Step into Comfort – Naturally
Finding the right shoes for people with arthritis can be challenging. Many conventional shoes have stiff soles, narrow toe boxes and heavy designs that add unnecessary pressure to your joints, making every step more painful than it should be.
That’s where barefoot shoes can make a real difference. Designed with wide toe boxes, zero-drop soles and lightweight flexible materials, barefoot shoes promote a more natural stride and help reduce stress on your feet, ankles and knees.
Why Barefoot Shoes Are a Good Solution for People with Arthritis
Wide toe box: A spacious toe area gives your toes and metatarsal joints the freedom to move naturally, reducing joint pressure and discomfort caused by arthritis.
Zero-drop sole: With no raised heel, your body weight is distributed evenly across the whole foot. This helps to prevent excessive pressure on the forefoot and joints – particularly around bunions and sensitive areas.
Flexible sole: A soft, flexible sole encourages a natural walking pattern, improving balance and potentially easing strain on the joints.
That’s why many experts recommend barefoot shoes for arthritis relief. However, it’s important to transition to barefoot shoes gradually – especially if you have arthritis or chronic foot pain. Start slowly, wear them for short periods, and let your muscles and joints adapt naturally.
🦶 Take It Step by Step
Start gently.
Wear your new barefoot shoes for short walks around the house or a quick trip outdoors. Gradually increase the time as your feet and joints adjust. This slow transition helps strengthen smaller foot muscles and improve mobility without overloading sensitive joints.
👟 Choose the Right Fit – Go “Extra Wide”
When shopping, look for shoes marked “extra wide” (you can easily find this filter on our website).
A spacious toe box allows your toes to spread and move freely - easing pressure from bunions, arthritic joints, and hammer toes.
📏 For the best fit, always measure your feet following our size guide, and add 0.7–1.2 cm to your foot length.
This little extra space ensures your toes move naturally and comfortably, even when your feet swell slightly during the day.
🙌 Add a Bit of Support
If you’re new to zero-drop footwear, you can make the transition smoother by placing a thin insole under the heel for the first few weeks.
This small lift helps your body adapt gradually – particularly useful if you’ve been wearing cushioned shoes for years. Once you feel comfortable, remove the insole and enjoy the full barefoot experience.
You can find specially designed insoles for barefoot shoes in our shop – perfect for easing your transition and adding gentle support when you need it most.
👉 Shop barefoot insoles here
💚 Listen to Your Body
Everyone’s journey is unique. Some notice better comfort and balance within weeks, while others take a few months to fully adapt.
Focus on comfort over speed, and remember - it’s perfectly fine to take your time. The goal is not perfection, but progress and comfort.
The Bottom Line
Barefoot shoes can’t cure arthritis or bunions, but they can help you move more freely and comfortably by encouraging natural alignment and improving circulation.
If you’ve been looking for a way to reduce pressure and regain flexibility - this might be your first step towards happier feet.
👉 Ready to Begin?
Discover our selection of extra-wide barefoot shoes - designed for comfort, flexibility, and freedom of movement.