Arthritis is a long-term condition that causes pain and stiffness in the joints. Your feet have more than 30 joints each, so arthritis can leave them sore, swollen and hard to walk on.[1]
The right shoes will not cure arthritis, but a supportive, cushioned pair that fits well can make each step easier. This guide covers what to look for and fourteen shoes for men and women that are in stock on the web US.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not medical advice. Shoes do not cure arthritis. Talk to a doctor or podiatrist about foot pain, swelling or joint changes before you choose footwear.
Arthritis shoe basics
- OrthoInfo says there is no cure for arthritis, but treatment can slow the disease and help people stay active. Shoe inserts and custom shoes with stiff soles and rocker bottoms can help reduce pressure on the foot.[1]
- The NHS lists suitable footwear as one of the simple measures for mild osteoarthritis symptoms, alongside regular exercise and weight management.[2]
- For walking, the Arthritis Foundation says to look for stabilizing, cushioning features. For long periods on your feet, look for supportive cushioning and a roomy toe box.[3]
- Choose a sandal with straps, and one that goes across the back of the ankle. Avoid high heels and pointed toe boxes.[3]
- Try shoes on at the end of the day, when feet are largest, and leave about a half inch in front of your longest toe.[4]
Types of Arthritis
More than 100 forms of arthritis exist, and many affect the foot and ankle.[1] The two you hear about most often are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.[1]
Osteoarthritis is the more common type. The cartilage in the joint slowly wears away, and the NHS says it causes joints to become painful and stiff.[2] OrthoInfo adds that it develops slowly, and that pain and stiffness worsen over time.[1]
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joint, causing swelling. It often starts in the foot and ankle and usually affects the same joint on both sides of the body.[1]
Benefits of Shoes for Arthritic Feet
Ordinary shoes can be hard to wear when your feet are swollen or sore. Shoes made with arthritis in mind do these things:
- Cushion and Support – Cushioned soles and a stable base take some of the strain off inflamed joints.[3]
- Weight Distribution – Experts quoted by the Arthritis Foundation say shoes change how the forces of standing and walking spread to the knees, hips and back.[3]
- Room for Swelling – A roomy toe box and adjustable straps or laces give swollen feet space and let you loosen the fit during the day.[3]
- Pressure Relief – Orthotics or shoes with stiff soles and rocker bottoms help reduce pressure on the foot.[1]
Features of a Good Shoe for Arthritis
- Sole – Choose a wider sole and a wider heel. Narrow soles and heels are less stable. A firm heel counter, the part that wraps around your heel, holds your foot in place.[3][4]
- Fit – The shoe should hold the arch and heel snugly with a roomier forefoot, so your toes have as little pressure as possible. Leave about a half inch in front of your longest toe.[3][4]
- Heel – A substantial, continuous heel, like the one on most athletic shoes, is better than a narrow block. If you want a dress shoe, look for stiffer models that bend only in the forefoot.[3]
- Adjustability – Laces, straps or hook-and-loop closures let you change the fit as your feet swell. For sandals, the Arthritis Foundation says the strappier the better, with one strap across the back of the ankle.[3]
- Support – A neutral shoe is easy to fit with an insert or a custom orthotic. A stability shoe has a dense, cushioned midsole and heel to control motion if you overpronate. Ask a podiatrist which suits your feet.[3]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0YsRLAxUQo
How We Chose These Shoes
We do not test shoes ourselves. We compared each model’s cushioning, closure, width options and fit using the makers’ descriptions and The web product pages, and we kept only pairs that are in stock on the web US. Brands do not pay to be included, but we may earn a commission from purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Shoes for Arthritic Feet and Ankles
- Is walking barefoot good for arthritis?
It depends on the joint. A small study reported by the Arthritis Foundation found that barefoot walking and flip-flops put less load on arthritic knees than stability shoes. Experts also warn that flip-flops are unstable and may add to foot strain and toe deformity, so weigh the risks.[3] - Are cushioned shoes good for arthritic feet and ankles?
