Creaky joints? There’s a pair of shoes for that. Most people don’t know that there are 52 bones in our feet, with 66 joints and over 200 tendons, ligaments, and muscles that are responsible for supporting our weight, helping us balance, and keeping us on our feet.
So, when something goes wrong in any one of those bones, joints, and tendons, it can spell bad news for us. When it comes to our feet, the most common problem that comes with age is arthritis, and while it can affect the joints throughout our body, having arthritic feet can be especially painful. Not only does arthritis in the feet hinder mobility, but it can also make something as simple as walking a painful experience.
This is one of the reasons why people who suffer from this condition try to minimize the amount of time they spend on their feet; however, it doesn’t have to be this way. Here, we’re going to take a closer look at arthritic feet and also find out the best shoes for arthritic feet.
Contents
- What is Arthritis?
- Different Types of Arthritis
- Symptoms of Arthritis
- The Importance of Choosing the Best Shoes for Arthritic Feet
- Foot Pronation
- Tips While Buying Shoes for Arthritic Feet
- Common Mistakes When Selecting Shoes for Arthritic Feet
- Features to Look for in Arthritic Shoes
- Our Top Three Choices
- Best Shoes for Arthritic Feet
- Final Thoughts
What is Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the joints, leading to inflammation in the tissues that line the inside of the joints. This results in swelling and painful joints. It can happen to one or more of the joints and commonly occurs in the small joints of our feet.
Different Types of Arthritis
It is important to note that various types of arthritis can present themselves differently in the feet. The following are some of the different kinds of arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis –This is one of the more commonly found types of arthritis that affects the first metatarsophalangeal joint or the MTP. This is the joint that connects the big toe to the rest of the foot. That said, osteoarthritis is also commonly found in the ankle and midfoot as well.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis –This normally affects both feet at the same time and the same joints in each foot.
- Psoriatic Arthritis – This causes swelling called dactylitis in the entheses, which is the area where the ligaments and tendons of the feet attach to the bones. This condition is more commonly known as plantar fasciitis.
- Gout – A gout flare affects the big toe of one or both feet at a time.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis – Not seeking the proper medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis can lead to other severe complications such as plantar fasciitis and a painful Achilles tendon.
Symptoms of Arthritis
While standing, walking, or running, our feet provide us with support and shock absorption, along with balance, making them essential for motion. Feeling pain or discomfort in your feet or ankle is the first sign that something is wrong. People who have arthritis are more likely to experience a myriad of foot problems, such as hallux rigidus or Morton’s Neuroma. Here’s a quick breakdown of these conditions that you can experience alongside arthritic feet.
Hallux Rigidus – Many people do not know this, but the base of the big toe is the most common area affected by arthritis. This is mainly because the joint in your big toe has to bend every time you take a step. This leads to the quick wear and tear of the joints in the big toe as compared to the other toes on your feet.
Morton’s Neuroma – This can occur when those with swollen joints due to arthritis wear tight shoes, especially shoes that are tight in the forefront area. This can cause a lot of pain and discomfort while walking or running and requires a change of footwear.
Plantar Fasciitis – The pain that is caused by arthritic feet can sometimes mimic another common foot condition known as plantar fasciitis. This is because many times, arthritic pain occurs at the bottom of the heel, which is also often caused by plantar fasciitis. It is important to consult a doctor who can tell you whether the foot pain you’re experiencing is a result of arthritic feet or plantar fasciitis.
The Importance of Choosing the Best Shoes for Arthritic Feet
When someone has arthritic feet, one of the things they absolutely dread is going on long walks, or even walking in general. But, according to experts, regular, low-impact walking can help increase muscle strength in your feet, and can also relieve some of the pain.
Once you’ve been diagnosed with arthritic feet, making healthy choices is crucial if you’re looking to minimize the pain. Along with eating nutrient-rich foods and getting regular exercise, another essential that can improve your quality of life is your footwear. According to a Harvard study, people who have been diagnosed with arthritic feet should pay special attention to their footwear choices to minimize pain and increase their ability to go out and do the things they like without any hindrance.
Choosing the right footwear is crucial when you have arthritic feet because the wrong shoes can not only be extremely uncomfortable but will also further aggravate your joints, leading to more pain. Wearing improper footwear while having arthritic feet can also result in other foot conditions such as bunions, neuromas, hammertoes, and so on.
