Arthritis is a swelling that takes place in one or more joints due to pain and stiffness.
The problem is common in foot and ankle joints, making everyday activities very tough.
It can be due to any injury or sprain, which happens when the ligaments in the leg bones are injured due to a sudden twist or mishap.
You need to know about the ankle arthritis symptoms and get proper treatment methods to cure them as soon as possible.
If left untreated, it may get worse, becoming more agonizing for you.
In severe edema cases, you may feel helpless even when you need to walk for a shorter distance.
Proper treatment at the right time will give you a painless and more prolific life.
Besides consulting your doctor for the proper medical treatment, you can consider buying the best shoes for ankle arthritis that are medically proven to enhance your lifestyle.
Why You Need Best Footwear for Arthritis?
Studies showed that using the best appropriate ankle arthritis shoes when combined with proper exercises helped to cure the painful symptoms of arthritis at a faster pace.
However, when people choose to go with the wrong shoes, has made their arthritis pain (in their hips, knees, ankles, or feet) worse.
This is generally due to the damage these shoes do to the painful joints as these are not designed specifically for the particular need of arthritics.
Patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis generally suffer from a range of different foot problems, which may not be the same for all arthritics. Some of these foot problems may include:
- Pain under the heel
- Pain under the ball of the foot
- Pain in the bunion area of the foot
- Pain in the toe due to hammertoe
Based on the RA problem you suffer from (and its severity), you can choose the most comfortable shoes for your arthritic feet.
Choosing the best footwear for rheumatoid arthritis or for osteoarthritis in the feet is important for you so that you can once again enjoy a pain-free life by going out and doing the things you love.
Below we list down the 5 best options (for Men and Women) that can help.
5 Best Men’s Shoes for Ankle Arthritis
Men’s shoes for swollen feet due to conditions like arthritis are designed to provide good therapeutic support along with pain relief that the patient is forced to experience.
These are rather meant for easing all kinds of foot problems that a sufferer may undergo during arthritis.
If you still have not bought one, here are a few good options you can look at…
1- Z-CoiL Pain Relief Footwear Men’s Enclosed CoiL Black Boots
Z-CoiL Pain Relief Footwear for men comes with a popular enclosed coil which makes the shoe lighter and more comfortable.
Its patented coil in the heels is meant to reduce the impact on the foot by 50%, which ultimately reduces the foot, leg, and back pain for people suffering from arthritis.
Also, it features a built-in rigid orthotic that protects and supports an arthritis foot, thereby eliminating the developing foot pain, plantar fasciitis, and heel spurs.
This best shoes for arthritic feet and ankle also comes with a wide toe box which prevents any type of toe irritation.
Extra cushioning is provided in the front lining of the shoes, which effectively protects the ball of your foot and toes.
Overall this is one of the best men’s shoes you can get online if you are suffering from arthritis. Go for it, and we are sure you will love using them for years.
2- Z-CoiL Pain Relief Men’s Prime Composite Toe Black Boots
This is another great model for those who are suffering from foot pain or any other similar medical condition.
If you are passionate about boots and love wearing long boots, this is one great fit for you.
Z-Coil’s Prime model is a premium shoe model which comes with exceptionally soft full-grain leather.
The best thing about this shoe is it contours beautifully to the shape of your foot in very little time, making it much more comfortable and relaxing.
The prime model comes with only a few seams inside and a full moisture-wicking lining for the ultimate comfort of your foot.
Also, it features speed lacing and a rear finger loop which enables you to lace up and remove the Prime shoe with much ease.
3- Dr. Comfort Men’s Protector Black Steel Toe Diabetic Boots
Dr. Comfort Men’s Protector is another best shoe for bad ankle and foot. If you are looking for great shoes to relieve your foot conditions, this is the one you can consider.
Medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, flat feet, neuropathy, and pronation can be well relieved using these comfortable leather shoes.
These shoes come with a free pair of Gel Plus insoles which makes your purchase much more exciting.4- Orthofeet Diabetic Orthopedic Arthritis Men’s Athletic Shoes
Orthofeet Men’s Athletic Shoes not only are best for relieving foot conditions but also for enhancing your looks as it suits perfectly on your dress.
You can feel highly mobile while wearing these highly-rated shoes as they are quite breathable, nicely padded, and tough.
These are also the best pain-free shoes for people who love to add spring steps to their hiking but have never tried it before due to their painful feet.
These high-quality men’s shoes are made up of genuine leather and are best suited for conditions such as ankle tendonitis, arthritis, diabetes, and neuropathy.
While shopping for these shoes online, you also get a free pair of orthotic insoles.
These act like shock absorbers as they put less pressure on your bones, joints, and muscles.
5- Git-up Men’s Diabetic Slippers Arthritis Edema Adjustable Closure
Git-up offers you one of the best shoes for your ankle support and pain due to conditions like arthritis.
You can also try these shoes to get relief from problems such as plantar fasciitis, sciatica, Morton’s neuroma, heel spurs, bunions, metatarsalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, hip pain, and lower back pain.
Furthermore these pain relief shoes also help in improving posture, making your steps light, easy, and enjoyable.
Overall it gives you a confidence boost as you can easily move all day long pain-freely.
So why not shop now and start living a pain-free life.
5 Best Women’s Shoes for Ankle Arthritis
Women’s shoes for arthritic feet are a bit different than men’s as these tend to be designed somewhat in a stylish way.
In addition to providing the required orthopedic support, these enable you to flaunt your style without compromising your personality and fashion.
So if you are in search of great stylish looking women’s shoes for your swollen feet and ankles, here are a few of them…
1- Z-CoiL Pain Relief Women’s Footwear Sofia Slip Resistant
The women’s footwear from Z-Coil is slip-resistant and made of black leather. It is imported and comes with a rubber sole that offers more comfort while walking.
The built-in Z-Orthotic protects plantar ligaments, and the forefoot EVA cushioning cushions the ball of the foot as well as the toes.
A wide toe box prevents irritation of the toes and gives real comfort while on the move.
Z-Coil pain relief footwear for women is made from genuine full-grain leather that is really soft and can accommodate every single curve of the foot.Get one to try and walk in comfort, relieved from all pains with the branded footwear from Z-Coil. The size chart helps to identify the actual size and order accordingly without any confusion.
This pair of sandals for arthritic feet doesn’t come in half sizes; hence customers may have to go for one size up. A person with the size of W8.5 should go for W9.0 for a perfect size.
A special insert of half size is provided with such sizes for extra comfort and relief from pain.
The adjustable Velcro strap and the easy slip-on style ensure a great fit and ease on and off of the sandals.
2- Z-CoiL Pain Relief Women’s Footwear Outback Hiker Black Boots
Z-Coil has come with a revolution in footwear with its latest Women’s Outback Hiker Black boots.
These boots are known for providing pain relief for the wearers.
Made up of imported leather like all other shoe models from Z-Coil, these boots also have got a rubber sole.
As half sizes are not available, which is another common criterion of Z-Coil shoes, even hiker black boots come in full sizes and must be ordered accordingly.
The special half-size insert comes with these models as well.
The padded tongue is the best feature of these boots that adds more comfort to the foot. The ball of the toes and foot are covered by the forefoot EVA cushioning.
The built- in Z-Orthotic in these boots protects your foot from plantar ligaments.
The genuine full-grain soft leather helps accommodate every curve of the foot, and the wide toe box protects the toe from irritation.
For anyone who is looking for the best women’s shoes for arthritic feet, Hiker black boots from Z-coil can be the ideal option.
Not only for arthritis but by wearing these shoes, you can also get much relief from conditions like sciatica, Morton’s neuroma, metatarsalgia, diabetic neuropathy, and joint and hip pain.
Above all, these extra cushioned boots give utmost comfort while hiking and are hence preferred by many as the best hiking shoes.
Why not enjoy all the comforts that footwear or hiker boots can offer from the best Outback hiker boots, the world-famous brand.
3- Dr. Comfort Women’s Refresh Diabetic Athletic Shoes
Dr. Comfort has come up with Women’s refresh diabetic athletic shoes that are made from genuine fabric and leather.
These are the best dress shoes for arthritic feet, which is also an ideal option for running or jogging.
The rubber sole provides maximum comfort, and the additional benefit is the free pair of Gel Plus insoles that come with the main package of shoes.
These athletic shoes come in all sizes hence as they are designed to concentrate on a wide range of customers as per their requirements.The range of widths available is medium (A/B), Wide (C/D), and X-Wide (E/2E).
This category of shoes works well for various foot conditions like ankle tendonitis, arthritis, diabetes, flat heel, arch support, edema, neuropathy, pronation, and heel spurs, in addition to other common conditions.
The refresh is a part of the group of athletic collection or athletic comfort collection very much from Dr. Comfort.
