Shoes for arthritis are hard to come by, but in this post, we've compared our top picks for women.
In the UK, around 10 million people suffer with arthritis, and it actually affects people of all ages (although it's associated with older people).
It can be very tough to find suitable footwear for these conditions. However, options are available whether you need shoes for osteoarthritis (OA) or inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
The Charlotte crossover ballet flat in soft pale pink nappa leather, a gentle blush neutral. The leather crosses over the toes and stretches across the bunion, with a panel that gives both bunions and tailor's bunions room. Fits up to EEE, true to size.
Style
Ballet flat with crossover vamp
Material
Pale pink nappa leather upper, lamb leather lining
Heel
Flat
Fit
True to size, fits up to EEE width
Toe box
Wide toe box with stretch panel across the bunion area
Browse more images of the Charlotte - Pale Pink Leather Ballerinas:
Our Review
Pale pink is the Charlotte I wear when I want a soft, warm neutral that still reads gentle rather than bright, since the blush tone goes with cream, denim and grey. The crossover leather stretches over my bunion so the joint isn't pressed, and the stretch panel gives the joint room. The arch support and heel cushioning hold through a long day on my feet. It is soft enough that I'd trust it over a tender or post-surgery foot. Fits up to EEE, true to size.
Pros
Crossover vamp stretches across the bunion joint
EEE width cap accommodates wider forefoot shapes
Arch-supported insole and heel cushioning for all-day wear
Soft nappa leather upper over lamb leather lining
Cons
Pale pink shows scuffs and dirt more readily than darker shades
Flat sole offers no heel pitch for those who prefer a small lift
Leather upper benefits from a protector spray before first wear
The Estella is Calla's zip-up trainer with no laces to tie, and black leather is the smart everyday one. A side zip means easy on and off without bending, while the removable moulded footbed and wider fit give the bunion room and take your orthotics. Fits up to EEE, true to size.
Origin
Handcrafted in Portugal, designed in the UK
Material
Black leather upper, lamb leather lining
Heel
Flat
Width cap
Fits up to EEE width feet
Toe box
Wide toe box
Closure
Side zip instead of laces
Footbed
Removable moulded footbed, swap in your own orthotics
Press
Voted one of the best stylish trainers for wide feet by Hello, Good Housekeeping, The Independent, The London Evening Standard
Browse more images of the Estella - Black Leather Zip-Up Wide Fit Sneakers:
Our Review
The black Estella is the trainer I reach for when I don't want to bend down and tie laces, because the side zip means I step straight in and out. In black leather it looks tidy enough for a casual office or smart-casual day, not just the gym. The wider fit and moulded footbed give my bunion room, and the footbed lifts out for my orthotics. The zip also means a consistent fit every time rather than laces I retie. True to size, up to EEE.
Pros
Side zip means you slip the trainer on without retying laces
Removable moulded footbed for own orthotics
EEE width fitting accommodates wider feet than most trainer brands
Black leather hides scuffs and city-pavement marks better than white
Cons
Zip is a moving part that adds a wear point lace-ups do not have
No laces means no further width adjustment beyond the fixed zip line
All-black trainer reads more formal than casual so it suits office and smart-casual wear more than sport
A clean white grain-leather trainer with a removable moulded footbed, so you can drop in your own orthotics, and a fully lined seam-free toe box that gives the bunion a smooth surface. Lace-ups let you open the forefoot towards an EEE width, and the cushioned arch-supported insole carries a full day of walking. True to size.
Origin
Handcrafted in Portugal at a family-run factory in the Porto region
Material
White grain leather upper, lamb leather lining
Heel
Flat
Colour
White
Fit
Fits EE-EEE width feet
Toe box
Wider toe box with extra depth, fully lined with no internal seams
Footbed
Removable moulded footbed with arch support
Closure
Lace-up for forefoot width adjustment
Press
Selected by Hello, Good Housekeeping, The Independent and The London Evening Standard among stylish trainers for wide feet
Browse more images of the Star - White Grain Leather Wide Fit Sneakers:
Our Review
The Star is the trainer I recommend to anyone who wears orthotics, because the moulded footbed lifts straight out and my own insole drops in, which almost no white fashion trainer lets me do. The toe box is fully lined with no internal seams, so nothing rubs across my bunion on a long walk, and I can loosen the laces to open the forefoot when the joint swells later in the day. It runs wide to an EEE but reads as an ordinary white sneaker, so it goes with jeans and a blazer or a shirt dress without looking like a comfort shoe. I have walked through whole city days in them without the forefoot ache I used to expect. True to size for me.