Experts recommend that the best type of shoes to look for when you have been diagnosed with arthritic feet are shoes that have a low heel of not more than 1.5 inches. The idea is to get shoes that support your feet. The good news is that there are plenty of footwear manufacturers out there who design shoes specifically for those with arthritic feet and other foot conditions, so it is easy to find one that suits your needs.
The right footwear can make a huge difference when it comes to function and mobility and should not be underestimated. When choosing shoes for arthritic feet, you should always give more importance to function over style or aesthetics.
The right footwear for arthritic feet offers more supportive features than what is present in ordinary shoes. These features can include extra cushioning, a padded insole and midsole, and a thicker outsole for better shock absorption and arch support. Along with these, there are also other features that support your feet and take the weight off the ball of your foot.
Foot Pronation
Pronation is another factor that is often ignored when it comes to choosing footwear. Pronation is the natural movement of your feet. Getting this right can be especially important if you have arthritic feet. The best way of determining the pronation of your feet is by asking a doctor to examine your foot. If you don’t want to take this route, you can also check it yourself by looking at your old sneakers.
The distinctive wear and tear patterns on the heel of the sneakers should give you a good idea of your pronation. If you have the budget, there are also some high-end footwear stores that offer high-tech digital foot scans that can help pinpoint any issues with your feet. Neutral shoes do not correct over or under pronation, which is why you need to choose the right footwear according to the pronation of your feet. Here’s a quick break down of the types of pronation:
- Neutral Pronation – This refers to the movement where the feet do not bend more than 15% inwards while walking or running. Neutral pronation is when the foot and the ankle are properly aligned in an upright position, and the weight of the person is equally distributed throughout the feet.
- Overpronation – With over pronation, the feet roll inward while walking or running. Overpronators usually have flat arches and a more flexible ankle that bends inwards. Choosing the right shoe weight and features can help balance that inward pull, bringing you back to a more neutral stance.
- Under Pronation – Under pronation is also known as supination, and is the opposite of overpronation. Under pronation is when more weight falls across the outer area of the heel and the outer ball of one’s feet. This means that the footprint of someone with under pronation has less of an imprint, with a thin heel and severe arch, but a normal ball area. Identifying under pronation is easy since the wear and tear of the shoes occur on the outer ball area.
Tips While Buying Shoes for Arthritic Feet
Getting the right footwear when you have arthritic feet can be a tough nut to crack. Keeping that in mind, here are some tips that you can use when buying shoes for arthritic feet.
Get Shoes that Match the Shape of Your Feet
Whether you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, you are going to need to buy footwear that’s a little roomier in the toe area. This will be to accommodate other foot conditions that normally occur, such as hammertoes and bunions. Besides, the pain in your big toe can be excruciating, which is why you will require footwear that has a spacious toe box to give your toes some wiggle space.
To avoid any further problems, you need to pay special attention to the fit of your shoe. This means that your footwear should be comfortable and not too tight around your feet. If you’re unable to get the exact size, it’s okay to go with a wider shoe. That being said, you should avoid getting a longer shoe since that could alter your flex point. This is the predetermined spot in the sole of your shoe, which is supposed to bend along with your toes while walking or running.
A good way of making sure the shoes you select are the right fit is by taking a paper trace of your foot on a piece of paper. You can place the shoe on top of the print; if it’s too short or narrow, move on to your next choice.
Choose Shoes with More Support
Wearing a non-supportive shoe can lead to a lot of discomfort, sore feet, and blisters. When you have been diagnosed with arthritic feet, it is important to choose footwear that provides your feet with maximum support. This will ease the pain while walking and will prevent any further inflammation. When it comes to supportive shoes, there are two areas of the shoe that matter.
The outsole of the shoe is the first line of contact with the ground. This area of the shoe needs to be thick enough with extra padding to maximize shock absorption while walking or running.
The second-most important area of a supportive shoe is the insole. Getting a shoe with a soft insole is going to be key to easing the pain that comes with arthritis.
So, when getting shoes for arthritic feet, it is important to go with shoes with a rigid and wide outsole, a stable heel counter, and soft insole. Also, the shoes should not be too tight around your feet.
