The Best Shoes For Neuropathy of 2023

Athletic shoes are some of the best to look for when it comes to supporting the wearer, providing strong traction, and offering flexibility. However, these same styles typically feature laces that are difficult to tie for people who have neuropathy in their hands as well as their feet. Luckily, Orthofeet has a clever workaround in its Verve Tie-Less Athletic shoes.

While they have laces for cosmetic purposes, these shoes feature a simple pull system to “tie” the laces, and an adjustable heel strap at the back, making them ideal for those with neuropathy. Velcro tabs on the inside and outside of the shoe allow the user to essentially "tighten" the laces from the top using a familiar Velcro method.

For anyone who frequently deals with swollen feet or who has trouble sliding their foot in and out of shoes, these adjustments can be a huge help and make the whole process a breeze. Plus, because the shoes are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) to support overall foot health, you can wear them with confidence knowing they’ll keep you going pain-free.

These are sized for women, but there’s a men’s Monterey style as well that’s basically the exact same.

When it comes to neuropathy-friendly footwear, Skechers offers a great option with its Ultra Flex 3.0 Smooth Step Slip-ins. This shoe design is made to slip on without any need to bend down or use your hands.

This is ideal for those who have balance challenges caused by their neuropathy, those who also have neuropathy in their hands, and those who just want a faster time getting out the door. (And if you’re loving the hands-free concept described here, be sure to check out our list of other great hands-free shoes.)

One of the best features of this shoe is its flexible outer material, which feels sock-like in its comfort. For those who have intermittent swelling or those just looking for a rub-free, chafe-free material, this can be an ideal setup. However, if you often find yourself bumping into hard surfaces or plan to be in crowded spaces frequently, a shoe with a more protected toe box might be ideal.

For those who prefer a more classic sneaker and don’t struggle with laces, these Clifton 9 athletic shoes from Hoka are a great choice.

One of their best features is their lightweight construction. They weigh just 7.3 ounces, which for those (like me) who can’t imagine weights well in their head, is about the same as a cup of sugar or an adult hamster. If you struggle with heavier and clunkier shoes, making tripping more likely, this is a great shoe that will leave you feeling like you’re wearing nothing at all.

In addition, the Clifton 9’s slip-resistant rubber sole has been crafted for an inherently stable shape, helping you keep your balance even when neuropathy makes it more difficult. Though it doesn’t offer the advanced orthotics of some others on this list, if adaptations like extra arch support cause you more pain than they save, this is a great neutral option that supports good foot health without extra bells and whistles.

The shoes linked below are sized for women, but you can buy a men’s version of the Clifton 9 as well.

Because neuropathy can make it hard to tell when your foot has been injured, a protective outer layer on a shoe is extremely important. This Dr. Comfort William-X shoe is beloved by those with neuropathy, as well as other conditions like arthritis, because of its solid build and strong design.

The William-X has a roomy, hard-sided toe box to give your feet space while also shielding them from harm. Its adjustable fit is ideal for those who need extra room to maneuver as well as those who struggle with laces, and its seamless liner is ideal for keeping your feet blister free. Its all-black look and slip resistance make these shoes perfect for many workplaces and formal situations. Perhaps best of all, they can be purchased using an HSA or FSA account if you have one.

The biggest disadvantage to this shoe is its clunky, heavier weight compared to others on this list. Though this is often the natural tradeoff for a well-protected outer material, it does mean that for anyone who finds heavier shoes to be an extra challenge to walking, these shoes may not be the best fit.

At first glance, it may seem strange to include open-toed sandals on this list, but as a caregiver I found sandals like these to be one of my mother’s favorite go-to options when managing her neuropathy.

These Gemini Sandals from Orthofeet are a great example of well-designed sandals that feel as good as they look. They offer the most important elements of neuropathy-friendly shoes such as orthotic insoles, rub-free interior, and slip resistance, while also providing the functionality of sandals.

When wearing open-toed shoes like these, it’s vital to keep in mind where you’re wearing them and how you plan to keep your feet safe from external bumps and bruises. However, because the wearer can see the most easily damaged parts of their feet, it’s possible to keep an eye on how they’re doing in a way that caged-toe sandals don’t allow.

One of the reasons my mother loved this style so much was that it allowed her feet to exist comfortably in a shoe even when they were at their most swollen. They also eliminated pain from other chemo-related symptoms and provided a cooler alternative in summer when more enclosed shoes felt unbearable.

The sandals linked below are sized for men, but you can also buy a women’s design called the Venice Sandal.

Dress shoes are notorious for being uncomfortable and tight, especially those designed with women in mind. These Margot Square-Toe V-Cut Flats from Vivaia are a great alternative to others on the market. With a wide toe box, cushioned but supportive insole, and slip-resistant outer sole, these shoes are ideal for those with neuropathy.

One of the best features of these shoes is their stretchy outside material which prevents rubbing and accommodates even the worst swelling days. You can learn more about the neuropathy-specific research and design factors that went into creating these shoes on Vivaia’s website.