Arthritis is a general term for more than 100 conditions, and many of them affect the foot and ankle. Osteoarthritis is a common type: the cartilage in a joint gradually wears away, which causes pain and stiffness that worsen over time. It becomes more common after middle age, and obesity and family history add to the risk.[1]
Shoes with a low heel, a wide toe box, a cushioned, stable sole and an adjustable closure are usually the easiest on sore joints.[2]
Footwear can reduce pressure on tender joints, and doctors sometimes recommend shoe inserts or stiff-soled, rocker-bottom shoes as part of non-surgical care.[1] Shoes do not treat arthritis or slow it down.
If you have a foot condition or ongoing foot pain, talk to a doctor or podiatrist. Shoes can add comfort and support, but they are not a medical treatment. See a doctor if a joint becomes swollen, red or warm, or if pain is getting worse.
Why Shoes Matter With Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. It can cause pain and stiffness in any joint, and it is common in the small joints of the foot and ankle.[1] The main types in the foot and ankle are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis that develops after an injury.[1]
- Stiffness in the Joints – Stiff, painful joints in the feet, knees and ankles make every step harder. A shoe that fits well and supports the foot makes walking easier, but it does not change the course of the disease.
- Pain and Swelling – Arthritic joints can be painful, swollen, warm and tender.[1] A cushioned sole absorbs shock and eases the load on tender joints, and a roomy, adjustable shoe makes space for swelling.[2]
- Joint Changes – Rheumatoid arthritis in particular can cause joint deformity in the foot.[1] A wider toe box and a soft, flexible upper reduce pressure and rubbing over sore spots.[2] Our guide to shoes for swollen feet covers roomy, adjustable styles too.
How Arthritis Affects Your Feet and Ankles
When you stand and walk, your feet and ankles provide support, shock absorption and balance. The foot has 28 bones and more than 30 joints, and the ends of the bones are covered with smooth cartilage that lets them glide over each other. Ligaments, muscles and tendons hold everything in place.[1]
In osteoarthritis the cartilage wears away. In rheumatoid arthritis the immune system attacks the lining of the joint and causes swelling. Either way, the joints can become painful, stiff and swollen, which makes walking and standing harder.[1]
Features of a Good Shoe for Arthritic Feet
- No High Heels – Avoid high and narrow heels. If you want a heel, choose a broad, low block heel.[2]
- No Pointy Shoes – Tight, flimsy flats give no support or shock absorption. Skip narrow, pointed toes too, because they squeeze the toes together.[2]
- Low, Thick Heels – A low, wide heel with a natural angle is easier on the foot.
- Rubber Sole – Rubber absorbs shock and grips well, which helps on slippery floors.
- Wider Toe Box – Giving your feet plenty of movement space is also ideal for the right shoe for arthritis.
- Rocker Sole – AAOS notes that if you have arthritis or pain in the arch, a rocker sole that encourages a natural roll of the foot may help.[3]
- Stability Shoes – Stability sneakers have a dense, cushioned midsole and heel that help control overpronation. Experts quoted by the Arthritis Foundation say they can suit people with arthritis in the foot, ankle, hip or knee, but stability shoes have been shown to add more knee stress than flatter shoes, so ask your doctor if you have knee arthritis.[2]
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| No. | Shoe | Type | Upper | Closure | Cushioning (as listed) | Outsole | Insole |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Propet Stability Walker | Walking Shoe | Leather | Lace-up | EVA | Rubber | Not stated |
| 2 | Brooks Dyad 11 | Running Shoe | Not stated | Not stated | BioMoGo DNA | Not stated | Not stated |
| 3 | Orthofeet Celina / Broadway (men's) | Not stated | Leather | Strap | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| 4 | Drew Delite / Aaron (men's) | Not stated | Leather and mesh | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Removable |
| 5 | Propet Travelactiv / Stability X Strap (men's) | Walking Shoe | Leather and synthetic (men's), mesh (women's) | Strap (men's), slip-on (women's) | EVA | Rubber (men's), EVA and rubber (women's) | Removable |
| 6 | Dr. Comfort Fisherman Black / Fisherman Chestnut (men's) | Sandal | Leather | Strap | Not stated | Not stated | Removable |
| 7 | Skechers Arch Fit 3.0 | Not stated | Mesh and synthetic (men's), textile blend (women's) | Laces | Arch Fit | Not stated | Not stated |
| 8 | New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V15 | Running Shoe | Mesh | Not stated | Infinion | Rubber | Not stated |
| 9 | Skechers Go Walk 8 | Sneaker | Not stated | Not stated | ULTRA GO | Not stated | Not stated |
| 10 | Clarks Un Adorn Zip / Higley Tie (men's) | Sneaker | Textile (men's), leather and suede (women's) | Lace-up (men's), zip (women's) | EVA | Rubber | Not stated |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the listing, not tested by us; check the listing before you buy.
