The 10 Best Shoes for Arthritic Feet of 2022

Arthritis is a common foot condition that is faced by about 350 million people globally; you’re certainly not alone.

These best shoes for arthritic feet are crucial to help you protect your feet, and also to alleviate your pain.

You know how your feet are. You know exactly where they hurt, and you know the type of shoes recommended by the podiatrist or chiropractor.

Even at that, you still discover that trying to find the perfect pair for your feet can be a challenging process.

We have narrowed down the gazillion options you are going to encounter in your quest to find your perfect pair.

They are all light, flexible, and would help alleviate your arthritic problem.

Best Shoes for Arthritic Feet

1. Orthofeet Coral Gray Stretchable Women’s Athletic Shoes

The orthofeet coral shoe is engineered to provide ultimate comfort and alleviate stress on the joints.

A contoured insole with gel padded heel-seat and anatomical arch support offers comfort and support to individuals suffering from arthritic conditions. These features alleviate the pain experienced in the feet, heels, knees, hips, and lower back.

The uppers and sole are both lightweight. The synthetic upper support the ankles while the lightweight sole adds some gait to your step. The sole also provides air cushioning and lighten your movement while the ergonomic-stride design ensures the stability of the foot.

The wide toe area is roomy and allows your toes room to stretch. It also helps facilitate more comfortable foot motion, enhances stability, and ensures that the arthritic joints are not further stressed. If your feet are sensitive, you will definitely feel at ease in this shoe.

The well-padded interior foam provides extra comfort and support.

Pros

• Suitable for a variety of foot challenges
• Contoured insole ensures comfort
• Provides excellent arch support
• Gel padded heel-seat for more comfortable foot motion
• Ergonomic-stride design ensures stability
• Roomy wide toe area

Cons

• Fairly expensive

If you had recent leg surgeries or foot conditions and you need a shoe after surgery that will alleviate your pain, protect your foot and provide maximum comfort and support, you will definitely feel relieved when wearing the orthofeet coral shoe.

2. Dr. Comfort Refresh Women’s Therapeutic Diabetic Extra Depth Shoe

The Refresh women’s athletic shoe is both stylish and super-lightweight with all the support and comfort features essential for women who suffer arthritis and other foot conditions.

This sophisticated shoe is made from a combination of a soft leather/mesh with a seamless and padded lining that ensures comfort.

The Refresh is designed with a unique arch stabilizer that provides your feet with extra support and cushion. It also features a soft, breathable material, which is light, flexible and keeps the feet cool and dry.

It also features an easy-to-adjust elastic lace closure for a precise and secure fit.

Pros

• It is both lightweight and durable
• Unique arch support
• Comfortable, soft and breathable leather/mesh upper
• Seamless interior padding
• Durable outsole provides good traction

Cons

• Not the best design
• Sizes run narrow
• Toe box not wide enough for some

If you need a high-performance, chiropractors’ and podiatrists’ recommended athletic shoe that provides enough stamina and comfort to your arthritic feet, the Refresh women’s athletic shoe may just be the right pair for you.

3. Orthofeet Serene Tan Women’s T-strap Shoes

If you are in the market for a pair of lightweight, comfortable, spacious, and casual style shoe, then the Orthofeet Serene shoes may be the best bet for you.

It was designed specifically for women with flat feet and other foot conditions such as bunions, hammertoe, and other painful symptoms in your feet.

The Orthofeet Serene is known to enhance comfort, support, and alleviating the pain caused by walking or standing too much. The orthotic support provided by the insole is attributed to its anatomical arch support, while the quality cushioning pads is the nemesis to your fatigue and foot pain.

Its T-strap feature provides a unique style and all-round comfort. Its extra-wide toe box provides enough room for toe movement while the extra depth ensures a comfortable fit and prevents pain caused by bunions and hammertoes.

The ortho-cushioning system makes them lightweight and adds some gait to your steps.

Overall, the shoe provides excellent stability while its seam-free interior combined with foam cushioning ensures a perfect fit by eliminating pressure points.

Pros

• All Day anatomical arch support
• Wide toe box provides enough room for toe movement
• Ortho-cushioning system makes them lightweight
• The seam-free interior lining ensures the perfect fit
• Foam cushioning eliminates pressure points
• Removable insoles
• Flexible, breathable upper design
• Comfortable and provides excellent stability
• Stylish shock absorbing and durable outsole ensures a good grip
• Extra-depth alleviates foot conditions

Cons

• Easily collects dirt

Orthofeet Orthopedic Arthritis Diabetic Serene Women’s T-Strap Shoes provides a great deal of comfort and protection for individuals with sensitive feet as well as other foot conditions.

