Best Shoes for Gout Relief Reviewed & Rated
Heather Meece 
Caused by uric acid crystal build up in the joints, gout is a form of arthritis that affects a large number of people. Fortunately, there are ways you can alleviate and prevent it from flaring up. Along with diet and lifestyle changes, the footwear you sport can help when you are suffering from a case of it or trying to prevent the painful episodes. The list below looks at the best available footwear for the condition, carefully chosen so that it doesn’t cause any pressure on the sensitive parts of your feet.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 14 hrs of research
Ventilation Holes
Rubber Traction Sole
Pivoting Ankle Strap
Easy to Clean
Waterproof
Top 10 Picks
1. Crocs Classic Clog
Ventilation Holes
Rubber Traction Sole
Pivoting Ankle Strap
Easy to Clean
Waterproof
Runs Wide
Extremely Casual
Perhaps one of the most recognized shoes is this classic style by Crocs. While most people did not give them much credit at the beginning of their entrance onto the fashion scene, they are now widely known for their podiatric abilities. These shoes are lightweight, extra roomy, promote great airflow, and easily cleanable. They won’t create any pressure points and are a great choice for when you have achy feet.
One thing people who have this condition need is a wide shoe. These are extra roomy by natural design. You should have no trouble allowing your foot to take proper toe splay or room for swelling. The sole of the Croc is made from ultralight Crosslite patented foam. It absorbs all of the impacts from your steps and prevents the energy from entering your feet and joints.
For such a high ranking and highly-reviewed shoe, the Crocs are an excellent value and price. You can wear these shoes all day and not experience discomfort. Even in cold conditions, you could wear them with socks, thus making them an almost all year shoe. You will get your value for these shoes as they make a perfect companion for the beach, running errands, working around the house, etc.
2. OOFOS Original Thong
Incorporated Toe Thong
Easy To Clean
Textured Sole
Fast-Drying
Unsuitable For Cold Weather
Runs Large
While these are somewhat crazy looking because the sole is tapered underneath the footbed, they are highly reviewed for the great impacts they can have on the feet and joints. They absorb much of the shock from each step, they cushion the foot, and they are super lightweight. Oofos is a company that has taken the footwear world by surprise with all of the benefits their shoes bring to the forefront of therapy shoes.
The sole material of these flip flops absorbs around 37% more impact and shock than other materials used in shoes. This helps the pressure from entering into the foot and hitting the joints. These shoes are widely known to soothe and invigorate the feet thanks to the foam technology that is integrated into these shoes. A foot that is in pain only wants a shoe to take the pressure off of it; this foam does that.
These shoes are a little bit higher priced than some of the shoes in the category. However, these come highly recommended by many podiatrists for the benefits they have to offer. They can be a lifesaver for someone plagued with gout as well as many other foot ailments.
3. ASICS Gel-Venture 6
Rearfoot Gel cushioning
Rugged Outsole
Removable Sockliner
AHAR Outsole
Reversed Lugs for Traction
Breathable Mesh Upper
Supportive Overlays
Runs Narrow
Cushioning Limited to Heel
The Asics GEL-Venture 6 is an excellent all-around running shoe. It features a gel cushion in the heel for added comfort. The The Venture 6 is a versatile shoe, equally suited for pavement or trail running. The outsole has special lugs designed to promote traction and ASICS uses their patented AHAR technology to increase the durability of your shoe.
The Asics Gel Venture 6 is one of the most comfortable shoe in this review. It comes with a gel cushion for the rear of your foot that came definitely help when you need some extra support.
The Venture 6 looks stylish, plain and simple. It has great design and beautiful lines to complement the great fit. Add to that a wide selection of color combinations, and you have a shoe that's built to be noticed.
