In OA, higher joint loads are linked to more pain and arthritic damage and progression,” says lead study author Najia Shakoor, MD, a rheumatologist and associate professor of medicine at Rush University. “Other studies have shown being barefoot is good for knee load, and we found flip-flops reduce knee load by about the same percentage.” The GEL-NIMBUS 25 comes in a wide range of color options, from brighter tones to classic neutrals. However, the shoes run a bit narrow in the toes. If you have wider feet or want extra room in the toe box, you may need to size up a half-size. Otherwise, these are excellent for reducing the walking-related discomfort associated with arthritis.

Mauricio Garcia, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and the senior project manager for Hyper Arch Motion, a Swiss-designed orthopedic walking shoe brand All 52 bones, 66 joints and hundreds of muscles in your feet require you to find the perfect comfortable fit shoe for them. This requirement is crucial in arthritic patients. Alongside proper treatment, therapy and medication for your joints, it's also necessary to provide extreme comfort to your feet. Associate professor of medicine at Harvard, Marian Hannan, says “people should start thinking of their shoes as a factor they can modify to help minimise pain and maximise their ability to get out and do things." Foot structure matters, too. “Stability shoes provide good cushioning and motion control for people who overpronate,” Dr. West says.Arthritis commonly affects joints throughout the body, including the hips, knees, wrists, and fingers. It can also occur in the toes, which limits your range of motion and makes it difficult to find comfortable shoes. As another APMA-accepted style, the Topo Rekover 2 is designed with a roomy toe box that allows your toes to spread and flex without feeling constricted. The v12 has more cushioning than its predecessor,—which is great news for runners looking to soften their impact and reduce joint pain. However, some buyers report the shoe runs large compared to other 1080 models, so it may be best to size down a half size.

When I saw that the style name was Kirsten, I nearly cried. For the first time in 14 years, I was walking in shoes without pain – and I looked stylish!” says the former middle and high school Spanish teacher. Diagnosed with RA in her 20s, the disease had severely affected the small joints of her feet and toes, limiting the pretty, blue-eyed blonde’s fashion options. Researchers at Chicago’s Rush University studying the joint load, or stress, caused by different shoes worn by people with knee OA found that wearing flip-flops (as well as going barefoot and wearing flat, flexible walking shoes) creates significantly less knee stress than clogs and sneakers known as stability shoes, which have cushioning in the heel and forefoot and a firm, dense midsole that supports the middle area of the foot. 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. Running with arthritis can be challenging, especially if you need shoes that provide cushioning and support without compromising flexibility. The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v12 is the perfect partner for maintaining your running regime—without putting undue stress on their joints.A podiatrist can treat problems caused by the way the foot and ankle work, which could affect other weight bearing joints. Being a progressive disease, your condition tends to get worse with time. You may want to schedule an appointment with your doctor (preferably a rheumatologist) to start early treatment if you notice; Walking is a low-impact exercise that can help reduce joint pain and improve overall cardiovascular health. However, your feet won’t feel refreshed if you're not wearing the proper tennis shoes. The Asics GEL-NIMBUS 25 has the right amount of cushioning and support to keep your feet comfortable and protected for miles. 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.

Our feet, with their 52 bones, 66 joints and more than 200 muscles, tendons and ligaments, are high-precision instruments that connect us to the earth, support our skeleton and provide balance and mobility. People with arthritis need to be especially selective about their footwear to ensure optimal comfort and support, and to minimize any aggravation to their joints. Here are some types of footwear those with arthritis might consider avoiding: 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.Pointed Shoes: Shoes with a very narrow toe box can cramp the toes, causing additional pain, and may also contribute to other foot problems like bunions or hammertoes. Exercise regularly, as it can improve the circulation in your feet and strengthen the soft tissue supporting your joints. These can produce the same problems as higher heels, just to a lesser degree. Add a pointy toe and you can have even more discomfort. Some people find wounds take a long time to heal, particularly if they are being treated for an autoimmune or inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis. This is because their condition and treatment can affect their immune system, increasing the risk of infection and reducing their ability to heal. 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.

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. Cameron Bennet, an Australian-based podiatrist and owner of My Family Podiatry in Albany Creek, Queensland We believe your feet deserve the very best, so you need the shoes that will keep you looking and feeling great all day long. We spend so much of our time wearing shoes, so it’s vital that they are comfortable and supportive to ensure that your feet are well cared for. The water-resistant upper features breathable mesh and stretch laces that allow you to slip the shoe on and off easily. We were pleasantly surprised to find the well-cushioned heel tapers to the forefoot. The slope of the footbed offers slight arch support, though a custom orthotic or alternative arch support may be necessary if you need an extra boost.Shoes with Rigid Soles: These can exacerbate pain by not allowing the natural movement of the foot. High Heels: Especially those taller than two inches. High heels can increase pressure on the balls of the feet and knees, possibly exacerbating arthritis pain.