4. Gravity Defyer Proven Pain Relief Women’s G-Defy Ion Athletic Shoes

Another great offering is the Gravity Defyer Men’s Shoe which features everything that you need to alleviate your arthritic pain with all its vast features, including its brilliantly engineered insoles and orthopedic inserts.

It is one of the best shoes for women who are willing to take the first step towards experiencing everyday comfort.

The shoe features enough protection and support to help users walk for long hours without pain. It also enhances fast-paced activities by absorbing the impact and returning the energy to your body.

The omega VersoShock feature adds quality cushioning to your feet, helps your gait, and improves your foot condition.

The synthetic and breathable mesh upper keeps the feet fresh. In fact, the G-Defy Ion model looks similar to most sneakers regarding its design, use of fabrics, and low-rise shape but with a medical purpose.

There is a variety of colors to choose from, so women with arthritis aren’t stuck with few options.

Pros

• Soft padded collar ensures long-lasting comfort
• Thick and supportive sole with extensive cushioning for long periods of standing
• Lightweight
• Breathable upper material keeps the feet dry and active all-day
• Removable Insoles paves the way for Custom Orthotic Inserts

Cons

• Not the most affordable
• Takes time to break-in
• Not the best insoles

5. Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 2 Walking Shoe

The Devotion Plus 2 is a reliable solution for foot conditions like arthritis. It boasts of a comfortable, lightweight, and supportive build.

The high arch provides friendly support and is perfect for your foot and joint health. The toe and footbed are appropriately designed to support your knees and hips.

The Devotion Plus 2 also features a cushioned collar and tongue that ensures comfort and prevents uncomfortable rubbing while you’re taking a walk around.

The lace-up design of the Devotion Plus 2 makes it a great and convenient pair for everyday use with a mesh design that provides airflow for hours.

Pros

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Shoe fits perfectly
• Provides friendly and adequate arch support

Cons

• Inferior material wears out over time
• Not the best for trail running

If you have high arches, the Devotion Plus 2 may be the right pair for you; however, buyers are disgruntled by its substandard materials.

6. Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes

Brooks Addiction Walker is one of the few professional podiatrists’ and chiropractors’ most recommended shoes for individuals with arthritic conditions.

This shoe provides comfort and supports a lot more than ordinary shoes because they have been constructed to adjust for flat feet and to enhance stability while walking.

This casual but contemporary leather shoe features an MC pod construction and a greatly treaded outsole which ensures that you’re perfectly balanced and gives you traction for polished floors and wet surfaces.

Its high-quality padding and cushion eliminates pressure and keeps you comfortable while the midsoles absorb shock and return energy, making walking easier for men with foot aches.

Pros

• Superb shock absorption
• Well-balanced with non-slip outsoles
• High-quality tread provides excellent traction
• It is both lightweight and durable
• Podiatrists’ and chiropractors’ recommended
• Casual yet contemporary design
• Maximum support for Low Arches
• Energy-returning and shock absorbing midsole

Cons

• The toe box runs narrow
• Not the most affordable

Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker is an excellent choice for anyone with low arches. These pairs of comfortable and supportive walking shoes don’t come cheap.

Nonetheless, the cost is totally worth it considering its superior fit with plenty of cushioning, which is perfect for arthritic feet.

7. Nike Men’s Air Monarch Iv Cross Trainer

If you won’t let arthritis ruin your plans to run through the woods or take a stroll, then the Nike Men’s Air Monarch is the right fit for you.

Nike is one of the top manufacturers of quality sports shoes and has incorporated a lot of technology into the Men’s Air Monarch Iv Cross Trainer to provide users with extra comfort, cushioning, support and gait that cannot be found in other popular brands.

This athletic shoe for men is lightweight, durable, and comfortable, and hence it is ideal for sporting activities. The rubber sole provides a lot of traction and is made from both synthetic and leather material which makes the Nike men’s Air Monarch very durable.

The wide width makes them comfortable, and the design is versatile, super comfortable design and doesn’t compromise on its durability at all.

