Which Footwear Is Best for Knee and Hip Arthritis — New Scientific Recommendations

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine provides clear guidance on what types of footwear may help people with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee, challenging some common assumptions.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which cartilage breaks down and surrounding tissues become inflamed, causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking. It is more common in older adults and people with excess weight. Since there is no definitive “cure,” non-drug strategies, such as wearing the right shoes, are important for managing symptoms.

Researchers conducted a clinical trial with 120 participants who had hip osteoarthritis and compared the effects of different footwear on walking pain. Participants wore either flat, flexible shoes (e.g., ballet flats) or more supportive, stable shoes (e.g., running shoes with arch and heel support) for at least six hours per day. After six months, pain during walking was measured.

Results for hip osteoarthritis: Neither type of shoe significantly reduced pain or improved function.

Results for knee osteoarthritis: Stable, supportive shoes significantly reduced knee pain compared with flat, flexible shoes — on average, by about 63% more.

Additional recommendations:

• High heels or poorly fitting shoes increase joint stress and the risk of falls, especially in older adults, and should be avoided.

• Choosing proper footwear is an important part of a comprehensive osteoarthritis management plan, alongside medical care, physiotherapy, and other lifestyle measures.

In summary, for people with knee osteoarthritis, supportive, stable shoes are beneficial, while for hip osteoarthritis, shoe type may be less critical.

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