The Best Shoes For Swollen Feet That Keep You Comfy And Ache-Free
Foot swelling can be caused by everything from overuse to trauma to systemic circulatory conditions, and it can be really uncomfortable. But the best shoes for swollen feet—including our top pick, the Hoka Bondi 8—can help reduce pain and discomfort significantly. The key is to look for wide fits, adjustable details and flexible, breathable materials, says Dr. Mohammad Usman, a Chicago podiatric foot and ankle surgeon and owner of Michigan Avenue Podiatry. It’s also a good idea to get checked out by your doctor if you notice any new or unexpected foot swelling.
The best shoes for swollen feet are stretchy and breathable, and they’re available in extended … [+]
Ahead, we reviewed a variety of the best shoes for swollen feet, whether you need sneakers to accommodate puffy feet during pregnancy, or you want slip-ons or slippers that don’t require bending down. While it would be nice to put our feet up all day, we all know that’s not realistic. Here’s the next best thing to ease discomfort.
- Best Shoes For Swollen Feet Overall: Hoka Bondi 8
- Best Wide-Width Shoes For Swollen Feet: New Balance Fresh Foam x860v14
- Best Shoes For Swollen Feet In Pregnancy: Kizik Madrid Eco Knit
- Best Slippers For Swollen Feet: OrthoFeet Louise Slippers
- Best Velco Shoes For Swollen Feet: Brooks Addiction Walker V-Strap 2
- Best Slip-On Shoes For Swollen Feet: Skechers Slip-Ins Go Walk 7
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we have extensive experience writing about footwear and have covered a wide range of shoe types, including those intended to address foot pain. The author of this story, Forbes Vetted contributor Molly Calhoun, has written about everything from the best shoes for back pain to the best walking shoes for men. Forbes Vetted deputy editor Kari Molvar oversaw the editing of this story. She has covered fashion for some of the biggest outlets in the world and is an avid walker and runner. Throughout our in-depth story reporting, we frequently call upon a variety of experts, including podiatrists, foot and ankle surgeons, physiatrists, physical therapists and personal trainers. For this story, we consulted Dr. Mohammad Usman, a Chicago podiatric foot and ankle surgeon and owner of Michigan Avenue Podiatry.
How We Chose The Best Shoes For Swollen Feet
In order to find the best shoes for swollen feet, we looked at a wide range of top-rated shoe brands. We considered both orthopedic styles and more mainstream footwear styles with extended widths. We took Dr. Usman’s recommendations into account, and we evaluated shoe features such as width, materials and adjustability. We also assessed shoes with specific design features, such as slip-ons or those with hook-and-loop straps. Finally, we pored through product reviews to gauge which shoe designs fare best in real-life situations.
What To Consider When Buying Shoes For Swollen Feet
The Cause
Knowing the cause of your swollen feet may help you figure out the best shoes for you. According to Dr. Usman, swelling may be caused by overuse and fatigue, heart failure and other systemic circulatory conditions, infections (such as cellulitis), diabetic neuropathy, trauma or surgery. If you have swelling, you should make a visit to your podiatrist to determine the cause.
Width
Look for shoes with a wide toe box and overall wide width to accommodate swelling, says Dr. Usman. “I typically recommend that my patients to get a wider shoe rather than to get a longer length shoe,” he says. “If they get a larger length size shoe, that can cause gait abnormalities.”
Materials
Shoe flexibility and breathability is key for swollen feet. “Opt for shoes made from breathable materials, like mesh or soft leather, to enhance airflow and reduce moisture, which can help mitigate swelling and keep feet cool,” Dr. Usman says. Performance mesh and knit fabrics—like those on the Kizik Madrid Eco Knit— and bendable leathers—like on the Brooks Addiction Walker V-Strap 2—are good choices.
Adjustability
“Adjustable shoes, such as those with Velcro straps or laces, are ideal for swollen feet,” says Dr. Usman. “They allow for easy modifications to accommodate changes in foot size throughout the day.” For instance, if you spend many hours on your feet or have a systemic circulatory condition, you may find yourself most comfortable in a shoe with an adjustable strap, which makes it easy to release pressure on the feet quickly when you have swelling.
Cushioning
Even as you’re looking for a wider shoe to accommodate swelling, don’t forget to look for support and cushioning at the midsole. “Shoes with excellent cushioning can help alleviate discomfort caused by foot swelling, providing a softer, more forgiving surface that reduces pressure points,” says. Dr. Usman.
Should You Size Up If You Have Swollen Feet?
Not necessarily, but you need to look for the right fit. “For swollen feet, I typically recommend patients opt for a wider size rather than simply sizing up,” says Dr. Usman. “This provides more room for the entire foot without unnecessarily increasing the length, which can cause instability.”
What Shoes Should You Avoid If You Have Swollen Feet?
“Definitely avoid shoes that are narrow, because that can disrupt blood flow circulation at various areas which can cause harm to your foot and ankle,” says Dr. Usman. When you cause harm to your foot and ankle, he says, you can cause significant problems for the rest of your body—such as your knee, hip, lower back and shoulder—because everything is connected via the kinetic chain (your body’s internal network). In general, Dr. Usman recommends avoiding rigid shoe materials and high heels if you have swollen feet. “Low-heeled shoes are preferable for swollen feet, as they reduce strain on the feet and promote better weight distribution, minimizing discomfort,” he says.
Can The Shoes You Wear Help Reduce Swelling?
“Yes, shoes designed with proper support, cushioning, and adjustable features can help manage and potentially reduce swelling by improving circulation and providing a comfortable, non-restrictive environment for the feet,” says Dr. Usman. He also recommends that patients wear compression socks to reduce swelling. However, you should always check with your podiatrist and primary care doctor before doing so.
What Is The Best Shoe Brand For Swollen Feet?
There are many great brands that make shoes that are appropriate for swollen feet, including our top pick, Hoka. “When dealing with foot swelling, it’s crucial to select shoes that offer ample space and adjustable features, ensuring comfort and preventing additional pressure on the feet,” Dr. Usman says. In particular, he also likes brands such as Orthofeet, Pedors, Dr. Comfort and Anodyne for patients with foot swelling.