9+ Best Shoes For Arthritic Knees | Unrivaled Guide 2022

With 52 bones, 66 joints, and over 200 muscles, tendons, and ligaments, our feet are precision machines that connect us to the earth, support our skeleton, and ensure balance and mobility.

Yet we neglect and even abuse them by forcing them to wear shoes that don’t fit, sacrifice function and comfort, or simply don’t fit. If you have ever worn a pair of nice shoes on a special occasion only to have them tear right off, you know how painful it can be to make a poor shoe choice. This is especially true when choosing the best shoes for arthritic knees.

Also Read: Best Shoes For Metatarsalgia

Best Shoes For Arthritic Knees

Best Shoes For Arthritic Knees | Comparison Table 2022

Best Shoes For Arthritic Knees | Reviews 2022

How To Choose The Best Shoes For Arthritic Knees | Unrivaled Guide 2022

• Make Sure The Shoes Fit Your Feet

Many people with inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, require shoes with roomy toes to accommodate big toes, hammertoes, and deformed joints.

To avoid exacerbating the problem (or creating new ones), pay special attention to the width fit of the shoe. If necessary, try to buy wider or extra-wide shoes. Do not make the mistake of going up one size to give yourself more room. Buying longer shoes will change the flex point (the defined point on the sole where the toe joint bends).

An easy way to tell if a shoe is right for you: Bring a copy of the shape of your foot when you go shopping and place the shoe you are considering on it. If the shoe is narrower or shorter than the trace, do not try it on.

• Look For Shoes That Are Supportive

The soles should be wide, stiff, and bend only where the foot bends (the toes). Then, a stable counter, the back of the shoe that wraps around the heel to hold the foot in place and prevent friction and pain, is the main support.

Also Read: Best Shoes For Navicular Pain (Accessory Syndrome)

• Consideration Of A Rocker Sole

This slightly curved insole smoothes the gait cycle, distributes weight more evenly, and reduces the burden of walking on the foot, ankle, and toes. Patients with both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis may benefit from rocker insoles. 4.

• Choose The Right Type Of Material

Especially for those who have problems with big toes or hammertoes, it is advisable to choose shoes made of materials that are soft and conformable to the foot. Hard materials can absolutely cause pain and sores where they protrude.

Also Read: Best Running Shoes for Calf Pain

• Look For Shoes With Removable Insoles

Insoles are one of the main treatments for arthritis sufferers.  Shoes with removable insoles allow you to wear your own custom or over-the-counter orthotics without the shoes being too tight.

Another smart feature for arthritic feet with severe deformities like hammertoe is shoes that provide extra or additional depth, allowing your feet to sink a quarter inch or half an inch deeper than standard shoes. This gives you more room in the shoe (so the hammertoe doesn’t rub on the top of the toe box) and enough room for custom orthotics.

•  Go For An Easy Fit

The more adjustable the shoe, the easier it will fit. This is important because as arthritis worsens, the foot must accommodate changes in size and shape. Arthritis in the fingers can also make tying shoelaces difficult. Elastic shoelaces fit snugly with a single pull and can be placed in shoes that are already tied.

Others, such as Velcro or zippers, can be attached and adjusted with one hand. Shoes with elastic insoles can also be used to increase the elasticity of the foot.

Also Read: Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

• Remove High Heels

High heels look great, but they are not good for arthritis. They put the feet in an unnatural position and deteriorate over time.  And it is not only the feet that suffer. High heels place undue strain on the back, hips, and knees, three areas prone to arthritis. Hence, high heels may contribute to an increased risk of osteoarthritis, concluded a study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research in 2015.

• Beware Of Flat Shoes

Flat shoes may not be ideal for arthritis either, especially if they are stiff and pointy. If you wear flat shoes, choose those with adequate shock absorption and arch support.

Another important factor is shoe flexibility, but shoes that are too stiff can interfere with a normal gait, and too much flexibility is not good either. If you can twist the shoe into a spiral or bend it in half from toe to heel, it is not a good shoe for arthritis.

• Choose Well-Cushioned Shoes

Choosing well-cushioned shoes can help prevent impact to the knees when walking or running. It is also highly effective in reducing the impact of the shock on the body.

• Consider The Soles Of The Shoes

If the footfalls are too far inward, the knee will follow that motion every time the foot touches the ground, leading to knee strain and pain. Foam insoles can prevent this and are a must.

Also Read: Best Shoes For Overpronation

• Focus On The Foot Arch

The arches in the soles reduce pain and make walking and running more comfortable. They also balance and absorb shock by distributing weight evenly, reducing strain on painful areas such as the knees.

• Check Your Size

Comfortable, well-fitting shoes are absolutely essential for arthritic knees. When shopping, choose shoes that are wide enough to allow room for your toes and not feel too tight.

• Check For Lace-Ups

The rule of thumb is that sports shoes should be laced up. This helps minimize pain by eliminating unevenness in the sole and reducing impact on the knee. Also, tying the shoelaces properly can reduce stress on the outside of the foot.

Also Read: Best Shoes For Neuropathy

FAQs

Does Running Worsen Arthritis?

The good news for those who love to run is that recent studies have shown that running does not damage arthritic knees or make arthritis pain worse. You may be surprised to learn that exercise can actually make your arthritis better.

Running (safely) also reduces the risk of needing surgery. The good news is that for most people with arthritis of the knee, running is safe.

Of course, use common sense and always consult your doctor first, listen to your body, and work with your doctor to create an exercise program that works for you.

What are the causes of knee arthritis?

The main causes of knee arthritis are heredity, age, lifestyle, weight, and trauma to the knee.

Genetics: Genetic mutations may predispose a person to develop OA of the knee. Also, the shape of the bones around the knee joint may be congenitally abnormal.
Age: As people age, the ability of cartilage to heal declines significantly.
Lifestyle: For example, people in certain occupations that require a lot of movement that puts stress on the joints, or athletes who play soccer or tennis.
Weight: weight increases the strain on all joints, especially the knee.
Knee trauma: Repeated kneeling, stooping, and heavy lifting can promote the development of knee osteoarthritis because of the constant pressure on the joints.

How can arthritis be prevented?

Of course, the key to preventing osteoarthritis of the knee is to maintain a healthy weight, control blood sugar, exercise, stretch, avoid injury, and stop smoking and routine preventive care.

Also Read: Best Shoes For Nurses

Conclusion

If you suffer from arthritis in your knees, choosing the best shoes for arthritic knees will get you back on the trail and back to doing what you love to do, and a supportive, In addition to the support and comfort, we recommend these shoes because of their soft and breathable design.