Our Shoe Picks for Arthritis
These shoes focus on cushioning, roomy fit and adjustable closures. Check the current sizes and colors on the web before you order.
We hope you love the products we recommend!
We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.
1
Wide-Width Walking Shoe for Arthritis
Propet Stability Walker - Men
Currently unavailable
Propet Stability Walker - Women
Currently unavailable
The one thing you are looking for in a shoe for arthritis is a wider fit to accommodate bone deformities and foot conditions caused by this disease.
- This shoe has a wider fit and many other comforts and support features for people with foot conditions.
- The uppers are flexible and soft, as well as perforated for better breathability.
- A brushed Nylon lining keeps your feet dry and comfortable.
- A heel counter, as well as a padded tongue and collar, ensures firm support and comfort.
- The EVA midsole and PU insole ensure all-day cushioned comfort and reduce foot strain.
- A slip-resistant rubber outsole will keep you firmly on your feet on any floor surface.
2
Supportive Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles
Brooks Dyad 11 - Men
Currently unavailable
Brooks Dyad 11 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Brooks Dyad 11 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for shoes for arthritic feet for more comfort.
- Runners with slightly wider feet will also appreciate extra room in the forefoot, so it is easier to get a secure, comfortable fit for running.
- BioMoGo DNA, the brand’s proprietary cushioning, adapts to your stride, weight and speed, a useful trait in shoes for arthritic feet for more comfort.
- A roomier fit through the forefoot suits flat or voluminous feet, a feature worth weighing when comparing shoes for arthritic feet for more comfort.
- Innovative arch support that the brand call Dual Arch Pods, together with a wide platform, provide stability without getting in the way of a neutral stride, a feature worth weighing when comparing shoes for arthritic feet for more comfort.
- Ultimate sockliner adds cushioning for a plush in-shoe feel.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on the web, each with its own size range.
- Check the Product listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
3
Extra-Depth Strap Dress Shoes
Orthofeet Broadway - Men
Currently unavailable
Orthofeet Celina - Women
Currently unavailable
Orthofeet makes these as two different styles: the men’s Broadway is a leather dress shoe with a monk strap, and the women’s Celina is a leather Mary Jane with an adjustable strap.
- Supple leather upper; the men’s Broadway has a wide-opening monk strap and the women’s Celina has a pull-open strap, so both are easy to get on and off.
- Includes an orthotic insole with anatomical arch support and layered cushioning.
- A wide toe box gives the forefoot more room.
- Both styles are listed as true to size.
4
Strap Walking Shoes with Extra Depth
Drew Aaron - Men
Currently unavailable
Drew Delite - Women
Currently unavailable
The Drew Aaron (men’s) and Delite (women’s) are two different styles with soft leather and mesh uppers and strap closures; both have extra depth and removable footbeds that make room for orthotics.
- The uppers are soft and breathable leather and mesh.
- The Polyurethane outsole is lightweight and flexible.
- A tempered steel shank adds durability and excellent arch support.
- The removable polyurethane insoles allow you to use your own orthotics.
- The suede counter pocket will reduce the heel’s slippage, and the firm heel counter gives better rearfoot stability.
- A Dri-Lex Bamboo lining will wick away moisture and improve dryness.
- Available in many vibrant colors.