Rocker Soles are a Good Option
Getting shoes with rocker soles is a great option for those with arthritic feet, mainly because the unique design of the curved soles helps to gently propel you through the right gait cycle. These soles also help distribute body weight evenly throughout the sole while walking or running, which can reduce joint pain caused by arthritic feet.
Choosing the Right Material
If you have a foot condition such as hammertoes or bunions, which usually occur alongside arthritic feet, then the material of the shoes is going to make a huge difference. While choosing shoes for arthritic feet, it’s important to buy shoes that feature a soft upper and comfortable insole. Getting shoes with a rigid upper might seem like a good idea at first because the rigidity of the sole improves durability, but it can lead to a lot of discomfort and pain if you have arthritic feet.
Get Shoes with Removable Insoles
People who have arthritic feet usually turn to orthotics to get relief from the pain. Orthotics can be extremely efficient in helping to distribute one’s body weight evenly throughout the sole. This takes any pressure off a specific spot of the feet that can prove to be particularly painful.
Getting shoes with removable insoles means that you can use orthotics or medical insoles with your shoes to get a customized fit without making your shoe too tight. This would not be possible if you were not able to remove the insoles of the shoes.
Along with getting shoes with removable insoles, it is also smart to get shoes that allow your feet to go in an extra ½ inch deeper than you could with a normal shoe. This is great for those who have hammertoes and need more room in the shoe so that the hammertoes. The extra room ensures that the hammertoes don’t hurt the wearer by rubbing against the inside of the shoe.
Get Shoes with More Adjustability
Shoes that are more adjustable are able to provide you with a better fit. Since arthritis flare-ups are going to be common with arthritic feet and can change the shape of your feet, you’re going to need shoes that offer the right amount of adjustability to keep your feet comfortable. When it comes to the adjustability of the shoes, the lace, Velcro closing, zippers, cushioning around the tongue, and elastic inserts will all play an important part in adjusting your shoes to get that snug fit.
Avoid Shoes with Heels
Getting high heels might be a priority for the style-conscious, but it can lead to excruciating pain if you have arthritic feet. That’s because heels can put your feet in an unnatural position, which, over time, can lead to the buildup of stress on your feet. If you must wear shoes with heels, then it’s best to go with shoes that have heels that are no higher than 1.5 inches.
Our feet are designed to distribute pressure evenly throughout our sole when we walk. So, having excess pressure in a particular area of the feet (like the forefoot) due to high heels can worsen the pain from arthritic feet. Having excess pressure in the forefoot area as a result of wearing high heels can also lead to or worsen foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, corns, and hammertoes.
That’s not all; wearing high heels can also lead to the buildup of pressure in other areas of the body, including your knees, hips, and back, which are the three other areas of the body where arthritis is more common.
Wearing Flats
One of the most common mistakes made by people who have been advised not to wear heeled shoes due to their arthritic feet is that they start wearing flats. While wearing heels is not going to help your arthritic feet, going the other route, which is wearing flats, is also not a good idea.
The truth is, wearing flats isn’t necessarily the best choice for arthritic feet, especially if the shoes you choose are rigid or narrow. When wearing flats, the smart choice would be to choose shoes that provide ample cushioning and arch support.
Also, when getting shoes for arthritic feet, you should always choose shoes that aren’t overly stiff, as these can hinder normal motion while walking. Flexibility is a crucial factor when choosing shoes for arthritic feet. As a rule of thumb, shoes that are either easy to twist into a spiral or bend in half are not good options for arthritic feet.
Common Mistakes When Selecting Shoes for Arthritic Feet
Getting the right fit while buying normal shoes is a tough task in itself. When you have arthritic feet, purchasing shoes can be even harder. Here are some of the most common mistakes that are made by people who buy shoes for arthritic feet.
Mistake Number 1: Choosing Style over Comfort
We get it. Aesthetically pleasing shoes are important if you’re trying to complete your look. But, if you have arthritic feet, then comfort and functionality should come first. More often than not, people tend to choose footwear simply because those shoes look good.
Wearing shoes that look great but do not provide support for the muscles, tendons, and joints of your feet can aggravate your arthritic feet and can result in more pain and discomfort, which can be avoided if you just choose the right shoes. The good news is, there are quite a few reputable footwear manufacturers who offer comfortable, supportive shoes that also look great.
