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If you live with arthritis, walking, running, and other day-to-day activities are no fun for your feet. Arthritis causes pain and stiffness that makes moving uncomfortable, but finding the best shoes for arthritic feet can help you keep pain at a minimum.
So, what is arthritis and how does it affect your feet? Arthritis generally boils down to joint inflammation, and when it comes to your feet, it can affect the ankle joint, as well as joints involving the heel bone, mid-foot bone, and the joint of the big toe, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Common symptoms include pain, stiffness, and swelling, and if your feet and ankles are swollen or in pain, this can affect your balance and stability, as well as your gait.
The two main types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. “Osteoarthritis will typically manifest in the great toe joint, midfoot, or ankle, but it can be seen in any joint in the foot,” says Dr. Alissa Kuizinas, a Massachusetts-based podiatrist. “Osteoarthritis can be due to a previous injury or chronic wear and tear on the joint.” Osteoarthritis pain in the foot is most likely to happen on only one side of the foot and symptoms may build up over time.
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Alternatively, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack joints and surrounding soft tissue. RA often presents in multiple joints in the foot, commonly in the toes, as a bunion or claw toes, Dr. Kuizinas says. Because RA can damage or weaken ligaments, it can also cause hammertoes, which are abnormal bends in the middle joint of the toe, according to the Hospital for Special Surgery. “Osteoarthritis more often develops slowly through time and you will notice an achy feeling that gradually increases, whereas RA can develop more quickly and you are more likely to have swollen, painful joints,” says Dr. Andrew Wilson, a podiatrist at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore.
The best shoes for any type of arthritis should be soft, stretchy, and have a roomy toe box to accommodate swelling and a natural toe splay. On top of these features, those with arthritis should seek out supportive footwear with structure and cushioning, which will help maintain a natural movement pattern and prevent soreness. There’s a wide range of choices for both women and men, including comfortable dress shoes, orthopedic sandals, slippers, and workout shoes, and our list features options for every lifestyle.
Courtesy of Amazon
Materials: Leather, latex foam, cork, EVA rubber
Special Features: Cushioned footbed, adjustable straps, deep heel cup
DSW Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “I am on my third pair of these lightweight sandals and just love them. I have rheumatoid arthritis in my feet, so they are sensitive to most shoes, but when I put on the lightweight Birkenstocks, I said ‘I am never taking these off’ I can walk longer distances in them than in any other sandal I have owned.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $110
Materials: Leather, Rubber
Special Features: High rocker sole for energy return
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “I have tried many brands but I keep coming back to MBT as the best for my knees. So glad to have this style back!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $223
Materials: Recycled polyester, rubber
Special Features: Lightweight foam cushioning, extended heel design for stability
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “My orthopedic doctor prescribed me these shoes because I have big toe bone spurs and arthritis in my feet. These are so comfortable and really make a difference with propelling me forward a little bit just the right amount so I can take pressure off my toes and the ball of my foot. These are my shoes from now on!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $165
Materials: Leather, EVA foam, cork
Special Features: Offers a comfortable EVA footbed and rocker soles
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “Comfortable, easy to slip on but adjustable enough to keep them on. These sandals have made my difficult feet very happy. The footbed is soft, and the straps fit perfectly and are very comfortable. The color is beautiful!.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $89
Materials: Leather, Rubber
Special Features: Elasticized top edge, Removable insole
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Walmart Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “Very comfortable flat. Tess is a great choice when you need an elasticized topline flat that provides lots of toe room. The obvious elastic (towards the heel of the shoe) is worth the fit!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $60
Materials: Leather, rubber
Special Features: Available in four widths
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Orthofeet Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
What testers say: “The boots are indeed wide enough, and the toe box high enough and flexible enough for my wide feet and hammertoes. The accompanying inserts help make small adjustments as needed. I am very pleased, thank you!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $130
Materials: Leather, Rubber
Special Features: No break-in period required, wide toe box, removable insoles
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Orthofeet Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
What testers say: “I love these boots! No break-in period. Comfortable all day. I have so much trouble finding shoes that don’t hurt because of severe RA, bunions, hammertoes, and overpronation, but Orthofeet feel great! Wish I had them sooner.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $120
Materials: Synthetic mesh, rubber
Special Features: Stability tech to prevent overpronation, lightweight cushioning, extended heel tab
Hoka Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.3/5 stars
What testers say: “I have tried nearly every brand of running shoes. From adidas to saucony. I have arthritis and overpronate. The cushioning and the support on the Arahi 6 is perfect for me. My feet and ankles don’t hurt. I feel like I could walk for miles.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $140
What to Look for in the Best Shoes for Arthritis
It’s important to get a proper diagnosis before you shop for shoes so that your doctor can offer recommendations based on your symptoms, gait, and alignment. “The best type of shoe depends on where the arthritis is located,” Dr. Kuizinas says. “For those with osteoarthritis of the great toe, painful bunions, or claw toes, a stiff soled shoe with a forefoot rocker is very helpful. This will allow the foot to propel without having to bend through the toes.”
