Edema means swelling caused by fluid in the body’s tissues. It usually shows up in the feet, ankles and legs.[1] Shoes cannot cure it, but the right pair makes swollen feet more comfortable.
This guide covers what causes swollen feet, what to look for in a shoe, and fifteen pairs for men and women.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not medical advice. Swelling can signal a medical problem. If it is sudden, painful or only on one side, or if you are pregnant and the swelling increases quickly, contact a doctor or midwife.
Swollen feet shoe basics
- Edema is swelling from fluid in the tissues, usually in the feet, ankles and legs.[1]
- Wear comfortable shoes and socks, and avoid tight straps or anything that pinches when your feet swell.[2]
- Feet swell through the day, so try on shoes at the end of the day. The toe box should leave room to wiggle your toes.[3]
- Raising your legs when you sit and wearing support stockings can help keep swelling down.[1]
- Medicare covers extra-depth therapeutic shoes only for people with diabetes and severe diabetes-related foot disease.[4]
What Is Edema?
Edema means swelling caused by fluid in your body’s tissues. It usually occurs in the feet, ankles and legs, but it can involve your entire body.[1] Many cases are temporary and mild, but swelling can also point to a medical problem.
What Causes Swollen Feet?
- Diet and Weather – Eating too much salt, and standing or walking a lot when the weather is warm, can cause swelling.[1]
- Pregnancy – Your body holds more water than usual, and the extra water gathers in the lowest parts of the body. Swelling is often worse at the end of the day.[2]
- Medicines – Some medicines cause swelling.[1] Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you suspect yours does.
- Medical Conditions – Heart failure, kidney disease, liver problems from cirrhosis and lymph node problems can all cause edema.[1] See a doctor if you do not know the cause.
How to Reduce Swelling
- Raise Your Legs – Keep your legs raised when you sit.[1]
- Wear Support Stockings – A health care provider may recommend them.[1]
- Limit Salt – Eating less salt helps keep swelling down.[1]
- Move and Rest – Avoid standing for long periods, take regular walks during the day and rest with your feet up.[2]
What to Look for in a Shoe for Swollen Feet
- Easy Entry – A slip-on shoe, or one with an adjustable closure such as a strap or laces, is easy to put on when your feet are swollen.
- Stretch – A soft, stretchable upper gives with your foot instead of pressing on it. Avoid tight straps or anything that pinches.[2]
- Room – A wide width and extra depth leave space for swollen feet. The toe box should let you wiggle your toes.[3]
- Support – A firm heel counter that grips your heel, plus arch support and cushioning, keep the shoe stable.[3]
For more room, see our guides to shoes with a wide toe box and orthopedic walking shoes.
How We Chose These Shoes
We do not test shoes ourselves. We compare each model’s closure, widths, depth, upper and cushioning using The web and the makers’ product details, and we only list shoes sold on the web in the US. Brands do not pay to be included, but we may earn a commission from purchases.
Key Specs
| No. | Shoe | Type | Closure | Width options | Drop / Cushion | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Balance 577 V1 Hook and Loop | Walking | Hook-and-loop | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | Abzorb | 13.6 oz |
| 2 | Vionic 23Walk 2.0 | Sneaker | Lace-up | Medium, Wide | EVA | – |
| 3 | New Balance 860V15 | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | Fresh Foam X | – |
| 4 | Propet TravelFit / TravelFit Prestige (women's) | Walking | Lace-up | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – | – |
| 5 | Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 | Running | Lace-up | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – | 10.2 oz |
| 6 | New Balance 608 V5 | Cross trainer | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | ABZORB | – |
| 7 | Under Armour Charged Assert 10 | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | 10 mm drop / Charged Cushioning | 9.5 oz |
| 8 | adidas X_PLR Path | Sneaker | Lace-up | Medium | Cloudfoam | – |
| 9 | Under Armour Charged Surge 4 | Running | – | Medium | 8 mm drop / Charged Cushioning | – |
| 10 | Propet Scandia / Olivia (women's) | Loafer | Strap | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – | – |
| 11 | Dr. Comfort Carter / Marla (women's) | Shoe | Hook-and-loop | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – | – |
| 12 | Orthofeet Asheville / Charlotte (women's) | Slipper | Dual straps | Medium, Wide | – | – |
| 13 | Dr. Comfort Fisherman / Breeze (women's) | Sandal | Strap | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – | – |
| 14 | Ariat Workhog / Fat Baby (women's) | Boot | Slip-on | Medium, Wide | – | – |
| 15 | KEEN Targhee 4 / Targhee 3 (women's) | Trail/hiking | Lace-up | Medium | – | – |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.
Our Picks for Swollen Feet
These shoes are adjustable, roomy or easy to put on. If you buy through the links on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Walking and Athletic Shoes for Swollen Feet
1Wide Hook-and-Loop Walking Shoe
New Balance 577 V1 Hook and Loop - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance 577 V1 Hook and Loop - Women
Currently unavailable
The New Balance 577 V1 Hook and Loop is a leather walking shoe that fastens with a hook-and-loop strap. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The leather upper is paired with a polyurethane midsole for stable cushioning.
