Best Shoes for Fibromyalgia Foot Pain

If you have fibromyalgia - a chronic pain condition that affects the muscles and soft tissues in the body - your feet and legs may be experiencing:

• Heightened sensitivity in the feet that makes it painful to walk or stand for long periods of time, or to wear shoes that rub against or press on the foot; 
• Edema symptoms , particularly in the ankles and the tops of the feet, making it difficult to wear footwear that fit comfortably; 
• Numbness and tingling that make it difficult to feel the ground beneath you or to maintain balance while walking; 
• Stiffness in the muscles of the feet, making it difficult to move the feet and toes freely. 

These symptoms are common among people with chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, where joint pain and swelling often complicate everyday movement.

How Footwear Can Alleviate Symptoms

Seeing as there is currently no cure for fibromyalgia, treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms and pain. This includes choosing the right footwear. A variety of footwear options is recommended by specialists to help reduce joint strain and minimize chronic pain flare-ups. People often need to try multiple options to find the shoes that best alleviate their discomfort and meet their medical needs, many of which can be solved through orthotics.

Finding information can be tedious, so to help you alleviate foot pain and improve comfort, we put together a list of the best shoes for fibromyalgia to aid in pain relief. 

All the shoes that made our list have some design features in common that are beneficial for people with fibromyalgia:

1. Cushioning soles. Good cushioning absorbs shocks and reduces impact on the feet, legs and back, which can be particularly beneficial for people with fibromyalgia.
2. Arch Support. Proper arch support can distribute weight evenly, reducing pressure, improving foot alignment and minimizing strain.    
3. Lightweight. Shoes that are lightweight can reduce fatigue and strain on the feet, making walking easier. This support can ease joint discomfort and other chronic symptoms over time.
   
4. Adjustability. Adjustable features, such as laces or straps, can provide a customized fit, make it easier to slip in and out of footwear and help to alleviate pressure points. Adjustable shoes are recommended for people experiencing swelling or varying pain levels due to fibromyalgia.
   
5. Wide toe box. A wide toe-box shoe doesn’t put pressure on the toes, allowing them to move and spread out naturally, thus easing discomfort and pain. 
   
6. Air pocket. An air pocket under the heel helps soften every step you take as soon as the heel hits the ground, minimizing foot and leg pain. 

And now, here’s our list of the best shoes for foot pain caused by fibromyalgia. 

Best tennis running shoes for fibromyalgia

Kita for Women | Yari for Men

Why you’ll like it 

• Hands-free shoes - no bending, no tying laces
• Aerated, water resistant uppers 

Specifications

• Sizes: women 5-12; men 7-14
• Widths: women B-2E; men D-4E
• Upper materials: stretch knit

 

Both Kita and Yari shoes are constructed with a breakthrough technology designed to make the process of putting on and taking off shoes as easy and painless as possible, reducing the need for bending over or struggling to fasten straps or closures. 

The back of the shoe contains a hidden spring that bends down when you insert your foot and then bounces back, securing the foot in place. This can help to improve overall comfort and mobility, especially if you have fibromyalgia, allowing you to more easily engage in daily activities.

The stretchable, airy and water resistant upper lining of the shoe will gently hug your feet and conform to its unique shape, prevent liquids from seeping through and keep your feet aerated to prevent odors and infections.

Available in a variety of colors and widths.

 

Best slippers for fibromyalgia

Louise for Women | Hudson for Men

 

Why you’ll love it

• Fit adjustability
• Breathable, stretchy antimicrobial materials

Specifications

• Sizes: women 5-12; men 7-14
• Widths: women B-2E; men D-2E
• Upper materials: stretch knit

 

Although these are clog slippers, both Louise and Hudson have an adjustable closure that allows you to both secure and customize the fit, which can help to reduce pressure points and improve stability and pain relief.

The uppers are made with soft, flexible materials that can help to reduce friction and irritation, which can be especially important for individuals with sensitive or tender feet. These materials are also breathable, allowing air flow and to keep you dry.

In addition, the orthotic insole lining is antimicrobial, preventing infections and promoting foot health.

You can also venture out of the house with them thanks to the durable sole on them. And the best part is that these slippers are not only comfortable, but also quite stylish, making them perfect for everyday use.

 

Best work shoes for fibromyalgia

For Women: Talya

Why you’ll love it

• Slip resistant soles
• Highly durable

Specifications

• Sizes: 5-12
• Widths: B-2E
• Upper materials: waterproof leather

 

The outsole of these shoes is made to keep you stable with a special tread design that offers advanced grip and improves stability on any type of surface. 