4. Propet Travelactiv
Breathable Upper
Very Lightweight
Rubber Outsole
Removable Footbed
Lace Up Style
Runs Narrow
Durability Issues
Made by a company entirely focused on providing wearers with comfortable, stylish and health-focused footwear, the Propet Travelactiv is the perfect choice for those who happen to lead active lifestyles, and prefer lightweight options that are made in sensible color options and with simple designs (unlike a large portion of running and athletic footwear available). This sneaker comes in a wide variety of color options, all of which look great, but give you the required features you need to battle your discomfort.
Made with a knit, mesh-like synthetic in the upper, this shoe has numerous openings that allow fresh air to reach your feet, as well as moisture to escape. This results in a summer-appropriate sneaker that’ll do great even if you happen to work up a sweat. In addition to a cushy rubber outsole that gives plenty of traction, you’ll also benefit from a removable footbed that ensures you can use your custom orthotics with these sneakers. It also means you can change your insoles regularly (every 3 months are recommended by podiatrists).
With a price that’s affordable to almost anyone, the Propet Travelactiv is the perfect alternative to expensive sneakers by leading running shoes, seeing that it provides the same type of upper, has a functional outsole, and can be entirely modified in the footbed to provide you with the level of cushioning and support you prefer.
5. Birkenstock Arizona
Anatomical Footbed
Adjustable Straps
Slip-Resistant Sole
Antimicrobial Cork
Runs Wide
Expensive
Choosing an iconic brand such as Birkenstock means you can't go wrong with your footwear choice. They are ubiquitously known for dependability, durability, and comfort. The shoes have their industry leading cork footbed that molds to your individual foot shape. This is great for someone suffering from this painful condition as it fully supports their specific foot and pressure zones.
The soles are engraved and provide a stable step every time. The cork is slow to wear so you can get many miles out of them. The sole of the shoe is good on most surfaces, however, it has a tendency to be slick on dirt or sand.
The straps of the Arizona style are going to be soft against your skin. They are a thick leather which means they will not cut into your skin either. Simply adjust if your foot is swollen and the straps will rest comfortably on your foot. Birkenstock shoes cost quite a bit, especially compared to other sandals. Nonetheless, if you opt for this brand, you are getting a durable, comfortable, and anatomically correct pair of footwear that’s highly adjustable, and can last for years. Best of all, it can even be resoled if you find that you’re in need of some renewed support.
6. Birkenstock Milano
Adjustable Straps
Antimicrobial Footbed
Good Traction Outsole
Durable Leather & Cork
Longer Break-In Period
Unsuitable For Water
There are not many companies more recognized in the shoe industry than Birkenstock. They have been a top shoe manufacturer for hundreds of years. They originally formed in Germany and have built a name based on quality and dependability ever since. The iconic design is what helps them to stand apart from the crowd; however, the shoes have many benefits that most people are unaware of.
Cork is known to be antimicrobial and malleable. Once this footbed molds to your individual foot shape, you will have one of the most comfortable steps for the duration of the shoe. All three straps on this shoe are adjustable. This is a great feature because a healthy foot can fit normally in it, but when you suffer from gout and swelling, you can loosen the shoe to fit comfortably around your foot.
Birkenstocks are a highly-reputable company with terrific shoes. Some people have had their "Birks" for years with proper care. However, they do cost a bit more money up front than some of the other shoes in the category. Furthermore, the cost is offset as to how long the shoes last. Plus, once they mold you can wear them every day, add socks if in cold weather.
7. Dunham Cloud
Leather Upper
Seam Sealed Waterproof
Multidirectional Traction Lugs
EVA and Memory Foam Footbed
Comes In 4 Widths
Expensive
Not For Downhill Walks In Slippery Conditions
Not everyone lives in hot climates, and, unfortunately, this condition doesn’t choose who and when to affect. If you need a pair of shoes to get you through an episode in cold, rainy or snowy conditions, then you need a pair of boots that’ll protect your feet without constraining your already inflamed joints. This is a hiking boot that’s available in four width options, so you can rest assured you’ll find the perfect width for you.
