The Best Shoes for Arthritis Sufferers (2024)

Shoes for Arthritis

Shoe shopping is challenging enough under normal circ*mstances. You have to find a style you like in the size and color you need, and somehow you have to figure out how to get a pair that fits your feet that are a half size different from each other. But when you have arthritis, this shopping process becomes even more challenging.

Finding the best shoes for arthritic feet is important for keeping you as healthy and mobile as possible.

Best Shoes for Arthritis

Best Men’s Shoes for Arthritis: Men's Lace Walking Shoe - Black

Best Women's Shoes for Arthritis: Women's Boss Runner Active Shoe - X-Last - Silver/Sea Blue

Best Dress Shoes for Arthritis: Women's Dress Shoe Petals Janice - Pewter | Men's Cap Toe Oxford Dress Shoe Lexington - Black

Best Walking Shoes for Arthritis: Women's Lace Walking Shoe - V-Last - White/Periwinkle | Men's Lace Walking Shoe V Last - White/Blue

Best Hiking Shoes for Arthritis: Women's Trail Runner Active Shoe - Sierra Gray/Purple | Men's Ariya - Hiking Boot - Brown

Best Work Shoes for Arthritis: Women's Dress Shoe Petals Janice - Black | Men's Boss Runner Active Shoe - Black

Best Insoles for Arthritis: A-Wave Orthotic Support Insole Unisex

Best Slipper for Arthritis: Unisex Orthopedic Moccasin Slipper Camel

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a degenerative disease that wears away the cartilage padding between your joints. It can affect nearly every joint in the body, including knees, hips, hands, and, of course, your feet.

As that cartilage wears away, the joint becomes inflamed and painful as bones in the foot rub together and begin to break down. And with 28 bones and 30 joints in each foot, that means there are a lot of places where pain can occur.

Check Out Our Tips for Minimizing Pain

There are many different types of arthritis, but two of the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Another form of arthritis that often affects the feet is gout, a condition where uric acid crystallizes and deposits in the joints.

How Apex Footwear Can Help

A good pair of shoes for arthritic will do two things: help minimize the pain you experience and help prevent further damage to the joints and bones in your foot.

Having the right shoes can help ease some of the symptoms of arthritis in the feet. One of the common side effects of osteoarthritis is bone spurs at the base of the big toe and bunions. Wider shoes can help relieve pressure on these areas and reduce pain. Fortunately, all Apex Shoes feature roomy toe boxes and are available in multiple widths.

Learn How the Moor Balance Shoe Can Minimize Fall Risk in Arthritic Feet

Rheumatoid arthritis causes the joints in the feet to swell up and can cause the bones in the ball of the foot to push against the skin. This can cause calluses and ulcerations which can be very painful and may even require surgery. But the right arthritis shoes can move pressure from the ball of the foot to the middle, reducing the impact of those calluses and ulcerations.

What to Look For

In general, when you’re choosing shoes for arthritic feet, you want to go for lower heels. Heels higher than two inches or so put a lot of pressure on the ball of your foot and can pinch your toes. You want to look for a lower heel available in wide sizes with roomier toe boxes and rocker soles.

In general, though, the best thing for your feet is going to be a good, supportive pair of shoes or flats boots with minimal flex in the sole. Apex offers stylish, supportive footwear that is lightweight, flexible, durable, and gives you more stability.

  • Men's Lace Walking Shoe - Black

    $164.95

  • Women's Boss Runner Active Shoe - X-Last - Silver/Sea Blue

    $164.95

  • Men's Trail Runner Active Shoe - Sierra Gray/Blue

    $164.95

  • Men's Balance Shoe (ABS) Black

    $122.95

  • Men's Lace Walking Shoe V Last - White/Blue

    $164.95

  • Men's Trail Runner Active Shoe - Sierra Brown

    MSRP: $164.95

    Was: $164.95

    Now: $107.22

  • Women's Balance Shoe (ABS) Black

    $122.95

  • Women's Trail Runner Active Shoe - Sierra Gray/Purple

    $164.95

  • Non-Binding Copper Cloud Diabetic Socks - Crew Length Unisex Black (3 pk)

    $39.95

  • Men's Balance Shoe Hiker - Brown

    $164.95

  • Men's Stealth Runner Active Shoe - V Last - White/Blue

    $164.95

  • Women's Natural Wool Knit Casual Shoe - Dark Gray

    MSRP: $164.95

    Was: $164.95

    Now: $107.22

  • Men's Boss Runner Active Shoe - X Last - Blue

    $164.95

  • Women's Trail Runner Active Shoe - Sierra Brown/Pink

    MSRP: $164.95

    Was: $164.95

    Now: $107.22

  • Women's Balance Shoe Hiker- Brown

    $164.95

  • Women's Apex Conform Insoles with Gel

    $33.75

  • Men's Apex Conform Insoles

    $33.75

  • Men's Natural Wool Knit Casual Shoe - Dark Gray

    MSRP: $164.95

    Was: $164.95

    Now: $107.22

  • Women's Dress Shoe Petals Janice - Black

    $164.95

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The Best Shoes for Arthritis Sufferers (2024)

FAQs

The Best Shoes for Arthritis Sufferers? ›

“If you're walking, you need stabilizing, cushioning features,” she says. “If you're standing a lot, look for supportive cushioning, a roomy toe box and a rocker bottom to take pressure off the forefoot.” Most athletic shoes fall into two categories: stability sneakers and neutral sneakers.