A cushioned sole helps absorb impact. The Arthritis Foundation says neutral shoes give good shock absorption and cushioning, and they accommodate an insert or custom orthotic.[3]
Key Specs
| No. | Shoe | Type | Closure | Width options | Drop / Cushion | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Asics Gel Nimbus 28 | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | PureGEL | – |
| 2 | New Balance M1540v3 / W1540v3 (women's) | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – | – |
| 3 | Asics Gel Contend 10 | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | GEL technology | – |
| 4 | Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 | Shoe | Lace-up | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – | 10.2 oz |
| 5 | New Balance 577 V1 Hook and Loop | Walking | Hook-and-loop | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | Abzorb | 13.6 oz |
| 6 | New Balance 928 V3 Hook and Loop | Running | Hook-and-loop | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – | – |
| 7 | Asics Gel Cumulus 28 | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | FF BLAST MAX | – |
| 8 | Under Armour Charged Assert 10 | Shoe | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | 10 mm drop / Charged Cushioning | 9.5 oz |
| 9 | adidas X_PLR Path | Running | Lace-up | Medium | Cloudfoam | – |
| 10 | New Balance 608 V5 | Casual sneaker | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | ABZORB | – |
| 11 | Under Armour Charged Surge 4 | Shoe | – | Medium | 8 mm drop / Charged Cushioning | – |
| 12 | Orthofeet Broadway / Wichita (women's) | Dress/casual | Strap | Medium, Wide | – | – |
| 13 | Keen Newport H2 | Shoe | Lace-up | Medium | – | – |
| 14 | Orthofeet Asheville / Charlotte (women's) | Shoe | Hands-free slip-in | Medium, Wide | – | – |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.
Reviews: Shoes for Arthritic Feet
Here are our picks. Each pair is in stock on the web US. We may earn a commission if you buy through the links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Running Shoes for Arthritic Feet
1Max-Cushion Neutral Trainer
Asics Gel Nimbus 28 - Men
Currently unavailable
Asics Gel Nimbus 28 - Women
Currently unavailable
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 is a neutral, max-cushion trainer. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The engineered knit upper is light and breathable, with few overlays.
- Rearfoot PureGEL and FF Blast Plus foam give a soft landing and a responsive ride.
- An OrthoLite X-55 sockliner manages moisture, reflective details add visibility, and the Hybrid Asicsgrip outsole grips on varied surfaces.
2
Motion Control Running Shoe
New Balance M1540v3 - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance W1540v3 - Women
Currently unavailable
The New Balance 1540 v3 is a motion control running shoe built for stability.
- An Encap midsole combines light foam with a polyurethane rim for support and impact absorption.
- A Rollbar stability post controls rear-foot motion for a steadier stride.
- The mesh and synthetic upper is breathable. New Balance has stopped making the 1540v3 in the US, so stock is limited.
3
Asics® Men's Gel Contend 10 Neutral Trainer with Wide Fit
Currently unavailable
The ASICS Gel-Contend 10 is a neutral trainer at a lower price than the brand’s flagship models.
- Rearfoot GEL technology absorbs shock, and the Amplifoam Plus midsole gives a softer ride.
- The engineered mesh upper is light and breathable, and the OrthoLite sockliner manages moisture.
- It comes in an extra-wide fit.
Walking Shoes for Arthritic Feet
4Trainer with Wide Options
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 that add midfoot support, and at least 30% of the upper is recycled content.
- Charged+ midsole cushioning is soft, and the rubber outsole has flex grooves for toe-off.
- It weighs about 10.2 oz and comes in medium, wide and extra-wide widths.
5
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 without laces. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- Abzorb cushioning in the heel absorbs impact, and the polyurethane midsole gives stable cushioning.
- The leather upper holds its shape, reflective accents catch the light, and the hook-and-loop closure is easy to adjust.