Pros
Grain texture on the leather hides minor scuffs better than smooth white leather
Removable moulded footbed lets you slot in your own orthotic
Seam-free toe box lining over the bunion area
Lace-up forefoot adjusts from EE to EEE
Cons
White leather still marks in wet or muddy conditions
The Star trainer in mocha with a soft borg-lined edge, the winterised version made for cold-weather walking. A fully lined seam-free toe box gives the bunion a smooth surface, while the removable insole takes your own orthotics. Fits EE-EEE, true to size.
Origin
Handcrafted in Portugal at a family-run factory in the Porto region
Designed
UK, developed with foot technologists
Material
Leather upper with fur-lined edge, lamb leather lining
Heel
Flat
Toe box
Wider toe area, fully lined seam-free toe box
Width cap
Fits up to EEE
Footbed
Removable cushioned insole with arch support, fits your own orthotics
Browse more images of the Star - Mocha Borg Suede Wide Fit Sneakers:
Our Review
Mocha borg is my cold-weather Star, the one I wear from late autumn because the soft fur-lined edge keeps the chill off my ankle on a frosty walk. It is warm-toned and cosy without looking like a snow boot, so it still goes with jeans and a coat. The lined seam-free toe box keeps my bunion from rubbing, and the insole lifts out for orthotics like the rest of the range. The wider toe box matters more in winter when I want a thicker sock. True to size in a wide fit, EE-EEE.
Pros
Removable moulded footbed swaps out for your own orthotics
Seam-free toe box stops the upper rubbing across the joint
Lace-ups adjust around the instep for high or low arches
Fur-lined edge sits against the ankle for warmth
Cons
Fur edge marks more visibly than a smooth leather sneaker
Mocha colourway shows scuffs on the toe more than a darker shade
Flat trainer build suits casual rather than smart-formal wear
The Freya tassel loafer in soft off-white leather, the light neutral that lifts spring and summer tailoring or denim. A hidden stretch panel in the toe box flexes over the bunion while the wide toe box gives the forefoot room. Runs big, so size down a full size; fits up to EEE.
Origin
Handcrafted in Porto, Portugal
Material
Off-white leather upper, lamb leather lining
Heel
Flat
Width cap
Fits up to EEE
Toe box
Wide last with hidden stretch panel over the bunion area
Browse more images of the Freya - Off White Leather Loafers:
Our Review
Off-white is the Freya I reach for in warmer months, because the soft pale leather freshens up tailored trousers and looks just as easy with relaxed denim and a knit. The tassels keep it from being plain, and underneath it is the comfortable Freya, with a stretch panel that flexes over my bunion and a wide toe box for my forefoot. It runs big like the suede versions, so I sized down a full size. I treat the pale leather gently since light shades show marks. Fits up to EEE.
Pros
Hidden stretch panel flexes over the bunion joint
EEE width cap accommodates wider forefeet
Off-white pairs across denim and tailoring
Cushioned arch-supported insole carries through a full day
Cons
Runs a full size large so order down
Off-white leather shows scuffs and dirt around the toe and heel
Flat pitch offers no lift for outfits that call for a heel
The Meredith chunky loafer in neutral leather with a gold horsebit detail, the day-to-night one. A 2.5cm heel and cushioned sole carry the day, while the wide-enough toe box gives the bunion room. Fits up to EE, true to size.