Mistake Number 2: Wearing the Wrong Size
We all know that having comfortable shoes has a lot to do with size. Yet, surprisingly, over 70% of men and 88% of women tend to squeeze their feet into small shoes. The problem lies in some people being sticklers when it comes to their shoe size. This can cause them to wear the same size shoe even though their shoe size has increased.
Since every footwear manufacturer uses their own sizing standards, those who have arthritic feet to be careful not to ask for the same size shoe from different manufacturers. If you do this, you are likely to get a shoe that is a bit tight or loose, both of which are bad if you have arthritic feet. If you’re switching shoe brands, try online conversion tools so that you get the right size shoe.
Mistake Number 3: You Go Shoe Shopping in the Morning
This is an easy mistake that people make without even knowing it. Our feet swell up during the day. This means your foot size is largest during the afternoon. This can make it difficult to find the right size shoe for your arthritic feet. The shoes you choose should be not too tight or loose. In short, your shoes should give you a snug fit without you having to squeeze your feet into them.
A good tip to make sure you get the right size shoe no matter the time of day is to make sure there’s a half-inch gap between your big toe and the material of the shoe. Also, it’s a good idea to try on both shoes since your feet might differ in size and width due to arthritis. If you find that one foot is larger than the other, it’s best to get shoes that fit the larger foot.
Features to Look for in Arthritic Shoes
Shoes that are designed for arthritic feet normally have more features as compared to normal shoes. That’s because people with arthritic feet need more support and cushioning while walking. Keeping that in mind, the following are some of the features that you should look for when shopping for arthritic shoes.
Support
The amount of support your shoes give you is going to be a crucial feature of shoes for arthritic feet. While these features will vary depending on the manufacturer, some of the supportive features found in almost all shoes that have been designed for arthritic feet include features such as a soft insole, breathable upper, padded midsole, and thick outsoles for better shock absorption, not to mention arch support. All these features work together to make sure you get a comfy fit and better functionality with the shoe.
Soles
The quality and design of the sole are two features to look for when getting shoes for arthritic feet. Soles can be made from various materials from rubber to EVA and polyurethane or a combination of all three. The best soles are those that offer better flexibility while walking and are soft enough to cushion your feet. But most importantly, choosing shoes with the right sole can make sole flexes easier and help return energy to the ball of the feet, resulting in a natural rebound while walking or running.
Toe Box
If you have arthritic feet, then there’s a good chance you also have bunions. Shoes that have a narrow toe box will result in cramped toes, which will worsen your arthritic feet. To make sure you get a comfortable fit, it is always advised to get shoes that have a roomy toe box.
Some shoes also feature a toe guard, which is an added layer of material in the toe area of the shoe that protects your toes in the event that something heavy falls on them. Getting shoes with a big toe box will also minimize the buildup of sweat and moisture in the shoes that can lead to further pain and discomfort.
Midsole
The midsole is that extra padded area of the shoe that’s between the insole and outsole. Shoes can be designed with or without this feature, which is why you need to ensure your shoes have a midsole if you have arthritic feet.
Since manufacturers use different materials for the construction of the midsole, there are various outcomes to the design of this part of the shoe. For instance, the midsoles in the shoes of reputable brands are highly durable and balanced. A cushioned midsole provides additional shock absorption for your feet while you walk or run. A midsole that’s been designed well can ensure a comfortable fit all day.
For many people who have arthritic feet, the midsole is an important feature since it ensures that the balls of your heels, your knees, and your hips are not put through much stress while walking or running. The perfect midsole design will be lightweight, flexible, soft, and will ideally be made from highly durable EVA foam.
Shoe Strap and Closures
Those who have arthritic feet might sometimes find it difficult to tie the laces of their shoes. A good alternative to this could be shoes that have an adjustable strap that makes it easier to put on and take off the shoes. While this is a personal preference, nowadays, you can get shoes that provide support and comfort in both strap and lace-up options.
Read Also: Best Shoes for Narrow Feet
Our Top Three Choices
Best Overall Choice: Skechers Performance Go-Walk 3 Walking Shoes
Premium Product: Aravon Women’s Andrea-AR Ballet Flat
Best Value: Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes
Best Shoes for Arthritic Feet
Finding the perfect shoes for arthritic feet can be a tough nut to crack, but it is not impossible. When it comes to footwear for arthritic feet, it’s time you took a step in the right direction. Here are our top picks for the best shoes for arthritic feet.