- The shoe carries Medicare code A5500, so it may qualify for reimbursement under the diabetic shoe benefit.
6
Hook-and-Loop Walking Shoe
New Balance 928 V3 Hook and Loop - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance 928 V3 Hook and Loop - Women
Currently unavailable
The New Balance 928 v3 Hook and Loop is a leather walking shoe that closes with straps instead of laces. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The hook-and-loop closure gives a secure fit that is quick and easy to adjust.
- The leather upper holds its shape, and the footbed is removable, so you can add an orthotic.
- The rubber outsole grips, and the shoe comes in medium, wide and extra-wide widths.
7
Neutral Cushioned Daily Trainer
Asics Gel Cumulus 28 - Men
Currently unavailable
Asics Gel Cumulus 28 - Women
Currently unavailable
The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 is a neutral daily trainer with a soft, energetic ride. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- FF Blast Max foam and rearfoot PureGEL cushion each landing and return energy at toe-off.
- The engineered mesh upper is light and breathable, and the Fluidride outsole blends EVA and rubber for traction without extra weight.
- An OrthoLite X-30 sockliner cushions and manages moisture, and reflective details help you stay visible in low light.
Everyday Sneakers for Arthritic Feet
8Light Trainer with Wide Options
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 everyday trainer. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The breathable mesh upper has synthetic overlays for durability and support.
- An EVA sockliner adds soft step-in comfort, and the Charged Cushioning midsole uses compression-molded foam.
- The solid rubber outsole covers high-wear zones, the offset is 10 mm and the shoe weighs about 9.5 oz.
9
Lightweight Everyday Sneaker
adidas X_PLR Path - Men
Currently unavailable
adidas X_PLR Path - Women
Currently unavailable
The adidas X_PLR Path is a lightweight, running-inspired sneaker for everyday wear. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The mesh upper is light and breathable, and the textile lining feels soft.
- A Cloudfoam midsole gives step-in comfort and cushioning.
- The rubber outsole has good grip and a low-profile look.
10
Casual Cross Trainer, Wide Widths
New Balance 608 V5 - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance 608 V5 - Women
Currently unavailable
The New Balance 608 v5 is a casual cross trainer that works as an everyday walking shoe. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- An Abzorb heel crash 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 Phantom Liner interior has few seams to rub, and the EVA midsole has an internal shank for midfoot stability.
11
Under Armour® Men's Charged Surge 4 Cushioned Everyday Shoe
Currently unavailable
The Under Armour Charged Surge 4 is a light, cushioned everyday shoe.
- The breathable mesh upper has synthetic overlays for structure, and extra padding around the ankle collar.
- A Deluxe Comfort System sockliner molds to your foot, and the Charged Cushioning midsole is responsive.
- The rubber outsole grips well and flexes at toe-off, and the offset is 8 mm.
Dress Shoes for Arthritic Feet
12Monk Strap Leather Dress Shoe
Orthofeet Broadway - Men
Currently unavailable
Orthofeet Wichita - Women
Currently unavailable
The Orthofeet Broadway is a leather dress shoe with a wide-opening monk strap. The men’s pair is the Broadway, and the women’s pair is the Wichita, a stretch casual shoe with the same strap.
- The adjustable monk strap opens the upper fully for easy entry, and it secures a personalized fit.
- Each pair includes an orthotic insole with anatomical arch support and multilayer cushioning.
- Both pairs have a wide toe box and come in medium and wide widths. The men’s Broadway has a leather upper, and the women’s Wichita has a stretchy fabric upper.
Sandals for Arthritic Feet
13Closed-Toe Water Sandal
Keen Newport H2 - Men
Currently unavailable
Keen Newport H2 - Women
Currently unavailable
The KEEN Newport H2 is a closed-toe water sandal. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The quick-dry synthetic straps and lining let you wear it in and out of the water, and it is machine washable.
