Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
Quick answer: For arthritis, podiatrists recommend shoes with structured arch support, deep heel cup, and forefoot rocker. Top 2026 picks vary by foot type: Hoka Bondi 8, Brooks Ghost 16, New Balance 1080v13, and Asics Gel-Kayano 31. Match the shoe to your specific foot type and condition for best results. Call (810) 206-1402.
Foot and ankle arthritis — whether osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis — affects an estimated 1 in 6 adults over 60, and footwear is the first-line, most accessible intervention available. In our clinic at Balance Foot & Ankle, we evaluate every arthritic foot patient’s footwear before recommending any other treatment. The wrong shoe on an arthritic joint increases ground reaction forces, demands range of motion the joint no longer has, and creates pressure over inflamed synovial tissue. The right shoe reduces all three problems simultaneously.
Arthritis Types That Affect the Foot
Different arthritis types affect different foot joints and require slightly different shoe considerations. Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the 1st MTP (big toe joint — hallux rigidus), midfoot (tarsometatarsal joints), and ankle. Rheumatoid arthritis typically affects the forefoot MTP joints symmetrically, creating painful metatarsal head prominence and flexible deformity. Psoriatic arthritis produces asymmetric joint involvement with enthesopathy (tendon insertion inflammation) at the Achilles and plantar fascia. Post-traumatic arthritis follows specific injury patterns — ankle arthritis after pilon fractures, subtalar arthritis after calcaneal fractures. The shoe features that help most arthritis types are consistent: rocker sole, cushion, width, and softness.
Best Shoes for Arthritis 2026
HOKA Bondi — The rocker geometry and thick EVA midsole reduce peak joint loading across all arthritic foot conditions. For 1st MTP arthritis (hallux rigidus), the rocker eliminates painful big toe dorsiflexion. For midfoot arthritis, the rigid carbon-plate models (Bondi SR) stiffen the shoe and distribute load more evenly. For ankle arthritis, the cushioned platform reduces impact transmission.
Orthofeet — For patients with significant RA-related forefoot deformity, Orthofeet’s extra-depth shoes with stretch knit uppers accommodate the enlarged MTP joints without creating painful pressure points. Their anatomic rocker works similarly to HOKA’s Meta-Rocker for midfoot and ankle arthritis.
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot arthritis, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-week evaluations and advanced in-office care.
Sources
- Hennessy K, et al. “Experimental footwear for people with knee osteoarthritis.” Arthritis Care Res. 2012;64(4):568-574.
- Brodsky JW. “The adult foot — arthritic conditions.” Instr Course Lect. 2001;50:515-524.
- Menz HB, et al. “Foot problems as a risk factor for falls in community-dwelling older people.” Maturitas. 2018;118:7-14. PMID: 30415759
- Felson DT. “Osteoarthritis of the knee.” N Engl J Med. 2006;354(8):841-848. PMID: 16495396
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