The 10 Best Shoes For Arthritic Feet, With Recommendations From Podiatrists

Choosing the right shoes is critical—but the stakes rise even higher when you have an existing foot condition, such as arthritis. According to Miguel Cunha, DPM, podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York, "The best shoes for arthritic feet will reduce or eliminate foot pain, which has a tremendous impact on the body's function and mobility."

Research has shown at least 54 million Americans suffer from arthritis—and recent studies indicate that arthritis prevalence in the U.S. was previously underestimated, particularly in adults younger than 65 years old. These numbers show that one in three adults ages 18 to 64 have arthritis1.

If you deal with arthritic feet, you likely already know how intrusive it can be on day-to-day life. After all, the feet are the foundation of the body. The good news? Physical activity can reduce pain and improve functionality in those with arthritis. The best shoes for arthritic feet will help you stay active and boost your quality of life.

Cunha describes arthritis as acute or chronic inflammation of a joint and its surrounding soft tissues.

Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis are all the three major types of arthritis that commonly affect the foot and ankle.

Osteoarthritis is most commonly experienced in those middle-aged and older but can sometimes occur in younger people. Also known as degenerative arthritis, this is when the cartilage in the joint begins to wear away gradually, which can cause the painful sensation of bone rubbing on bone. In osteoarthritis, pain and stiffness worsen with time.

Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is a chronic autoimmune disease, meaning it occurs from the immune system attacking its own tissues. It can affect multiple joints throughout the body but commonly begins in the foot and ankle. While the exact cause is not known, rheumatoid arthritis is typically triggered by an infection or environmental factor. 

Post-traumatic arthritis can emerge after a specific injury in the foot or ankle, such as dislocation or a fracture. The impact is similar to osteoarthritis, with the cartilage wearing away between the joints. Even with proper treatment, an injured joint is almost seven times more likely than an uninjured joint to develop arthritis. 

Per Cunha, arthritis in your feet can cause discomfort or pain that can eventually lead to limited motion, loss of joint function, and deformities in your affected joints.

"In arthritis, progressive joint deterioration occurs and the smooth, gliding surface covering the ends of bones (cartilage), which serves to cushion the joint, is gradually lost, resulting in the bones wearing against each other," he explains.

If you're experiencing symptoms of arthritis, it's best to consult with a doctor to come up with a potential treatment plan and determine what types of shoes will be best for you. Below are a few symptoms of arthritic feet.

When looking for the best shoes for arthritic feet, experts recommend keeping the below criteria in mind:

Comfortable footbed: Cushioned sneakers are preferable, according to Alissa Kuizinas, DPM, a Concord, Massachusetts–based podiatrist. Cunha adds that the best shoes for arthritic feet provide support with a memory foam or ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) anti-compression sole.

Shock-absorbent outsole: Cunha recommends looking for shoes that feature an outsole will better alleviate the impact of each step on arthritic joints compared to a hard sole.

Durability: Shoes with smooth, solid leather uppers are best since they're highly durable yet flexible and comfortable, says Cunha.

Structure: "Arthritic feet tend to have some deformities as well, so for my patients with this type of foot I like a very structured, supportive shoe," says Sondema Tarr, DPM, a podiatrist and founder of Direct Podiatry Arizona. "This type of shoe prevents additional motion at these joints, making walking and standing more comfortable."

Research backs these recommendations, too. One meta review of 11 studies showed that proper footwear intervention resulted in a decrease in foot pain, impairment, and disability for people with rheumatoid arthritis, along with improved walking speed2. The shoes used featured characteristics such as extra cushioning, a wider toe box, and a rocker sole.

It's best to steer clear of shoes that have a minimal sole. "If you have arthritic feet, you may want to avoid more minimalist shoes and stick with something that has some cushioning," Kuizinas explains. "If several joints in the feet have arthritis, the feet may not be able to move well in a natural pattern anymore and may need help with offloading."

Additionally, studies have found that shoes with a high heel increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis.

Pain and discomfort from arthritis can progressively worsen over time, especially if you don't have the best shoes for arthritic feet. When choosing which pair is right for you, keep our expert's insights in mind. The above options meet podiatrist guidelines, so you can stay active and keep your pain levels low. For more shoe recommendations, check out our top picks for people with bunions, plantar fasciitis, and knee pain.