Style Footwear Sneakers
Jenn Sinrich
Kayla Hui
Jenn Sinrich & Kayla Hui
Updated September 25, 2023
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If you’re one of the 58.5 million or so people in America who have been clinically diagnosed with arthritis, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you know the trials and tribulations that come along with the pain, stiffness, swelling and limited range of motion. Arthritis can be a debilitating disease, especially if you're exercising with arthritis, or when it affects the areas and joints you use every single day, such as your feet. Which is why choosing the right pair of shoes when you have arthritis is crucial (more on that in a second).
In This Article
-
01
What to look for -
02
The best shoes for arthritis in feet -
03
FAQs
Experts In This Article
- Brad Schaeffer, DPM, board-certified foot surgeon at Sole Podiatry NYC and star of TLC’s My Feet Are Killing Me
- Jackie Sutera, DPM, podiatrist and member of the Vionic Innovation Lab
- Najwa Javed, DPM, board-certified podiatrist and founder of E’MAR Italy
- Nelya Lobkova, DPM, board-certified podiatrist and founder of Step Up Footcare
- Timothy Oldani, DPM, FACFAS, podiatrist at Missouri Foot and Ankle
With more than 30 joints in each human foot alone, it’s no surprise this area is a common location of arthritis pain. “The feet bear our body's entire weight and every step that we take creates a jarring shock and the joints of the foot develop a lot of pressure, at times jamming the joint,” explains Brad Schaeffer, DPM, foot surgeon at Sole NYC . “When this jamming of the joint occurs, the cartilage can start to wear down and, once the cartilage wears down, you get bone on bone grinding which can be very painful and debilitating.”
What to look for in shoes when you have arthritis
Fit
One of the best things you can do to alleviate the discomfort associated with arthritis in feet is to seek out the right shoe. Stay away from narrow and pointy heels, and anything that creates too much friction. And always make sure you pick a shoe that properly fits.
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Stiffness
As Jackie Sutera, DPM, podiatrist and Vionic Innovation Lab Member, puts it, for those with foot-impacted arthritis, shoes are either going to help you or hurt you. “Wearing shoes that are tight or stiff can further irritate the delicate joints and encourage worsening of the disease process,” she says. “Narrow or pointy heels will squeeze the toes and force your forefoot to bear more weight since the shoe shifts body weight forward.” For these reasons and more, proper fit is paramount.
Luckily, there’s no shortage of arthritis-friendly shoes on the market today (and the nice thing about ordering online is that you can easily return and exchange shoes if you find that the style you ordered is too snug or ill-fitting in general). Here are a few brands that podiatrists recommend.
For more foot pain shoes, you can also check out shoes for back pain and orthopedic shoes.
12 Best Shoes for Arthritis in Feet
According to Nelya Lobkova, DPM, a NYC-based podiatrist at Step-Up Footcare, these kicks have two fundamentals to combat arthritic foot pain: a cushioned midsole and a forefoot rocker. The supportive midsole offers arch support, and the rocker comes in handy to limit the motion of the forefoot. Also nice? “The heel-to-toe gradient is low (7mm), and there is the option to size for wide width feet,” says Dr. Lobkova. “Furthermore, the upper is a soft leather so it will not irritate achy joints.” All of these qualities make these shoes one of the best walking shoes for arthritis.
Sizes available: 6-11, in half sizes and two widths
Colors: 4
Heel-to-top drop: 7 mm
Weight: 11 oz
Pros:
- Made of soft leather
- Low heel-to-toe drop
- Comfortable and supportive
Cons:
- Expensive
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For those who can opt for a more casual style on the regular, and especially those who work from home, Najwa Javed, DPM, podiatrist with Silicon Valley Podiatry Group and founder of E’MAR Italy, recommends this supportive slipper. “Built with a rocker sole and their Oofoam Technology, the footwear is meant to reduce shock and stress on the feet and help with natural stride,” she says.
While it looks more like a slipper (and you can wear it as such), it has hard soles so you can easily wear them outside without a worry. They’re also machine-washable!
Sizes available: 5-12, in half sizes
Colors: 2
Heel-to-top drop: n/a
Weight: n/a
Pros:
- Has rocker sole
- Absorbs shock
- Keeps feet cozy and warm
Cons:
- Only available in two colors
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Built with sustainability in mind, like using natural materials that help balance emissions, this brand is becoming increasingly popular across all age ranges. Dr. Javed is a fan, especially for her patients with arthritis, because the brand offers a stylish shoe that is gentle on severe and rigid foot deformities.
