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. 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. However, you may need to see your doctor before your problem can be treated, particularly if you have arthritis. Seams or ridges in the lining of a shoe can rub and make problems such as hammer toes, corns, or swollen joints more painful. Try to find footwear with a smooth lining. Protection Cameron Bennet, an Australian-based podiatrist and owner of My Family Podiatry in Albany Creek, Queensland

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. My criteria are simple. Aside from being stylish, a shoe must have a roomy toe box, solid arch support and good cushioning, specifically for the ball of the foot,” she says. —Judy Alexandra DiEdwardo If you’re in any of these groups tell your doctor or rheumatology team about any changes to your feet as soon as possible.OrthoFeet specializes in designing footwear using advanced biomechanics to reduce the heel and arch pain common to those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This autoimmune inflammatory condition can cause varying degrees of joint pain and swelling, making it difficult to find shoes that don't contribute to the discomfort. The Kita Hands Free features an easy slip-on design that prevents bending, and the footbed is designed with anatomic support to decrease pain associated with RA.

It's important to note there's little ventilation in the Kita, so your feet can become hot after long periods. While the upper is made from knit, this style trapped heat more than other styles we tested. This is likely only an issue for those who live in warmer climates or have naturally hot feet. Depending on the condition you have and where you live, you might be referred to an NHS podiatrist. 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." The footbed has a unique design featuring ridges and contours that massage your feet while walking, stimulating the nerves in your feet to reduce pain. It also encourages proper toe extension and articulation for improved balance and stability. The upper is made from water-resistant wool that repels liquids but retains heat, so it might not be ideal for those who tend to overheat in shoes.Gently pat your feet dry, especially between your toes. Avoid rubbing as it can make your feet sore. Foot structure matters, too. “Stability shoes provide good cushioning and motion control for people who overpronate,” Dr. West says. Podiatrists used to be known as chiropodists. They are qualified foot experts who can treat problems such as ingrown toenails, wounds, corns, or calluses. Shoes with Rigid Soles: These can exacerbate pain by not allowing the natural movement of the foot. Prescription orthotics are designed to relieve pain and help correct structural changes in the foot.

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. To find the best shoes for people with arthritis, we tested each style based on seven factors: fit, stability, responsiveness, cushioning, comfort, quality, and value. Each attribute was ranked on a scale of one to five, with five being the highest score and one being the lowest.The shape of your feet can alter throughout the day because of changes in temperature, pressure, and arthritis. Footwear with an adjustable fastening can allow for these changes without reducing the support it offers. If you love wearing classic Crocs in your everyday life, you’ll love this plush-lined version, designed for the indoors. The lined clogs have the same shape as traditional Crocs but have a faux fur lining to keep your feet warm. We found the lining to be overly warm, even with the breezy rubber upper, so we recommend these for winter use. Shoes without Fastenings: If the shoe doesn’t stay on the foot properly, it can lead to improper gait or foot strain as one tries to keep the shoe in place. Your risk of developing infections and painful long-term problems in your feet can be increased if you have: