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Finding the right shoes can make everyday walking more manageable when arthritis affects your feet, knees, hips, or hands.
But there isn’t one shoe that works equally well for everyone. A shoe that feels comfortable for knee arthritis may not be the right choice for swollen feet or painful toes. If hand arthritis makes laces and small fasteners difficult, easy-on shoes may also be a major consideration.
This guide compares six shoes for different needs, including cushioning, stability, room for swollen or sensitive feet, easy entry, everyday comfort, and orthotic-friendly fit.
For the features to look for when shopping for arthritis-friendly footwear, see our companion guide: How to Choose Shoes for Arthritis: 10 Features to Look For.
Quick Answer: Which Shoes Are Worth Considering?
Here are our picks by specific need rather than one overall winner:
| Shoe | Best suited for | Standout feature | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoka Bondi 9 | Knee arthritis | Maximum cushioning and smooth rocker | May not suit people who need more stability |
| New Balance 990v6 | Knee and hip arthritis | Structured support and width options | Less cushioned than the Bondi 9 |
| Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit | Foot arthritis and swelling | Stretch upper and adjustable fit | Less focused on motion control |
| Skechers Go Walk Slip-Ins | Hand arthritis | Hands-free entry | Limited structural and orthotic support |
| Skechers Arch Fit | Everyday comfort and value | Supportive insole and lightweight design | Not intended for significant instability |
| Orthofeet Eva | Toe arthritis and orthotics | Extra depth and roomy toe area | More dressy heel styling than a typical sneaker |
Important: A shoe that works well for one type of arthritis-related foot problem may be less suitable for another. Your foot shape, stability needs, orthotics, swelling, and comfort preferences all matter.
Our Shoe Picks by Need
Hoka Bondi 9 — Best for Maximum Cushioning
Good fit for: People looking for substantial cushioning and a smooth walking feel.
The Hoka Bondi 9 is the most heavily cushioned option in this comparison. Its cushioning and rocker-style sole may appeal to people who prefer a smoother transition through the walking cycle.
Why consider it:
- Maximum cushioning
- Smooth rocker-style sole
- Designed for walking and everyday use
- May appeal to people who prefer a softer, more cushioned feel
Not ideal for:
- People who need a particularly stable or structured shoe
- Anyone who finds highly cushioned shoes less comfortable or less predictable underfoot
Fit note: Try the shoes indoors first and pay attention to heel movement, toe room, and any pressure points.
New Balance 990v6 — Best for Structured Support
Good fit for: People who want a more structured shoe with multiple width options.
The New Balance 990v6 provides a different feel from the highly cushioned Bondi 9. Its structured design and available width options can be useful when fit and support are priorities.
Why consider it:
- Structured construction
- Multiple width options
- Suitable for people who prefer a more supportive feel
- Can work well for everyday walking
Not ideal for:
- Someone specifically looking for maximum cushioning
- People who prefer a very soft, flexible walking shoe
Fit note: Width can be just as important as length. If your feet swell or you need extra room, pay attention to how the shoe fits across the forefoot.
Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit — Best for Swelling and Sensitive Feet
Good fit for: People who need a flexible upper and an adjustable fit.
The Coral Stretch Knit is designed around a roomier, more accommodating fit. Its stretch upper can be useful when feet are sensitive or change in size during the day.
Why consider it:
- Stretch-knit upper
- Adjustable fit
- Room for feet that need more accommodation
- Designed with comfort and fit flexibility in mind
Not ideal for:
- People looking specifically for a highly structured motion-control shoe
- Anyone who prefers the appearance of a traditional athletic sneaker
Fit note: If swelling varies during the day, try shoes at the time when your feet are typically at their largest.
Skechers Go Walk Slip-Ins — Best for Easy, Hands-Free Entry
Good fit for: People with hand arthritis who have difficulty managing laces or other fasteners.
Getting shoes on and off can be frustrating when finger joints are stiff or painful. The Go Walk Slip-Ins are designed to make entry easier without requiring you to manipulate traditional laces.
