We all need a good pair of dress shoes for more formal occasions, and sometimes for working in a professional environment.
However, when you have arthritis in your feet or ankles it can be quite difficult to find suitable dress shoes, and most Orthopedic and athletic shoe styles may not be suitable for your needs.
So, we want to help you find the best dress shoes for arthritis, that fit comfortably, and that also look more fashionable and formal.
Arthritis and Your Feet
Arthritis is mostly a progressive and degenerative condition that mainly affects the joints in your body.
In your feet and ankles alone you have more than 30 joints which is why your feet and ankles are easily affected by arthritis and usually suffer the most.
As arthritis advances it cause much damage to the cartilage covering your bones ate the joints, allowing smoother movement. This eventually leads to your bones running against each other causing severe pain and damage to the joints.
Your feet and ankles are needed for proper movement and balance, and when affected by arthritis it can disrupt movement and cause difficulty walking and performing daily tasks.
Arthritis comes in many forms but there are three basic types of arthritis that mainly attacks your feet and ankles;
- Osteoarthritis – Osteoarthritis is referred to as more of a wear and tear type of arthritis that you may develop with age and repetitive stress on certain joints. It occurs because the cartilage in the joints wears down and will result in pain and stiffness in the joint. Osteoarthritis is well known to mainly affect a single joint at a time.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis – Rheumatoid arthritis is known as an auto-immune disease in which your body mistakenly starts to attack its tissues, such as soft tissue and cartilage in your joints. It can cause pain, swelling, warmth, redness, and stiffness in the affected feet and ankles. This type of arthritis is more prone to attack both feet and ankles at a time.
- Post Traumatic Arthritis – Post Traumatic Arthritis is a type of arthritis that forms because of a single or repetitive injury that has caused damage to the cartilage in a specific joint. Post Traumatic Arthritis usually occurs a few years after the injury and can lead to premature deterioration of that specific joint.
Dress Shoes for Arthritis
For the most part, doctors will prescribe an Orthopedic dress shoe for arthritic feet and ankles.
Now, this may seem like an old-fashioned, heavy clumpy shoe, as the first impression of an Orthopedic dress shoe usually is. However rest assured today there are many highly fashionable, and stunning-looking dress shoe brands and models, that are also Orthopedic shoes, or that have Orthopedic features for arthritis.
Orthopedic dress shoes are usually more formal in style, with an accommodating fit, roomy toe box, and comfort features such as arch support, and cushioning. They will have a lower heel and be much more stable to help with balance when you have arthritis affecting your balance.
Most Orthopedic dress shoes have softer and more accommodating uppers and toe room, this is because many individuals who have arthritis may develop certain foot deformities such as Bunions, or hallux rigidus. Choosing these shoes in wider widths will also be ideal to accommodate orthotics and foot deformities.
Features of a Good Dress Shoe for Arthritis
- Uppers – Most Dress shoes will have leather uppers, however, some models may have synthetic leather or textile uppers. For an arthritis dress, shoes need a roomy toe box and wide-width fit, with a soft and comfortable lining.
- Support and Comfort – Dress shoes for arthritis should have a cushioned insole with good arch support, and a shock-absorbing midsole. Foams such as EVA and memory foam are all good choices.
- Outsole – Look for a durable rubber outsole with a high traction tread. A low heel is advised and try to avoid completely flat-soled shoes, as they offer no support, balance, or impact protection.
- Options Dress shoes for Arthritis are available in more sizes, wider widths, and usually a few neutral color options.
Reviews: The Best Dress Shoes for Arthritis
In our list we have some of the best choices in dress shoes that are ideal for arthritic feet;
1
Dress Shoe for Arthritis
- The OrthoComfoot and OrthoFeet dress shoes have an accommodating fit for arthritic feet and are available in wider widths.
- They have an extra depth and a wider toe box, with removable layers to accommodate orthotics.
- The shoes are cushioned with anatomical support.
- They are also available in wider widths.
2
Dress Shoes for Arthritis
- From Hush Puppies, we have two stylish dress shoes for arthritic feet.
- They offer a more accommodating fit with a soft lining.
- The shoes have a low heel and rubber outsole that offers good stability and shock absorbency.
- They are well cushioned with a supportive footbed to support the arch of your foot, and absorb impact.
3
Arthritis Dress Shoes
- These are much more formal dress shoes from Vionic, the ladies’ model has a “safe” heel for arthritic feet.
- They have proper arch support and a podiatrist design footbed.
- The shoes have a comfortable fit and are available in wider widths.
- The outsole is secure and durable rubber.
4
Dress Shoe Arthritis
- The two formal shoe models from Clarks are the perfect dress shoes for arthritic feet.
- They have a roomy fit and are available and have wider widths.
- The shoes are well cushioned and have a soft insole and supportive midsole.
- They have a high-traction rubber outsole.
5
Dress Shoe for Arthritic Feet
- The shoe models from Orthofeet have a wider and extra depth fit to accommodate orthotics.
- They have layer cushioning, with arch and heel support.
- The shoes have low heels and a fashionable style.
- They are likewise available in wider widths, which will also accommodate for any foot deformities or shape changes.
6
Arthritis Dress Shoe
- From Vionic we have easy slip-on dress shoes with flat soles for arthritic feet.
- Vionic shoes feature a supportive podiatrist design footbed with cushioning and good arch support.
- Their shoes are available and have wider widths.
- The fit is comfortable with soft leather and synthetic uppers.
Index Table: Top Rated Dress Shoes for Arthritis
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OrthoComfoot® - Dress Shoe for Arthritis |  |  |
| OrthoComfoot | 98 |
| 2 | Hush Puppies® - Dress Shoes for Arthritis |  |  |
| Hush Puppies | 97.9 |
| 3 | Vionic® - Arthritis Dress Shoes |  |  |
| Vionic | 97.5 |
| 4 | Clarks® - Dress Shoe Arthritis |  |  |
| Clarks | 97 |
| 5 | Orthofeet® - Dress Shoe for Arthritic Feet |  |  |
| Orthofeet | 97 |
| 6 | Vionic® - Arthritis Dress Shoe |  |  |
| Vionic | 97 |
Table of Contents
- Arthritis and Your Feet
- Dress Shoes for Arthritis
- Features of a Good Dress Shoe for Arthritis
- Reviews: The Best Dress Shoes for Arthritis
- Index Table: Top Rated Dress Shoes for Arthritis
