Cross-sectional imaging of the foot and ankle had its inception with the development of high-resolution computed tomography (CT). Recently, CT has been applied successfully to a wide variety of podiatric disorders, including calcaneal fractures, subtalar coalition, tarsometatarsal fracture-dislocations, and primary soft tissue pathologic lesions. The advent of high-resolution proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has provided an alternative means for noninvasive evaluation of foot and ankle disease. In this article, representative cases that illustrate the diagnostic utility of MRI will be discussed, with comparative reference to CT in selected instances. The goal of this article is to provide the practicing radiologist with insight into the relative merits of the two techniques as a guide to the appropriate selection of MRI in specific clinical circumstances.