Quick answer: Choose shoes that fit well and have a roomy toe box, a low broad heel, a cushioned grippy sole, a firm heel counter, a removable insole and fastenings you can manage. Get measured later in the day and try shoes on. If you have inflammatory arthritis with foot problems or your feet have changed shape, ask about a podiatrist.
Checked on 11 October 2026 against NHS information on foot pain and bunions, NICE guidelines NG226 (osteoarthritis) and NG100 (rheumatoid arthritis), and Arthritis UK's guide to foot and ankle pain. This is a criteria-based guide. We do not rank brands, have not tested shoes, and use no affiliate links.
Shoes matter with arthritis. The right pair can make walking more comfortable, protect painful joints in the feet, and help you stay active. The wrong pair can rub, squeeze and add strain to your feet, ankles, knees and hips. There is no single "best shoe for arthritis". The best shoe is the one that fits your feet, suits what you are doing, and is easy for you to put on and take off.
This guide explains what to look for, how to get a good fit, when to see a podiatrist, what the NHS can offer, and what to be wary of. Good shoes support walking and exercise. They do not cure arthritis.
What to look for: the key features
A roomy toe box
Look for enough width and depth at the front so your toes are not squeezed. Arthritis UK and the NHS both recommend soft, wide-fitting shoes to reduce pressure on bunions and on clawed or hammer toes. If your toes curl or you have bunions, extra depth matters as much as width.
A low, broad heel
The NHS advises wide shoes with a low heel and a soft sole for bunions, and not wearing high heels or tight, pointy shoes. A low, broad heel is also more stable and puts less pressure on the ball of the foot.
Cushioning
A cushioned midsole and insole can absorb some of the shock of walking. Arthritis UK suggests soft, cushioned insoles and wide shoes with a soft sole for pain in the ball of the foot.
Support and stability
A firm heel counter (the back of the shoe) holds your heel steady. A shoe that bends at the ball of the foot, not in the middle, gives support while letting you walk naturally. Twist the shoe gently: it should resist twisting.
A removable insole
If you use, or may need, insoles or orthoses, choose shoes with a removable insole and enough depth to fit them.
Easy fastenings
Touch-and-close straps, elastic laces, zips or wide openings can make shoes much easier with hand, back, hip or knee arthritis. Adjustable fastenings also let you loosen shoes if your feet swell.
A grippy, non-slip sole
Choose a sole that grips well on wet pavements and indoor floors, to reduce the risk of slips.
Light weight
Lighter shoes can be less tiring, especially for longer walks.
Soft, seamless uppers
Soft leather or stretchy materials with few internal seams can reduce rubbing over bunions, toe joints or nodules.
How to get a good fit
- Get measured for length and width, and measure both feet. Buy for the larger foot.
- Shop later in the day, when feet are usually at their largest.
- Take the socks and insoles you will wear with the shoes.
- Check length: leave roughly a thumb's width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
- Check width: the widest part of your foot should sit at the widest part of the shoe without bulging.
- Walk around on a hard floor, not just carpet, and go up and down a step if you can.
- Do not rely on "breaking them in". Shoes should be comfortable from the start.
- Check the returns policy, especially if buying online.
Considerations for different types of arthritis
Osteoarthritis of the knee, hip or foot
Cushioned, supportive shoes with a low heel are usually most comfortable. NICE guideline NG226 says not to routinely offer insoles, braces or supports for osteoarthritis unless there is joint instability or abnormal loading, exercise alone is not effective or suitable, and the device is likely to improve movement and function. In other words, exercise comes first, and shoes and insoles support it. Our arthritis pain relief guide covers other options.
Big toe arthritis
If the big toe joint is stiff and painful, a shoe with a stiffer sole, or a sole that rocks from heel to toe, may reduce bending at the joint. See our guide to big toe osteoarthritis and shoes.
Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthritis
Inflammatory arthritis often affects the small joints of the feet. Feet can change shape over time, with bunions, clawed toes or a flattened arch. NICE guideline NG100 says all adults with rheumatoid arthritis and foot problems should have access to a podiatrist for assessment and periodic review, and that functional insoles and therapeutic footwear should be available if needed. Extra-depth and wide-fitting shoes are often helpful.
Gout
During a gout attack, a shoe may be impossible to wear. Soft, roomy footwear or a wide sandal can help while it settles. Between attacks, choose shoes that do not squeeze the big toe.
Bunions
The NHS advises wide shoes with a low heel and soft sole, bunion pads from a pharmacy, and avoiding high heels and tight, pointy shoes. Our guide to bunions and shoes has more detail.
Swelling
If your feet or ankles swell, choose adjustable fastenings and check fit at the end of the day. New or one-sided swelling should be checked by a GP.
Types of shoe to consider
- Walking shoes or trainers: often the most cushioned and supportive everyday option.
- Extra-depth or wide-fit shoes: for bunions, toe deformities, swelling or insoles.
- Walking boots: for rough ground, with ankle support. Check they are not too heavy or stiff.
- Sandals: choose ones with a back strap, adjustable fastenings and a supportive sole, rather than flip-flops.
- Slippers and indoor shoes: backless or loose slippers increase the risk of falls. Choose slippers that fasten and have a firm, non-slip sole. See our guide to indoor footwear and slippers.
- Work shoes: look for supportive designs that meet your workplace's safety needs, and ask about adjustments if you need different footwear.
Shoes for walking further and exercise
If you are building up your walking or starting an exercise class, a well-fitting, cushioned walking shoe or trainer is usually the best choice. Wear new shoes for short walks first to check for rubbing. For longer walks, choose shoes with a little more cushioning and room for feet that swell slightly as you go. If you walk on rough paths, a lightweight walking shoe or boot with a grippy sole may be safer. Replace exercise shoes when the cushioning feels flat or the sole is worn unevenly.
If putting shoes on is hard
- Sit down to put shoes on, with your foot raised on a low stool if bending is hard.
- Use a long-handled shoe horn and, if needed, a sock aid.
- Swap standard laces for elastic or coiled laces, so shoes become slip-ons.
- Choose touch-and-close straps or zips if your fingers are stiff.
- Ask an occupational therapist about dressing aids if you are struggling.
Exercises and foot health
Shoes work best alongside exercise. Arthritis UK says exercise can help reduce pain and stiffness in the feet and ankles, and that it may be easier once feet have loosened up in the morning, for example after a warm bath or shower. Start gently and build up slowly. Our guide to foot and ankle arthritis covers the condition and treatments in more depth.
Getting value for money
A higher price does not always mean a better shoe for your feet. Focus on fit and features rather than labels. Keep two pairs and alternate them so each can dry out, which can make both last longer. If you need specialist footwear or insoles because of foot changes, ask about NHS provision before paying privately.
Red flags when buying shoes
- Claims to cure or treat arthritis. Shoes can help comfort and function but do not treat the disease.
- Magnetic or "energy" insoles. Arthritis UK says there is no current evidence that adaptations such as magnetic insoles are better than standard cushioned insoles or well-fitted footwear.
- Very expensive shoes sold as "medical" without a clear reason or professional advice.
- Shoes that need breaking in or feel tight in the shop.
- No returns policy.
- Online insoles claiming to correct posture or fix knee or back pain. Get assessed instead.
When to see a podiatrist
The NHS describes podiatrists as trained foot specialists, formerly called chiropodists. They can advise on padding, dressings, specialist insoles, splints and supports, and footwear and exercise. Consider asking about a podiatrist if:
- you have rheumatoid arthritis or another inflammatory arthritis with foot problems
- your feet have changed shape
- you have corns, calluses or sores that keep coming back
- you cannot find shoes that fit comfortably
- you have diabetes or poor circulation as well as arthritis
The NHS says different areas have different rules for who can be referred to an NHS podiatrist. Some only refer people with rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes or peripheral arterial disease. Ask your GP or rheumatology team. If you see a podiatrist privately, the NHS advises checking they are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). An orthotist can provide specially made insoles, braces and footwear, usually after a referral.
