These numbers show thatone 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.
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.
What is arthritis?
Cunha describes arthritis as acute orchronic inflammationof a joint and its surrounding soft tissues.
Osteoarthritis is most commonly experienced in those middle-aged and older but can sometimes occur in younger people.
In osteoarthritis, pain and stiffness worsen with time.
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.
The impact is similar to osteoarthritis, with the cartilage wearing away between the joints.
Even with proper treatment, an injured joint is almostseven times more likelythan an uninjured joint to develop arthritis.
Below are a fewsymptoms of arthritic feet.
What makes a good shoe for arthritic feet?
Research backs these recommendations, too.
The shoes used featured characteristics such as extra cushioning, a wider toe box, and a rocker sole.
What shoes should people with arthritic feet avoid?
It’s best to steer clear of shoes that have a minimal sole.
Additionally, studies have found thatshoes with a high heel increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis.
Theyre available in sizes 5 to 12, in standard, wide, and extra wide variations.
The trampoline-inspired outsole is designed to produce a responsive bounce back.
Keep in mind, this is a neutral shoe.
That means its best suited for people who dont over- or under-pronate (i.e.
roll their feet inward or outward as they walk).
They have an EVA midsole and a durable water repellent or suede upper, with a removable orthotic insole.
It’s available in narrow, standard, and wide widths, and a slew of colors and patterns.
Reviewers with arthritis say theyre soft and comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Best rocker bottom:Hoka Bondi 8
The Hoka Bondi 8 is a super-cushy neutral running shoe.
It holds the APMA Seal of Acceptance and is available in both standard and wide widths.
The show is partially made with recycled materials, including a mesh upper thats 50% recycled polyester.
Unsurprisingly, this shoe has received high marks from customers.
One reviewer with arthritis in both feet says they’re more comfortable than prescription orthotics.
Of course, you’ll still want to check with your podiatrist to see what’s best for you.
The product is carbon neutral and its upper is made of 57% recycled material.
Even better, its available in both wide and narrow widths.
We give these shoes a lot of love, but it’s for good reason.
The running shoe has a midsole thats designed for those who overpronate (i.e.
allow their feet to roll outward when running).
We even chose them as some of thebest cushioned running shoes, particularly for older runners.
The mesh upper is lightweight and breathable, while the cushioned sole is great for shock absorption.
Plus, the shoe comes in narrow, regular, wide, and extra wide widths.
It also features arocker sole, which Kuizinas says many people with arthritic feet find to be comfortable.
Awide toe box allows your toes to splay out naturally, rather than cramming them together.
This design is also less likely to aggravate issues like hammer toes or bunions.
Reviewers with arthritis say these shoes allow them to walk faster than any others they’ve tried.
Per research and podiatrist guidelines, the best shoes for arthritic feet have sufficient cushioning.
We kept this in mind when evaluating the options.
Customer reviews helped us determine whether these shoes really hit the mark.
We prioritized those with feedback from people who have arthritic feet.
That said, we looked for shoes that fit a range of budgets.
Comparing the best shoes for arthritic feet
FAQ
What makes foot arthritis worse?
That considered, be sure to choose your shoes mindfully.
What is the most common arthritis in feet?
Osteoarthritis is a the most common form of arthritis.
What are the best shoes to wear with arthritis in your feet?
When choosing which pair is right for you, keep our expert’s insights in mind.
For more shoe recommendations, check out our top picks for people withbunions,plantar fasciitis, andknee pain.