Why consider them:
- Hands-free entry
- Convenient for people who have difficulty bending or manipulating footwear
- Lightweight everyday design
- Simple option for casual walking
Not ideal for:
- People who need substantial structural support
- Anyone who needs a shoe specifically designed around custom orthotics or significant foot instability
Fit note: Hands-free entry is useful only if the shoe still fits securely. Check that your heel stays in place and that your foot does not slide forward.
Skechers Arch Fit — Best for Everyday Comfort and Value
Good fit for: People looking for a lightweight everyday shoe with a supportive insole.
The Arch Fit is a practical option for everyday use when comfort and a supportive feel are more important than specialized features.
Why consider it:
- Supportive insole
- Lightweight design
- Everyday versatility
- Generally simpler and less specialized than some therapeutic-style shoes
Not ideal for:
- People with significant instability
- Anyone who needs extensive adjustability or extra depth
Fit note: Walk around indoors and pay attention to whether the arch support feels comfortable. More support isn’t automatically better if the shoe creates pressure or discomfort.
Orthofeet Eva— Best for Toe Room and Orthotics
Good fit for: People who need extra room around the toes or want a shoe that can accommodate orthotics.
The Eva provides extra depth and a roomy toe area, which can be useful when conventional shoes feel restrictive around the forefoot.
Why consider it:
- Roomy toe area
- Extra depth
- Designed with orthotic accommodation in mind
- Useful when standard shoe shapes feel too restrictive
Not ideal for:
- People who prefer a conventional-looking athletic shoe
- Anyone who doesn’t need additional room or adjustability
Fit note: Extra room should not mean that your foot slides around inside the shoe. Check both toe clearance and overall foot security.
Which Shoe May Fit Your Needs?
Rather than asking which shoe is universally “best,” start with the problem you’re trying to solve.
If knee arthritis is your main concern
Look first at shoes with cushioning and a walking design that feels comfortable to you.
The Hoka Bondi 9 emphasizes cushioning and a smooth rocker-style transition. The New Balance 990v6 offers a more structured alternative.
If hip and knee support are priorities
The New Balance 990v6 may be worth considering if you prefer a more structured shoe and need width options.
Comfort and stability still need to be assessed on your own feet.
If your feet swell
The Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit offers a stretch upper and adjustable fit, making it a logical option to investigate when foot volume changes.
A shoe that fits well in the morning may feel different later in the day, so timing matters when you try footwear.
If your toes need more room
The Orthofeet Eva provides extra depth and a roomy toe area.
This can be particularly useful if standard shoes press against the toes or if you need additional space for an orthotic.
If hand arthritis makes shoes difficult to put on
The Skechers Go Walk Slip-Ins are the easiest option in this group to consider when manipulating laces or fasteners is difficult.
Look beyond the convenience of hands-free entry, though. The shoe still needs to hold your foot securely and feel comfortable while walking.
If you want an everyday comfort shoe
The Skechers Arch Fit is a straightforward option to consider for everyday wear, while the Hoka Bondi 9 offers more cushioning.
What to Check Before Buying
Our companion guide covers shoe features in much greater detail. For a full explanation of cushioning, toe-box width, closures, stability, traction, removable insoles, and other features, see How to Choose Shoes for Arthritis: 10 Features to Look For.
Before buying any shoe, pay particular attention to:
- Toe room: Your toes should not be pressed against the front or sides.
- Width: A shoe can be long enough but still too narrow.
- Heel security: Your heel should not slide excessively.
- Pressure points: Watch for areas that rub or press against sensitive joints.
- Orthotic compatibility: Check whether your existing insole or orthotic will fit.
- Ease of putting on: Consider whether you can manage the laces, straps, or entry mechanism yourself.
- Traction: Look for an outsole that feels secure on the surfaces where you normally walk.
If you’re unsure which features matter most for your situation, start with the companion buying guide rather than choosing a shoe based only on its label or marketing claims.
Do You Need a Rocker Sole?
Several walking shoes use a curved or rocker-style sole to help create a smoother transition from heel to toe.
This can feel comfortable for some people, particularly if a traditional sole feels restrictive. But a rocker sole isn’t automatically better for everyone.
