Best Shoes for Varicose Veins

If you have varicose veins, you may also be familiar with the painful and heavy feeling they can cause in your legs.[1]

Varicose veins may worsen over time if not treated properly, so getting the best shoes for varicose veins and using the proper treatments is essential.

In these articles, we look at shoes to choose from and avoid regarding varicose veins.
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.



What Types of Shoes are Ideal for Varicose Veins

You will generally see that low-heeled shoes are always advised for varicose veins because they help blood flow more easily through your veins and legs.

High heels should be avoided when you have varicose veins, especially on your feet, for long periods.

Your shoes’ fit is also important, as shoes that pinch and squeeze will also cause circulation problems, leading to varicose veins.


Some Tips for Managing Varicose Veins

There are a few tips I can give to help you select the best shoes for varicose veins and to treat them;

  • Shoe Features for Varicose Veins – As we have already confirmed, it is best to steer away from heeled shoes when you have varicose veins. A shoe with good cushioning and support and a tighter heel or padded heel collar that can strengthen your calves when walking or running is ideal.
  • Exercising – Light exercises can improve blood flow and may help with varicose veins.
  • Sitting and Standing – Sitting and standing for very long periods are both large culprits in causing and worsening varicose veins. Could you move around to regain blood between sitting and standing?
  • Compression Socks – Compression socks are another good way to support blood circulation and may help with varicose veins.[2]

Features of a Good Shoe for Varicose Veins

Skechers

  • Low Heels – Look for a low heel or uniform sole that will help to strengthen your calf muscles. Please be sure to stay clear of any high and pointy heels.
  • Heel Fit – Look for a smaller and more tight or padded heel collar and fit to help you strengthen your calf muscles, which may help with varicose veins.
  • Support – Good support, such as arch support and light stability features in a shoe, will help lower the risk of injuries and keep your feet comfortable and supported when it comes to painful varicose veins. Proper stability and arch support help to evenly disperse weight in your feet, helping reduce pressure on specified areas and your legs, which may improve blood flow in your legs and feet.
  • Cushioning – Good cushioning protects your feet against hard impacts that can lead to varicose veins and cause pain in existing varicose veins. Walking and running can also affect your joints and impede blood flow, leading to varicose veins.

Key Specs Compared

Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).

Key specs of the 8 shoes reviewed below
No.ShoeTypeUpperClosureCushioning (as listed)
1Skechers Go Walk 5 HonorSlip-On SneakerMeshSlip-onULTRA GO
2Dr Martens Mary janeFlatLeatherNot statedNot stated
3Hot Chocolate Design Chocolaticas Red WineFlatNot statedBuckleNot stated
4New Balance W1080 Version 10Running ShoeNot statedNot statedNot stated
5Clarks Laurieann VineSandalLeatherNot statedNot stated
6ASICS GT-2000 15Running ShoeNot statedNot statedPureGEL
7Skechers Go walk Slip OnSneakerKnitSlip-onUltra GO
8Dr. Scholls SheenaSandalNot statedHook-and-loopNot stated

– = not stated on the Amazon listing. Specs as stated by the listing, not tested by us; check the listing before you buy.

Reviews: The Best Shoes for Varicose Veins

Here we have a list of some shoe brands and models that provide excellent support and comfort for varicose veins;
We hope you love the products we recommend!
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1

The Skechers Go Walk Slip-on model is a comfortable and feminine-looking shoe with all the features you need for varicose veins.

  • The Skechers Walk 5 is the latest model in this slip-on walking shoe range.
  • They are available in plenty of color options to suit your fashion requirements.
  • The Air Cooled Goga Mat cushioned insole and lightweight dual-density Ultra Go outsole with Pillar technology provide plenty of support and cushioning for varicose veins.
  • The uppers are light and breezy, soft, heathered mesh.
  • You can also machine wash these shoes, and they dry very quickly.


2

A basic, comfortable design with a uniform flat sole and light padding is perfect for varicose veins.

  • The Mary Jane Designs from Dr. Martens are the toughest shoes you will own, with low heels perfect for varicose veins.
  • They are classy, feminine, and a great option for everyday wear.
  • The low-solid sole is very durable and offers excellent grip and support.
  • Inside is a lightly padded insole.
  • The uppers are genuine leather.
  • These shoes do require some break-in time, though.


3
The Hot Chocolate Design Chocolaticas Red Wine is a cushioned adjustable flat, made for everyday wear, and it is worth a look for shoes for varicose veins.
  • Cushioned inner sole for maximum comfort, a useful trait in shoes for varicose veins.
  • 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.


4
The New Balance W1080 Version 10 is a running shoe, made for daily miles, and it is worth a look for shoes for varicose veins.
  • 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.


5
The Clarks Laurieann Vine is a cushioned leather sandal, made for warm days, and it is worth a look for shoes for varicose veins.
  • Heel Height: 1.37 inches.
  • Ultimate Comfort foam footbed offers supreme lasting cushioning, which helps keep long stretches of everyday wear comfortable.
  • 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.


6
The ASICS GT-2000 15 is a supportive cushioned running shoe, made for daily miles, and it is worth a look for shoes for varicose veins.
  • Engineered woven upper: a lightweight, woven material that reduces the need for additional overlays, so the shoe does not feel heavy during running.
  • Trampoline outsole pod: the brand’s outsole and midsole design that captures more energy return for an enhanced foam bouncing effect during toe-off, a useful trait in shoes for varicose veins.
  • Adaptive, on-demand stability system achieved through platform geometry and controlled deformation, the kind of support many people look for in shoes for varicose veins.
  • Rearfoot PureGEL technology: softer, updated version of the brand’s GEL technology that maintains the acclaimed properties that have made GEL technology famous. Approximately 65% softer vs standard GEL technology.
  • FF BLAST MAX cushioning: one of the brand’s most energetic midsole foams that’s complemented with cloud-like softness and a responsive energy return in each step, which helps keep long stretches of running comfortable.
  • 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

  • The Skechers Walk 5 is a comfortable walking shoe for varicose veins.
  • It is well-cushioned and supportive.
  • The uppers are lightweight and breathable.
  • There are also more colors available.


8

  • The Dr. Scholls sandal is a dressy style for varicose veins.
  • It has a cushioned footbed with an anatomically contoured insole.
  • There is a slight wedge heel.
  • There are also more colors available.


Index Table: Top Rated Shoes for Varicose Veins


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.

  1. MedlinePlus (NIH): Varicose Veins
  2. NHS: Varicose veins

Update History

  • Oct 2026: Updated Hot Chocolate Chocolaticas to Hot Chocolate Design Chocolaticas Red Wine
  • Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 680V7 to New Balance W1080 Version 10
  • Oct 2026: Updated Clarks Arla Elin to Clarks Laurieann Vine
  • Oct 2026: Updated Asics Gel Nimbus 27 to ASICS GT-2000 15
  • Oct 2026: Removed Luoika Flat and Vionic Jacey (unavailable)
  • May 2025: Added Asics Gel Nimbus 27
  • Feb 2022: Added Skechers Go walk Slip On, Vionic Jacey and Dr. Scholls Sheena
  • Jul 2021: Added Luoika Flat and New Balance 680V7
  • Nov 2020: First published

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About the Author

Eliza Ward

Eliza Ward is a writer, nature lover and full-time mother of three, based in South Africa. She writes Best Shoes Women's guides to women's shoes, sandals, slippers and insoles. She researches each product from manufacturer information, sizing and width options and patterns in buyer reviews, and explains the trade-offs in plain language. She is not a medical professional and does not test products hands-on. How we research products.