- A lace lock bungee system gives a secure fit with easy on and off, and the footbed has arch support.
- A non-marking rubber outsole with multi-directional lugs grips wet ground, and a toe bumper protects the front. KEEN Original Fit leaves generous space across the forefoot.
Slippers for Arthritic Feet
14Adjustable House Slipper
Orthofeet Asheville - Men
Currently unavailable
Orthofeet Charlotte - Women
Currently unavailable
The Orthofeet Asheville is an adjustable house slipper with a faux fur lining. The men’s pair is the Asheville, and the women’s pair is the Charlotte.
- Wide-opening side straps make it easy to step in and let you adjust the fit, which suits swollen feet or limited mobility.
- The suede and leather upper has a faux fur lining. The women’s Charlotte adds a built-in heel lip.
- Each pair includes an orthotic insole with arch support, and both have a wide toe box.
Index Table: Top Rated Shoes for Arthritis
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Asics® - Max-Cushion Neutral Trainer |  |  |
| Asics |
| 2 | New Balance® - Motion Control Running Shoe |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 4 | Under Armour® - Trainer with Wide Options |  |  |
| Under Armour |
| 5 | New Balance® - Hook-and-Loop Walking Shoe |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 6 | New Balance® - Hook-and-Loop Walking Shoe |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 7 | Asics® - Neutral Cushioned Daily Trainer |  |  |
| Asics |
| 8 | Under Armour® - Light Trainer with Wide Options |  |  |
| Under Armour |
| 9 | adidas® - Lightweight Everyday Sneaker |  |  |
| adidas |
| 10 | New Balance® - Casual Cross Trainer, Wide Widths |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 12 | Orthofeet® - Monk Strap Leather Dress Shoe |  |  |
| Orthofeet |
| 13 | Keen® - Closed-Toe Water Sandal |  |  |
| Keen |
| 14 | Orthofeet® - Adjustable House Slipper |  |  |
| Orthofeet |
| No. | Shoe | Image | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Asics Men's Gel Contend 10 - Neutral Trainer with Wide Fit |  |
| Asics |
| 11 | Under Armour Men's Charged Surge 4 - Cushioned Everyday Shoe |  |
| Under Armour |
Importance of Arthritis Appropriate Shoes
Pain and swelling can worsen when your shoes squeeze or fail to support you. Shoes that fit well, cushion each step and give your feet room make daily walking easier, and they sit alongside the treatment your doctor recommends.[1][3]
Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo). Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- National Health Service (NHS). Osteoarthritis. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- Arthritis Foundation. A Guide to the Best Shoes for Arthritis. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo). Athletic Shoes. Accessed October 26, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Rewrote the article around OrthoInfo, NHS and Arthritis Foundation guidance on arthritic feet, replaced the 34-hour testing and scoring claims with a plain How We Chose section, regrouped the shoes under correct headings and changed the ASICS Gel-Contend 10 and Under Armour Charged Surge 4 to men’s-only entries because the women’s pairs are unavailable
- Oct 2026: Updated Asics Gel Nimbus 26 to Gel Nimbus 28; updated Asics Gel Contend 7 to Gel Contend 10; replaced Orthofeet Proven with Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11; replaced New Balance MW577 Velcro with New Balance 577 V1 Hook and Loop; replaced New Balance 680V6 with New Balance 928 V3 Hook and Loop; updated Asics Gel Cumulus 24 to Gel Cumulus 28; replaced Hush Puppies Gil with New Balance 608 V5; replaced Vionic Neil with Under Armour Charged Assert 10; replaced Orthofeet Highline with adidas X_PLR Path; replaced Dr. Scholl’s Arthritis Pain Relief with Under Armour Charged Surge 4
- Oct 2026: Removed Rockport World Tour, Dunham Burlington and Clarks Sillian (unavailable)
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs table and a Sources section; checked availability of every product
- Sep 2015: Published