The way a shoe feels under your feet matters more than the presence of the word “rocker” in the product description.
If you’re considering a rocker-style shoe, walk in it before committing to it and make sure you feel stable and comfortable.
What About Orthotics?
If you already use orthotics, don’t assume that every highly cushioned or supportive shoe will accommodate them.
Check whether the shoe has a removable insole and enough depth for your particular orthotic.
The Orthofeet Eva is the most specifically suited to this consideration among the shoes in this comparison.
If you use prescribed orthotics or have a significant foot problem, a podiatrist or other qualified healthcare professional can help determine whether your footwear and orthotic combination is appropriate.
When a Shoe Isn’t Solving the Problem
Sometimes changing shoes isn’t enough.
If walking remains painful, your feet are repeatedly developing pressure points or sores, your balance is worsening, or your footwear problems are difficult to explain, consider discussing the issue with a healthcare professional.
Persistent foot problems can have causes that aren’t solved simply by choosing a different pair of shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best shoes for arthritis?
There isn’t one best shoe for everyone with arthritis. The right choice depends on where arthritis affects you, your foot shape, stability needs, swelling, orthotics, and how easily you can put the shoes on.
This comparison includes six options aimed at different needs rather than ranking one shoe as best overall.
What shoes are good for knee arthritis?
The Hoka Bondi 9 and New Balance 990v6 are two options in this comparison to consider for knee-related needs. The Bondi 9 emphasizes cushioning and a smooth rocker-style feel, while the 990v6 provides a more structured design.
Comfort and stability should guide the final choice.
What shoes are good for swollen feet?
The Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit is designed with a stretch upper and adjustable fit, making it an option to consider when foot size or volume changes.
Look for enough room without allowing the foot to slide excessively inside the shoe.
What shoes are easiest to put on with hand arthritis?
The Skechers Go Walk Slip-Ins are the most convenient option in this comparison for hands-free entry.
This can be useful when manipulating laces or other closures is difficult.
What shoes are good for arthritis in the toes?
The Orthofeet Eva provides extra depth and a roomy toe area, making it an option to consider when conventional shoes feel restrictive around the toes.
Can I wear orthotics with arthritis-friendly shoes?
Some shoes are better suited to orthotics than others. Check for a removable insole and enough internal depth for your particular orthotic.
Among the shoes compared here, the Orthofeet Eva is specifically suited to this consideration.
Are cushioned shoes always better for arthritis?
Not necessarily. Cushioning is only one part of a shoe’s design. Fit, stability, toe room, traction, flexibility, and personal comfort also matter.
A highly cushioned shoe may not feel stable or comfortable for everyone.
Should I buy shoes in a wider size if I have arthritis?
Sometimes a wider shoe is more appropriate, but simply going up a size isn’t always the solution.
A shoe that is too long can allow your foot to slide forward while still being too narrow across the forefoot. Look for the appropriate width as well as adequate length.
Final Picks by Need
If you want a quick starting point:
- Maximum cushioning: Hoka Bondi 9
- Structured support: New Balance 990v6
- Swelling and adjustable fit: Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit
- Hands-free entry: Skechers Go Walk Slip-Ins
- Everyday comfort and value: Skechers Arch Fit
- Extra toe room and orthotic accommodation: Orthofeet Eva
These aren’t universal rankings. They are different options for different footwear needs.
The most important step is matching the shoe to your feet, your walking needs, and the specific problems arthritis creates for you.
Related Reading
How to Choose Shoes for Arthritis: 10 Features to Look For
A detailed guide to cushioning, stability, toe-box width, closures, traction, removable insoles, and other features to consider before buying.
Best Insoles for Arthritis
For people who are comfortable with their shoes but want to explore additional insole options.
Arthritis Mobility Aids
A guide to other products that may make walking and everyday mobility easier.
About Arthritis Wares:
We focus on practical tools, products, and everyday strategies that can make life with arthritis easier. Our goal is simple: Practical tools. No hype.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor, rheumatologist, or occupational therapist before making changes to how you manage your arthritis.
