When you get older, you are at a higher risk of developing Arthritis.
Arthritis is a general term used for a group of over 100 conditions.
Osteoarthritis (the most common Arthritis) is caused by wear and tear and can result in pain and swelling as well as deformities that affect your feet and ankles.[1]
Arthritis’s best shoes are the ones that have a low heel with a wide toe box, rubber sole, and some stability features in them.
Wearing this type of shoe can ease pressure on arthritic feet and help ease symptoms that are already present.
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.
Why do you Need Specific Shoes for Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation and swelling in and around your body’s joints and surrounding soft tissue.[2]
The inflammation caused by arthritis can result in pain and stiffness in your body’s joints; Osteoarthritis is inflammation causing pain and stiffness in your foot and ankle joints mostly.[3]
- Stiffness in The Joints – One of the main characteristics of arthritis is stiffness in the joints, which may occur in your feet, knees, and ankles. Arthritis’s proper shoe will enable you to move and function throughout this issue comfortably and with less damaging effects.
- Pain and Inflammation – Arthritic feet may be painful, and you may have inflamed joints in the feet, knees, and ankles, which can significantly be soothed by a comfortable and cushioned shoe. The cushioning in most shoes for Arthritic feet reduces shock and impact on painful joints, which can help reduce overall pain.
- Foot Deformities – Arthritis in the feet may lead to foot deformities such as Bunions, Calluses, and hammertoes, which can cause pain and discomfort. An arthritic shoe with a wider toe box or a more flexible and accommodating design will reduce pressure and friction in these painful areas.[4] Some of the best shoes for swollen feet can also help in this case.
How Arthritis Affect your Feet and Ankles
When you stand, walk, or run, your feet and ankles provide support, shock absorption, balance, and many other functions required for motion.
You have many bones and joints in your feet and ankles that allow for a wide range of movements; these bones are also covered with a slippery substance called articular cartilage, allowing them to slide smoothly over each other with movement.
Ligaments, muscles, and tendons all keep your joints and bones in place.
Arthritis damage and slow deterioration are caused to the cartilage, joints, and soft tissue in your feet.
This damage, in turn, can severely inhibit the functions that all these parts need to perform, which in the end, can make walking, standing, and running very painful, as well as limit your motion functionality.
Features of a Good Shoe for Arthritic Feet
- No Heels – Heels may look stunning, but they are not good for your feet in any scenario, particularly pointy heels.
- No Pointy Shoes – Tight flats can cause just as much damage because they do not provide any support or shock absorption. Also, stay clear of shoes with pointy and narrow toes because they can create conditions such as hammertoe.
- Low and comfortable heels – are the way to go; make sure that the heel is thick and the shoe has a natural angle when you put your foot into it.
- Rubber Sole – This is an excellent feature to look for because they provide shock absorption and prevent you from slipping.
- Wider Toe Box – Giving your feet plenty of movement space is also ideal for the right shoe for arthritis.
- Stability Shoes – They are well cushioned and perfect the foot from rolling inward and absorbing shock. Stability shoes are fantastic for people with arthritis in their hips, feet, and ankles but should be avoided by individuals with arthritis of the knee.
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 | Nubuck | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Removable |
| 5 | Propet Travelactiv / Stability (men's) | Walking Shoe | Mesh | Slip-on | EVA | Rubber | Removable |
| 6 | Dr. Comfort Fisherman / Chestnut (men's) | Sandal | Leather | Strap | Not stated | Not stated | Removable |
| 7 | Skechers Arch Fit 3.0 | Not stated | Knit | Lace-up | Arch Fit | Not stated | Not stated |
| 8 | New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V15 | Running Shoe | Mesh | Not stated | Fresh Foam X | 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 | Suede | Zipper | EVA | Rubber | Not stated |
– = not stated on the Amazon listing. Specs as stated by the listing, not tested by us; check the listing before you buy.
Reviews: Best Shoes for Arthritis
Here are a few selections of shoes that will provide you with the best comfort and support if you have arthritis;
We hope you love the products we recommend!
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1
Wide-Width Walking Shoe for Arthritis
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
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. Why? So it can help protect you by reducing impact on your joints, a useful trait in shoes for arthritic feet for more comfort.
- Sometimes you need a little extra room to move around in. So if you need a roomier shoe because of flat or voluminous feet, your search is over, the kind of support many people look for in 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 Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
3
Orthopedic Arthritis Shoes
You cannot go wrong with the Orthofeet Celina or Broadway if you suffer from foot, arthritis, or even diabetes. This shoe offers optimal support and comfort and eases discomfort and pressure related to any foot condition.
