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Table Of Contents
What to Look for in the Best Shoes for Arthritis
How We Chose the Best Shoes for Arthritis
Meet the Experts
Meet the Author
Top Shoes for Arthritis of 2023
Best shoes for midfoot arthritis
Birkenstock Arizona Sandals
Buy Men’s At Nordstrom$140
Best Rocker bottom shoes for arthritis
MBT Asante 7 Men’s Dress Shoes
Buy Now At Amazon$223
Sponsored
Hoka Bondi 8 Sneakers
Buy Men’s At Zappos$165
Best Sandals for Arthritis
Dansko Maddy Cork Wedge Women’s Sandals
Buy Now At Amazon$89
Best Dress Shoes for Arthritis
Walking Cradles Women’s Tess Ballet Flats
Buy Now At Amazon$98
Best Shoes for arthritis and diabetes
OrthoFeet Hunter Waterproof Men’s Boots
Buy Now At Amazon$140
Best Shoes for ankle arthritis
Orthofeet Delta Women’s Boots
Buy Now At Amazon$130
Best Walking Shoes for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Hoka Arahi 6 Sneakers
Buy Men’s At Hoka$140
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.
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.
Best shoes for midfoot arthritis
Birkenstock Arizona Sandals
Size Range: 5 to 12.5 women’s; 6 to 17.5 men’s
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
$140Buy Men’s At Nordstrom
$110Buy Now At DSW
Experts generally don’t recommend flip flops and super flat shoes for people with arthritis, but these Birkenstock sandals have a contoured footbed that make them an exception. The straps are adjustable to allow for a snug fit without being constrictive, and the footbed is made of cork with a latex foam overlay, which gives them a supple yet firm feel. Unlike many other sandals, these top Birkenstocks have a deep heel cup that keeps your foot aligned properly and fully supported. They also come with a wide toe area to accommodate bony prominences and hammertoes.
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
Best Rocker bottom shoes for arthritis
MBT Asante 7 Men’s Dress Shoes
Size Range: 7 to 11.5
Materials: Leather, Rubber
Special Features: High rocker sole for energy return
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.5/5 stars
$223Buy Now At Amazon
$225Buy Now At MBT
MBT is a brand experts often recommend for people with arthritis, as it offers some of the best rocker bottom options for arthritis sufferers. These comfortable dress shoes for men feature curved rocker soles that give an extra spring in your step by distributing pressure and providing some energy return. This feature of the Asante 7‘s will lessen muscle fatigue from all the walking or standing all day, along with its breathable footbed and durable, grippy outsole. The PivotAxis technology in the midsole promotes a natural rolling motion with each step that helps keep you aligned and well balanced. The footbed is comprised of soft, cushioned foam that cradles your tender feet with every step.
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
Sponsored
Hoka Bondi 8 Sneakers
Size Range: 6 to 10 women’s; 7 to 16 men’s
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
$165Buy Men’s At Zappos
$165Buy Women’s At Zappos
The Bondi 8 sneaker from Hoka improves on previous versions of this shoe with even softer and lighter foam cushioning that’s softer on sore joints. The extended heel design allows for a balanced and stable foot strike, absorbing shock with each stride. It also offers a wide toe box and signature meta-rocker technology found in the best Hoka sneakers, which makes it one of the best shoes for arthritis in big toes, since it helps to smooth transitions between steps. The Bondi 8 is breathable but hugs your foot for a comforting and secure feel. Aside from running, these also serve as one of the best walking shoes for arthritis.
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
Best Sandals for Arthritis
Dansko Maddy Cork Wedge Women’s Sandals
Size Range: 5.5 to 12
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
On Sale 34% off
$89Buy Now At Amazon
High heels are generally not recommended for people with arthritis, as they put too much pressure on the toes. These wedge sandals by Dansko are a good alternative because they have hook and loop straps that allow for an adjustable fit that’s not too tight on tender feet. It also has a contoured footbed to provide support and keep your foot in a neutral position. Plus, these comfortable walking sandals feature a sole that has a slight rocker design for smooth transitions between steps, which makes it a little easier to walk around on sore feet.
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
Best Dress Shoes for Arthritis
Walking Cradles Women’s Tess Ballet Flats
Size Range: 4 to 12
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
On Sale 27% off
$98Buy Now At Amazon
$60Buy Now At Walmart
Comfortable dress shoes for women can be hard to find, but these ballet flats from Walking Cradles have a plush insole that provides plenty of cushion for sore or inflamed feet. They’re comprised of a microfiber sockliner for comfort that won’t leave your feet sweaty. However, the included insole is removable in case you want to add your own custom orthotics or supportive insoles. The durable leather upper of the shoe is elasticized around the top edge for a snug fit, while providing a wide toe box so your feet don’t feel pinched. These ballet flats have a subtle, three-quarter-inch heel, so they add a little lift without putting pressure on your forefoot or toes.
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
Best Shoes for arthritis and diabetes
OrthoFeet Hunter Waterproof Men’s Boots
Size Range: 7 to 14
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
$140Buy Now At Amazon
$130Buy Now At Orthofeet
Boots are critical for secure footing and protection when you’re hiking. These Orthofeet hiking boots are a great option for people with arthritis because they have a wide toe box to accommodate swollen feet or bunions and hammertoes. Their orthotic insoles have built-in arch support, which are removable if you need to use custom orthotics. The hiking boots for men have a mild rocker to help prevent pain from forefoot arthritis and give you a little boost on long hikes. These boots make some of the best shoes for diabetics, due to an assortment of standard, wide, extra wide, and double-extra wide sizing for optimal depth and foot space that accommodates swelling.
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
Best Shoes for ankle arthritis
Orthofeet Delta Women’s Boots
Size Range: 5 to 12
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
$130Buy Now At Amazon
$120Buy Now At Orthofeet
Much like its men’s counterpart, Orthofeet’s Delta boots for women are designed with a wide toe box, removable orthotic inserts, and a mild rocker to help propel you forward with each step. The durable rubber outsole also provides traction and stability on slippery surfaces. Reviewers with a variety of foot issues rave about how these hiking boots for women don’t require any break-in time. The interior fabric is super soft to soothe sensitive feet, and, if you need more support, all Orthofeet shoes come with an additional arch booster insert.
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
Best Walking Shoes for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Hoka Arahi 6 Sneakers
Size Range: 5 to 12 women’s; 7 to 15 men’s
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
$140Buy Men’s At Hoka
$140Buy Women’s At Hoka
Walking can be a great workout, but when you have arthritis, it can be tough to stick to your routine. These walking shoes from Hoka provide plenty of thick cushioning and shock absorption while feeling lightweight. Thanks to Hoka’s J-Frame technology, the shoes help prevent overpronation (inward rolling), which is helpful for increased stability and a reduction in excessive motion that can hurt arthritic joints. They also have a meta-rocker that ensures an easy transition between steps. Getting shoes on and off can be a challenge when your feet are sensitive and swollen — these cushioned shoes have an extended heel tab on the upper that makes it simple to pull them on.
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.