The leather exteriors are not only exceptionally durable and forgiving, but are also water repellent and stain resistant, making them extremely comfortable and easy to clean.

The soft lining cushions your feet to reduce irritation, while multi-layered insoles allow long hours of standing without foot pain or discomfort.

For men: Dolomite

Why you’ll love it

• Composite safety toe
• Notches added to the outsole help catch ladder steps

Specifications

• Sizes: 7-14
• Widths: D-4E
• Upper materials: waterproof leather

 

These sturdy work shoes are constructed with a composite safety toe, as well as an impact, compression and electric hazard resistance. 

One of the coolest features of the Dolomite shoes is the unique design of the outsole, which features ladder grab notches that help the foot to climb up and down ladder steps more securely. The sole is also slip resistant, improving stability on various surfaces.

The durable, waterproof leather upper, lined with soft yet supportive materials, combined with orthotic technology, allows anyone to stand all day without foot pain or fatigue.

Best dress shoes for fibromyalgia

For men: Zodiac for men

Why you’ll love it

• Adjustable strap for secure fit
• Heel to toe padding

Specifications

• Sizes: 7-14
• Widths: D-4E
• Upper materials: soft leather

 

This pair of dress shoes come complete with an adjustable hook and loop strap across the top of the foot, allowing you to secure the fit. 

Designed with a rubber outsole, the stylish Zodiac dress shoes offer greater traction and stability, while every part of the shoe is fully padded and seam-free to cushion and protect your feet, including the uppers and collar.

The extra depth will support you and provide relief and comfort, and the ergonomic sole follows the shape of your feet, keeping them in their natural position and aligning them with your legs and back.

 

For women: Emma

Why you’ll love it

• Stylish without compromising on comfort
• Soft leather for a pressure-free fit

Specifications

• Sizes: 6-11
• Widths: B-D
• Upper materials: soft leather

 

The Emma booties are simply gorgeous. But, that does not mean they are not unbelievably comfortable as well.

Although they have a 2-inch heel, you will still feel like you're walking in your most comfortable pair of shoes, thanks to the ergonomic design of the sole and heel, which eliminates added pressure on the forefoot. 

The foam padded leather is both durable and flexible, and this allows the uppers to contour to the shape of your feet and together with the adjustable strap, provide a customized fit. 

The cushioning system absorbs shock and relieves foot pressure, the wide toe box allows natural toe movement to prevent pain, and the side zipper ensures easy on-off wear.

Best sandals for fibromyalgia

For men: Clearwater

Why you’ll love it

• Designed to correct your gait
• Fully customizable fit

Specifications

• Sizes: 7-14
• Widths: Standard (D) - Extra Extra Wide (6E)
• Upper materials: leather

The closed-toe fisherman style offers full protection and breathability for warm weather or transitional seasons, while the design supports the foot, absorbs shock, and helps correct gait to minimize pain and discomfort.

Both sandals help to correct your gait as you walk, thus aligning your feet with your legs and back, alleviating and minimizing pain and discomfort.  

Every part of the sandal offers a fully padded interior, providing gentle contact with the skin and eliminating rubbing and irritation.

You can customize the fit to accommodate the shape and size of your feet by very easily adjusting the bungee cord and the two-way strap system. The latter also allows you to fasten and unfasten the sandals on both the inside and outside of the shoe, which is very helpful if bending down and reaching the outside of the shoe is painful or problematic for you.

For women: Juno

Why you’ll love it

• A two-way strap allows for easier on-off wear
• Insoles that improve your gait

Specs

• Sizes: 5-12
• Widths: Standard (B) - Wide (D) 
• Upper materials: leather

The Juno sandals feature premium orthotic insoles with anatomical arch support that provide a customized fit, realign the foot, enhance gait, and relieve joint pressure to ease fibromyalgia challenges.

The cushioning sole, featuring a mild rocker, transforms each step into a more soothing experience, elevating walking comfort and actively mitigating the impact on your feet, legs and back.

Crafted with a wide toe box, the Juno sandals cater to the need for a spacious and non-restrictive fit. This prevents unnecessary stress on sensitive areas of the foot, as well as allows for natural movement, easing fibromyalgia discomfort and pain.

The two-way strap system adds a layer of convenience by allowing you to fasten and unfasten on both sides of the sandal. This simplifies the process of putting on and taking off the sandals, especially if you’re dealing with mobility difficulties, and offers a customized fit.

The Juno sandals’ soft, padded interior, free of overlays, ensures irritation-free wear and superior protection for sensitive feet.