For those with RA nodules, a cushioned and accommodating insole is important to offload bone prominences, she adds. If you choose shoes that aren’t a good fit for you, then you risk creating new problems. When shopping for shoes, try them on later in the day when your feet have swelled — this helps you get a proper fit for your feet.
Below are key elements to look for when shopping for shoes for arthritis.
- Cushioning and support: The best shoes for midfoot arthritis will provide some cushioning as well as support, says Indiana-based podiatrist Dr. Alex Kor. “I like cushioning, but it shouldn’t be a detriment to support. The midsole and shank should be sturdy enough and not bend a lot, as this isn’t good for people with RA who overpronate,” Dr. Kor says, adding that a rigid heel counter is also helpful for controlling the foot.
- A proper fit: You want to avoid pinching, rubbing, and pressure on your feet, so it’s important to look for a pair of shoes that specifically have wide toe boxes. The extra space in the toe area will be helpful for relieving pressure on hammertoes, bunions, and bony prominences. People with RA also tend to have swelling in their feet as the day goes on, so it’s important to choose shoes that are especially roomy. A deep heel cup will keep your foot in alignment and provide stability as you step.
- Stability: Having a stable and structured foundation is important for proper movement patterns, balance, and injury prevention. For the ankle arthritis, look for structured silhouettes that provide arch and padded ankle support. Keep in mind that many fashionable shoes don’t have enough structure and can exacerbate arthritis pain or lead to injury.
- Comfort: No matter what, shoes for arthritis need to be comfortable. People suffering from arthritis can have pain, stiffness, swelling, and even common foot concerns, including bunions and hammertoes, that make wearing shoes painful. Look for shoes that have shock absorbing soles and structured insoles that provide arch support. A rocker bottom is helpful to ease movement and minimize the amount of bending needed in the forefoot. It also reduces the stress felt on a rigid or painful toe joint, Dr. Wilson says.
- Semi-rigid orthotics: Most shoes for arthritis will have removable inserts. In this case, consider replacing them with semi-rigid orthotics. “Research has shown that when comparing an RA patient with metatarsalgia who wore supportive shoes along with semi-rigid orthotics to those who only wore supportive shoes, those who included semi-rigid orthotics had a greater degree of pain relief,” Dr. Wilson says. As the disease progresses, your foot may develop deformities. For example, your arch may collapse or your heel may rotate outward from under your ankle if your foot isn’t properly supported, Dr. Wilson explains. That’s where a semi-rigid orthotic can come in to help provide cushioning for pain relief and prevent further deformity.
- Rocker bottom: Wearing shoes with a rocker bottom can be especially helpful for people with OA and RA, who have forefoot deformities, such as hallux rigidus (stiffness in the big toe joint), because they allow you to move smoothly from one step to the next while limiting excessive motion. It also reduces the stress on a rigid or painful toe joint, Dr. Wilson says.“Another option for a rigid arthritic big toe is the addition of a Morton’s extension (insole for when your second toe is longer than your big toe), which limits the motion of this joint,” he says.
How We Chose the Best Shoes for Arthritis
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
To choose the best shoes for arthritis for our list, we relied on expert input to understand the needs of those managing osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. Our experts suggested specific shoe features to look for as well brands they recommend to patients. We researched products that fit a variety of categories, such as sandals, hiking boots, and dress shoes that are available in a variety of sizing for both men and women. We also included options that provide both style and structure, as well as exception; comfort. Additionally, we considered special features like adjustable straps and easy-on pull tabs that offer added ease for those in pain. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Alex Kor is a podiatrist at Hendricks Regional Health in Danville, Indiana and a fellow of the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons.
Dr. Alissa Kuizinas is a podiatrist in Concord, Massachusetts who focuses on healthy footwear, movement patterns and gait mechanics.
Dr. Andrew Wilson is a podiatrist at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland specializing in diabetic limb salvage, wound care, trauma and reconstructive foot surgery.
Meet the Author
Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, is a freelance writer and editor specializing in health and fitness topics and product reviews. As a fitness professional and someone who has worked with clients suffering with arthritis, Zeltwanger knows how all types of shoes can affect your feet and knows what to look for when shopping for quality shoes for arthritis.
