More than 20 million Americans have some form of neuropathy, a condition caused by damage to peripheral nerves. The best shoes for neuropathy offer a lot of cushion and support, accommodate different foot widths, are adjustable and often have a rocker sole. “Choosing the right footwear is not just about comfort, it’s a crucial part of managing neuropathy,” says Chicago podiatric foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Mohammad Usman. “The shoes you choose can significantly reduce pain and prevent complications.”
Typically, neuropathy causes symptoms such as numbness, sharp or burning pain, sensitivity to touch, muscle weakness and a lack of coordination. The picks on this list help minimize those issues. The Brooks Ghost Max’s rocker profile, wide width options and plush cushioning make it our top pick overall. We also found sandals and slip-ons, and a Hoka pair to keep you moving and pain-free.
- Best Shoes For Neuropathy Overall: Brooks Ghost Max
- Best Wide Shoes For Neuropathy: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v13
- Best Walking Shoes For Neuropathy: Anodyne Sport Runner
- Best Slip-On Shoes For Neuropathy: Orthofeet Kita Hands-Free
- Best Sandals For Neuropathy: Hoka Hopara Sandal
- Best Comfortable Shoes For Neuropathy: Skechers Max Cushioning Elite 2.0
- Best Hoka Shoes For Neuropathy: Hoka Clifton 9
Best Shoes For Neuropathy Overall
Extra Cushion To Stave Off Pain And Pins And Needles
MOST POPULAR
Plushy, springy cushioning and a rocker-like sole that helps propel you forward make this an ideal sneaker for neuropathy sufferers. It has a neutral design that fits many foot types—it also comes in three different widths—and has a mesh upper and lacing system that can be adjusted to prevent pressure or rubbing at different areas of the foot. Reviewers also say this pair is nicely wide through the toe box and accommodates orthotics well. There’s also a men’s version of this shoe.
Best Wide Shoes for Neuropathy
Extra Room To Comfortably Accommodate Wider Feet
New Balance offers this shoe in four widths , so you don’t have to worry about it squeezing you in on the sides. But there are a few other key features that make this a good neuropathy shoe: The stretchy upper and rounded toe box don’t put unnecessary pressure on any part of the foot, which could exacerbate neuropathy symptoms, the rocker sole allows for smooth, fluid transitions and springy midsole cushioning provides relief from painful stabbing sensations. This shoe is also available in a men’s version.
Best Walking Shoes For Neuropathy
Comfy Walking Pair For Cranky Feet
Milwaukee-based Anodyne is known for their therapeutic footwear, and this pair is specifically made for diabetic patients and people with neuropathy. It features a padded collar and tongue and has a seamless microfiber lining to prevent uncomfortable rubbing. It also comes in three widths to accommodate different foot shapes and is lightweight so it’s not cumbersome to wear—plus it has a protective toe box to keep feet protected. Good tip: Medicare may cover a portion of this shoe’s cost, and there’s a men’s version of this style, too.
Best Slip-On Shoes For Neuropathy
Great For Those With Mobility Issues Or Back Pain
Orthofeet’s shoes are designed by podiatrists with many thoughtful details that make for a comfortable wear experience. While the Kita’s sole isn’t as visibly hefty as some others, it has serious cushioning with orthotic insoles and anatomical arch support to soften impact and reduce pressure on the bottom of the foot. This pair has a wide toe box that allows toes room to splay, it’s made from an antimicrobial and water-repellant stretchy fabric upper and has a grippy sole for wet surfaces whether you’re inside or outside. Also great: this shoe is available in six colors and four widths. Orthofeet has a similar men’s shoe called the Yari Hands-Free.
Best Sandals For Neuropathy
Sporty, Springy And Adjustable
Hoka Hopara Sandal
A neutral outdoor sandal from footwear favorite Hoka, the Hopara blends comfort and practicality. It has a rubberized EVA midsole with balanced cushioning, the synthetic upper and neoprene collar provide stretch and breathability and a quick lacing system makes these both adjustable and easy to get on and off. Reviewers like the secure, supportive feel. It’s also available in a slightly wider, all gender pair.
Best Comfortable Shoe For Neuropathy
Plush Padding To Provide Relief
This shoe has responsive cushioning with lots of rebound, which translates to less stress and pressure on throbbing feet. The lightweight foam means it’s comfortable to wear for extended periods, and it has rocker technology for ease of movement and smooth heel-to-toe transitions. We also love that this pair is machine washable, so you can freshen up lighter colors if they start to look dingy. It’s also available in wide, and there are a variety of Skechers men’s shoes in their Max Cushioning line that are similar.
Best Hoka Shoe For Neuropathy
Extreme Cushioning And A Rocker Sole
Yes, we know that the Hoka Clifton is recommended for lots of things, but it’s also fitting for those with diabetic neuropathy due to its rocker sole, breathable and forgiving engineered mesh upper and lightweight construction. The compression molded EVA midsole absorbs shock while walking and can help reduce pain, burning and sensitivity. Another bonus is that they come in regular and wide widths, and have a wide toe box so your forefoot doesn’t feel uncomfortably crammed into the shoe. There’s also a men’s version of the Clifton 9.
MORE FROMFORBES VETTED
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
We spend a lot of time researching and testing products at Forbes Vetted, and we extensively cover fashion and all the best clothing and accessories that are comfortable, worth the money and, of course, stylish. When it comes to footwear, we’ve written about everything from the best shoes for swollen feet to the best walking shoes for women.
