When it comes to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), finding the right shoes isn’t just about comfort—it's about maintaining your quality of life. RA can strike at any age, and it’s a condition that can turn your world upside down. For some, like Emily Thompson, the journey to finding the perfect pair of shoes is deeply personal. Emily was just 27 when she was hit with sudden-onset RA, which left her struggling to continue in the teaching career she loved. As she shared on her blog, “Rheumatoid Arthritis has caused more structural changes in my feet than anywhere else…I don’t particularly like talking about bunions, hammertoes, fallen arches, and such, but it’s what I live with and what motivates me to continue to search out the best in comfort footwear.”
Like Emily, many people with RA face the challenge of finding shoes that not only fit but also ease the pain. Whether you’re new to RA or have been managing the condition for a while, understanding the causes and symptoms can help you make informed choices. Below, we’ll explore some comfortable, stylish shoes that might just help keep you moving despite the pain.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a condition that affects 78 million people in the world. In the United States alone, it is estimated that around 1.3 million adults are living with RA. This means that out of every 100 people, about 1 to 2 individuals are likely to be affected by this chronic autoimmune disease. Contrary to popular belief, rheumatoid arthritis can strike at any age, even in your 30s or 40s.
So what is rheumatoid arthritis? According to the Arthritis Foundation, RA is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system, which usually fights off infections, mistakenly attacks its own joints. This leads to inflammation, pain, and stiffness, especially in areas like the feet and ankles.
Living with RA can turn even simple tasks like walking or standing into a painful struggle. That’s why finding the right shoes isn’t just important—it’s essential. The right pair can provide the relief, support, and comfort you desperately need to ease the pain and keep you moving, so you can reclaim your day-to-day life.
How Rheumatoid Arthritis Affects Your Feet
If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), your feet and ankles might be among the first places to show signs of the condition. According to Mayo Clinic, “About 20% of patients foot and ankle symptoms are the first sign of RA.” In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, “About 20% of RA patients notice their first symptoms in their feet and ankles.” This early involvement can make daily activities incredibly challenging, as the inflammation can cause pain, swelling, and significant changes in the structure of your feet.
The inflammation from RA can lead to changes in the structure of your feet. You might notice that your toes start to bend or shift, or that you develop bunions and hammertoes.
But the impact of RA doesn’t stop there. The disease can weaken the ligaments and tendons in your feet, making it hard to keep your balance and increasing your risk of falls. So yes, in addition to achy feet, RA can bring about other specific problems, such as:
- Hallux Rigidus: This condition affects the base of your big toe, which is a common site for arthritis. The joint bends with every step, so inflammation here can be especially painful. For a deeper look, check out our guide on hallux limitus/rigidus.
- Morton’s Neuroma: RA can make this condition worse, especially if swollen joints are squeezed into tight shoes. Finding the right footwear can make a huge difference in easing this discomfort.
- Plantar Fasciitis-Like Pain: RA can mimic the pain of plantar fasciitis, causing soreness at the bottom of the heel. As noted by Podiatry Network, “Rheumatoid arthritis can cause heel pain similar to plantar fasciitis. It’s crucial for doctors to consider RA as a potential cause.” We offer a range of shoes and sandals designed to help with heel pain.
- Fallen Arches (Osteopenia): RA can contribute to fallen arches, leading to extra foot discomfort and instability.
- Hammertoes and Bunions: These are common problems associated with RA, causing additional discomfort and making it even harder to walk comfortably.
Why Footwear Choices Matter
When living with RA, picking the right shoes can make a huge difference in your daily life. Dr. Carter explains, “Choosing the right footwear, just like eating well or staying active, can really improve your quality of life. Think of your shoes as a way to help reduce pain and stay active.”
Wearing the wrong shoes isn’t just uncomfortable—it can make joint problems, bunions, hammertoes, and neuromas worse. So, what should you look for if you have RA?
Key Features to Look For
Low Heel Height: Dr. Carter advises wearing shoes with a heel height of no more than 1 to 1.5 inches. If you like a bit of heel, look for supportive platform shoes that give the appearance of a higher heel while keeping your foot supported.
Wide Toe Box: WebMD highlights the importance of a wide toe box. You might need to go up a size to fit your swollen joints and any nodules that could develop.
No Laces: If RA flare-ups make your hands swell, shoes without laces can be easier to manage. This way, putting on and taking off your shoes doesn’t become a daily struggle.
Where to Find Walking Shoes for RA
When you're battling arthritis flare-ups, walking might seem like the last thing you want to do. However, it can actually be quite beneficial. According to Rheumatology.org, “Regular low-impact exercises, like walking, can strengthen muscles and improve overall health, reducing stress on your joints.”
Dr. Carter, a specialist in foot care for arthritis, shares her experience. “I’ve tried various exercises over the years, like jogging, which I enjoyed for the cardiovascular benefits and the endorphin rush. But my knees and my rheumatologist had other plans, so I had to scale back. Now, I stick to what works best for me: walking. My friends might be into crossfit, hot yoga, and spinning classes, but walking is my go-to. It’s an exercise I can do with relatively little pain and I hope to keep it up for a long time.”
In light of this, we’ve dedicated numerous blog posts on BuyersNew.com to finding the best supportive walking shoes for your needs. The site also has a great selection of shoes you can actually buy. Plus, each shoe comes with detailed reviews, so you can see exactly how they stack up before making a decision.