“The initial designs were too flexible and unsupported, but Allbirds has changed to add more stability and structure to the shoes,” she says. They’re super cushioned and have a S-curve tread that makes a light sole and mimics the anatomical shape of the feet.
Sizes available: 5-11
Colors: 5
Heel-to-top drop: n/a
Weight: n/a
Pros:
- Made of natural materials
- Stylish
- Cushioned
Cons:
- Runs big and wide
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Accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for promoting good foot health, these supportive, lace-up shoes provide excellent support through the arch as well as across the ball of the foot, notes Tim Oldani, DPM, podiatrist at Missouri Foot and Ankle in St. Louis. His favorite feature? The removable footbed that allows you to place your own custom orthotics into the shoes.
“Many people will wear custom orthotics as a treatment for their painful arthritis, so these shoes are great for these people,” he says. “The knit upper material in the toe box will accommodate bone spurs, which is also a great feature.”
Sizes available: 4-12
Colors: 5
Heel-to-top drop: n/a
Weight: n/a
Pros:
- Offers arch support
- Lightweight
- Slip-resistant
- Vegan
Cons:
- Expensive
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Not only are these running shoes super stylish, but they offer a rocker bottom feature at the metatarsals, the area that helps form the arches of the foot, which is a fantastic feature for people dealing with great toe joint arthritis, notes Dr. Oldani. They are also the most cushioned shoes in the Hoka line. “This amount of cushioning helps to absorb shock with each step, which reduces pain in arthritic joints as well,” he adds.
Full Hoka Bondi 8 review here.
Sizes available: 5-12, in half sizes and two widths
Colors: 20
Heel-to-top drop: 4 mm
Weight: 8.9 oz
Pros:
- Available in a variety of colors
- Cushioned midsole
- Extremely comfortable
- Breathable
- Rocker-like bottom
Cons:
- Expensive
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These feature the same rocker bottom feature as the Hoka Bondi, which can go a long way towards helping alleviate and limit pain and range of motion at the great toe joint, notes Dr. Oldani. They are also quite lightweight for such a supportive shoe. “These shoes also offer maximum cushioning at both the heel and the ball of the foot, which is helpful for those with both rearfoot and forefoot arthritis,” he says. “The width in the toe box helps to limit pressure on the toes in those with bone spurs.”
Sizes available: 5.5-12, in half sizes
Colors: 4
Heel-to-top drop: 0 mm
Weight: 8.2 oz
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Molded heel collar to prevent excessive friction
- Foam midsole is comfy
- Breathable
Cons:
- Expensive
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With 45 colorways to choose from, Brooks Ghost 14 is a go-to choice for so many runners and walkers alike. The brand is known for making very supportive shoes that almost feel like you’re running or walking on clouds. This level of support is huge for people suffering from foot ailments, especially arthritis, according to Dr. Schaeffer.
“Brooks offers different levels of support from neutral to max support which is a great option, since everyone’s feet and needs are different,” he says. “There are also a very good range of sizes, more than most brands.” Plus, each pair is breathable and offers a smooth ride.
Sizes available: 5-13, in half sizes
Colors: 45
Heel-to-top drop: 12 mm
Weight: 9.1 oz
Pros:
- Smooth run or walk
- Comfortable
- Supportive
Cons:
- Narrow toe box
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One of the brands that Dr. Schaeffer recommends for people with a neutral foot type, the most common type of foot, is Asics. “They are good for stabilizing and therefore decrease the pressure from your feet to your knees, to your hips, and to your back,” he says. “They offer lightweight shoes good for those with arthritis.” These shoes are also ideal for people who overpronate, or who put added pressure on the internal area of their foot, which causes their feet to flatten.
Sizes available: 5-13, in half sizes
Colors: 11
Heel-to-top drop: 10 mm
Weight: 9.2 oz
Pros:
- Designed for overpronators
- Offers a balanced ride over long distances
- Has a gel midsole
- Supportive and comfortable
Cons:
- Expensive
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If you’re looking for a stylish shoe sans heel, look no further than Vionic Willow Slip-On Flat. It provides arch support and has a thicker sole to absorb shock, two features that are ideal for people with arthritis. “This takes stress off joints and protects the natural cushioning of the soles of the foot,” explains Dr. Sutera. They come in seven different colors and fun prints so you can buy a few to mix and match with your existing wardrobe.
