10 Best Shoes For Swollen Feet and Ankles of 2021 [Buying Guide & Reviews]

Best Shoes For Swollen Feet and Ankles

Swollen feet and ankles are just no fun.  You don’t need to be told that, I’m sure, but it’s just a fact of life.  Sometimes, they get so large that it makes wearing shoes and going out in public, or even in private, virtually impossible.  Some shoes just do not accommodate such a situation, and it’s a real shame because you want to look nice and be comfortable, too.  Today, we are going to help you with this issue by taking a look at the best shoes for swollen feet and ankles.  We will begin our buying guide by breaking down everything you need to know, giving you the ins and outs and the ups and downs of them before providing you with a top ten list in our reviews that will give you a place to start your search.  So, let’s get to it and get you one step closer to some relief!

Top Shoes For Swollen Feet and Ankles Comparison Chart

ProductMaterialPriceWhere to Buy?
1. Easy Spirit Women’s Traveltime MuleSuede$$Check Price On Amazon
2. Propet Men’s LifeWalker Strap Walking ShoesLeather$$$Check Price On Amazon
3. Propet Women’s TravelActiv Fashion SneakersSynthetic$$Check Price On Amazon
4. Clarks Women’s Sillian Stork Fisherman SandalTextile$$Check Price On Amazon
5. Propet Women’s TravelActiv Mary Jane Fashion SneakersTextile$$Check Price On Amazon
6. Clarks Women’s Arla Shaylie PlatformTextile$$Check Price On Amazon
7. Secret Slippers Men’s Open Toe Diabetic Recovery SlippersRubber sole$$Check Price On Amazon
8. Propet Men’s Cronus SlipperNeoprene$$Check Price On Amazon
9. Propet Men’s MPED3 Pedwalker 3 OxfordLeather & Nylon$$$$Check Price On Amazon
10. Dr. Comfort Carter Men’s Casual ShoesLycra$$$$Check Price On Amazon

Shoes For Swollen Feet and Ankles Buying Guide

Causes Of Swollen Feet and/or Ankles

There are plenty of causes for feet and ankles to become swollen.  Here is a section where we will take a look at those various things.  The fancy name for swollen feet is Edema, which is defined online as “a condition characterized by an excess of watery fluid collecting in the cavities or tissues of the body.”  This swelling is said to be present among as many as 50% of Americans today, and given the general lack of health for so many in our nation, it’s no surprise to see this startling number.  Most of these, you would be led to think anyway, are dealing with it on a regular occurrence daily, a stunning revelation that needs to be helped.  Some people might not even realize that they have a problem with this, so this could be very helpful and lead you toward getting the help you desperately need.

One of the chief conditions that causes edema to form is that of Diabetes.  Diabetes is a disease that affects Americans daily and is a source of a lot of issues.  If this disease is not treated correctly, it can create a myriad of problems.  Even the smallest of skin issues can cause major health risks and could even lead to amputation, thus it’s vitally important for people with swollen feet or ankles to rectify the problem if they have Diabetes.  Shoes have to be made a certain way, or you will end up in a very bad place with your health and well being.  While this guide is going to help address Diabetic issues, this is not the only reason for the article, so not all of the products listed will be a major fix for this particular case.

People that are having severe problems internally are also ripe candidates to end up having swollen feet and ankles.  Those with heart disease or failure in the liver or kidneys are also very likely to experience this issue, since blood flow is such an issue.  A lot of times finding comfort can be extremely difficult, but they really need it in order to have as high a quality of life as possible.

Those that have had injuries recently are also very much in the swollen feet and ankles camp as well.  Whether you’re an athlete or just someone that got hurt on the job, your feet are going to swell up if you have a sprain or even a break.  Sometimes a good, deep bruise, a contusion, can cause this to happen.  It may only last a week or so, but in that week, you’re going to want some relief.  Shoes with ample room to them are going to be your best option, depending upon the orders of doctors, of course.

Pregnant woman also have a major issues with swelling as well, and this is something that definitely has to be addressed for them.  It’s estimated that 75% of pregnant women end up having to go through this pain, while even those that don’t have swelling up with aches and pains as a result of it anyway.  This is a huge, huge number, and it means that you only have another reason to find a good, comfortable, and supportive pair of shoes to help you out.