1. Propet Women’s Travelfit Slide Walking Shoe
The Propet Women’s Travelfit Slide Walking Shoe has been designed specifically for those who are suffering from arthritic feet. These shoes boast a user-friendly design with many features that make it easier for those with arthritic feet to get the comfort they need while walking.
These shoes come highly recommended as one of the best shoes that are available out there for women with arthritic feet. The shoes feature a big toe design, which makes it a great choice for those who have flare-ups on their toes and are looking for shoes with a roomy toe area.
One of the main features of the Travelfit Slide Walking Shoe is an excellent textile and synthetic overlay with an intricately designed mesh network that provide better ventilation for your feet. The Propet Women’s Travelfit Slide walking shoes have been designed to provide the user with superior comfort. These shoes are comfortable, durable, flexible, and offer excellent shock absorption while walking.
Pros:
- Made with 100% synthetic materials
- Features a high-quality synthetic sole
- Wide design
- Flexible
- Mesh upper for better breathability
Cons:
- Designed for indoor use
2. Aravon Women’s Andrea-AR Ballet Flat
When it comes to finding shoes for arthritic feet, flats are seldom the type of shoe that comes to mind. However, the Aravon Women’s Andrea-AR Ballet Flat is designed to change your mind. These flats have been exquisitely designed to provide both protection and comfort for your feet. The shoes have many interesting features that make them a great fit if you have arthritic feet.
One of the standout features of the Aravon Women’s Andrea-AR Ballet Flat is a high-quality EVA insole that provides extra comfort for your feet. The removable insole can be conveniently removed if you have been prescribed one for your arthritis. Apart from the comfortable memory foam footbed, these flats also feature Stability Cradle Technology that provides your feet with unmatched support and grip.
The one-inch heels not only make the flats stylish to look at but provide just the right amount of shock absorption. All these features, coupled with the fact that you are getting premium 100% leather flats with moisture-wicking Dri-Lex lining, means that you’re getting a great deal when you get these flats.
Pros:
- Made with 100% leather
- Features a synthetic sole
- Features a removable EVA sole
- Memory foam footbed for better stability
- Features moisture-wicking Dri-Lex linings
Cons:
- Narrow toe box
3. New Balance Women’s W1540V2 Running Shoe
New Balance is no stranger to the premium quality footwear niche. The brand has a reputation for designing some of the best-received shoes for walking and running, and the New Balance Women’s W1540V2 Running Shoe is no exception. With these shoes, you get a design that is incredibly comfortable and functional with all the features you would expect to find in a premium shoe for arthritic feet.
The W1540V2 running shoe boasts a versatile design, which makes it a great option for everyday use. From intense workouts at the gym to Zumba and aerobics classes, these shoes have been designed to give people with arthritic feet a high level of comfort and excellent functionality.
These shoes include a soft padded collar and tongue, which ensures you get a snug fit that’s not too tight. Other features of these amazing shoes include a mesh upper and strategically placed mesh panels for better breathability. This prevents the buildup of moisture, which can lead to further pain and discomfort for arthritic feet. You also get an injection-molded EVA foam midsole and a durable rubber outsole for better comfort and shock absorption.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Made with high-quality leather and mesh
- Features a synthetic sole
- Mesh upper for better breathability
- Padded tongue and collar for a comfy fit
- Features an injection-molded EVA foam midsole
- Durable rubber outsole designed for better grip
Cons:
- Mesh tends to tear
4. Clarks Women’s Sillian Tana Fashion Boot
Just because you have arthritic feet does not mean you can’t be stylish with your footwear. Clarks delivers the perfect combination of comfort and sophistication with the Clarks Women’s Sillian Tana Fashion Boot. These shoes aren’t only designed to look good; they also provide quite a few features that make the shoes comfortable for those with arthritic feet.
The Clarks Women’s Sillian Tana Fashion Boot is especially unique because if features Clarks’ Cloudstepper technology. This patented technology ensures that the shoes are not only incredibly lightweight but also extremely comfortable even after long hours of use. With a 1.35-inch heel height, the Clarks Sillian Tana Fashion Boot delivers comfort and support in a stylish shoe, which makes it a great option for anyone who has arthritic feet.
