Footware

Hjn

Hi. I have osteoarthritis in my feet (as well as in one knee and TKR in the other). I'd like recommendations on best footwear to help with the significant pain please. I wear Skechers but my podiatrist doesn't really rate them. There are so many articles on the internet, I'd like to hear some specific examples or brands people have bought that have helped. Thanks 😊

Poppyjane

Hello @Hjn welcome to the online community

Care of our feet and supportive footwear is an important factor to get right when we are living with arthritis. Our mobility or lack of it impacts on our whole wellbeing so we are grateful to you for your question and the chance to revisit this discussion thread among our members.

I attach some links about OA of the feet which I hope you will find helpful

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2023/march/shoes-for-arthritis-tips-on-footwear-and-footcare-if-youre-in-pain/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/exercises-for-healthy-joints/exercises-for-the-toes-feet-and-ankles/

Please be aware of our community guidelines about advertising, we do not allow links to product websites.

If you click on the magnifying glass symbol top right and write shoes into the search bar you will find some useful posts from members. Let us know how you get on in your quest for the most supportive pair of shoes.

Best wishes

Poppyjane

Peebs

I have mid foot OA and wear Alegria shoes/boots. They have a thick rocker sole. Have worn these for years as I’m on my feet all day at work. They are stocked by Cheerfull Soles, Legend footwear (more limited selection but often cheaper) and there’s an Alegria Uk site. Saw podiatrist last week and was wearing them and he thought they were excellent but hadn’t heard of them.

cloughs

Anyone with ankle arthritis tried rocker sole shoes?

Thanks.

claudsl

Hi @cloughs

Here's a previous thread I found on rocker sole shoes;

Rocker shoes/soles — Versus Arthritis

Hope this helps!

Claudia

Bryony

I have bone-on bone OA in both knees. I recently had to replace shoes as they were falling apart, and the ones I used (actually so-called 'approach walking shoes) were no longer available. I eventually settled on Decathlon's Arpenaz 500 revival walking shoes, and am very pleased with them. They only do size 6 (39) and above though. They give me sufficient support, are light, not too stiff nor too flexible, and soles soft enough not to send sharp jolts up my leg on heel strike, but not so soft that I feel I am bouncing. I don't know how long they will last. They are genuine suede so are breathable.

I tried on a range of trainers, some Sketchers shoes, looked at Padders, and also some of the trail shoes too which have cushioning. The Decathlon ones felt the best. However, for the office they would not look sufficiently conservative if there is an expected dress code! Each of us is different though, so you'll probably need to try on quite a few until you find the shoes that feel as if they are made for you.

You'd just encouraged me to look them up, to let you know the name and I've now bought another pair as they were on offer! I've been meaning to for a while. When I find shoes I'm really happy with and which are lasting well, I tend to buy an extra pair, once they have shown themselves to be right for me. I've spent far too long in the past trying to find shoes / walking boots, and have made costly mistakes, so now stick with ones I'm happy with!

Bryony

There are different types of rocker soles, so check the difference between them! There is info online. There are stable rocker soles (negative or regular) which seem to be used for those with arthritis, unstable rocker soles that are designed to give instability - to work core muscles, which are probably not for those with arthritis!