The last part of the cause of swelling we will talk about is going to be that of the natural reaction of the body.  A lot of people don’t realize it off hand, but the body is made to swell up.  This in and of itself is not a bad thing, as long as the swelling subsides.  With many of the conditions above, the swelling never seems to lessen, or it only does so after a long time or when something has finally ran its course.  Natural swelling is, or at least should, also go down, but it’s not always going to do so.  Swelling is going to occur to you after just about any physical activity.  By physical, we mean anything that has you on your feet for extended periods of time.  It could be walking, standing, running, lunging, etc.  Even simply standing to greet people at the store or to work on the assembly line is going to end up causing you to have swollen feet.  Feet swell because your heart is pumping out blood at a faster rate.  This is normal and a good thing, but for many it can get painful, to say the least, especially if you can’t get the swelling to go down.

That’s what our guide is all about today.  No matter which of the ‘camps’ you are in above, your swelling needs to be tamed and you need to be able to keep safe and be happier.  Whether you’re pregnant, toward the start of your life, or in your golden years, you all deserve to be happy and healthy.  Good shoes with plenty of room available to you will help you considerably!

What To Look For to Combat Swelling

There are going to be a few factors that you need to look out for in shoes that you are attempting to use to fight off swelling in the ankles and feet.  If you don’t have these things present, then they likely will not be of much use to you.

Comfort

One of the things that people can’t go without is some form of comfort.  We all do like different things, sure, but none of us are going to stick with wearing something for very long if it’s just plain uncomfortable to put on and wear.  It’s just not going to happen.  In order for you to be comfortable, a number of things have to be present.  This is not just a case of putting the shoes on and magically feeling like you are floating on clouds.  If you do, that’s great, but that does not mean you will be feeling great in a few hours.  So, look for something that has good, general comfort to it.

Room

The next thing you’ve got to look for is whether the shoe has plenty of room or not.  Shoes that have ample space to navigate around with are essential for someone that has swollen feet or ankles.  If you are having swelling of the feet, then you need a shoe that has its upper up a little higher than normal shoes would have.  If your ankles are swollen, you might just be able to get away with a slipper that is open toward the back, depending on your health, of course.  For Diabetic patients, this part is critical to your health.  You have to have tons of room so as to not rub into the shoes and get a sore that could possibly turn ugly down the line.  For those that don’t have Diabetes, this isn’t as big of an issue, but it is still one that you have to have.

Softness

Another aspect you will not want to miss out on is softness.  If you touch the shoes and they are hard and too stiff, they are going to lack the necessary comfort you need.  The soft nature of the shoes is going to help in the shock absorbing process.  But on top of that, it’s going to make the shoes expand to meet the needs of your feet.  Without expanding, you’re going to be locked into one place, so you need this soft feeling in order to get the most out of them your new shoes.  This, again, is crucial for Diabetic patients.

Breathability

Another feature that shouldn’t be forgotten is breathability.  Anyone looking to having their swollen feet dealt with will need to make sure they can live with their shoes.  If they are too hot for you to wear, then you’ll not want to wear them.  For some conditions, mainly Diabetes, you are going to need this, since you don’t want any sort of blisters or the like to form up.  Ventilation is typical done by using small holes or by using mesh, a stretchy material, and this can help increase comfort as well as making the shoes very soft.

Adjustability

If you find that your shoes are not adjustable, then you need to have a rethink.  A big part of the reason for you having to buy special shoes because of swelling is because you are no longer able to wear the shoes comfortably at all.  If you are dealing with that, you need to find shoes that can be adjusted to a higher degree than your regular shoes can be.  Many of the shoes on our list have straps, sometimes two or three of them, that can be pulled to varying degrees.  What this allows you to do is to remain in your true size while being able to adjust throughout the day.  As the day goes on, you should see more swelling, so you may start with your shoes set to one position and then end up with them in another by the time you are through.  This is very much a requirement that you should be looking for.

Stability

Perhaps the last one here is the most important of them all.  This is an absolute must-have if you’re ever going to see one.  A pair of shoes that are made to help reduce your swelling, or to just make you more comfortable, has got to be stable.  Without being stable, you are only going to compound your problems.  A lot of times, swelling is going to go hand in hand with a relative weakness.  This can lead to slips and falls, and the best way to prevent that from happening entirely is to go with a pair of shoes that have great soles with excellent traction to them.  These can be in the form of anti-slip shoes, or just shoes that have good tread to them.  You can tell if a shoe has tread by looking at the bottoms and seeing if they have any patterns to them.  If there are none, or there aren’t many, they probably won’t be as good in terms of stability.  Another thing to watch out for is to steer clear of shoes that have a high platform to them.  This rules out high heels and it effectively also makes high tops a no-go, so men and women are affected evenly here.  These can be much heavier, and they also are going to be much more impactful should you not hit the ground correctly when you move.  They can create more serious injuries, since you have such a large distance to fall.