Some of the other features that have been included in these shoes are high-density foam cushioning for more comfort and a moisture-wicking lining, so you don’t have to bother about the buildup of moisture in the shoe. The robust outsole delivers excellent shock absorption, keeping your feet safe and protected while walking.
Pros:
- Made with 100% premium quality textile
- Features a synthetic sole
- Features high-density foam cushioning
- Lightweight EVA outsole and midsole
- Thick outsole for better shock absorption
Cons:
- Tight fit
5. Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes
If you suffer from arthritic feet and also have feet that overpronate when you walk, then you are going to love the Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes. These shoes have been designed keeping your comfort and mobility in mind, which is why the shoes have plenty of features that keep your feet comfortable. With advanced features such as the Brooks stability and motion control features, you get a shoe that has been designed for the comfort of arthritic feet.
The shoes sport a classic yet sophisticated look. One of the main reasons to buy these shoes is its 100% full-grain leather, which has been designed to keep you comfortable for hours on end. Some of the other standout features of these shoes include motion control to give you better balance and support while walking.
The convenient sockliner is removable, which makes it easier to replace it with a medicated insole if needed. Overall, the Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes is a great investment for anyone who is searching for comfortable and supportive shoes for their arthritic feet.
Pros:
- Made with 100% full-grain leather
- Features a synthetic sole
- Features an energy-returning midsole
- Well-balanced motion control
- Convenient removable sockliner
- Premium quality tread for better grip
Cons:
- Narrow toe box
6. Vionic Women’s Walker
Vionic is a premium brand when it comes to designing quality women’s shoes, and the Women’s Walker is yet another feather in their cap due to its superior quality and functionality. These shoes have been designed to keep those with arthritic feet comfortable for longer. The Vionic Women’s Walker is able to ensure this enhanced comfort by way of its unique design with a sturdy upper and durable outsole.
The Vionic Women’s Walker shines when it comes to reliable insole protection, which means the soft insole is not going to scratch or aggravate your feet. The soft lining of the shoe is going to be especially appreciated by those who have flare-ups or bunions as a result of their arthritic feet. Other features of the Walker shoes include a 100% leather build with mesh lining for better breathability.
You also get an EVA footbed for extra comfort and a durable runner outsole for excellent shock absorption. As if that wasn’t enough, the shoes have the seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association for their high level of comfort and functionality, which makes these shoes an excellent choice for those who have arthritic feet.
Pros:
- Made with 100% leather
- Comes with the American Podiatric Medical Association seal of acceptance
- Removable textile-covered EVA footbed
- Durable Runner outsole
- Breathable mesh design
Cons:
- Requires a longer break-in period
7. ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 20 Running Shoes
ASICS is a brand that is no stranger to well-made footwear, and the ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 20 Running Shoes are no exception. These shoes have been designed to keep the user comfortable while walking or running. For that, the company has introduced many new features that easily make the ASICS Gel-Nimbus stand out from the rest.
The main features of these running shoes have got to be the FluidFit technology and FlyteFoam technology, both of which serve different purposes but work together to provide a comfy fit. ASICS seems to have spared no expense when designing these running shoes. You also get a 3D printed overlay for extra comfort and support for your feet.
An external heel clutching system has been included in the design. This exoskeletal heel counter improves shock absorption while allowing your feet to remain comfortable even after prolonged use. Moisture-wicking technology has also been included in the mix to ensure that your feet stay dry and comfortable while you’re walking or running.
Pros:
- Made with 100% textile
- Features FlyteFoam midsole technology for better shock absorption
- Features a Fluidride Midsole for more cushioning
- Moisture-wicking insole for a comfy fit
- Rubber sole
Cons:
- Takes time to break in
8. Skechers Performance Go-Walk 3 Walking Shoes for Women
At this point, no list of the best shoes for arthritic feet would be complete without a pair of shoes from Skechers. The company is on a roll and has been producing high-quality footwear for quite some time. The Skechers Performance Go-Walk 3 walking shoes have been designed specifically for women who are suffering from arthritis or other foot conditions. These shoes come chock full of features that make them incredibly comfortable to wear for long hours.