- Non-Binding full-grain leather uppers with a soft and smooth fabric lining and foam padding ease pressure points and improve comfort and protection for people with rheumatoid arthritis and sensitive feet.
- An extra depth design and roomy toe box to ease pressure on hammertoes and bunions.
- A multi-layered, removable orthotic insole with anatomical arch support and a gel-padded heel seat to reduce pain related to many foot conditions and symptoms of arthritis.
- A natural gait and lightweight, a cushioning midsole with Ergonomic-Stride technology to soften each step, facilitate foot movement, and reduce stress on the feet and joints.
- Available in Wide and Extra-Wide options.
- It is precisely engineered to reduce pain and symptoms related to arthritis, pronation, Plantar Fascitis, Neuroma, Bunions, corn, Hammertoes, and sensitive feet.
- Available in black and eggshell white colors.
4
Mary Jane for Arthritis and Wide Feet
Soft and supple leather and mesh mix in the Delite and Aaron from Drew will give you barefoot freedom. The Velcro straps give you the best possible fit and also a touch of contemporary charm.
- 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.
- This shoe is designed particularly for those who have Diabetes, Neuropathy, Arthritis, Sensitive, and Wide feet.
5
Slip On Walking Shoe for Arthritis
An easy slip-on and walking shoe with a flexible and breathable design for comfort and support.
- Fabric uppers that are light, breathable, and flexible to accommodate arthritic feet.
- A removable cushioned insole for comfort and versatility.
- The rubber outsole is Lightweight and Flexible.
6
Arthritis Heeled Dress Shoe
The Dr. Comfort Chestnut (men’s) and Fisherman (women’s) are matching sandals from Dr. Comfort, and both are worth a look for shoes for arthritic feet for more comfort.
- Full-Grain Leather Construction For Durable, Breathable Wear: Crafted in full-grain leather, the Fisherman is soft, durable, and breathable, helping keep feet comfortable across indoor and outdoor activities and casual events throughout the day.
- Adjustable Contact Closure For A Personalized Fit: An adjustable strap on top of the sandal allows for a more personalized fit, making it easy to accommodate feet that feel swollen or achy while keeping the sandal secure.
- This adaptability supports a more consistent, comfortable fit no matter the day’s activity level, a feature worth weighing when comparing shoes for arthritic feet for more comfort.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon 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
The Skechers Arch Fit 3.0 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this shoe is worth a look for shoes for arthritic feet for more comfort.
- Machine washable in cold water. Air dry only — do not tumble dry — to maintain the shape, integrity, and longevity of the shoe.
- Textile and synthetic blend, delivering a breathable, lightweight upper with a smooth, streamlined knit-like appearance that moves naturally with the foot, which helps feet stay comfortable through everyday wear.
- Lace-up closure for a secure, adjustable fit i, worth noting if fit is a priority for shoes for arthritic feet for more comfort.
- Engineered mesh and synthetic upper with stretch laces offers optimal ventilation and flexibility, so it is easier to get a secure, comfortable fit for everyday wear.
- Helps mold to your foot to reduce shock and increase weight dispersion, a useful trait in shoes for arthritic feet for more comfort.
- Crafted with 100% vegan materials.
8
Mesh Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles
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
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
Leather Sneaker for Everyday Wear
The Clarks Higley Tie (men’s) and Un Adorn Zip (women’s) are matching sneakers from Clarks, and both are worth a look for shoes for arthritic feet for more comfort.
- Removable Ortholite footbed, EVA midsole, Full grain leather linings, Durable Rubber outsole, a useful trait in shoes for arthritic feet for more comfort.
- Premium leather and suede.
- The next best thing to barefoot-wear this summer, Clarks Collection Higley Tie is the brand’s ultimate relaxed casual shoe.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon 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: Top Rated 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® - Orthopedic Arthritis Shoes |  |  |
| Orthofeet |
| 4 | Drew® - Mary Jane for Arthritis and Wide Feet |  |  |
| Drew |
| 5 | Propet® - Slip On Walking Shoe for Arthritis |  |  |
| Propet |
| 6 | Dr. Comfort® - Arthritis Heeled Dress Shoe |  |  |
| 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® - Leather Sneaker 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.
- NHS: Osteoarthritis
- NHS: Rheumatoid arthritis
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo): Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo): Athletic Shoes
Update History
- 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 Amazon 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: 25
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.