Browse more images of the Meredith - Neutral Leather Loafers:
Our Review
Neutral leather is the Meredith I wear when I want a loafer that goes from day to evening, since the soft neutral and the gold horsebit give it just enough polish for dinner. The 2.5cm heel and cushioned sole keep me comfortable from morning on, and the toe box is wide enough that my bunion has room. The horsebit lifts plain trousers without trying too hard. It wipes clean more easily than the suedes. Fits up to EE, true to size.
Pros
2.5cm heel sits low enough for full-day wear
Gold horsebit detail across the vamp
Cushioned arch-supported insole
Lamb leather lining flexes over the bunion area
Cons
Width cap stops at EE
Neutral leather will show scuffs and needs a conditioning cream to keep the colour even
Horsebit detail rules out the most formal black-tie settings
The Charlotte is Calla's crossover ballet flat, the one customers keep coming back to, here in soft black nappa leather. The leather crosses over the toes and stretches across the bunion, with a panel that gives both bunions and tailor's bunions room. Fits up to EEE, true to size.
Origin
Handcrafted in Portugal at a family-run factory in the Porto region
Material
Soft black nappa leather upper, lamb leather lining
Heel
Flat ballerina
Colour
Black
Fit
True to size, fits up to EEE width feet
Toe box
Stretch panel across the toe box for bunions and tailor's bunions, crossover design that stretches to the foot shape
Footbed
Enhanced arch support, extra cushioning at the heel
Browse more images of the Charlotte - Black Leather Ballerinas:
Our Review
Black Charlotte is the ballet flat I reach for most, because the crossover design stretches gently over my bunion instead of pressing a hard line across the joint. The soft nappa leather gives where my foot is widest, and the stretch panel handles both my bunion and the tailor's bunion on the little-toe side. Enhanced arch support and extra heel cushioning mean it carries a full day rather than leaving my feet flat and sore. It is the flat I'd recommend to anyone after a bunionectomy who needs softness and width over the scar area. Fits up to EEE, true to size.
Pros
Stretch panel across the toe box gives over both the bunion and the tailor's bunion sides
Nappa leather softens with wear
Extra heel cushioning eases the back of the foot
Fits up to EEE width
Cons
Flat ballerina sole has limited grip in wet weather
Crossover stretch design relies on the panel rather than laces so cannot be tightened
The Ember slipper in cappuccino cream suede, the light-neutral version of the mule slipper with built-in arch support and gold hardware. The roomy toe box and stretch lining conceal and give room to even large bunions at home. Fits up to EE, with a size up suggested for EEE feet or larger bunions.
Browse more images of the Ember - Cappuccino Cream Suede Slippers:
Our Review
Cappuccino cream Ember is the slipper I wear when I want a lighter shade than the brown, since the soft cream and gold hardware look more like a flat than a slipper. It has real arch support and a roomy toe box, so hours on hard floors at home don't leave my bunion or arches aching. The stretch lining gives over the joint and conceals it. The non-slip sole lets me step outside to the bin. I have an EE foot and took the size up, as Calla suggests, for room over the bunion.
Pros
Mule slip-on with no fastening for easy on and off
Wide toe box conceals large bunions
Arch-supported cushioned insole carries the foot through indoor wear
Synthetic stretch lining widens around the joint
Cons
Suede upper marks in damp conditions and is best kept indoors
Sizing up is recommended for EEE feet or larger bunions
The Alice is Calla's low-heel flat boot on a 4cm heel, in soft calf leather with an easy back zip. An extra wide toe box gives the bunion room while the arch-supported cushioned insole carries an all-day boot. Fits EE-EEE, true to size.
Origin
Handcrafted in Portugal at a family-run factory in the Porto region
Material
Calf's leather upper, lamb leather lining
Heel
4cm block heel
Entry
Back zip
Fit
Fits EE-EEE width feet
Toe box
Wide toe box with hidden stretch panel over the bunion area
Browse more images of the Alice - Black Leather Boots:
Our Review
Black Alice is the everyday flat boot I reach for, since the 4cm heel and soft calf leather are easy with jeans, trousers or a skirt. The back zip makes it simple to get on, and the extra wide toe box gives my bunion room rather than pressing it. The arch-supported cushioned insole means I can wear it all day. It is the go-to boot I pull on without thinking. Fits EE-EEE, true to size.