Sizes available: 5-11, in half sizes and two widths
Colors: 13
Heel-to-top drop: n/a
Weight: n/a
Pros:
- Stylish
- Available in a variety of colors and two widths
- Thicker sole absorbs shock
- Received APMA Seal of Acceptance
Cons:
- Narrow
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Sole Bliss, Ingrid Heel — $279.00
A dressy shoe with a heel that is ideal for people suffering from arthritis in their feet is almost unheard of, which is what makes this pair so desired. It features triple-layer cushioning and even has a Bunion Bed that provides extra width accommodation in areas that often cause people pain. When it comes to purchasing the right size, there’s no need to size up or out (in terms of width). Purchase these in your typical size and they should fit just right.
Sizes available: 5-11, in half sizes
Colors: 12
Heel-to-top drop: n/a
Weight: n/a
Pros:
- Handcrafted in Spain
- Memory foam and antimicrobial cushioning
- Wider toe box
- Prevents pronation
Cons:
- Expensive
Marrying style and support Rykä’s Trailblazer shoe is a must-have. Designed with an ergonomic and arch-supportive insole and durable rubber outsole, the Trailblazer keeps you comfy on trails and pavement, while still looking cool. The reflective details are an added touch that increases your visibility during the night. What’s more, “these have a skeletal guidance system with a visible forefoot rocker for smoother heel-to-toe transition while walking,” says Dr. Lobkova.
Sizes available: 5-12, in half sizes and two widths
Colors: 2
Heel-to-top drop: 8 mm
Weight: 10.7 oz
Pros:
- Good value
- Has arch support
- Provides traction
- Reflective
Cons:
- Heavy
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Veja, Venturi — $205.00
Veja has taken the sneaker world by storm with its comfortable and fashionable kicks. The Venturi, though, comes recommended by Dr. Lobkova. “Similar to the Rykä, the forefoot rocker is apparent” and “the all-rubber outsole provides great traction and adds to the rigidity of the sole,” she says. What makes these great for arthritic pain is the foam cushioning, which offers support and comfort with each step.
Sizes available: 5-12.5, in half sizes
Colors: 1
Heel-to-top drop: n/a
Weight: n/a
Pros:
- Good value
- Has arch support
- Provides traction
- Reflective
Cons:
- Heavy
If it’s warm where you are and need to give your toes a breather, go for Dansko’s Racquel sandal. This sporty number isn’t your typical sandal. No no. Instead, it has an arch-supportive footbed that contours to your foot’s natural shape while offering structure at each step. Not only that, it has adjustable straps, so you can tailor the fit how you like. Dr. Lobkova likes these because they have a cushioned rocker sole as well.
Sizes available: 5.5-12, in half sizes
Colors: 8
Heel-to-top drop: n/a
Weight: 2 lbs
Pros:
- Arch support
- Adjustable straps
- Comfortable
- Rubber sole
Cons:
- Not as stylish
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FAQs
What kind of shoes are best for arthritic feet?
The best way to alleviate arthritis pain is by minimizing excessive mobility of the big toe joint in the forefoot, which is one of the most commonly affected joints, says Dr. Lobkova. The best shoes to minimize flexion are through rigid or rocker-like soles. “The rocker-bottom sole allows the torso to smoothly shift weight forward over the ankle during walking, minimizing arthritic pain in the ankle and subtalar joints,” she says.
Do shoes help with arthritis?
Since arthritis is a progressive disease of the joints, Dr. Lobkova says the condition worsens over time. Therefore, wearing the proper shoes is a vital component to the treatment and prevention of debilitating arthritic diseases. “If proper shoes aren’t worn with adequate support and cushioning, arthritic pain and inflammation in the foot and ankle will increase,” explains Dr. Lobkova.
What kind of shoes to wear with rheumatoid arthritis?
According to Dr. Lobkova, rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune inflammatory arthritis that impacts the peripheral joints, like the finger and toes. In the feet, the toe joints can drift, causing the widening of the feet. Because of this, she recommends soft, flexible, and accommodative shoes for those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Think: uppers made of wool, leather, or engineered mesh.
Are compression socks good for arthritic feet?
While compression socks won’t reverse the condition, they can help with pain associated with arthritis. That’s because they “minimize motion across the joints of the foot and ankle,” says Dr. Lobkova. “I suggest high ankle level and buying at least 20-30 mmHg (firm compression).”
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