The Best Shoes To Wear if You Have Arthritis in Your Feet, According to Foot Surgeons and Podiatrists

According to Nelya Lobkova, DPM, a NYC-based podiatrist at Step-Up Footcare, these kicks have two fundamentals to combat arthritic foot pain: a cushioned midsole and a forefoot rocker. The supportive midsole offers arch support, and the rocker comes in handy to limit the motion of the forefoot. Also nice? “The heel-to-toe gradient is low (7mm), and there is the option to size for wide width feet,” says Dr. Lobkova. “Furthermore, the upper is a soft leather so it will not irritate achy joints.” All of these qualities make these shoes one of the best walking shoes for arthritis.

Sizes available: 6-11, in half sizes and two widths

Colors: 4

Heel-to-top drop: 7 mm

Weight: 11 oz

For those who can opt for a more casual style on the regular, and especially those who work from home, Najwa Javed, DPM, podiatrist with Silicon Valley Podiatry Group and founder of E’MAR Italy, recommends this supportive slipper. “Built with a rocker sole and their Oofoam Technology, the footwear is meant to reduce shock and stress on the feet and help with natural stride,” she says.

While it looks more like a slipper (and you can wear it as such), it has hard soles so you can easily wear them outside without a worry. They’re also machine-washable!

Sizes available: 5-12, in half sizes

Colors: 2

Heel-to-top drop: n/a

Weight: n/a

Built with sustainability in mind, like using natural materials that help balance emissions, this brand is becoming increasingly popular across all age ranges. Dr. Javed is a fan, especially for her patients with arthritis, because the brand offers a stylish shoe that is gentle on severe and rigid foot deformities.

“The initial designs were too flexible and unsupported, but Allbirds has changed to add more stability and structure to the shoes,” she says. They’re super cushioned and have a S-curve tread that makes a light sole and mimics the anatomical shape of the feet.

Sizes available: 5-11

Colors: 5

Heel-to-top drop: n/a

Weight: n/a

Accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for promoting good foot health, these supportive, lace-up shoes provide excellent support through the arch as well as across the ball of the foot, notes Tim Oldani, DPM, podiatrist at Missouri Foot and Ankle in St. Louis. His favorite feature? The removable footbed that allows you to place your own custom orthotics into the shoes.

“Many people will wear custom orthotics as a treatment for their painful arthritis, so these shoes are great for these people,” he says. “The knit upper material in the toe box will accommodate bone spurs, which is also a great feature.”

Sizes available: 4-12

Colors: 5

Heel-to-top drop: n/a

Weight: n/a

Not only are these running shoes super stylish, but they offer a rocker bottom feature at the metatarsals, the area that helps form the arches of the foot, which is a fantastic feature for people dealing with great toe joint arthritis, notes Dr. Oldani. They are also the most cushioned shoes in the Hoka line. “This amount of cushioning helps to absorb shock with each step, which reduces pain in arthritic joints as well,” he adds.

Full Hoka Bondi 8 review here.

Sizes available: 5-12, in half sizes and two widths

Colors: 20

Heel-to-top drop: 4 mm

Weight: 8.9 oz

These feature the same rocker bottom feature as the Hoka Bondi, which can go a long way towards helping alleviate and limit pain and range of motion at the great toe joint, notes Dr. Oldani. They are also quite lightweight for such a supportive shoe. “These shoes also offer maximum cushioning at both the heel and the ball of the foot, which is helpful for those with both rearfoot and forefoot arthritis,” he says. “The width in the toe box helps to limit pressure on the toes in those with bone spurs.”

Sizes available: 5.5-12, in half sizes

Colors: 4

Heel-to-top drop: 0 mm

Weight: 8.2 oz

With 45 colorways to choose from, Brooks Ghost 14 is a go-to choice for so many runners and walkers alike. The brand is known for making very supportive shoes that almost feel like you’re running or walking on clouds. This level of support is huge for people suffering from foot ailments, especially arthritis, according to Dr. Schaeffer.

“Brooks offers different levels of support from neutral to max support which is a great option, since everyone’s feet and needs are different,” he says. “There are also a very good range of sizes, more than most brands.” Plus, each pair is breathable and offers a smooth ride.

Sizes available: 5-13, in half sizes

Colors: 45

Heel-to-top drop: 12 mm

Weight: 9.1 oz

One of the brands that Dr. Schaeffer recommends for people with a neutral foot type, the most common type of foot, is Asics. “They are good for stabilizing and therefore decrease the pressure from your feet to your knees, to your hips, and to your back,” he says. “They offer lightweight shoes good for those with arthritis.” These shoes are also ideal for people who overpronate, or who put added pressure on the internal area of their foot, which causes their feet to flatten.

Sizes available: 5-13, in half sizes

Colors: 11

Heel-to-top drop: 10 mm

Weight: 9.2 oz

If you’re looking for a stylish shoe sans heel, look no further than Vionic Willow Slip-On Flat. It provides arch support and has a thicker sole to absorb shock, two features that are ideal for people with arthritis. “This takes stress off joints and protects the natural cushioning of the soles of the foot,” explains Dr. Sutera. They come in seven different colors and fun prints so you can buy a few to mix and match with your existing wardrobe.

Sizes available: 5-11, in half sizes and two widths

Colors: 13

Heel-to-top drop: n/a

Weight: n/a

A dressy shoe with a heel that is ideal for people suffering from arthritis in their feet is almost unheard of, which is what makes this pair so desired. It features triple-layer cushioning and even has a Bunion Bed that provides extra width accommodation in areas that often cause people pain. When it comes to purchasing the right size, there’s no need to size up or out (in terms of width). Purchase these in your typical size and they should fit just right.

Sizes available: 5-11, in half sizes

Colors: 12

Heel-to-top drop: n/a

Weight: n/a

Marrying style and support Rykä’s Trailblazer shoe is a must-have. Designed with an ergonomic and arch-supportive insole and durable rubber outsole, the Trailblazer keeps you comfy on trails and pavement, while still looking cool. The reflective details are an added touch that increases your visibility during the night. What’s more, “these have a skeletal guidance system with a visible forefoot rocker for smoother heel-to-toe transition while walking,” says Dr. Lobkova.

Sizes available: 5-12, in half sizes and two widths

Colors: 2

Heel-to-top drop: 8 mm

Weight: 10.7 oz

Veja has taken the sneaker world by storm with its comfortable and fashionable kicks. The Venturi, though, comes recommended by Dr. Lobkova. “Similar to the Rykä, the forefoot rocker is apparent” and “the all-rubber outsole provides great traction and adds to the rigidity of the sole,” she says. What makes these great for arthritic pain is the foam cushioning, which offers support and comfort with each step.

Sizes available: 5-12.5, in half sizes

Colors: 1

Heel-to-top drop: n/a

Weight: n/a

If it’s warm where you are and need to give your toes a breather, go for Dansko’s Racquel sandal. This sporty number isn’t your typical sandal. No no. Instead, it has an arch-supportive footbed that contours to your foot’s natural shape while offering structure at each step. Not only that, it has adjustable straps, so you can tailor the fit how you like. Dr. Lobkova likes these because they have a cushioned rocker sole as well.

Sizes available: 5.5-12, in half sizes

Colors: 8

Heel-to-top drop: n/a

Weight: 2 lbs