Footwear, especially those that fall under medicated shoes, should work well for people suffering from various leg issues.
Flat foot is a common problem seen with lots of people, and with the comfort shoes from Dr.Comfort this issue can be easily resolved.
Enjoy pain-free walking with this wonderful set of footwear from Dr. Comfort.
4- MEJORMEN Women’s Edema and Arthritis Slippers Adjustable Closures
Wearing slippers at home is always good and helps protect the skin and foot. MEJORMEN has a range of wide women’s house slippers with a Velcro brand strap.
The material of this arthritis slipper is high density memory foam and is very much ideal for arthritis patients.
The pain will be gone instantly if someone with arthritis makes use of these slippers.
Another condition of your foot that can get treated by wearing these slippers is swollen ankles and feet.
This range of women’s house slippers is skid resistant and hence is very safe when it comes to aged people.
They are wide enough to deliver the ultimate comfort for their users without any doubt.
The adjustable Velcro brand helps to fasten the straps and to secure them in place. The product has been designed to ensure fast and safe movement throughout the house.
Moreover, since it is worn for most time of the day, all the important curves of the foot are completely covered well.
Enjoy comfortable walking at your home with the women’s comfort slippers from MEJORMEN from their range of three beautiful colors.
5- Silvert’s Women’s Extra Wide Adjustable Slippers Diabetic & Edema
Silvert’s slipper can be worn as a shoe and is best for those with arthritis or lowered hand dexterity.
It is also a great option for those elderly who suffer from problems such as bunions, corns, hammertoes, foot edema, diabetes, and podiatry foot problems.
These slippers are completely anti-bacterial to control odor and stains. It comes with a wide width slipper opening and a Velcro brand fastener closure.These slippers are also skid-resistant as it comes with non-slip slipper soles. Memory foam insoles are included for the ultimate comfort of the user.
This best diabetic slipper for women is good for swollen feet and ankles and is thus a great choice to use for patients in hospitals, post-surgery, nursing home patients residents, and retirement homes.
As it can accommodate swollen feet or ankles easily, there is no need to choose the extra size. Just ensure that you choose the right fit for you as per your size.
Arthritis Footwear Mistakes You Should Avoid
1-Wearing the wrong shoe size is one common mistake men and women suffering from arthritis make.
Having bought the wrong size, they try to compress their feet into shoes that are too small for their feet. Due to this they may suffer from additional problems like rubbing their ankle back severely.
Remember, every shoe brand makes the shoe differently and may have a difference in size.
Having said that, you should always have your feet measured whenever you buy a new pair of shoes for your feet.
2- Wearing your favorite pair of shoes daily is another common mistake many people with arthritis make. Even if your shoes are foot-friendly, wearing the same pair can lead to overuse syndrome.
The same pair of shoes force your feet to walk and hit the ground in a specific manner which over time can lead to straining your muscles, bones, and joints in your legs.
Since your body loves to try a different variety, podiatrists recommend having at least 3 pairs of arthritic footwear that you can alternate throughout the week.
3- Shopping for shoes for arthritis in the morning is a mistake you should avoid whenever you need to buy a new shoe pair.
Your feet tend to get swelling during the day or evening. So, it’s better to shop for your shoes during this time when your feet are expanded to their largest.
Make sure that the shoes you choose should neither be too loose nor too tight. When buying, try to keep a room of about half-inch between your longest toe and the shoe end.
Also, ensure that you try the shoes on both your feet. Since one of your feet may be of a slightly different size and width, care that you buy the one that fits your larger foot.
Are Rocker Bottom Shoes Good For Ankle Arthritis?
Rocker bottom shoes are generally the type of shoes that comes with a sole that is thicker than normal.
Unlike your regular shoes, these have rounded heels to ensure that you don’t have flat foot problems.
Although wearing the rocker bottom shoes daily is not a good idea according to most podiatrists, it can help to provide relief in some cases.
You should not keep them for daily use if you expect them to relieve your minor foot problems. Many times it can cause deterioration to your already weakened ankles or foot muscles.
If you are thinking about getting one for your arthritic ankle or mid-foot, you can consider getting a double rocker or heel-to-toe rocker.
Although this can prove to be effective, it is best to consult with your podiatrist, who can judge you’re area of arthritis well and can tell whether you really need rocker bottom footwear or any other type.
When shopping for Rocker bottom shoes for arthritis or other foot problems, make sure that you go with only reputed brands such as Hoka One One, Drew, and a few others. These provide better stability along with relief from arthritis pain.
