Best Shoes for Rheumatoid Arthritis | myRAteam (2024)

What To Look For | Recommendations | Support

Best Shoes for Rheumatoid Arthritis | myRAteam (1)

Your shoes can have a huge impact on your overall comfort and quality of life, especially when living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). If you have RA in your feet, ankles, hips, or knees, wearing the right shoes can do more than just prevent foot discomfort. Wearing shoes that reduce or eliminate foot pain can have a big effect on your mobility. Providing your feet with proper support can also align your skeleton correctly and help ease arthritis symptoms.

What To Look for in Shoes for RA

Some footwear brands offer styles specifically designed for people with arthritis. But there are a few features you can look for when buying a new pair, no matter where you shop. Generally speaking, the right shoe will provide support, cushioning, comfort, and proper fit.

Go for Support

The more support a shoe provides, the more it helps ease arthritis pain. Although thin, strappy sandals may be fashionable, they’re likely to worsen existing discomfort. Finding a shoe with as much support as possible is vital.

Look for a good sole when searching for supportive shoes. To get the most out of each step, look for a sole that is wide and rigid, only bending at the toes. One type of sole that may be particularly beneficial to people with RA is called a rocker sole. Shoes with rocker soles feature a thick sole that curves slightly upward at the heel and toe. This design helps distribute body weight more evenly during walking, reducing strain on the feet, ankles, and toes. Some small studies have found that rocker soles can help alleviate joint pain for people with arthritis. However, there is not yet sufficient evidence of their long-term benefits.

The shoe should also have a closed back to keep your foot in place and to avoid gripping with the toes.

Find the Right Shape and Width

Many people with arthritis develop foot problems, such as deformed joints, bunions (bony growths at the base of the big toe), and hammertoes (abnormal bends in the middle joints of the toes). Pointy-toed shoes can worsen or even cause these complications, causing discomfort on top of existing arthritis pain.

In addition to size, pay attention to your shoes’ width. Opt for wide or extra-wide fits if needed, to accommodate any existing foot problems comfortably. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t size up if a shoe feels too snug — shoes that are too long may fit or bend improperly in other areas.

Switch It Up

If you struggle to find comfortable, arthritis-friendly shoes, finding a pair that finally works can be a relief. It may be tempting to wear your favorite pair every day, but it’s not always a good idea.

Experts suggest that you should have at least three pairs of shoes to alternate between throughout the week because each pair affects how you walk in a certain way. Wearing the same pair all the time may strain certain muscles, bones, and joints, resulting in overuse syndrome. Without rest and proper treatment, more severe stress injuries can develop, as well as bursitis, Achilles tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis.

Material Matters

When it comes to a shoe’s material, it’s important to strike a balance between flexibility and firmness. Overly rigid materials can interfere with your normal gait (walking pattern) and cause pain, especially if you have problems like hammertoes or bunions. Materials that provide comfort and accommodation while keeping the foot in place include leather, mesh, and synthetic stretchy fabrics, such as neoprene.

Avoid Certain Styles

Anyone who has worn heels in the name of fashion can attest that they’re not the most comfortable option. High heels can cause or worsen many foot problems and put excess stress on the knees, hips, and back. If you need to wear heels on a special occasion, look for styles no higher than 1 inch to 1.5 inches.

Flat shoes may seem to be the better alternative — however, that’s not necessarily the case. Shoes like ballet flats often lack the supportive qualities that people with arthritis need in their footwear, including a solid sole. Flats that offer sufficient arch support and shock absorption are better choices than completely flat shoes.

Recommendations From myRAteam Members and Experts

Having rheumatoid arthritis may seem like a barrier to picking stylish footwear. However, you don’t need to sacrifice style for comfort. From slip-ons and sneakers to high heels and sandals, here are some pairs experts and myRAteam members have recommended for RA.

Sneakers

One myRAteam member asked the community for advice when looking for sneakers: “My pain tends to travel, but my feet and ankles are stiff and sore every day. I’ve thought of getting Clarks tennis shoes because my Clarks sandals are my most comfortable shoes. Thoughts?”

One member shared that they started with Clarks — which also offers a wide range of styles from slip-ons to heels — then moved to New Balance because of their “generous toe box.”

Along with New Balance, Asics and Avia have been recommended. These brands offer a variety of widths and styles, including stability shoes (which help control motion and foot positioning) and neutral shoes (which allow room for removable footbeds and orthotic inserts).

A member also shared that they wear Vionic’s Pace slip-on sneakers, which “have a Velcro elastic strap to adjust when [your] feet swell.”

Sandals

When looking for sandals, look for a supportive style — that means arch support, thick soles, and straps that allow custom adjustment and security.

One myRAteam member provided a review of their go-to sandals: “For summer, try Chaco sandals. I started wearing the men’s sandals because they’re wider — the open ones (Classic), not the ones that wrap around the big toe. They now make some of the women’s in a wide, which I just bought because they were dressier.”

Another member mentioned that in their journey of finding the right pair, they “ended up buying two pairs of Birkenstocks with the soft insole (not the hard cork).”

Heels

Keep heeled styles to no higher than 1 inch to 1.5 inches. Aravon is an option that may be recommended. Aravon offers low-heeled ankle boots, some of which have rocker soles. You can also find sneakers, slip-ons, and walking shoes with roomy toe boxes and wide styles from this collection.

One myRAteam member said that they have purchased heels from OrthoFeet. This brand’s BioHeels offer orthotic insoles and adjustable arch support, which they state improve alignment and reduce impact while walking.