Pros
4cm block heel gives lift without strain through the forefoot
Back zip eases entry over a wider foot
EEE width cap accommodates the bunion joint
Calf's leather upper softens to the shape of the foot over wear
Cons
Leather uppers benefit from regular conditioning and weatherproofing through wet UK winters
Back zip is the only adjustment so calf width is fixed
4cm heel is not flat so will not suit anyone needing a fully flat boot
The Petra flat slingback in warm taupe leather, the soft-neutral version of the square-toe bow slingback on a low heel. The cushioned insole and stretch panel flex over the bunion, so a low slingback stays comfortable all day. Fits EE, true to size.
Style
Slingback with bow detail across the vamp
Material
Taupe leather upper, lamb leather lining
Heel
Low heel
Toe shape
Square toe
Fit
True to size, fits EE width feet best
Toe box
Wide toe box with discreet stretch panel across the bunion area
Insole
Cushioned
Best for
Workwear with tailored trousers, midi dresses, denim and a blazer for evenings
Origin
Designed in the UK, handcrafted in Porto, Portugal
Browse more images of the Petra - Taupe Leather Slingbacks:
Our Review
Taupe Petra is the flat slingback I reach for when black feels too hard, since the warm taupe sits softly with cream, camel and denim. The square toe and bow keep it smart, and the low heel is easy on my feet through a long day. The stretch panel flexes over my bunion so the joint isn't pinched, and the open back keeps it cool. I wear it for work or dress it up with denim and a blazer. Fits EE, true to size.
Pros
Square toe gives the forefoot horizontal room without widening the heel
Hidden stretch panel flexes across the bunion joint
Taupe leather sits as a neutral with grey
Navy and brown wardrobes
Low heel pitch for full-day office wear
Cons
EE width cap is narrower than the EEE flats in the range
Slingback strap can slip on narrower heels and may need adjusting through the day
Lighter taupe leather shows marks more visibly than black
Features of Shoes for Arthritis
Wide width shoes
Many people agree that wide-fit shoes are the best type of shoes for arthritis. One of the reasons for this is that they deliver more space for your feet to manoeuvre.
They can also help you avoid slipping and rubbing. It is essential to ensure that your shoe shape is a good match for your foot shape.
Narrow shoes can place much more pressure on feet which are already tender. The best shoes for arthritis also take other foot conditions into consideration.
These can include hammer toes, deformed joints and bunions.
The toe box area is the area thatâs located at the front of the shoe. This should be wide so the pressure points on tender feet are minimised. Shoes that have a wide tox box to enable maximum toe movement, and protect the bunions, hammer toes and other kinds of foot conditions that can come with arthritis. This explains why itâs essential to see out wide feet shoes if you have arthritis.
High heels certainly arenât the best shoes for arthritis. Most shoes for this type of joint pain are flat. However, you donât always need to wear flat shoes if you do have arthritis. Heels for arthritis are available, though itâs wise to opt for a lower heel.
High heels will put too much pressure on the soles and balls of your feet. This can cause a great deal of pain. Low heels tend to have a wide tox box and give plenty of support and cushioning to soothe the pain of arthritic feet.
Underfoot cushioning and support
If you do need shoes for joint pain and arthritis, donât just think about the width. Youâll also need to pay attention to whatâs underneath your feet. Quality shoes for arthritis have soft underfoot cushioning which will protect sensitive soles.
Shock absorption is essential if you are to reduce the strain on cartilage which is already fragile.
Soft uppers
The best shoes for people living with arthritis are made from soft and flexible uppers. Itâs a good idea to seek out shoes manufactured from long-lasting and supportive soft leather. Rigid materials can make tender arthritic feet feel more painful and can reduce your mobility.
Avoid laces if possible
Many people living with arthritis avoid lace-up shoes. This is often because they donât want to fuss with their hands and fingers which may also have joint pain. Slip-on shoes and zippers can deliver a comfortable fit and mean you donât need to worry about dealing with laces.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.