According to Cameron Bennet, an Australian-based podiatrist and owner of My Family Podiatry in Albany Creek, Queensland, supportive shoes help reduce the movement that causes further damage to arthritic joints. In turn, this helps to reduce pain and inflammation in the feet. Look for shoes that provide adequate arch support and cushioned insoles and midsoles with a structured base. My criteria are simple. Aside from being stylish, a shoe must have a roomy toe box, solid arch support and good cushioning, specifically for the ball of the foot,” she says. —Judy Alexandra DiEdwardo However, for specific long-term problems you are best to see your doctor or a podiatrist. They may recommend prescription orthotics, such as insoles, inserts, or specially made shoes. Experts are united in their low opinion of high heels, defined as heels higher than 2 inches. “High heels are bad for everyone’s feet, and for people with any kind of arthritis, they’re even worse. They’re hard on the arch and ball of the foot and can wear down joints,” says Bryan West, a podiatric surgeon who practices in Livonia, Mich.

Dr. Shakoor’s study showed clogs increase knee stress. And Dr. West, who doesn’t often recommend clogs, particularly lightweight plastic varieties, says, “They’re not a good everyday shoe for people with arthritis in the arch, big toe or ankle, or who have stiff, swollen foot joints.” Cameron Bennet, an Australian-based podiatrist and owner of My Family Podiatry in Albany Creek, Queensland A podiatrist can treat problems caused by the way the foot and ankle work, which could affect other weight bearing joints. Seams or ridges in the lining of a shoe can rub and make problems such as hammer toes, corns, or swollen joints more painful. Try to find footwear with a smooth lining. ProtectionThe NineCiFun Women's Slip-on Fuzzy House Slippers have a slip-on style that’s perfect for busy mornings, and these were the most undeniably soft slippers we tested. When you slip these on, the faux fur feels like a warm embrace for your feet. Compared to the Uggs, there is no break-in period with these slippers. The faux fur and memory foam insole are thinner than others on this list, but that means the interior won’t matte over time. They are not as supportive as other options because of the thin sole, but they have a thin rubber outsole if you have to run outside, thought we would recommend using these as mostly indoor shoes. Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in the joints. It's not a single disease but rather a general term encompassing more than 100 different types of joint diseases. Symptoms often include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, which can vary in severity from mild to debilitating. Yet we often neglect and even abuse them – forcing them into footwear that doesn’t fit, that sacrifices function and comfort for style, or that is simply the wrong shoe choice for our particular feet. Anyone who has worn a fabulous pair of shoes for a special occasion, only to tear them off at the first possible moment, knows how painful a bad shoe decision can be. That’s especially true when choosing shoes for arthritic feet. Why It’s Important to Choose the Best Shoes for Arthritis There are a few main styles of slippers that you can consider when shopping. This will be the first step in determining the right slipper for you, especially if you’re interested in how fashionable your slippers look.

The Relax Slippers have an adjustable open-toe design. The first time we wore these, we used the velcro straps to fit the slippers to our feet. After that, the slippers effortlessly slip onto our feet and stay put throughout the day. Without the adjustability, they may feel slightly heavy, but the hefty strap keeps them from slipping off your feet while working from home or completing household tasks. We also love the adjustability for those going through a pregnancy or other periods of life when your foot size might fluctuate. You can buy insoles and padding that offer generalised relief and some support, from a supermarket or pharmacy. According to Mauricio Garcia, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and the senior project manager for Hyper Arch Motion, a Swiss-designed orthopedic walking shoe brand, the weight of your shoes can affect pain management. Dr. Garcia recommends finding a middle ground between cushioning and weight.—hHeavy shoes contribute to additional strain, while shoes that are too light may not provide the needed stability. Skechers has been at the forefront of comfort since the early days of walking shoes. Founded in 1992, the brand has more recently expanded its lineup to include footwear explicitly designed for performance, comfort, and style. The Go Walk Flex Alani is a budget-friendly option offering outstanding comfort with few bells and whistles—all at a price below competitors.When companies send me their shoes to try on and assess, they know they will get an honest opinion, as do my blog’s viewers,” says Kirsten, whose personal shoe wardrobe of vetted types and styles has grown from two pairs to more than 40, ranging from casual athletic shoes and flats to dressy heels and boots. If you love wearing classic Crocs in your everyday life, you’ll love this plush-lined version, designed for the indoors. The lined clogs have the same shape as traditional Crocs but have a faux fur lining to keep your feet warm. We found the lining to be overly warm, even with the breezy rubber upper, so we recommend these for winter use.

Although Dr. Shakoor’s study found stability shoes increase knee stress more than flatter shoes do, they still can be a good choice for some. “Stability shoes take weight off the ball of the foot, which is important for people with hip, knee, foot or ankle OA, RA, toe arthritis, or pain in the footpad,” says Dr. Frey. Experts suggest high heels being bad for the feet in general, and certainly a no-go for arthritic people. High heels put unnecessary pressure on the soles and the balls of the feet, developing bunions. High heels are the worst types of shoes you can wear, so it's important to make sure you don't wear them without occasion. Arthritis patients should completely avoid them. After enduring years of excruciating foot pain from RA, Kirsten Borrink’s hunt for comfortable, fashionable footwear ended in September 1998 with a Dansko brand shoe that fit her like a glove. It's important to note there's little ventilation in the Kita, so your feet can become hot after long periods. While the upper is made from knit, this style trapped heat more than other styles we tested. This is likely only an issue for those who live in warmer climates or have naturally hot feet.We loved the comfortable fit after the initial break-in period of about three wears, which kept our feet warm during the cold days while remaining versatile and durable. The hard rubber sole makes the Tasman slippers perfect for trips to the mailbox, even with a wet or snowy driveway in your way. However, the suede upper may be difficult to clean, so we recommend spraying your Uggs with a protective spray before wearing them outdoors. Shoes without Fastenings: If the shoe doesn’t stay on the foot properly, it can lead to improper gait or foot strain as one tries to keep the shoe in place.

Dab surgical spirit on areas that are difficult to dry, particularly on the soles of your feet and between your toes – unless the skin is broken or sore. You should avoid using over-the-counter antiseptic or medicated treatments, such as corn plasters or anti-fungal creams, without talking to a healthcare professional.

Why It’s Important to Choose the Best Shoes for Arthritis

If you need orthotics that are moulded or made specifically for your foot shape and problem your doctor or podiatrist may refer you to a specialist, known as an orthotist or orthopaedic shoemaker.