Sizing to Deal With Edema

In order to get the best out of any pair of shoes, you have to have the correct size.  It’s not good enough to just haphazardly do it, and there a few ways that you might think you should do this that simply fall short of what you need.  Here is our section where we are going to break down the do’s and don’ts of it all to prevent edema even when wearing compression socks.

One of the first things that some people would assume, and wrongly so, would be that you should go up sizes if you are dealing with edema.  In theory, if you were going to go with a regular shoe, then I suppose this would be fine.  But if you go with a regular shoe, you won’t have adjustability built in to it, and you’ll end up back in this same spot, going in circles over and over again.  So what you do not want to do is size up a normal pair of shoes, as easy as that might sound.  You want to find a pair of shoes that are your size, or fairly close to it, and have most, if not all, of the features that we discussed in the previous section.

If you are unsure of your size or are in between a couple of sizes, you should definitely go up.  This way, you have a lot of extra room and will not be constricted to an unpainful degree.  This is massive for you, and you don’t really give up that much by going up a half a size or so.  This won’t cause you to be slipping and falling, though you could find yourself doing that if you go too big.

Take a good, long look at sizing charts as you are looking to buy.  Just because you should be looking to be pretty close to your actual size does not mean that you need to just automatically order a pair of shoes that are whatever your tennis shoes size is.  This can lead to so many problems.  By looking at the chart that they provide, you will be able to see where your measurements line up and what size you need.  Reading reviews is also helpful, as they can give you an idea about how others were affected.  If a certain shoe runs large or small, we will make sure to point it out to you.

Lastly, you want to look and see if the shoes you are going to go with are going to allow an orthotic- insert- or not.  If you don’t need an insert, then you don’t have to bother with this.  But if you feel that you might need more support, or you’re used to wearing a certain insert anyway, then you will need to check this.  Some of these shoes will not allow you to take their own insert out, giving you no space to place your own into them.  And sitting them on top of their insoles might not get the job done, especially if you have Diabetes and are worried about getting foot sores.

Style

Well and truly, style is not going to be the utmost thing in mind when you go through this guide and our list below.  This is more of an area where shoes are more about function than they are about style, and that’s just the way it is.  Many of them on our list lack style, so it’s going to be tough to find that if you’re looking for.  With that said, we have included options on top of the ‘old people’ looks so that you might be a little more happy with the selection.  Ladies, you have it much better than the men do.  You have a whole array of choices that are going to look much better, in general, than those made for men.  That said, there are going to be some different looks to go with.  At the end of the day, though, your health and overall enjoyment of life should be placed number one over the fashion of your shoes.  You’re here for a reason, so don’t let that cloud your mind.  Also, this isn’t to say you can’t find great looking shoes for swollen feet.  It’s just that these are the best, most popular ones right now.  You may find some that are great for you, and if so, more power to you!

Price

The price of shoes is always going to be something you have to think about, but in this instance, it would be wise to overlook price.  The reason why is because, for many, this is a very serious health issue.  If you skimp and save money, you are likely to end up with something that cuts corners and doesn’t deliver exactly what you are looking for.  Shoes that are made for swollen feet and ankles generally will cost you more money than regular shoes.  The materials used are different, made to be softer, therefore those cost extra for manufacturers to use.  Furthermore, you need more materials as well since they are usually a little bit wider and sometimes longer than traditional shoes are.  On the plus side of things for Diabetes patients is the fact that these options below, if they fit the profile of a shoe that they can wear, is that they are cheaper than prescription alternatives.  If you can cut the problem off at the pass, then you can might not have to go to such extremes down the line.  Of course, it’s got to be said that if you have two identical items, if there was ever such a possibility, then you’d want to go with the cheaper of the two.  But aside from that, price shouldn’t be a large factor in this decision, since it can have such a profound effect on your health and overall well being.