- Drew markets the Aaron as a diabetic-friendly walking shoe with extra depth, and both styles have two removable footbeds that make room for orthotics.
5
Strap and Slip-On Walking Shoes
Propet Stability X Strap - Men
Currently unavailable
Propet Travelactiv - Women
Currently unavailable
Propét sells these as two different styles: the men’s Stability X Strap closes with an adjustable hook-and-loop strap, and the women’s TravelActiv is a slip-on mesh sneaker.
- Men’s Stability X Strap: leather and synthetic upper, rubber sole and an Extra Volume insole system with removable insoles that make room for custom orthotics.
- Women’s TravelActiv: engineered mesh upper with a firm heel counter, a perforated EVA midsole with heel cushion and a flexible, removable footbed.
- Women’s TravelTek outsole combines EVA and rubber for wear and a deep tread for traction.
6
Open-Air Leather Sandal for Warm Days
Dr. Comfort Fisherman Chestnut - Men
Currently unavailable
Dr. Comfort Fisherman Black - Men
Currently unavailable
The Dr. Comfort Fisherman is a men’s diabetic sandal with a full-grain leather upper; the two links lead to its Chestnut and Black colorways.
- Full-grain leather upper with an open-air design that lets air move around the foot.
- An adjustable strap across the top lets you loosen or tighten the fit from day to day.
- Removable footbed with a gel insert, which you can swap for your own insert or custom orthotic.
- Men’s sizes 6 to 15 in medium, wide and extra-wide widths.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on the web, each with its own size range.
- Check the Product listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
7
Cushioned Lightweight Shoe for Everyday Wear
Skechers Arch Fit 3.0 - Men
Currently unavailable
Skechers Arch Fit 3.0 - Women
Currently unavailable
Skechers sells these as two different Arch Fit 3.0 styles: the men’s Thanton has stretch laces, and the women’s Easy Flow has a lace-up closure.
- Both use the Arch Fit insole system with podiatrist-designed arch support; the men’s insole is removable.
- Men’s Thanton: engineered mesh and synthetic upper with stretch laces, made from vegan materials.
- Women’s Easy Flow: lightweight textile and synthetic upper with a knit-like look and Air-Cooled cushioning, machine washable in cold water and air dried.
8
Mesh Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V15 - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V15 - Women
Currently unavailable
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V15 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for shoes for arthritic feet for more comfort.
- All-new Infinion technology delivers premium underfoot cushioning with enhanced energy return, designed for long-lasting performance run after run, a useful trait in shoes for arthritic feet for more comfort.
- Built with NDurance rubber in high-wear areas for increased durability, ensuring reliable traction and longevity through hundreds of miles, helpful on the surfaces you meet during running.
- Stylish molded mesh upper provides a breathable, supportive fit with a modern aesthetic that transitions easily from run to daily wear, a feature worth weighing when comparing shoes for arthritic feet for more comfort.
- Plush cushioned tongue and heel tab deliver added comfort and easy on-off convenience, reducing pressure points during long runs, which helps keep long stretches of running comfortable.
- All-new Infinion cushioning delivers long-lasting performance with enhanced cushioning and energy return, providing a plush yet responsive ride mile after mile.
- Built for daily road running with a balanced combination of soft cushioning and responsive energy return that runners have come to rely on in the 1080 series.
- Breathable Upper Design: lightweight, ventilated upper keeps your feet cool and dry during long runs, with a secure fit that moves naturally with your stride.
9
Supportive Cushioned Sneaker for Everyday Wear
Skechers Go Walk 8 - Men
Currently unavailable
Skechers Go Walk 8 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Skechers Go Walk 8 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this sneaker is worth a look for shoes for arthritic feet for more comfort.
- Lightweight, responsive ULTRA GO midsole cushioning, a useful trait in shoes for arthritic feet for more comfort.
- High-rebound ultra-lightweight Comfort Pillar Technology for added support, the kind of support many people look for in shoes for arthritic feet for more comfort.
- Skechers Air-Cooled Goga Mat breathable insole with high-rebound cushioning, a useful trait in shoes for arthritic feet for more comfort.