- The author of this story, Forbes Vetted contributor Molly Calhoun, has written about men’s and women’s shoes at length, and has interviewed everyone from podiatrists to physical therapists to determine the best fits, profiles and styles.
- Forbes Vetted Deputy Editor Kari Molvar oversaw the editing of this piece. She, too, has written exhaustively about footwear and has logged countless miles as a runner and walker.
- We interviewed Dr. Mohammad Usman, a Chicago podiatric surgeon at Michigan Avenue Podiatry, for this story to gain insight into the needs of those who suffer from neuropathy and how the right shoes can help benefit them.
How We Chose The Best Shoes For Neuropathy
When determining the best in a footwear category, our process involves extensive research, a comprehensive survey of consumer reviews and external expert guidance.
- We first investigated shoes from best-selling brands offered in cushioned, wide fits as well as shoes from orthopedic brands.
- We included Dr. Usman’s recommendations for brands and specific styles that are well-suited to neuropathic patients.
- The primary specs that we took into consideration for this story include availability of different shoe widths, cushioning and support, adjustability and whether or not the sole had a rocker profile. We also assessed whether the shoe came in a variety of colors and sizes, and we included both women’s and men’s versions where possible.
- We evaluated hundreds of actual user reviews to see if these shoes provided comfort, a good fit and relief from neuropathy symptoms.
What To Consider When Looking For Shoes For Neuropathy
The right shoes can help alleviate symptoms of neuropathy by providing proper support, cushioning, and reducing pressure points.
Width Options And Adjustability
One of the first things to look for are wide and extra wide shoe widths if you have neuropathy. “Tight or narrow shoes can compress the feet, intensifying pain and numbness,” says Usman. A wide toe box helps reduce pressure points, and adjustable closures that can accommodate foot swelling and provide a good fit. “I encourage my patients to try shoes on later in the day when feet are more likely to be swollen and to bring any orthotics they use when shopping for shoes,” says Usman. “Ill-fitting or inappropriate footwear can worsen neuropathy symptoms by causing additional pressure and friction, which can lead to sores and further nerve damage.”
Cushioning And Support
Soft and cushioned insoles provide lots of relief for those suffering from sharp or stabbing foot pain, so in general, the more cushioned the shoe the better it will absorb shock and will feel to those with peripheral neuropathy. Good arch support will maintain proper foot alignment and reduce pressure on the nerves as well. It may sound obvious, but “high heels should be avoided as they increase pressure on the front of the foot, worsening symptoms,” says Usman.
Rocker Soles
Research shows that rocker-type bottoms are beneficial to those with neuropathy because that type of shoe profile offloads pressure on the forefoot.
Socks
When trying on shoes, make sure you are wearing the appropriate socks—and not just to be sure you’re getting the accurate size. “Neuropathy results in decreased sensations in the feet, which makes it difficult for patients to feel minor injuries or irritations,” says Dr. Usman. “Neuropathic socks are designed to provide that needed protective barrier. Additionally, these socks provide a non-constricting fit which is crucial because tight socks can impair circulation.”
How Do You Know If You Have Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition arising from damage to peripheral nerves, according to Dr. Usman. “It can be triggered by various factors including diabetes, autoimmune diseases, infections, inherited disorders and exposure to toxins, with additional risk factors such as older age, prolonged diabetes duration, poor glycemic control and insulin use,” he says.
Ask yourself if you have any numbness, sharp, jabbing, throbbing or burning pain, sensitivity to touch, muscle weakness or lack of coordination. “If you experience these symptoms, consulting a healthcare professional is advised,” say Usman. Typically associated with diabetes and systemic conditions, neuropathy requires clinical evaluation for proper diagnosis, potentially involving neurological tests to assess its extent and severity.”
Can Neuropathy Improve With The Right Shoes?
Yes, potentially. Footwear plays a critical role in the management of neuropathy symptoms, because it can significantly impact comfort and the severity of symptoms. “Evidence suggests that proper footwear can effectively alleviate pain and forestall further injury among neuropathy patients by offering essential support and minimizing pressure points,” says Usman. “Conversely, wearing improper shoes, characterized by tightness or inadequate support, can exacerbate neuropathic symptoms by exerting increased pressure on already sensitive areas.”
Is Exercise Good For Neuropathy?
Yes! Physical activity can significantly help with the management of neuropathy symptoms. “Regular exercise holds promise in enhancing blood circulation, therefore potentially alleviating neuropathic discomfort and bolstering nerve function,” says Usman. “Additionally, physical activity contributes to the management of underlying conditions like diabetes, a major precipitant of neuropathy.” Getting the right shoes can help you adopt a consistent workout regimen that includes low-impact exercises like walking, swimming and cycling, if approved by a healthcare professional.
What Is The Best Brand Of Shoe For Neuropathy?
Choosing the right brand of shoes can be crucial for alleviating discomfort in neuropathy sufferers. “Brands such as New Balance, Orthofeet, Propet, Hoka and Skechers are highly recommended for their supportive and cushioned footwear tailored to foot conditions like neuropathy,” says Usman. “These brands incorporate features such as wide toe boxes, soft insoles, and excellent arch support, which have been shown to be beneficial for individuals with neuropathy.”
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