Note – although these shoes are good to wear for people with arthritis pain in the foot, they can cause instability due to the low performance of the internal rockers if worn by a person with healthy feet.
This is especially true when you do not have any foot problems and use them regularly.
Difference Between Arthritic Shoes and Regular Shoes
When you are trying to make out the difference between arthritic shoes vs. regular shoes you should know about what are they and how they benefit.
Shoes for arthritic feet are specifically designed to address foot conditions that are particular to sufferers with arthritis.
These foot conditions may range from mild swelling to severe edema, foot ulcers, numbness, or diabetic neuropathy conditions.
As such, there is several factors that differentiate arthritic shoes from regular shoes. Some of these special features include:
☑ Soft protective inner material with quality stitching that does not protrude or irritate your feet
☑ Extra-depth for ideal pressure-free fit – it can also accommodate thick orthotic inserts for extra comfort
☑ A deep toe box that offers you an extra breathable room for comfortable toe movement – it avoids extra pressure on your toes
☑ Non-binding uppers that do not cause any pressure or irritation in the forefoot area, bunions, toes, heel, or at the back of a shoe
☑ Insoles that are lightweight and perfectly cushioned to reduce the impact on the bottom of the foot arch and enable you to move with full stability
In short, we can say that the most comfortable shoes for arthritic feet can provide you with the following benefits:
- Better circulation
- Better motion control
- Prevention from edema or swelling
- Prevent skin breakdown and calluses
- Prevents the problems in high-pressure foot areas
Obviously, your regular shoes will not provide all these benefits and hence buying a good pair of arthritic shoes makes sense.
How To Choose The Right Shoes For Your Arthritic Feet?
As seen above, people suffering from arthritis of the foot may experience different problems – therefore, there cannot be a single right shoe for everyone.
However, if you want to buy the most comfortable shoe for arthritic feet, there are certain standard features you may look at. These are:
1- Wider and deeper toe box:
This is one of the most important things to look at while buying a boot or a shoe for an RA sufferer.
As people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis may experience problems like curled toes and/or bunions they need to have extra room in their toe box for maximum comfort.
Patients at times may also need to wear socks or orthotics for extra cushioning and support. And to accommodate these, a deeper than a normal toe box is required for added comfort.
2- Removable insoles for arthritis:
People suffering from arthritis often need to wear foot orthotics to reduce or eliminate foot pain.
And to fit these orthotics, getting a shoe with a removable insole is a necessity. This will help you to use or remove these insoles as per your needs.
3- Low heels with extra support:
Patients suffering from RA often experience pain under the ball of the foot.
As using higher heel shoes (or stylish shoes) can increase the pressure on the ball of the foot, these are not recommended for men or women with arthritis pain.
It is best to get footwear with 1 – 1 ½” of the heel. Also, you should check that the shoe you choose should provide the maximum support to protect your swollen foot joints.
4- Cushioned sole with proper thickness:
The sole of the shoe is meant to absorb all the shock your feet may experience while walking, running, or jogging.
A well-cushioned sole like a rubber sole is most of the time recommended for those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.
This should have a moderate thickness so that you do not suffer from tripping issues.
5- Velcro closures and a back strap:
While these are not necessary, they can help the users to tie their shoes perfectly without any problems.
Velcro closures (instead of slip-on or laces) can ease the process of tying the shoes for arthritics as they also experience pain in their hands.
The backstrap is useful for patients as it provides additional support.
What Are The Best Shoe Brands For Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Although the above-mentioned shoes and brands are top-selling on the eCommerce stores such as Amazon, there are yet many best shoe brands available that manufacture footwear specialized for rheumatoid arthritis.
If you are not yet convinced and unsure about what to buy, you can check the brands Clark’s, Vionic, Orthofeet, Mephisto, Drew, Klogs, and Ecco.
These are the brands tested and approved by podiatrists and other foot experts.
Whichever brand you pick, make sure that you follow the above guidelines strictly to find the footwear that provides you good support and desired comfort level.
As the size and style may vary based on the shoe brand you choose, it is good to focus on the features you need most.
Hopefully, it will help you in managing your condition better.
Overall, wearing healthy and good ankle arthritis shoes (followed by other treatments) helps to relieve the pain and discomfort in an effective way.
Ensure that you always choose the best shoes for ankle osteoarthritis which are comfortable and prevent you from slipping.
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