The Top Ten Shoes for Swollen Feet and Ankles of 2019 Reviews

  1. Easy Spirit Women’s Traveltime Mule

This may not be the all-time best looking shoe ever, but it’s also far from the worst and it comes in a slew of colors to help you match whatever your attire might be, a necessary component for any lady out there. Made from all suede, these shoes are going to be super plush due to that as well as their cushioned insole and their very flexible outsole, which work in unison to give you comfort and support at the same time. There is a slight raised heel here at 0.75 inches and the back is opened, so these would be great for getting the back of the foot off the ground in an effort to get the swelling out of the ankles.  With a good rubber sole, these are not going to allow you to slip, letting you travel to all kinds of places safely.

Pros:

  • Cushioned insole
  • Very flexible shoes
  • Great for ankle swelling
  1. Propet Men’s LifeWalker Strap Walking Shoes

Admittedly, these are pretty hideous, but this company has a tremendous reputation and these are great for those that have to go to extremes to live with their swelling and be able to walk. With nylon lining, they are going to be very comforting while on. Along with their ortholite insole, it’s almost like you have a prescription grade insert along with it. It’s even made out of memory foam, too, helping to lock in your own feet to give you a more personalized feel while wearing them.  There are two straps available, using Velcro, giving you a range of options to adjust, meaning you don’t have to worry if you are more or less swollen on a given day. If you can get past the looks and have to be able to walk comfortably, this is the way to go, guys!

Pros:

  • Memory foam gives personal touch
  • Like an RX insert
  • Easy to adjust

Cons:

  • Very ‘old’ looks
  1. Propet Women’s TravelActiv Fashion Sneakers

Propet doesn’t always make shoes that look kind of hideous, though, and these show that, luckily for you ladies out there. Coming in a snazzy design, these sneakers also come in a multitude of colors, from the plain to the bright and vibrant. With a removable insert, you can plug and place your in there.  They’ve also got a very lightweight and flexible outsole, meaning you will be able to do more without having to be weighed down by unseemly added weight through your day.  These come with a traditional shoe lace closure, so you are going to have to have more mobility to deal with them.  They are great for someone that has moderate swelling, but they would probably not be the most spacious or best for those that have severe cases.

Pros:

  • Very stylish
  • Flexible and light
  • Insert can be removed

Cons:

  • Not for more extreme cases
  1. Clarks Women’s Sillian Stork Fisherman Sandal

Clarks offer up a nice option here in their Fisherman style sandal that is designed to give you a good mixture of elements. Not only are they different to so many in this anti-swelling category with their looks, but they also pack a punch. They have a slight heel, at over an inch, so these are not going to be for the worst of cases.  With that said, they are made using textile linings called ‘cloudsteppers,’ so you know they are comfortable.  They also have cushion soft technology along with an ortholite insert, meaning you shouldn’t have to worry about bringing you own to the table.  Depending on the place in the foot, you can get a ton of help from these. They also would do well for ankle swelling, since they do allow freedom of movement there.

Pros:

  • Comfy insoles
  • Good for moderate cases
  • Pretty spiffy

Cons:

  • Not ultra roomy
  1. Propet Women’s TravelActiv Mary Jane Fashion Sneakers

If you want the same kind of, but still different, style as the earlier TravelActiv, but you want more freedom, then this is the way to go. These ‘sneakers’ are basically slip on with one single strap across them, making them easier to get on and off and changing the looks considerably. They are lighter than their close kin, no doubt, but they still have many of the same great features.  They are flexible and lightweight, particularly in the outsole, and they have the removable foot bed, too, giving you the opportunity to take it out if and when you need to. The fabric used is very breathable and it is super stretchy, too, meaning you’ll have lots of room to maneuver in.  And there’s lots of colors to pick from.  These might not still be for Diabetics, but they can do a whale of job nonetheless.

Pros:

  • Very flexible and light
  • Stylish slip ons
  • Easy adjustability

Cons:

  • Not the utmost protection or support
  1. Clarks Women’s Arla Shaylie Platform

If style is really, really important to you, then these Clarks go a step above while still being a platform sandal. This may be a problem for some users, but for many, it will be just the perfect blend between dressy and functional. With technology that is soft and cushioning beneath the feet, and very soft fabric that won’t hurt the toes of them, comfort is very much queen indeed with these.  Not to mention the looks, which are quite nice for a shoe that is made for this purpose.  The back even has, sneakily, a hook and loop strap that makes them easy to adjust and locks you into place, securing you safely and ensuring you won’t be falling down.  If you worry about all of the straps, you shouldn’t, since they are very stretchy and won’t bind you in place.