The upper of the Dunham Cloud is made out of full grain leather that’s rough to the elements, but will easily adjust to your feet. Additionally, this shoe is seam sealed, so as to give you a pair of footwear you can wear in rain without having to worry about having soaked feet.
The footbed in these boots is made out of molded EVA and memory foam, which completely adjusts to your feet. However, if you find that you need something different in terms of support, you can easily remove it and replace it with your own custom orthotics. Furthermore, being removable, the footbed will also be easier to keep clean and fresh.
8. Orthofeet Coral
Excellent Traction
Lace-Up Closure
Toe Bumper For Protection
EVA Foam Midsole
Pull Tab At Heel
Runs Short
A trusted name over many years for shoes that really feel like they are helping your feet is Orthofeet. These athletic walking shoes will surely help ease the symptoms you're dealing with and hopefully even prevent them. While being helpful, they are also attractive and look like a regular sneaker. This gives you the opportunity to wear them every day.
To help reduce any feeling of pain, these shoes have a fantastic insole with great arch support. Both the arch and heel pad are soft and plush, allowing them to give you ideal orthotic support. Soft, non-binding upper has a wide toe box and large depth. Soft, seam-free padded interior lining eliminates pressure points and offers superior comfort and protection for sensitive feet.
These shoes are definitely at the higher end of the purchase range. However, they are a great shoe that is highly acclaimed and podiatrist recommended for numerous foot issues. They can be worn every day as they have an attractive design style. While it may be a larger cost up front, they will more than get used to recoup the value.
9. Brooks Addiction 13
Wide Toe Box
Mesh Upper
Padded
BioMoGo DNA Cushioning
Seamless Inner
Heavy
Takes Getting Used To
A motion control running shoe for road conditions, the Brooks Addiction 13 is actually one of the best athletic pairs of footwear you can invest in if you happen to suffer from swelling and joint pain. It’s made by one of the most reputable running gear manufacturers in the world, and provides a cushioned but stable ride both for running, as well as for walking and daily wear. It even features a simple design with sensible color options, so that you can wear it at work.
What makes the Addiction 13 such a good choice is the roomy toe box, breathable mesh upper and moisture-wicking lining that ensures the best possible temperature control you can hope for. The midfoot area features synthetic overlays for improved support and stability, while the collar and tongue offer a padded, soft feeling that won’t cause additional pain.
The Addiction 13 protects you from shock with the aid of BioMoGo DNA midsole cushioning that will adapt to your weight and way of walking. An Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar ensures that you walk properly, evenly distributing pressure on the correct parts of the foot to prevent misalignment and pain. Above average in terms of price, the Brooks Addiction 13 is a great running shoe for those who like to lead an active lifestyle, or who don’t have to wear formal footwear on a daily basis. It’s one of the highest quality motion control sneakers out there, appropriate for those with a low to medium arch who need a shoe that will help correct overpronation.
10. ExerSteps Whirlwind
Laser Cut Sole Grid
Easy To Clean
Very Supportive
Reinforced Shaft
Can Retain Heat
Upon first glance, you can tell these shoes have some major padding and spring back. The sole is a generous thickness that helps you to feel supported and cushioned as you walk. They have a soft leather upper which will keep your foot stabilized and add resiliency to the shoe. Leather has been used in goods for hundreds of years because of its ability to be long-lasting.
For ultimate shock absorption, the midsole has to be strong. This shoe has a strong inner midsole that really strengthens the entire shoe. It also provides stability. This shoe has a soft and cushioning sockliner that moves with your feet. You will feel like you have a sock on instead of a shoe. It also adds to the flexibility of a shoe which is important.
These shoes fall right in the middle of our price range. That makes them a purchase that can fit into just about all budgets. They are a nice looking shoe that is comfortable; which makes them a good choice to become an everyday shoe. They provide good traction and foot support. Finally, being made from leather you can expect them to be durable.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Fit
The perfect pair of footwear will always fit you well - regardless of whether you’re shopping for time off, work or exercise, the first and foremost thing you need to consider is the fit. If you happen to suffer from gout, it can make things a bit more complicated than just choosing the correct size and width.
