When you are managing arthritis, your shoes do more than protect your feet; they support your whole body. Even if your arthritis is not in your feet or toes, wearing the wrong shoes can affect your knees, hips, spine, and overall alignment. Unsupportive footwear can increase joint stress and pain, and destabilise your foundation. Here is why the shoes you choose really do make a difference:
- Reduce the load on your joints. Supportive shoes help absorb shock and distribute your weight evenly across your feet. This reduces the strain on your ankles, knees, hips, and other joints. Proper footwear can make everyday movements more comfortable and help protect joints that may already be sensitive.
- They improve balance and posture. Good footwear helps you stand and move more evenly, which can reduce the risk of awkward movements that might trigger pain or stiffness.
- They help with fatigue. Poorly fitted or unsupportive shoes can make your muscles and joints work harder to keep you balanced. Supportive shoes help you move more efficiently and with less effort.
- Staying active becomes easier. When your feet are supported, it is easier to walk, stand, and move with confidence. Staying active helps maintain joint flexibility, strength, and overall wellbeing.
- They protect against new issues. Over time, the wrong footwear can cause changes in your walking patterns, muscle imbalances, postural changes, strained tendons or contribute to problems like knee pain or plantar fasciitis which can add more challenges when managing arthritis.
So even if your arthritis affects joints other than in your feet, your shoes still matter. Think of them as the first layer of joint support in helping the rest of your body move with less stress and greater comfort.
Read more on what to look for when choosing shoes in our previous article: Choosing the Right Shoes for Arthritis: Finding Comfort and Support
Supportive Shoe Brands
Shoes can be expensive, especially if it means changing your entire wardrobe to accommodate your arthritis. However, investing in a few versatile and comfortable pairs that you can wear for years may help protect your long-term health and reduce future costs associated with managing your arthritis.
Running and Walking Shoes
Hint: Look for good cushioning support, a lightweight design and a wide toe to give you room to move.
- New balance
- Consumer favourites: Fresh foam 880s or 327s
- Hokas
- Consumer favourites: Bondi 8 or 9
- Asics
- Consumer favourites: GEL-Nimbus Lite or GEL-Kayano Lite
- Brooks
- Saucony
- Oncloud
Sandals, Sneakers and Casual Shoes
Hint: Look for supportive soles and adjustable fits (the strappier the sandal the better, to adjust your shoe and secure a more custom fit).
- Frankie4
- Consumer favourites: Everyday-wear sneakers and sandals
- Hush puppies
- Consumer favourites: Office workwear shoes
- Bared Footwear
- Arches
- Ecco
- Birkenstock
- Merrell
- Clarks
Heels and Dress Shoes
Hint: If you want to wear heels opt for a low heel under 5cm and a block heel for greater support and balance. Look for supportive features such as extra straps or heel support.
Workwear
Hint: Look for lighter weight options that still meet safety requirements. Make sure the shoe is adjustable with laces to control for support and have cushioning or shock absorption.
Disclaimer
- Always try on shoes before purchasing to ensure they fit comfortably and provide the right level of support.
- Consider speaking with your healthcare team or a podiatrist for personalised advice. They can recommend suitable shoe styles or fit custom-made insoles for extra support.
- This list is not exhaustive of all quality shoe brands that can support arthritis. It is intended as a general guide to help you know what to look for when choosing footwear.
- The ‘consumer favourite shoes’ are based on general popularity and feedback and are not certified by a podiatrist or healthcare professional.
Emily Guenther
Health Project Coordinator
The Arthritis Movement