What the NHS can offer
- advice on footwear and foot care from your GP, physiotherapist or podiatrist
- NHS podiatry, depending on local criteria
- insoles, orthoses or therapeutic footwear where clinically needed, through podiatry or orthotics services
- physiotherapy for exercises to strengthen feet, ankles and legs
If you have just been diagnosed, our newly diagnosed guide explains other first steps.
Caring for your feet
- Check your feet regularly for redness, blisters, sores or changes in shape. Use a mirror or ask someone to help if you cannot reach.
- Keep feet clean and dry, especially between the toes, and moisturise dry skin, but not between the toes.
- Cut toenails straight across, or ask a podiatrist if this is difficult.
- Wear clean socks without tight bands or thick seams.
- Replace shoes when the soles or heel counters are worn or misshapen.
A shoe-shopping checklist you can copy
- Feet measured (length and width) today? ☐
- Shopping later in the day? ☐
- Bringing my socks and insoles? ☐
- Roomy toe box, wide and deep enough? ☐
- Low, broad heel? ☐
- Cushioned, grippy sole? ☐
- Firm heel counter? ☐
- Removable insole? ☐
- Fastenings I can manage on a bad day? ☐
- Comfortable from the first step? ☐
- Returns policy checked? ☐
When to get medical help
Arthritis UK advises speaking to your doctor or a foot care specialist if foot pain does not improve in the first few days, is getting worse, or is still causing problems after two weeks of self-care; if you have sores that are not healing or skin that has changed colour; if your foot has changed shape or is very swollen; if the problem keeps coming back or lasts longer than three months; or if you have an inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes. Get same-day help from your GP or NHS 111 if a foot is red, warm and swollen and you have a high temperature or feel hot and shivery, as this can be an infection. If you have diabetes and notice a new sore or colour change on your foot, seek help promptly.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best shoes for arthritis?
The best shoes fit well and have a roomy toe box, a low broad heel, cushioning, a firm heel counter, a grippy sole and fastenings you can manage. The right model depends on your feet.
Can I get shoes or insoles on the NHS?
Possibly. Insoles, orthoses and therapeutic footwear can be provided through NHS podiatry or orthotics services where clinically needed. Local criteria vary.
Do insoles help knee osteoarthritis?
NICE says not to routinely offer insoles for osteoarthritis unless there is instability or abnormal loading, exercise alone is not enough, and the insole is likely to improve movement and function.
Should I wear slippers at home?
Choose slippers that fasten and have a firm, non-slip sole. Backless or loose slippers increase the risk of falls.
When should I see a podiatrist?
If you have inflammatory arthritis with foot problems, your feet have changed shape, you have recurring corns or sores, or you cannot find comfortable shoes.
Do magnetic insoles work?
Arthritis UK says there is no current evidence that magnetic insoles are better than standard cushioned insoles or well-fitted footwear.
Why don't you list brands?
We have not tested shoes and the right one depends on your feet. Use the criteria and checklist above and try shoes on before buying.
Sources and further reading
- NHS: Foot pain
- NHS: Bunions
- NHS: Joint pain
- NICE NG226: Osteoarthritis in over 16s
- NICE NG100: Rheumatoid arthritis in adults
- Arthritis UK: Foot and ankle pain
- GOV.UK: Accepting returns and giving refunds
Educational information for people in the United Kingdom, not personal medical, legal or financial advice. NHS processes, rules and prices change, so check the linked official sources and speak to your GP, specialist team or pharmacist about your own situation. Charity no. 1218461. Pending clinical review. If you feel very unwell, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent advice, contact NHS 111.
Continue with related help
- PIP and benefits — help with costs
- Diet and arthritis — eating well
- Shoes for plantar heel pain — heel pain
- Choosing mobility aids — sticks to scooters
- Arthritis symptoms: what to do next — when to get help