Ideally, you will opt for footwear that’s comfortable enough so as not to create any pressure points that would lead to pain. Often, this will depend on the design of the shoe, with roomy, adjustable and seamless styles being the better choice. You should look for footwear that has the following features:
Breathability
One of the main causes of gout is poor air circulation in the footwear you wear on a daily basis. Especially important for those who lead active lifestyles or happen to live in hot climates, breathable shoes can help prevent swelling, inflammation, and pain. Luckily, you can find footwear in any style that will allow adequate breathability. Of course, there are some models that’ll do better at this than others.
Support
When you feel like your footwear is increasing the pain you happen to be feeling in your foot joints, you may be tempted to opt for flimsier, lightweight, and more flexible options. And although barefoot walking may be a good choice for some, those who suffer from gout should actually look for something else in their footwear.
Supportive footwear will most often provide you with the stability you require in order to prevent your muscles and joints from working too hard, or even in ways which are unnatural. For example, those with flat feet will often overpronate, putting their weight mainly on the inside of the foot. However, this contributes to misalignment in the ankle, as well as increased pressure on the metatarsal area, knees, hips, and can even cause severe back pain after lots of walking.
A great pair of footwear will offer a good level of support in the arch area, improving your alignment and helping you walk naturally, without harming yourself in the process. Often aided by a deep and stabilizing heel cup, such footwear will use traditional or newly developed materials such as foam in the midsole, or a synthetic shank that prevents torsion.
The fact is, however, that a large majority of the shoes available nowadays is more fashion oriented, and doesn’t provide the necessary stability you require. If you’re looking at that type of shoe (that meets all the other criteria except for this one), you can easily solve the problem with a pair of orthotic insoles. Not only are these a great way to make sure your footwear hasn’t flattened out and offers the required level of support, but they can even be custom made to fit your individual needs, giving you the best possible performance.
In order to be able to insert a pair of insoles in your shoes, you should make sure that the footbed is removable. If not, it may be required to size up, as these products take up space in your footwear, making it fit tighter than it normally would.
Protection
Any pair of shoes should be protective enough for the type of wear they are intended for. This can mean insulation and water protection in winter shoes, as well as impact protection in footwear made for the workplace.
The perfect pair of footwear will allow you to walk and stand pain-free, even on hard surfaces such as concrete. What this will require, however, is a high level of shock absorption. Shock absorbing footwear is most easily described as that which gives you an effect similar to that found in running shoes. Cushioned shoes will protect your joints and muscles from the shock that’s generated with every landing, preventing it from traveling up and causing fatigue and pain.
Though most often located in the midsole and insole portion of your shoe, shock absorption is actually provided by certain high-rebound materials that are used in the manufacturing process. If you want to ensure your next pair of footwear does adequately in this regard, look for the following materials in the sole of your shoe:
Another protective aspect you should consider is the slip resistance offered by your footwear. You should always opt for models with a high-traction sole that will allow plenty of grip on wet or slick surfaces and will prevent you from slipping and falling (that will often lead to injury and more pain).
Value
Ideally, you will manage to find a pair of footwear that’s cheap, looks amazing, is versatile in the way it can be worn, and offers all the comfort and protection features you require. Realistically, this is almost impossible to find, so getting a product that’s worth the investment will require some research at least.
A number of the models listed above feature higher prices that are often too expensive for some. However, depending on their versatility, durability and performance features, they may actually be worth the investment, as they may prove to last you two or three years, ending up being cheaper than buying a new pair every six months.
To ensure that a pair of shoes is truly worth the asking price, you need to consider the following aspects:
Don’t be lazy to do a bit of research on a pair that’s caught your eye. You’ll often find all the info you need by reading a review of the shoe or just looking at customer feedback. If there are any issues, these will be addressed, and you’ll know whether it’s the right shoe for you. Online reviews can also be a great place to look if you’re unsure about sizing, as they’ll almost always state if a shoe runs small, big, wide or narrow.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Fit Breathability Support Protection Value
After checking with your doctor to confirm whether you have gout, it's a great idea to look at your current nutrition regimen, and see if you may be eating foods that can cause flare-ups.
