The Best 5 Shoes in 2023 to Alleviate Arthritis Pain and Swelling
Does the joint pain and swelling that arthritis can bring make simple, day-to-day activities like standing or walking challenging? If that’s the case, it’s vital to select the right shoes to support your feet.
The thing is, good shoes are more than just about foot comfort and foot health. Proper footwear can affect the alignment of your entire body. This includes your ankles, knees, hips, and even your spine.
Therefore, wearing the correct shoes can make a difference in reducing or even eliminating foot pain. This means proper footwear ultimately enhances your quality of life.
We think your feet deserve the best care possible. However, it can be challenging to find arthritis-friendly shoes. To make it easy for you, we’ve put together this guide on shoes that help with arthritis pain. We hope it helps you find footwear that takes care of your feet, feels good, and still looks stylish.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Kizik Women’s Roamer Hands-Free Shoe
- Best Budget: Skechers Go Walk Flex Alani
- Best for Walking: Asics Gel-Nimbus 25
- Best for Running: New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 Running Shoe
- Best Sandal: Birkenstock Milano Big Buckle Sandal
1. Kizik Women’s Roamer Hands-Free Shoe
Sizes: Women’s 6–13 / men’s 4.5–13; standard width only
Materials: Knit upper, leather outsole
Weight: 13 ounces ounces per shoe
Arch Support: Moderate
The hands-free design of the Kizik Roamer allows you to step into the shoe easily. This makes it stand out as our top choice for people suffering from arthritis. The flexible fabric fits snugly around your foot and ensures adequate airflow to keep your feet cool.
The lightweight construction is ideal if you have foot and ankle arthritis because it allows you to move easily with minimal joint strain. In addition, the reinforced heel and slip-resistant outsole will give you a reassuring sense of stability.
Although wider width sizes aren’t available, the generous, roomy toe box allows your toes to move and bend comfortably. Moreover, the removable insole offers you the flexibility to swap them with custom orthotics.
Pros
- Slide on design
- Stretchy fit
- Compatible with custom insoles
Cons
- Offers moderate arch support
- No wide-width options offered
2. Skechers Go Walk Flex Alani
Sizes: Women’s 5–13; Standard and wide options
Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole
Weight: 7 ounces (W8)
Arch Support: Minimal
Established in 1992, Sketchers has made a name for itself as a pioneer in comfortable walking shoes. The brand now offers you a range of shoes specially crafted for performance, comfort, and style.
The Go Walk Flex Alani provides exceptional comfort if you have arthritis. Furthermore, this budget-friendly shoe stands head and shoulders above its competitors as an affordable choice.
The water-resistant upper is made of breathable mesh and includes stretch laces, allowing for easy slip-on and removal. However, you cannot adjust the fit. This may be a problem if you like to tighten or loosen your laces especially when your foot is inflamed.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Machine washable
- Superior heel cushioning
Cons
- Lacks arch support
- Fit isn’t adjustable
3. Asics Gel-Nimbus 25
Sizes: Women’s 5–13 / men’s 6–16; comes in standard width only
Materials: Knit upper, rubber outsole
Weight: 9.2 ounces
Arch Support: Moderate
The GEL-NIMBUS 25 is available in a wide array of color choices, ranging from vibrant hues to timeless neutrals. This shoe offers you just the right blend of cushioning and support. This ensures your feet stay comfortable and well-protected during long walks.
The rocker sole promotes a natural walking stride and the ample cushioning effectively minimizes impact from heel to toe. The upper material is breathable so your feet don’t sweat even after extended walks.
The tongue lacks padding, which might be problematic if you like additional cushioning around the ankle. Nevertheless, these shoes prove to be an excellent choice if you experience walking-related discomfort due to arthritis.
Pros
- Rocker sole promotes a natural stride
- Cushion helps reduce shock
- Wide range of color options
Cons
- Run narrow; wider widths are not offered
- The tongue isn’t padded
4. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 Running Shoe
Sizes: Women’s 5–13 / men’s 7–16; available in standard, narrow, wide, x-wide
Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole
Weight: 8.3 ounces (W8)
Arch Support: Moderate
Are you searching for running shoes that offer support and cushioning without sacrificing flexibility? Look no further than the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v12. This shoe will enable you to maintain your running routine while protecting your foot health.
This shoe features a mesh upper that ensures exceptional breathability, while the rocker sole enables you to move forward smoothly. We find the cushioning is just right — neither too firm nor too soft. Furthermore, the bootie-like design provides a snug, secure fit. However, if you have wider ankles, the collar might limit mobility a little.
The v12 offers more cushioning than its predecessor. This is a great advantage if you’re a runner seeking to lessen the impact and minimize joint discomfort caused by arthritis.
Pros
- Flexible sole
- Supports smooth transitions
- More cushioning than previous versions
Cons
- Shoes run large; may need to size down
- Ankle collar may restrict mobility
5. Birkenstock Milano Big Buckle Sandal
Sizes: Women’s 4–12.5
Materials: Leather upper, EVA outsole
Weight: 10 ounces
Arch Support: Moderate
The timeless appeal of the Milano Big Buckle sandal makes it a must-have essential in your wardrobe. This sandal provides lasting comfort during those warm, sunnier days, allowing your feet to breathe. Thanks to its three adjustable straps, achieving the ideal fit for your foot is a breeze. This is a real advantage if you’re troubled by fluid retention or swelling as a result of arthritis and you need to adjust the fit.
Birkenstock is renowned for its cork-based footbeds that gradually conform to the unique contours of your feet. Your feet are cushioned by a layer of foam beneath the cork and latex blend, and the molded heel cup ensures your foot stays securely in place.
Pros
- Molds to your feet
- Adjustable straps
- Structured support
Cons
- Requires a break-in period
- Footbed can discolor with wear
Buying Guide
When you’re looking for the best shoes for arthritic feet, it’s important to remember that not everyone’s feet — or needs — are the same. When purchasing a walking or running shoe, experts recommend considering the following factors:
1. Cushioning
People with osteoarthritis generally do best with highly cushioned shoes because the cushion absorbs shock. We suggest you look for shoes with cushioned midsoles and multiple layers of foam that provide comfort while ensuring adequate support.
2. Motion Control
Motion control is key to preventing knee and back discomfort. It is best to select shoes that minimize rotational movement and flex within the shoe. The correct footwear is designed to support the foot in its natural alignment from the ankle to the knee and up to the hips.
3. Lightweight Design
It is vital to consider a shoe’s weight when looking for footwear that offers both support and comfort for arthritis. If you have osteoarthritis, it is wise to minimize stress on your joints. Lighter shoes will effectively reduce strain on your joints.
Final Thoughts
Everyone benefits from comfortable walking or running shoes. However, if you are suffering from arthritis, investing in the correct footwear is vital. Whether your preference is for walking or running shoes, seek out designs that are lightweight, well-cushioned, and equipped with effective motion control.
Do let us know in the comments if you found this guide helpful.