The solid rubber outsole can cope with a variety of surfaces without worsening your arthritic pain while the leather upper keeps your feet dry in hot weather with its perforations in areas prone to sweat buildup.

Pros

• Lightweight and comfortable for extended use
• Solid rubber outsole provides excellent traction
• Durable and supportive upper material
• Airflow from perforations keep the feet dry
• Affordable pricing
• Runs true to size
• A variety of width options
• Stylish and classy designs
• A great choice for men with wide feet

Cons

• The midsole start to make a squeaky noise after a period of use
• The outsole starts to peel off after a few weeks of use
• Not the most breathable
• Laces are not very long

The Nike Air Monarch IV accommodates various foot types and is popular amongst folks for its versatility for regular activities and for the comfort it provides. However, the squeaky noise that the shoe does overtime is a turn off for some buyers.

Overall, the product offers a good bang for the buck.

8. ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe

An ideal choice for individuals dealing with arthritic pain – The Asics Gel Venture brings to the table tons of support and traction for the best walking or running experience. This shoe delivers top-notch comfort and remarkably reduces your arthritis and joint pains.

The Gel-Venture 6 features an advanced upper and midsole. The upper consists of a durable mesh upper that provides better ventilation.

The Gel technology midsole absorb shock and provide a quality and comfortable soft cushioning. This ensures your heel and toes do not suffer from pain while walking.

The outsole is designed to provide good traction and stability.

All the attributes you need for better performance and protection are factored into this shoe.

Pros

• Durable mesh upper that provides better ventilation
• Affordable pricing
• Tons of support and excellent traction
• Extra reinforcement
• Rubber Sole
• Gel-infused midsole absorb shock and provide cushioning
• Highly durable
• Removable sock liner

Cons

• On the heavy side
• Sizes run narrow
• Limited responsiveness

The ASICS GEL-Venture 6 shoe is not lightweight, but the unique features contribute to the overall durability and protection of the shoe. It is also an affordable option for buyers who have a limited budget. It is a dependable option, and you should consider it.

9. New Balance Women’s W1540V2 Running Shoe

New Balance is popular amongst full-time athletes’ due to the superior technology of their products and the unrivaled comfort it provides during intensive workouts in the gym or outdoors.

The New Balance W1540V2 doesn’t disappoint; it boasts of plenty of soft padding on the interior walls, collar, and the tongue which collectively provide more comfort. The foam midsole absorbs the shock and ensures safety while walking or running on rough terrain.

Also, the upper, synthetic material is stretchy with a mesh design that allows for breathability. This attribute makes it perfect for ladies suffering from pain in the toe area or bunions.

The heel region comes with a roller system that makes your feet comfortable while the durable synthetic sole bears quality treads that guarantee stability while.

These technologies reduce rear-foot movement when walking or running, consequently helping your foot condition.

Pros

• Provides superb foot/rear foot stability
• Mesh design that allows ventilation
• Comfortable and absorbs shock
• Removable Insoles
• Double Foam features in the midsole
• Flexible upper
• Verified by Medicare

Cons

• Not the most stylish

The New Balance W1540V2 features foam midsoles and lots of soft padding that will absorb shock when walking or running.

This high-end motion control sneaker is designed with athletes in mind, and you can take advantage of its superior technology to get the best possible results.

10. Skechers Men’s Afterburn Memory-Foam Lace-up Sneaker

Skechers Men’s afterburn is one of the best lace-up sneakers that offer excellent stability, comfort, support, and protection that you require for your foot condition.

The memory foam insole of the shoe takes the shape of your feet and ensures maximum comfort and support during long walks. The lace-up ensures a more secure fit, your heels and arches will definitely be grateful.

The padded collar and supportive overlays provide support and cushioning to relieve your arthritic pain.

For more comfort, the mesh uppers ensure sufficient airflow and ventilation to keep your feet comfortable, fresh, and dry.

The Skechers Afterburn is designed and constructed with both leather and synthetic materials, which ensures its durability and ruggedness. The supportive design keeps your arch in shape, relaxes your feet, and improves your posture.

It also features a cushioned midsole with a padded heel for shock absorption as well as a non-slip flexible rubber outsole that provides excellent traction and ensures superb all-day comfort to your feet.

