Supportive Shoes You Don't Have to Bend Down to Fasten

In Short: Laces are a small daily obstacle if you have arthritic hands, limited mobility, a high instep, or just don't want to bend down and tie shoes. But most easy-on shoes trade away support to get the convenience. The Aetrex Erica ($139.95) uses a single hook-and-loop strap and still has full arch support built in — easy on, and easy on your feet.

The trade-off with most easy-on shoes

Slip-ons and elastic shoes solve the fastening problem by removing structure — which is why so many of them leave arches unsupported and feet aching by afternoon. The goal isn't just "no laces." It's a secure, adjustable closure you can manage with one hand, on a shoe that still supports your foot properly.

Why a strap beats laces for a lot of feet

A hook-and-loop strap does three things laces struggle with. It opens wide so you can get in without forcing your foot past a fixed opening — helpful for a high instep or a foot that swells. It adjusts to your exact volume across the top, instead of the all-or-nothing tightness of laces. And it fastens with a simple press, no fine finger work — which matters if grip or dexterity is limited.

How the Aetrex Erica does it

The Erica Casual Sneaker ($139.95) is a Mary Jane-inspired shoe with exactly that hook-and-loop strap, so it's simple to put on and take off and adjusts to your instep. Underneath, it's a real supportive shoe: the Aetrex Orthotic System is built in, with signature arch support to stabilize and align the foot, cushioning for pressure relief, a leather upper, and a lightweight EVA midsole. The insole is removable, so you can drop in your own orthotic if you wear one. And it looks like a normal shoe — not a medical one — so you'd wear it to work or out to dinner.

Shop Erica Mary Jane Sneaker

Who it suits

The Erica is a good fit if laces are a daily nuisance: arthritis or reduced hand strength, a high instep that regular flats cut across, feet that swell through the day, or simply not wanting to bend down and tie. You get the easy closure without giving up the support.

Easy-on supportive shoes: FAQs

Are there velcro-strap shoes for adults that don't look medical? Yes. The Erica is a Mary Jane-inspired style with a hook-and-loop strap — it reads as a fashion shoe, not an orthopedic one.

Will a strap shoe work for arthritic hands? That's a key advantage — a hook-and-loop strap presses closed with one hand, no fine finger work or bending to tie.

I have a high instep and flats cut across my foot. Does this help? The strap opens wide and adjusts across the top of the foot, so it accommodates a higher instep better than a fixed slip-on or lace opening.

What a clinician says

“Aetrex insoles can be very nice to have when you know you are going to spend a lot of time on your feet. Along the bottom of each foot is a band of tissue called the plantar fascia, which can become over-stretched or inflamed from activity or walking. Orthotic soles, like these ones from Aetrex, can offset some of the pressure that may otherwise contribute to soreness along the plantar fascia or near the toes. Giving these areas more support can be good for patients with a variety of foot concerns, ranging from arch pain to bunions or flat feet. If you are often active or stand a lot during daily routines, I suggest trying these insoles to see if they can help mitigate some pressure or tension.”

— Dr. John Kasper, DO (Internal Medicine), on removable insoles

Shop the full range at aetrex.com.