What kind of shoes should arthritis patients wear? ›

“If you're walking, you need stabilizing, cushioning features,” she says. “If you're standing a lot, look for supportive cushioning, a roomy toe box and a rocker bottom to take pressure off the forefoot.” Most athletic shoes fall into two categories: stability sneakers and neutral sneakers.

What are the best walking shoes for arthritis in feet? ›

Shoes with soft, roomy uppers to accommodate the joints are recommended and with cushioning soles to relieve pressure from the balls of the feet.
  • Birkenstock.
  • DB Wider Fit Shoes.
  • Fidelio.
  • Finn Comfort.
  • FitFlop.
  • Joya.
  • Oofos.
  • Orthofeet.

What's the best thing for arthritis in your feet? ›

Foot and Ankle Arthritis Treatment Options
  • Activity modification.
  • Bracing and compression.
  • Corticosteroid injection into the joints of the foot and ankle.
  • Pain medication and anti-inflammatories.
  • Physical therapy.

Are New Balance shoes good for arthritis? ›

Best for Running

Running with arthritis can be challenging, especially if you need shoes that provide cushioning and support without compromising flexibility. The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v12 is the perfect partner for maintaining your running regime—without putting undue stress on their joints.

Should you wear compression socks if you have arthritis? ›

Benefits of Compression Socks or Stockings for Patients:

Relieves stiffness, pain, and aches caused by the inflammation of arthritis. Prevention of swelling in the legs, as well as a reduction in swelling. Better circulation, which in return, reduces cold legs and feet.

Is walking good or bad for arthritis in feet? ›

Walking is often recommended for people with arthritis because it's a low-impact exercise that keeps the joints flexible, helps bone health, and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.

What makes foot arthritis worse? ›

What causes arthritis flare-ups in the feet? Most daily activities can aggravate the joints in the feet. Putting pressure or weight on the feet can trigger flares but so can resting for long periods, such as overnight. Some people experience flares in cold weather or after eating particular foods.

Can arthritis be so bad you can't walk? ›

Because rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can result in physical impairment or cause extreme difficulty standing, sitting, or walking, RA can be considered a disability in advanced stages.

How can I keep my feet from hurting when I walk? ›

Wear comfortable, properly fitting and supportive shoes, with good arch support and cushioning. Wear shoes with plenty of room around the ball of your foot and toes and a wide toe box. Avoid narrow-toed shoes and high heels. Wear sneakers as often as possible, especially when walking.

What cream is good for arthritis in the feet? ›

For severe pain, topical NSAIDs likely won't match the effects of oral meds, but those who have mild to moderate arthritis may find relief. They come in OTC and prescription gels and creams. A Cochrane review found that diclofenac or Voltaren, ibuprofen and ketoprofen gels are the most effective.

What is the best over the counter medicine for arthritis in the feet? ›

NSAIDs are the most effective oral medicines for OA. They include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) naproxen (Aleve) and diclofenac (Voltaren, others). All work by blocking enzymes that cause pain and swelling.

What triggers arthritis in foot? ›

Post-traumatic arthritis develops in the foot or ankle as a result of injury, even one that occurred long ago. For example, a sprain, fracture, or dislocation in the foot or ankle may damage cartilage, leading to premature deterioration of the joint.

Is orthofeet better than New Balance? ›

The Orthofeet won because it had the best arch support relative to the New Balance shoe I had tried. I wore the shoes the first day for about 4 hours and I had no problems. They were easy to break in. This shoe, coupled with my week of scheduled OTC non-steroidals has resulted in resolution of the fasciitis.

Are memory foam shoes good for arthritis? ›

Unsupportive shoes can worsen pain in the foot and ankle. There are two important features a shoe needs to help alleviate arthritis pain: memory foam cushioning and wide width.

Are Birkenstocks good for arthritis? ›

This makes them a great option for offloading minor foot prominences, which is common in osteoarthritis,” Dr. Wilson says. Birkenstocks also come with a wide toe area to accommodate bony prominences and hammertoes and have adjustable straps so you can find the most comfortable fit for your feet.

Are barefoot shoes good for arthritic feet? ›

Some research shows that flexibility in shoes is important if you have foot or knee pain related to rheumatoid arthritis. A flat, flexible walking shoe that feels almost like you're barefoot may be better for many RA symptoms than so-called stability shoes.

Are Skechers good for arthritic knees? ›

Skechers shoes are known for their ability to flex and twist, promoting a natural stride when you walk. Skechers GOwalk Joy is an especially popular option for those with knee problems.

Are Arch Fit shoes good for arthritis? ›

Arch Support

Arthritis can impact the way our feet feel and function, therefore making the right shoe choice vital. Arch support shoes create a foundation that cradles the foot, distributes weight evenly, and alleviates undue stress on joints.

Are flat shoes good for arthritic knees? ›

Background: Experts recommend that persons with knee osteoarthritis wear stable supportive shoes; however, evidence suggests that flat flexible shoes may be more beneficial.

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