt the shoe actually cradle my foot that other shoes do not. It almost felt like a very comfortable brace. Then, I wore them around the house for a week to break them in (which i really didnt need). Not only are they extremely comfortable, the comfort lasts. I have a lot of stairs in my house, so that’s usually a bit of a nightmare when you have all the issues I do, however, these shoes felt FAR more comfortable than any others. Now, granted I’ve only been wearing them for 2-3 weeks so far, but already they are way more supportive and comfortable than any other shoe I’ve tried. They automatically level out my suppination, and I can walk longer and further than any other shoe without wanting to cry in agony.” — Raykyan