Shoes for arthritis

Hello Vicky,

I was diagnosed with RA at 21 and nearly 6 years later, shoes remain a struggle. I am not after fashion shoes, as such, but I do like to look nice. The honest answer is that everyone is different. My feet and ankles are quite badly affected and my gait has changed, so what was good last year may not be so good this year. :? This makes things a tad expensive. On that note, my personal opinion is that you do need to spend some money. Cheap shoes aren't always poorly made but I do think you need to avoid the lower end shops and brands. I'm not saying that you need to splash out on hundreds, just be aware that you often really do get what you pay for.

Some of the brands that I have worn or have been recommended are; Ecco, Merrell, Kickers and Clarks. I saw a very well respected specialist foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon who suggested running trainers for every day wear. I scoffed at the idea of going to a running shop. However, it was the best money I've ever spent. For work, I am currently wearing Kickers shoes as they accommodate my orthotics and support my ankle. I like them too, which is a massive bonus!

I am a member of NRAS and in their magazine, they talked about a study of women with RA in their feet. They recommended the Solace brand of shoes; https://www.reedmedical.co.uk/solace-2

Hope this helps!

Shoes are a very individual thing but for someone as young as yourself must be a challenge. I am thankful that I no longer have the pressure of needing to follow trends and looking good . I used to swear by Crocs because they absorbed the impact of walking so very well but now they are not suitable for a variety of reasons. I am currently alternating between Hotter (fuddy-duddy for you) and Sketchers (OK-ish for me). I tried a Fit-flop trainer-style (briefly) in a shoe shop and crippled myself for hours after.

I find that things that lace or Velcro up on top of the foot ease the strain on my toes (with flip flops or even ordinary sandals your toes clench to hold the shoe on and this leads to extra aches and pains). I advise you to try in real life before you buy - shoes are one thing that I will not order over the net. Good luck with your search! DD

Whatever you do find be careful that there is cushioning - ballet flats may exist which can accomodate an orthotic but if they have that thin sole they will be painful. Clarks or Camper may be worth looking at but generally, as a rule of thumb, German shoes will be wider fits than shoes from Italy or Spain.

I do sympathise, I have a redundant collection of very beautiful and occasionally expensive heels. I can now be found in trainers (pretty ones), flip flops, wellies and winter boots. Not quite as much fun but much comfier for me. If you do find a fab shoe then please enlighten us all. I was 21 when I was first diagnosed and things like shoes felt like a loss of identity to arthritis but once you find something that works for you then you will be forging a new identity and will be much comfier too. Good luck with your hunt.

There are some Fly shoes/boots/sandals which are comfy...the ones with the 'low wedge'. they have a very slight wedge, which is quite 'rubbery' so quit bouncy to walk on (not hard, quite comfy) I have wide feet too and most of the styles are wide fitting. I wear the sandals with leggings in the summer and the ankle boots in winter with opaque tights or jeans. you can't put orthotics in the sandals though. Amazon have a big selection and you can send them back if they're not comfy.
I also have some Ecco ankle boots that my orthotics fit in and they look quite nice with dresses and opaque or lace tights...sort of trendy in an ironic way!
If i was rich I would set up a shoe store for painful and wide feet! So many people need them!
I went into a cool independant shoe shop in Brighton Laines and talked about my issues finding nice comfy shoes. the woman said they could make a pair specifically for me if i wanted...it would cost a lot (£200+) but maybe as you're only 21 it would be worth getting one nice pair per year? I think I would if i was your age! Maybe a xmas present from everyone or something! Good luck:)

I live in a mix of Ecco and my Asics gel running shoes, these are fairly light, they also do the Kayano range which were bliss to walk on but pricey, almost twice the price of the ones I bought. I have big slightly "funny" feet so choice has always been a bit limited. The Asics are actually mens', but seem a bit less boatlike than much male footwear. I'm so glad I've got to the age where I'm no longer worried about fashion, if my feet are happy, so am I! Not very comforting for a youngster tho.

Hi Vicky I find Rocket Dog shoes very comfortable and they stretch well with swollen feet and look pretty trendy!

As I have Chronic O/A in my feet I am unable to wear proper shoes so I live in walking shoes/boots for the structure. Anything that is too soft in the sole and the upper part of the shoe will just make my feet roll in. I do wear orthotic insoles from the hospital which do help. The problem I have got is that my son is getting married next year and I would really like to know where I can buy nice pretty feminine shoes from to go with my wedding outfit! I can't exactly wear walking shoes/boots with my wedding outfit!

Hello and welcome from me, too, lindaelice54 I will be of no use to you as I have to wear surgical shoes all the time and, yes, that did include my son's wedding. (I just wore a velvet trouser suit over them.) I think you'll get more relevant replies if you start a new thread, maybe entitled 'shoes for wedding' or some such. Good luck.

It's a pity shoe manufacturers aren't listening to people with arthritic feet. I have ankylosing spondylitis and my feet are agony. Why don't the shoe makers create a shoe that's fashionable and wearable for women and men who want no reminders of their disease. I am a granny now but I had the same problem when I was 21! Not good enough. We are a huge potential market.