- Durable dual-density traction outsole for stability, the kind of support many people look for in shoes for arthritic feet for more comfort.
- Machine washable, air dry.
- The responsive ULTRA GO cushioned midsole keeps every step feeling light and springy, so whether you’re on a long walk or a full day of errands, your feet stay comfortable from start to finish.
- Crafted with 100% vegan materials and featuring multi-surface Flex Pillars traction, these sneakers are ready for walking, cross training, work, or whatever your day calls for.
10
Casual Sneakers for Everyday Wear
Clarks Higley Tie - Men
Currently unavailable
Clarks Un Adorn Zip - Women
Currently unavailable
Clarks sells these as two different styles: the men’s Higley Tie is a relaxed textile sneaker with laces, and the women’s Un Adorn Zip is a leather and suede sneaker with a zip closure.
- Women’s Un Adorn Zip: removable Ortholite footbed, EVA midsole, leather linings and a rubber outsole.
- Women’s style closes with a zipper and has a heel height of about 1.4 inches; the men’s Higley Tie has a low heel of about 0.6 inches.
- Men’s Higley Tie is a lightweight, laid-back summer sneaker in a floral textile.
- Both are casual styles, so compare their support with the walking shoes in this guide before you choose them for long walks.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on the web, each with its own size range.
- Check the Product listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
Index Table: Shoes for Arthritis
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Propet® - Wide-Width Walking Shoe for Arthritis |  |  |
| Propet |
| 2 | Brooks® - Supportive Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| Brooks |
| 3 | Orthofeet® - Extra-Depth Strap Dress Shoes |  |  |
| Orthofeet |
| 4 | Drew® - Strap Walking Shoes with Extra Depth |  |  |
| Drew |
| 5 | Propet® - Strap and Slip-On Walking Shoes |  |  |
| Propet |
| 6 | Dr. Comfort® - Open-Air Leather Sandal for Warm Days |  |  |
| Dr. Comfort |
| 7 | Skechers® - Cushioned Lightweight Shoe for Everyday Wear |  |  |
| Skechers |
| 8 | New Balance® - Mesh Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 9 | Skechers® - Supportive Cushioned Sneaker for Everyday Wear |  |  |
| Skechers |
| 10 | Clarks® - Casual Sneakers for Everyday Wear |  |  |
| Clarks |
Sources
General background on foot health and footwear. This is not medical advice; see a doctor or podiatrist about foot pain or a foot condition.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo): Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle
- Arthritis Foundation: A Guide to the Best Shoes for Arthritis
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo): Athletic Shoes
Update History
- Oct 2026: Updated the Sources list
- Oct 2026: Updated Brooks Dyad 11 to a current in-stock listing
- Oct 2026: Updated Skechers Summits to Skechers Arch Fit 3.0
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 880V11 to New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V15
- Oct 2026: Updated Skechers Performance Go Walk to Skechers Go Walk 8
- Oct 2026: Updated Clarks Un-Adorn to Clarks Un Adorn Zip
- Oct 2026: Renamed Dr. Comfort Cindee to Dr. Comfort Fisherman to match the current Product listing
- Oct 2026: Removed SoftWalk Taft, Drew Slides, Drew Shoes Olympia, Orthofeet Coral, Asics Gel Pulse 12 and Orthofeet Athens (unavailable)
- Jul 2021: Added Asics Gel Pulse 12
- Jun 2021: Added Propet Stability Walker, Drew Delite, Propet Travelactiv, Orthofeet Athens, New Balance 880V11 and Skechers Performance Go Walk
- Sep 2020: Added Brooks Dyad 11
- Aug 2020: Added Clarks Un-Adorn
- Jan 2020: Added Drew Slides, Drew Shoes Olympia and Skechers Summits
- Apr 2019: Added Orthofeet Coral and Dr. Comfort Cindee
- Aug 2018: Added Orthofeet Celina
- Apr 2018: Added SoftWalk Taft
- Sep 2016: First published
Views: 27
Do arthritis shoes need to be changed? I mean how long do they serve?
Hi, I would change them as soon as they become worn out, and no longer provide a good fit or support.