Shoes for Rheumatoid Arthritis: What to Look For (Women and Men)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often shows up in the feet and ankles first. Swollen joints, a tender forefoot, bunions and stiff fingers can all make an ordinary pair of shoes painful to wear and hard to put on. The right shoe will not treat RA, but it can make standing, walking and getting dressed a lot easier. This guide covers what to look for in shoes for rheumatoid arthritis, for women and men.

This guide is general shopping advice, not medical advice. If your feet are painful, red or changing shape, talk to your rheumatologist or a podiatrist. They can also tell you whether you need custom orthotics.

How RA affects your feet and your shoes

RA causes inflammation in the small joints, and the feet have a lot of them. Over time this can mean swelling that comes and goes, pain under the ball of the foot, toes that drift or curl, bunions, and a foot that gets wider. Hand and wrist pain matters too: laces, tight heel counters and small zip pulls become hard work on a bad day.

So a good RA shoe has to do two jobs: give the foot room and support, and be easy to get on and off.

What to look for in shoes for rheumatoid arthritis

1) A wide, deep toe box. Room across the toes and in height takes pressure off bunions, hammer toes and swollen joints. Avoid pointed or shallow shoes.

2) Room for swelling. Feet often swell during flares and later in the day. Adjustable closures let the shoe follow the foot instead of squeezing it. Many people with RA find they need a wider fit or a half size up from what they used to wear. Measure your feet in the afternoon.

3) Cushioning under the ball of the foot. A cushioned, shock absorbing footbed helps when the forefoot is tender. A sole that bends at the ball of the foot, not in the middle of the arch, makes walking smoother.

4) A removable insole. If your podiatrist prescribes custom orthotics, you need to be able to take the original insole out to make room for them.

5) Closures that do not need strong fingers. Hook and loop (velcro) straps and large zip openings are easier than laces when hands are stiff or painful. Friendly Shoes use Easy Shoe Access, a zip opening built into the shoe that opens it wide, so the foot can go in without pushing past a tight collar.

6) Support and a secure heel. A shoe that holds the heel in place keeps the foot stable. Backless slip-ons and loose mules may be easy to put on, but they often give little support.

7) A low heel and a grippy outsole. High heels push weight onto the forefoot, which is often where RA hurts most. A low, stable heel and an anti-slip rubber sole are a safer everyday choice.

8) Light weight. Heavy shoes tire sore joints faster. Look for a light shoe that still feels supportive.

Shoes for women with rheumatoid arthritis

RA is more common in women, and “rheumatoid arthritis shoes for ladies” is one of the most searched questions we see. Look for the same features as above in a style you will actually want to wear every day. A few of our wide women’s shoes to start with:

• Hook and Loop Black Mesh Wide Women’s Shoe: adjustable straps, easy when fingers are stiff
• Excursion Black Silver Wide Women’s Shoe: wide toe box, removable memory foam footbed
• Excursion Peach Wide Women’s Shoe: our best selling women’s style

See all adaptive shoes for women.

Shoes for men with rheumatoid arthritis

• Hook and Loop Black Mesh Wide Men’s Shoe: adjustable straps and a wide fit
• Excursion Onyx Wide Men’s Shoe: wide, light, with a zip opening

See all adaptive shoes for men.

Everyday tips for RA feet

• Shop late in the day, when feet are at their largest, and try shoes on with the socks you usually wear.
• Feet can be two sizes. If one foot is more swollen or changed than the other, our single or split size shoe program lets you order a different size for each foot.
• Use tools. A long handled shoehorn and sock aid can save painful bending on stiff days.
• Rotate shoes so each pair keeps its cushioning longer.
• Buy where you can return. Friendly Shoes can be returned within 30 days if lightly worn indoors (see our returns policy).

Frequently asked questions

What are the best shoes for rheumatoid arthritis?

There is no single best shoe, but the most helpful features are a wide and deep toe box, cushioning under the ball of the foot, a removable insole for orthotics, a secure heel, a low heel height, and a closure that is easy for stiff hands, such as hook and loop straps or a zip.

Can you wear heels if you have arthritis?

High heels shift weight onto the front of the foot, where RA often hurts most, so most people find low heels far more comfortable. If you do wear a heel, keep it low and choose a style with a strap that holds the foot in place.

Should I size up with rheumatoid arthritis?

Many people with RA find their feet get wider over time or swell during flares, so they need a wider fit or half a size up. Measure both feet later in the day rather than relying on your old size.

Are slip-on shoes good for arthritis?

They are easy to put on, but many slip-ons have little support and a loose heel. A better option is a supportive shoe with an easy opening, such as a zip or hook and loop closure, so you get both.

Do I need orthopedic shoes for RA?

Not always. Many people do well in a supportive, wide shoe with a good footbed. If you have custom orthotics, choose a shoe with a removable insole and enough depth. Your podiatrist can advise on what your feet need.