Some of the standout features of these shoes include its premium quality upper that’s been designed to take quite a few nicks and scratches. These shoes also boast technology that can only be found in Skechers’ footwear. We’re talking about the Skechers Performance FitKnit structured breathable mesh, which has been designed to provide superior comfort to the user.
Another major feature that makes these shoes worth the investment is the Independent GOimpulse and integrated Goga Pillar sensors that make the shoes more responsive while walking. You also get the Goga Pillars technology on the midsole and outsole of the shoe, which translates to excellent shock absorption.
Pros:
- Made with 100% high-quality mesh fabric
- Feature a rubber sole
- Skechers Performance FitKnit structured breathable mesh
- Features memory foam fit design for better comfort
- Comes with Independent GOimpulse and Goga Pillars sensors for flexibility
- Memory foam padded sole for better shock absorption
Cons:
- Designed for smaller feet
9. Altra Footwear Paradigm 4.5
The Altra Footwear Paradigm 4.5 has been designed keeping the user in mind. These shoes have all the features you could possibly want in shoes if you had arthritic feet. One of the main features of the Paradigm 4.5 is it’s balanced cushioning, which works by placing your heel and forefoot at the same distance from the floor. This significantly improves your form while running on a trail.
Other major features that have been included in the Paradigm 4.5 are the Medial Guard Rail and Integrated StabiliPods, which work together to provide better stability and support while you’re walking or running. The Altra Paradigm 4.5 also features Altra Ego, which is a dual-nature midsole compound that provides superior cushioning for your feet. All these amazing features, coupled with moisture-wicking fabric lining, makes this a smart investment, especially for those who have arthritic feet but love to walk or run the trails.
Pros:
- Made with high-quality fabric
- Features Altra EGO midsole sole
- Features Dynamic Support Combo (Medial Guide Rail and Integrated StabiliPods)
- Balanced cushioning
- Moisture-wicking fabric
Cons:
- Designed for small feet
10. Native Shoes Jefferson 2.0 Liteknit
There are so many reasons why the Native Shoes Jefferson 2.0 Liteknit is a great summer shoe. Apart from the comfortable 3D elasticized Liteknit upper, the shoes feature a rubberized rand and toe for added durability. You also get Elastilite recycled EVA and PU insoles for outstanding cushioning. The EVA outsole is also another great addition to these shoes, which serves to make them super comfortable.
The amount of attention to detail and the many features that have been included in its design make the Native Jefferson 2.0 Liteknit a great option for those who have arthritic feet and are searching for comfortable shoes.
Pros:
- Features a unique vegan construction
- Easy to slip on and slip off
- Features a 3D elasticized LiteKnit upper
- Rubber outsole for better durability
- Features a recycled Elastilite EVA and PU insole for better cushioning
- Moisture-wicking fabric for a dry and comfortable fit
Cons:
- Some might find it a bit tight
Final Thoughts
Finding the right pair of shoes is difficult as it is. If you have arthritic feet, it can be even more challenging to find the best shoes if you don’t know what to look for. The information given here should help you make a more informed decision when getting shoes for arthritic feet.
Best Overall Choice
Skechers is a household name when it comes to footwear. Their latest iteration, the Go-Walk 3 Walking Shoes easily lives up to their reputation by providing multiple features for your feet’s comfort and protection. From its high-quality mess upper to the Skechers Performance FitKnit structured breathable mesh, the features of these shoes combine to give you an amazing shoe with high comfort and breathability. Independent GOimpulse and Goga Pillars sensors improve fit and flexibility, which means more comfort for those with arthritic feet.
Premium Product
The Aravon Women’s Andrea-AR Ballet Flat is a classy pair of shoes that also happens to feature some useful features for those who have arthritic feet. These shoes have been designed to protect your feet while keeping you comfortable at the same time. The shoes feature a removable EVA sole and memory foam footbed for better comfort and stability. You also get moisture-wicking Dri-Lex lining to ensure a dry, comfortable fit.
Best Value
The Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes deliver excellent quality with plenty of features for the price. From its 100% full-grain leather and high-quality synthetic sole to its specially designed energy-returning midsole and well-balanced motion control, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be uncomfortable in these shoes if you have arthritic feet.