- Abzorb cushioning in the heel absorbs shock, and reflective accents help you stay visible.
- The hook-and-loop closure adjusts easily, and the shoe comes in medium, wide and extra-wide widths.
- It carries the Medicare A5500 diabetic shoe code.
2
Lace-Up Sneaker, APMA Seal
Vionic 23Walk 2.0 - Men
Currently unavailable
Vionic 23Walk 2.0 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Vionic 23Walk 2.0 is a lace-up walking sneaker with the APMA Seal of Acceptance. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The breathable mesh upper has an anti-bacterial top cloth, and the mesh liner sits on PU foam that cuts friction.
- The EVA midsole has a built-in half-inch of elevation for a smooth heel-to-toe transition, and the rubber outsole grips well.
- The heel is 1.75 inches high.
3
Stability Walking and Running Shoe
New Balance 860V15 - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance 860V15 - Women
Currently unavailable
The New Balance 860 v15 is a stability shoe with a plush midsole. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- Fresh Foam X cushioning is the most cushioned New Balance Fresh Foam, and the Stability Plane adds support without losing softness.
- The lightweight synthetic upper is breathable.
- It comes in medium, wide and extra-wide widths.
4
Light Flexible Walking Shoe
Propet TravelFit - Men
Propet TravelFit Prestige - Women
Currently unavailable
The Propét TravelFit is a light walking shoe with a flexible sole. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The upper is breathable mesh, and the sole is flexible.
- It comes in wide widths, and the men’s shoe carries the Medicare A5500 diabetic shoe code.
5
Neutral Cushioned Trainer
Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 - Men
Currently unavailable
Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 is a neutral trainer that balances cushioning and flexibility. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The mesh upper has leather overlays for midfoot support, and at least 30 percent of the upper is recycled material.
- Charged+ midsole cushioning gives a soft ride, and flex grooves in the rubber outsole help at toe-off.
- It weighs about 10.2 oz and comes in medium, wide and extra-wide widths.
6
Casual Cross Trainer, Suede
New Balance 608 V5 - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance 608 V5 - Women
Currently unavailable
The New Balance 608 V5 is a casual cross trainer with a suede upper. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- An Abzorb heel pad absorbs impact, and a molded insert adds cushioning underfoot.
- The suede upper breaks in to your foot, and dual-density collar foam steadies the ankle.
- A smooth interior liner has few seams to rub, and the EVA midsole has a shank for midfoot stability.
7
Light Cushioned Trainer
Under Armour Charged Assert 10 - Men
Currently unavailable
Under Armour Charged Assert 10 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Under Armour Charged Assert 10 is a light, cushioned trainer. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The mesh upper is breathable, with synthetic overlays for durability and support.
- An EVA sockliner adds step-in softness, and the Charged midsole uses compression-molded foam.
- It has a 10 mm drop and weighs about 9.5 oz.
8
Light Everyday Sneaker
adidas X_PLR Path - Men
Currently unavailable
adidas X_PLR Path - Women
Currently unavailable
The adidas X_PLR Path is a light everyday sneaker with a running-inspired look. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The mesh upper is breathable, with a soft textile lining.
- The Cloudfoam midsole cushions each step, and the rubber outsole grips well.
- It comes in a medium width.
9
Cushioned Everyday Trainer
Under Armour Charged Surge 4 - Men
Currently unavailable
Under Armour Charged Surge 4 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Under Armour Charged Surge 4 is a cushioned training shoe. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The breathable mesh upper has synthetic overlays and extra padding around the ankle collar.
- The Charged Cushioning midsole and a molded sockliner give all-day comfort.
- The rubber outsole flexes where you need it at toe-off, and the drop is 8 mm.
Loafers and Slip-Ons for Swollen Feet
10Strap Loafer, Wide Widths
Propet Scandia - Men
Currently unavailable
Propet Olivia - Women
Currently unavailable
The men’s pair is the Propét Scandia, a strap loafer. The women’s pair is the Propét Olivia, a slip-on.
- The padded collar and tongue protect the ankle, and a single strap adjusts the fit.
- The men’s shoe carries the Medicare A5500 diabetic shoe code, and it comes in medium, wide and extra-wide widths.
11
Double Depth Washable Shoe
Dr. Comfort Carter - Men
Currently unavailable
Dr. Comfort Marla - Women
Currently unavailable
The men’s pair is the Dr. Comfort Carter. The women’s pair is the Dr. Comfort Marla, an extra-depth shoe.
- The Carter has double-depth construction, which leaves extra room for swollen feet, internal braces and AFOs.
- An adjustable hook-and-loop closure lets you customize the fit.
- The breathable synthetic upper is machine washable, and the seamless interior limits skin irritation.
Slippers for Swollen Feet
12Strap-Open House Slippers
Orthofeet Asheville - Men
Currently unavailable
Orthofeet Charlotte - Women
Currently unavailable
The men’s pair is the Orthofeet Asheville and the women’s pair is the Orthofeet Charlotte. Both are adjustable house slippers.