Pros

• Attractive design with Great performance
• Mesh uppers ensure sufficient airflow and ventilation
• Provides excellent support and shock absorption
• Rubber outsole provides good grip and superb traction
• Made with high-quality materials

Cons

• Not the most lightweight option
• Sizing issues
• Memory foam insert wears out over time

When you consider the Skechers Men’s afterburn’s style, build quality, and exceptional comfort for your artistic feet, you can rest assured that you will get a good bang for your buck.

Different Types of Arthritis

There are over 100 forms of arthritis. The most popular types include rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Osteoarthritis (OA), fibromyalgia psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and Gout. And they all cause debilitating pain in different ways.

While some types may be genetic, other factors for developing arthritis include gender, age obesity, and a previous joint injury.

To find the best management and treatment strategies, it’s essential to know the type of arthritis you have.

Here are the most popular types of arthritis and their differences.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA is actually a type of autoimmune disorder.

Typically, the immune system protects you from bacteria, viruses, and other invaders, but when you have Rheumatoid Arthritis, your joints and healthy tissues are attacked by its own immune system.

It targets the lining of the joints (the synovium ) —which, in turn, causes inflammation on the joint that is supposed to protect and lubricate. Over time, the persistent inflammation damages the joint, causing swelling and pain, especially in the heels, knuckles, or elbows.

Some common symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis include; stiffness, joint pain, skin lumps, sleep difficulties, warmth, burning, numbness, dry mouth, eyes, and tingling in your feet and hands.

Osteoarthritis

OA often called degenerative arthritis and the “wear and tear” arthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis.

It causes the joint’s protective cartilage to break down, causing the bone to grind directly against another bone, leading to stiffness and debilitating pain.

Osteoarthritis generally affects the knees, spine, hips, and feet. An infection or injury can prompt it, and they evolve over the years.

Some symptoms of Osteoarthritis include; joint soreness, stiffness, increasing disability, and lack of coordination.

Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)

The cause of PsA is not entirely clear, but experts say it’s also an autoimmune disorder like rheumatic arthritis.

Your immune system attacks your body, causing swelling and pain in the joints.

The significant difference from rheumatic arthritis is that psoriatic arthritis affects the skin also.

Some symptoms of PsA include pain, swelling in fingers and toes, skin rashes, redness in the joints, eye problems, nail changes, and fatigue.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is central pain syndrome. The brain and spine process pain signals from your joints and muscles differently and in a manner that amplifies your sensitivity of the pain.

Fibromyalgia is identified by widespread pain which often comes and goes. Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include; fatigue, mood troubles, sleep problems, and inability to concentrate.

Gout

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in your joints.

Excess uric acid in your blood put you at risk of developing Gout.

Gout can be painful over time; you can go to bed and wake up with severe pain. It usually attacks the joint at your big toe and other joints.

Some symptoms of Gout include; swelling, redness, and intense pain in your feet, ankles, knees, wrists, toes, and hands.

Lupus

Lupus is another autoimmune inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of your body, and this includes; the joints, tissues, skin, blood, lungs, kidneys, brain, and other organs.

It can also cause swelling, joint pain, hair loss, chest pain, fatigue, fever, rash sensitivity to light, and kidney issues.

There are several types of arthritis, so it’s essential to see your doctor first if you’re experiencing any stiffness or pain.

What to Look before Buying Shoes for Arthritic Feet

You can actually order anything if you don’t have any foot conditions, but experiencing pain in your feet, it might just be an indicator for rheumatoid arthritis. The consequences of that are unpleasant, and you cannot afford to let things go wrong.

Here are some tips to keep in mind while buying the best arthritic feet shoe.

Support

Support is significant for any individual with arthritic feet or any other foot condition. The sole may be the most protective, but it doesn’t count much when compared to superb arch support. A shoe with good arch support will provide quality shock absorption and still protect your joints. It’s important to remember that shoes that come with removable insoles are preferred because it allows you to use custom versions.

Soles

The quality and build of your sole can make walking harder or easier.

Rubber soles are mostly recommended because of their cushioning feature and better flexibility. They also allow the sole flexes to return energy at the ball of your feet for a natural rebound when walking.

The right type of material

The common materials you encounter in your search include; leather, suede, canvas, and other synthetic varieties.

However, the best shoe for arthritic feet will be made out of soft and flexible upper – mesh, canvas, or knit that allows maximum movement without rubbing, constricting, or pinching your feet.

Yes, leather is cool, but if it’s inflexible, it will require time to break in.

The bottom line is to for materials that are soft, flexible, and breathable.

