Arthritis Shoes

Arthritis, a disease generally characterized by inflammation and damage to a body's joints, attacks cartilage, joint linings, bones and connective tissues such as ligaments. Arthritis can occur in any joint - in the wrist, shoulder, back, neck, hip, hands, ankle or foot --- and takes away normal pain-free function.

Since each foot has 26 bones and over 30 joints, the foot and ankle are major targets for arthritis. At least half of Americans over age 60 have arthritis of the foot and/or ankle.

Two main types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is commonly referred to as "wear-and-tear" arthritis because of the gradual wearing out of the joint cartilage that comes with age. Motion becomes more difficult and painful, and joints can become stiff after periods of rest. However, osteoarthritis can also be the result of an old injury, often referred to as traumatic osteoarthritis. An injury such as a broken bone, ankle sprain, or torn ligament sometimes results in arthritis years later even though the injured joint received proper medical attention at the time.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis than can cause deformities of the joints and general fatigue. This chronic condition usually affects more than one joint and sometimes affects all of the body's joints. Those who have had rheumatoid arthritis for 10 years or more, almost always develop foot and ankle problems. Bunions, hammertoes, claw toes, and deformities of the forefoot and midfoot are common conditions.

1. Proper shoes for arthritis and proper fit are critical. Arthritic feet are often thin and bony with little natural padding. New Balance shoes with high levels of ABZORB® cushioning in the footbed disperse the shock, relieving aching feet, ankles, and knees. You might consider a running shoe because of its higher concentration of cushioning and light-weight qualities. Arthritis shoes should be soft, flexible, and cushioned. Avoid firm and rigid footwear. Below are some of the best New Balance shoes for arthritis.

2. Shoe shape is important. Select a shoe shape that matches your foot shape. The best shoes for arthritis have a wider forefoot that provides extra room, not cramping or squeezing any problem areas.

3. Proper insoles or custom orthoses can offer relief to arthritic feet. The Pressure Relief insole, our most popular insole for arthritis, features a medical-grade Plastazote cover that is extremely soft with a pillow-like feel. ABZORB® technology inside provides high levels of cushioning and protection from the shock of ground reaction forces. The Pressure Relief insole also includes metatarsal padding that gently lifts the area behind the toes to promote natural alignment.

4. Carbon Graphite Foot Plates provide relief when arthritic pain and discomfort flares up in the big toe joint or in the forefoot area. These ultra-thin rigid plates, resembling a contoured foot shape, limit the flexing motion in the toes and forefoot for walking comfort. They slip easily into your shoes underneath the insole or custom orthoses, and they can be moved to other shoes.

5. SmartWool and CoolMax® socks offer feet additional padding and protection.

6. Always wear shoes. Arthritis shoes include supportive sandals and slides, too.  Going barefoot, even around the house, can be hard on the feet. For healthy, easy-to-wear comfort for leisure, try our Orthaheel sandals, approved by the American Podiatric Association. Podiatrist-designed, these clinically proven sandals are built with a posted, cushioned arch that controls pronation, making them ideal for heel pain, knee pain, back pain, and aching legs. For a closed-toe alternative we recommend the New Balance 801 slide.