Flats

The Naot’s Matai flat provides ample support and includes a removable anatomical footbed. Dansko and ABEO are also arthritis-friendly brands.

Find Your Community

Living with rheumatoid arthritis can affect all areas of life. It can make a world of difference to connect with others who understand.

On myRAteam, the social network for people with RA and their loved ones, more than 191,000 members from across the world come together to ask questions, offer support, and share advice with others who understand life with rheumatoid arthritis.

Do you have favorite shoes for RA? Share your thoughts in the comments below or by posting on myRAteam.

Best Shoes for Rheumatoid Arthritis | myRAteam (2024)

FAQs

What are the best shoes for people with rheumatoid arthritis? ›

Look for chunky or wedged heels, soft uppers and adjustable laces and buckles for a customized fit. Just make sure straps don't compress painful areas. Avoid flat-soled boots without support or cushioning. A steel or composite shank can relieve midfoot pressure and pain, says Dr.

Are barefoot shoes good for rheumatoid arthritis? ›

Some research shows that flexibility in shoes is important if you have foot or knee pain related to rheumatoid arthritis. A flat, flexible walking shoe that feels almost like you're barefoot may be better for many RA symptoms than so-called stability shoes.

What shoes do orthopedic surgeons recommend? ›

Klaw 528
  • Klaw 528. Best orthopedic shoe overall. ...
  • More options. Dansko Fawna Mary Jane for Women. ...
  • More options. Cole Haan Men's Original Grand Shortwing Oxford. ...
  • Hoka Bondi 8. Best orthopedic walking shoe. ...
  • More options. Puma Deviate Nitro 2 Running Shoes. ...
  • More options. ...
  • Vionic Karmelle Oxford Casual Sneaker. ...
  • Kuru Atom.
Mar 21, 2024

What are the best shoes for arthritis in knees and hips? ›

The Best Shoe Brands for Arthritis

There's a host of shoe manufacturers known for being an especially good fit for people who have arthritis. Clark's, Vionic, Orthofeet, and Klogs are some of the brands both recommended by members the CreakyJoints community and approved by the foot experts we talked to.

What is not good for rheumatoid arthritis? ›

High in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, processed foods can cause inflammation, weight gain, and heart problems. Not only are they bad for RA, but they're also bad for your overall health.

What is good for rheumatoid arthritis in feet? ›

Orthotics tend to be most useful for people who have RA symptoms at the front or midfoot. Soft, custom-made shoe inserts can be expensive, but may be paid for by insurance. Orthotics cannot correct an existing deformity. Splinting or bracing can stabilize the foot joints and limit further deformity.

What happens to your feet with rheumatoid arthritis? ›

Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis that you may experience in your feet can vary from soreness, warmth and swelling (a flare) of one or more foot joints that last a few days or longer, through to joint erosions, with joint instability, pain and associated changing foot shape.

Can shoes affect rheumatoid arthritis? ›

Shoe wear for patients with RA

In persons with RA, shoes, like their orthotic counterparts, should reduce plantar pressure and stress while stabilizing the foot and ankle.

Do compression socks help with RA? ›

Compression socks can also relieve numbness in the feet that comes with stiff and swollen joints, which in turn can help with balance and difficulties walking. There's little to no clinical research that looks specifically at the effectiveness of compression socks in helping with RA symptoms.

What shoes do podiatrists not recommend? ›

Pointed toe box

Pointed shoes may look nice, however they force your forefoot to squeeze into the toebox. The most common complaints we see in those who regularly wear pointed shoes are ingrown toenails, corns and forefoot pain.

Do orthopedic doctors recommend Hoka shoes? ›

They have frequently awarded the Seal to selective styles of the innovative, cushioned footwear from HOKA. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance recognizes products that have been found beneficial to foot health.

Which is better Hoka or Kuru? ›

If you're looking for comfortable athletic shoes, HOKA is a favorite for many. For comfort that lasts, KURU is the optimal choice. From sneakers and sandals to work shoes and slippers, you can use KURU shoes for every occasion. Say farewell to everyday foot pain and get back on your feet with a pair of KURU shoes.

Are Crocs good for arthritic feet? ›

If you spend most of the day standing or walking, you might be tempted to wear Crocs since they feel comfortable. They may feel nice on your feet, but they don't provide the support you need when walking or standing for long periods of time. As a result, you'll probably have sore feet later on.

Are Hokas good for arthritic knees? ›

Brooks: Offering a wide range of shoes with advanced cushioning technology, Brooks is another brand that is highly recommended by podiatrists. Hoka One One: With their maximum cushioning and support, Hoka One One shoes can be a great option for those seeking relief from knee pain.

How to choose shoes for arthritis? ›

Best shoes for arthritis
  1. Sturdy sole. The first step is to look for something with the right sole. ...
  2. Comfortable fit. She also recommends making sure that the shoe is roomy in the toe box. ...
  3. Avoid high and flat shoes. Helen also recommends staying clear of high heels. ...
  4. Balancing fashion and comfort.
Mar 22, 2023

Why do my feet hurt so bad with rheumatoid arthritis? ›

With loss of the arch, the foot commonly collapses and the front of the foot points outward. RA also damages the cartilage, causing arthritic pain that is present with or without shoes. Over time, the shape of the foot can change because the structures that support it degenerate.

What should I wear for rheumatoid arthritis? ›

Choose loose clothing

“When shopping for clothes, it's worth picking looser-fitting or slightly larger sizes,” explains Christina. “For trousers or skirts, it might also be worth buying clothes that have an elasticated waist. Just check the elastic isn't too tight. They'll be easier to pull on and off.

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