It’s crucial to check on padding also. The collar, tongue, and all the sides need the right amount of padding because it ensures that you do not rub your feet wrongly, especially if you’re suffering arthritis.

A quick reminder; order your size in 1 or ½ size up. That way, you will have more breathing room.

Ease of Use

It is imperative to consider how difficult or easy it can be to wear your pair of shoes. As an arthritic patient, limited range mobility is a possibility. Some people find tight laces very difficult, however, hook-and-loop closures are a good option.

Heel

Avoid high heels! No matter how attractive or cheap or attractive, the shoe is, drop it like it’s hot if the heel is high. We can’t stress that enough.

Podiatrists caution that individuals, (without any foot conditions) who wear high heels daily and for over three hours on those occasions have a more significant chance of developing back pain, foot pain, and other joint problems later in life compared to people who wear flats.

Heels measuring over 1½ inch put pressure on the balls of your feet, shortens your Achilles, bends the foot joints and distributes your weight unnaturally, bringing your hips, lower back, and knees out of alignment. With time, your joints will start to develop an issue. With an appropriate shoe, you can alleviate the lower back pain, Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, and other foot bad conditions.

Ensure to buy shoes with great arch support and the right heel-to-toe drop.

Toe Box

If you have arthritic feet or bunions, never buy a shoe pair with a narrow toe box even if it is advertised as the best shoe for arthritis. Your situation will worsen if your toes get cramped.

Some of the options above have a deeper and wider toe box to create more breathing room.

Mid Sole

A right pair for arthritic feet will have well balanced, grippy, durable, outsoles that provide traction on all surfaces. They will also feature a cushioned midsole that provides superb shock absorption and enough support for your foot type, as well as, a well-cushioned insole to ensure all-day comfort to your feet.

The most important is the midsole because it ensures that the balls of your hips, knees, your heels, ankles, and feet do not suffer much stress when exercising or walking.

The perfect midsole will be light, aligned correctly, and made out of soft, breathable, flexible, and durable EVA foam.

This lowers pressure that is put on the wrong sides of the feet and provides the right amount of softness to reduce the stress on your joints, ankles, knees, and heels.

Running and athletic shoes are the best choice for arthritic feet. They are weight-conscious all the time.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

We will try to answer some of the popular questions asked by other buyers who have gone or are going through this process of finding the ideal shoe.

Q. What other conditions does a shoe for arthritic feet help to alleviate?

A. Shoes for arthritic feet are extremely spacious and comfortable. Therefore, they will also work for individuals with back pain, bad knees, diabetic feet, bunions, plantar fasciitis, pronation, and heel pain.

Q. Are flip-flops or slippers recommended for someone suffering arthritis?

A. Some slippers may be okay; Flip-flops can reduce stress on the knees and also come to your aid the close of work when you’re getting out of your shoes. You should know that they cannot be secured to your feet and do not provide proper arch support; consequently, this will affect your natural gait and may cause you pain.

If you must wear the flip-flops or slippers, then ensure that the shoes are lightweight, shock-absorbing, cushioned, and have excellent arch support.

Q. Must the shoes be wider?

A. Yes, it is safer to go with wider pairs. Narrow shoes will cramp up your toes up; an unpleasant experience for those with arthritic feet.

Shoes with wider toe box ensure that your toes have more space for movement and that is a good thing for those suffering from bunions and hammertoes.

Q. How do I choose the right shoe size for my arthritic feet?

A. It is important to understand that you need shoes that won’t rub or pinch your feet and will accommodate swelling.

Firstly, you need to figure your length. If you are not sure, you can trace; then, compare it to the size chart of the maker’s.

An important rule of thumb is that your footwear’s length should have enough room to fit a finger at the back of the shoe, behind your heel.

Conclusion

The perfect pair for arthritic feet will be made out of soft, flexible, and breathable material that allows maximum movement without rubbing, constricting, or pinching your feet and should also provide superb arch support.

If you have arthritic feet or other foot-related problems and are looking to alleviate your pain, this list features the best shoes for arthritic feet that has been recommended by professional chiropractors and podiatrists and would definitely come in handy.

Individuals without arthritis (yet) but want the best soothing shoes for their feet can also benefit from this list as long as they provide unparalleled comfort.

While some of these shoes may seem top of the range – in terms of pricing, investing in safeguarding your feet, knees, and joints is crucial to your overall wellbeing and happiness.

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