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Shop Some of Vivaia’s Podiatrist-Approved Shoe Picks
What do legacy footwear giants adidas, Brooks, New Balance, Nike, and Puma have in common with It-girl-magnet, circa-2020 brand Vivaia? Every last one of them now has the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance, with Vivaia joining this club less than a week ago — effectively making its pieces even worthier of your time and money.
What this distinction means in layman’s terms? The shoe destination whose top-selling styles have been spotted on everyone from Bella Hadid to Oprah can now say with full confidence that over 10 of its offerings are beneficial to feet. Per the APMA itself, a foot health authority representing 15,000 podiatrists, “the seal is granted to a product after [being evaluated on whether or not it]… allows normal foot function and promotes quality foot health. Additionally, evidence of usefulness and safety must be established.” The Vivaia shoe models that are now APMA-accepted stand out from the crowd thanks to features like cushioned EVA foam outsoles, roomy toe boxes, and impressive arch support — not to mention being machine washable in many cases and instantly leveling up looks from the casual to the fancy with their trend-aligned appeal.
One of the most popular Vivaia silhouettes that received a blessing from podiatrists is the Margot Mary Jane: a square-toe darling that’s available in 18 distinct colorways and now comes with an updated strap that prioritizes all-day comfiness to an even greater extent. The stepper’s knit upper — whether you choose it in the timeless, Valentine’s Day–adjacent Ruby Red or the dual-toned Nude Peach & Black — is made from recycled plastic bottles while being incredibly lightweight. What’s more, its supportive insole is composed of mugwort (yes, you heard that right), which gives it naturally deodorizing and moisture-wicking powers. As for that outsole? Don’t let its low-pro nature fool you; Vivaia has made sure it will keep you stable on any surface you might encounter.
Vivaia Margot Square-Toe Mary Jane
Price upon publish date of this article: $139
None other than Selena Gomez has already jumped on the Margot bandwagon, being seen in the hot commodity as recently as January 22, 2026, a date on which she took the Almond Mesh iteration of the shoe out for a spin — in all of its quiet luxury–coded, breathable glory. We’ve been in this industry long enough to say with certainty that footwear capable of receiving vital placements on A-listers and checking all the boxes when it comes to caring for your comfort is a rare bird, one you shouldn’t think twice about capturing by adding the Vivaia Margot to cart today.
Other expert-vetted Vivaia picks that now have a fresh APMA stamp on them include the chunky-heeled Julie Arch Pro that was donned overtop edgy, sheer socks by Jenna Ortega; the Emma Roberts–worn Margot 2.0 flat that lacks a strap but otherwise mimics the Margot’s preppy-chic looks; and countless other options across boots, penny loafers, and even mesh sneakers that are ideal for exploring a new city without sacrificing your stylish sensibilities.
Bad news: The Christina Satin Sneakerina from the brand, which successfully harnessed last year’s ballet sneaker obsession, did not make the cut, and neither did its also-satin Yanka and Yancy versions sported by the likes of Julia Roberts, Lola Tung, and Charli XCX. Good news: When I tested out the Christina myself during NYFW, I came away from the experience feeling that it was more than “capable of carrying you through a 10,000-steps kind of day.” What this means: There’s not a single Vivaia shoe out there that doesn’t have your feet’s best interests in mind.
While the styles you have on your wishlist might still be fully stocked on the Vivaia site, know that this won’t be the case for long. Its “sneakerina” lineup, for example, has sold out more than five times last spring, and the fact that the label just tapped a new creative director — Alan Buanne — to helm product development and sharpen global brand image means Vivaia shows no signs of slowing down its meteoric rise.
The WWD Shop team is along for the ride and hope you are, too. (Your seasonal aesthetic, and the soles of your feet, will thank you.)
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Shop More American Podiatric Medical Association–Accepted Shoes From Vivaia
Vivaia Julie Arch Pro Almond-Toe Heel
Price upon publish date of this article: $179
Vivaia Allday Unisex Slip-On Mesh Sneaker
Price upon publish date of this article: $159
Vivaia Margot 2.0 Square-Toe Flat
Price upon publish date of this article: $129
Vivaia Ivana Walker Pro Hybrid Penny Loafer
Price upon publish date of this article: $139
Vivaia Ryan Pro Square-Toe Ankle Boot
Price upon publish date of this article: $149
Vivaia Mabel Square-Toe Flat
Price upon publish date of this article: $129
Vivaia Megan Square-Toe Chunky Heel
Price upon publish date of this article: $179
Vivaia Everly Platform Boot
Price upon publish date of this article: $229
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Meet the Author
Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD and FN. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska frequently covers It-girl-approved footwear brands worth readers’ time and money.