- Both side straps open fully, so the slipper is easy to step into if your feet are swollen or you have limited mobility.
- The suede and leather upper has a faux fur lining that keeps your feet warm.
- An orthotic insole has anatomical arch support, and the wide toe box fits true to size.
Sandals for Swollen Feet
13Open Leather Diabetic Sandal
Dr. Comfort Fisherman - Men
Currently unavailable
Dr. Comfort Breeze - Women
Currently unavailable
The Dr. Comfort Fisherman is an open diabetic sandal for warm weather. The women’s pair is the Breeze, a Fisherman-style sandal.
- The full-grain leather upper is soft and breathable, and the open design lets air in around a roomy, protective toe box.
- An adjustable strap makes it easy to adapt the fit when your feet swell.
- The removable footbed has a gel insert, and you can swap it for your own diabetic insert or custom orthotic.
- The men’s sandal comes in sizes 6 to 15 and in medium, wide and extra-wide widths.
Boots for Swollen Feet
14Wide Square Toe Work Boot
Ariat Workhog - Men
Currently unavailable
Ariat Fat Baby - Women
Currently unavailable
The men’s pair is the Ariat Workhog, a waterproof work boot. The women’s pair is the Ariat Fatbaby, a leather Western boot.
- The Workhog has a full-grain leather upper with a Goodyear welt and a wide square toe.
- Ariat’s ATS Max platform adds shock absorption and stability, and the U-Turn entry system helps the boot fit different foot shapes.
- The outsole is slip-resistant and wears well.
15
Waterproof Hiking Shoe, Roomy Fit
KEEN Targhee 4 - Men
Currently unavailable
KEEN Targhee 3 - Women
Currently unavailable
The men’s pair is the KEEN Targhee 4, a low waterproof hiking shoe. The women’s pair is the Targhee 3 Mid waterproof hiking boot.
- The KEEN.DRY membrane keeps water out and lets vapor escape, and the all-terrain rubber outsole grips on mud and rock.
- A removable Luftcell footbed adds arch support, and the tongue and collar are padded.
- KEEN’s Original Fit gives your toes generous room, and a bruise plate protects against uneven ground.
To Conclude
Swollen feet need shoes that adjust, give and leave room. Choose an adjustable closure, a wide width and a soft upper, and try shoes on late in the day. If swelling is persistent, talk to your doctor about the cause.[1]
Index Table: Shoes for Edema Compared
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Balance® - Wide Hook-and-Loop Walking Shoe |  |  | New Balance | |
| 2 | Vionic® - Lace-Up Sneaker, APMA Seal |  |  | Vionic | |
| 3 | New Balance® - Stability Walking and Running Shoe |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 4 | Propet® - Light Flexible Walking Shoe | TravelFit |  |
| Propet |
| 5 | Under Armour® - Neutral Cushioned Trainer |  |  | Under Armour | |
| 6 | New Balance® - Casual Cross Trainer, Suede |  |  | New Balance | |
| 7 | Under Armour® - Light Cushioned Trainer |  |  | Under Armour | |
| 8 | adidas® - Light Everyday Sneaker |  |  | adidas | |
| 9 | Under Armour® - Cushioned Everyday Trainer |  |  | Under Armour | |
| 10 | Propet® - Strap Loafer, Wide Widths |  |  |
| Propet |
| 11 | Dr. Comfort® - Double Depth Washable Shoe |  |  |
| Dr. Comfort |
| 12 | Orthofeet® - Strap-Open House Slippers |  |  |
| Orthofeet |
| 13 | Dr. Comfort® - Open Leather Diabetic Sandal |  |  |
| Dr. Comfort |
| 14 | Ariat® - Wide Square Toe Work Boot |  |  |
| Ariat |
| 15 | KEEN® - Waterproof Hiking Shoe, Roomy Fit |  |  |
| KEEN |
Sources
- MedlinePlus (NIH). Edema. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- National Health Service (NHS). Swollen ankles, feet and fingers in pregnancy. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo). Athletic Shoes. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- Medicare.gov. Therapeutic shoes & inserts. Accessed October 26, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Rewrote the shoe notes for all fifteen pairs, regrouped the sections, fixed the Propét TravelFit men’s link, removed unsupported claims about shoes treating edema, and replaced the sources
- Oct 2026: Replaced New Balance MW877 with New Balance 577 V1 Hook and Loop; replaced Vionic Walker with Vionic 23Walk 2.0; updated New Balance 860V12 to 860V15; replaced Dr. Comfort Douglas with Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11; replaced Mt. Emey 801 with New Balance 608 V5; replaced Foamtreads Physician with Under Armour Charged Assert 10; replaced Orthofeet Alpine with adidas X_PLR Path; replaced Dream Pairs Adventurous with Under Armour Charged Surge 4; updated KEEN Targhee 3 to Targhee 4
- Oct 2026: Removed Propet Life Walker, Skechers Go Walk Slip On 6, Hush Puppies Gil, Birkenstock Milano, IOMI Non Binding and Propet Cliffwalker (unavailable)
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs table and a Sources section; checked availability of every product
- Sep 2016: Published