Uric acid is released when purine is broken down in the body. When these levels are too high, it can crystalize around joints and cause gout.
Eating lean proteins like seafood and poultry instead of red meat can help lower uric acid levels, as well as regular exercise, reducing your intake of sugary snacks or beverages, and increasing the amount of water you drink.
While some types of alcohol aren't as bad as others, the rule of thumb if you experience recurring gout is to lay off the alcohol for a while. Sugary drinks, beer, and wine can all contribute to it.
Other Factors to Consider
Bottom Line
It might seem like a hassle to make changes in your habits and lifestyle but if it helps avoid those painful symptoms, the changes should be easier than the pain. Try tweaking one thing at a time and building upon that. At least with your shoes, there are many stylish options available that can help you if you have flare-ups or are trying to prevent an episode altogether. The shoes we chose for our top 10 list were the best of hundreds we evaluated. The shoes were examined based on tough criteria and only the best of the shoes made the list.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Who is at risk to get gout?
Men are more susceptible to it than women. That is not to say women cannot develop it, it just usually affects them later in life. People that eat diets rich in meats, seafood, sugars, and alcohol are more likely to be affected by it as the body cannot process the uric acid derived from these foods. Obese people are at risk to get it as well.
q: How can I recognize the symptoms?
The symptoms set on pretty rapidly. A lot of times, it will come out in the middle of the night. It is described as sudden onset of intense joint pain, swelling, inflammation, and redness in the big toe. However, it is not isolated to just the toe. The pain subsides but does not usually go away quickly.
q: Does it only affect the feet?
No, it can affect other joints in the body as well; however, it is most commonly found in the big toe.
q: Should I see a doctor about my condition?
If you have never been diagnosed with gout but suspect you have it you should see a medical professional. If you have had symptoms before you should seek medical attention based on your concern or if it has spread, does not subside within a few days, or if symptoms get worse.
q: Can I cure my gout and prevent it from returning?
Yes and no. Once you have it, it will lie dormant in your system forever as it is a sister disease to arthritis. Conversely, this is not to say you cannot keep it from flaring up. There are medications you can take as well as diet and lifestyle changes that can keep gout from ever rearing its ugly head again. Lessening the trigger foods, lessening alcohol consumption, proper footwear, and exercise can all keep you from ever suffering from its symptoms again.
q: Are there shoes I shouldn’t wear if I suffer from gout?
Definitely! You need to stay away from styles that lack cushioning, support and protection. While the best choices are athletic sneakers, walking shoes or Oxfords, you can also choose a good pair of sandals such as those made by Crocs or Birkenstock, seeing that these are anatomically shaped and have great shock absorbing capabilities.
q: How long can I wear my shoes?
Because the materials in your shoes will deteriorate with wear, you will find that they no longer possess the same properties they did when firs bought. Doctors recommend changing your insoles every three months, and your shoes every year or so in order to ensure proper support and protection.
q: Are these shoes expensive?
They shouldn’t be! Sure, if you want something fancy, or packed with tech, then they’re going to cost more, but you can get proper shoes at lower price points as well. The models listed in this buying guide are an excellent place to start, especially if you’re after something more budget friendly.
q: Are there formal shoes I can wear?
Definitely! If you work in an office setting, or are expected to attend a formal occasion, go with a pair of Oxford lace ups. Choose a wide width, and make sure that the upper is made out of a flexible material such as high quality leather. Some models are even lined on the inside to relieve pressure on your achy joints.
Sources
- , 10 Facts About Gout, Medical
- , 5 Facts About Gout-Discover Health, Medical
- , Everything You Need To Know About Gout, Medical Journal
- , Wrong Shoes Make Gout Pain Worse, Medical
