How To Choose Shoes For Osteoarthritis

1
Try on lots of options. It's a good idea to start your shoe search at a store that has a wide selection of shoes. More options means better chances for finding comfortable, supportive shoes. Shopping at a store where the staff is very knowledgeable about fitting shoes properly will also be helpful.^[3]

Keep in mind that just because a shoe is marketed as a "comfort shoe" does not mean that it will be right for you. There is no one shoe that works for everyone with osteoarthritis, so it's best to try on many different options.
You may find that it is worth it for you to invest in an expensive pair of shoes if they improve your pain, but less expensive options may work just as well.

2
Pay attention to your gait. The way you walk is a huge factor to consider when determining what kind of shoes will be right for you. Try taking a look at the soles of a pair of shoes you have been wearing for a while. If you notice that they are unevenly worn, you may have an abnormal gait that needs to be corrected.^[4]

If the outer edges are worn more, you may have flat feet, in which case you might benefit from shoes with lots of arch support. If the inner edges are more worn, you probably have high arches, which means you may want to avoid an overly structured foot bed.
A podiatrist or orthopedist can help you identify problems with your gait that might be contributing to your osteoarthritis pain. Most specialty running stores have someone who can perform a gait analysis and recommend the appropriate shoes.

3
Avoid high heels. These can cause unnecessary stress on your feet, ankles, knees, and hips. They are not good for anyone's joints, but they are an especially bad choice for someone who suffers from OA.^[5]

High heels are generally defined as shoes with a heel taller than two inches. Even shoes with shorter heels can worsen your osteoarthritis pain, but higher heels typically cause more problems.

4
Test them out. Take some time at the shoe store to walk around in several different pairs of shoes. Purchase the shoes only if you feel completely comfortable after walking around the store.
5
Try adding insoles. If your favorite pair of shoes is causing you discomfort, try adding orthotic insoles to them. Orthotics can reduce your pain by providing additional support, redistributing your weight, and correcting your gait.^[6]

Your podiatrist can provide you with custom orthotics that last for about five years for an average of $400–$800.
You can also try buying store-bought inserts, although these might not provide you with the same level of relief because they will not be customized to your feet.^[7]If you go with this option, choose ones that are supportive. Ones that are gel-based (such as Dr. Scholls) can actually make your feet achier and add more pain.