Pros:

  • Function and fashion
  • Sneaky closure
  • Stretches well

Cons:

  • Not flat enough for some
  1. Secret Slippers Men’s Open Toe Diabetic Recovery Slippers

If you’re a guy and just want to have a shoe that is going to be comfy to wear around the house, then these are the ones for you. These slippers let your toes stay free, which is a good idea to give you a change up. Of course, if you have severe Diabetes, you will need to pay close attention and make sure you don’t’ run into anything, but aside from that, they are very freeing.  They are also quite comfortable, too, utilizing very soft lining that has no seams or creases.  This creates an area that is unobstructed and won’t dig into your skin. They are quite wide as well and have a very simple closure that is made out of Velcro, giving you all kinds of leeway to decide how much support you need at a given time.

Pros:

  • Very soft
  • Wide feet and easy adjustability
  • Great in the house

Cons:

  • Lack of toes might harm some
  1. Propet Men’s Cronus Slipper

This is very much a shoe that is designed with diabetes in mind, and it shows. With a fully neoprene makeup, this shoe is going to be extremely soft and comfortable, allowing the wearer to sink into it instead of the shoe digging into them as is the case with more regular shoes. With two Velcro closures, one of them in the back and the other on the upper, you get plenty of chances to adjust as you need.  This means it can help alleviate swelling in both areas or just in one spot instead of sticking in one place all of the time.  With a rubber sole, you won’t be going anywhere, since it’s offering great traction to keep you right on the floor where you should be.  The biggest strike against these is the lack of looks, which are pretty bad, though not the worst you have ever seen.  If you can overcome that, they will do a big job for you and keep you happier.

Pros:

  • Lots of adjustability
  • Soft and comfy
  • Very wide

Cons:

  • Looks lack big time
  1. Propet Men’s MPED3 Pedwalker 3 Oxford

Propet’s final entry here comes in the form of a more formal piece of attire in that of an Oxford. Still yet, there is plenty here to make it functional to help reduce swelling. By using a combination of leather and nylon, it’s going to have the softness you would expect along with the durability of leather and the looks that it brings.  But there’s even more, with them being pretty wide in the toes, offering plenty of room between the feet and the upper, and also having a strap that goes across the top that can be adjusted.  These are far from the most adjustable out there, but that adds to the looks department, so that is the trade off you have to make with them.  While there are many in this sector that are considered to be expensive, these are pretty high up there, so that may be something else that holds you back from picking these.

Pros:

  • Formal and functional
  • Durable but soft
  • Wide toes

Cons:

  • Expensive choice
  1. Dr. Comfort Carter Men’s Casual Shoes

Rounding out the list here is an offering from Dr. Comfort that is, well you guessed it, comfortable. Composed fully of Lycra, which is a material not unlike spandex, which means it is going to soft, comfortable, and be able to stretch out to give you the additional space that you so badly need and want. With added depth, it’s able to further accommodate folks with Diabetes, allowing you bring in other devices and braces to help your condition without being too cramped.  The Lycra is also great at helping you breathe, letting you do a bevy of tasks without feeling overheated.  On top of that, it’s got the expected hook and loop that will help you tailor the fit to what you need it to be.  With no seams and great materials and construction, it’s going to hold up a while so you don’t have to go through this ordeal of buying shoes again.  The only knock here is going to be the looks, which are lacking.

Pros:

  • Lycra used for multiple reasons
  • Added depth
  • No seams

Cons:

  • Poor looks

Conclusion And Final Shoes For Swollen Feet and Ankles Recommendations

No matter what your specific problem might be that is causing swollen feet, it’s essential that you get the right footwear beneath you to help you battle it.  It’s not the easiest thing to do, with so many choices online and a lack of them in person.  It’s even harder yet when you don’t know much of anything about shoes that are made to combat this painful, limiting condition.  After our guide today, however, you will be much better placed to make a good, informed decision on what to buy.  You’ll even have jumping off points to begin your search with, and from there you can find the right tools to overcoming that terrible feeling and to hopefully getting better!

FAQ’s About Shoes For Swollen Feet and Ankles

What Are Some Other Things To Help Swelling?

There are plenty of other things that you can do to help swelling as well.  Not all of them are going to work for everyone, but doing them in conjunction with wearing shoes can be a major helper to you and yours.  One of the first things you should try is to keep your feet elevated.  You can prop your feet up with any number of makeshift stands no matter where you are.  Exercising is also key.  We don’t mean doing 100 push ups or 9000 sit ups, either!  Just getting up and moving around is huge, especially when you are recovering from an injury.  If you have been sitting too much, you’re going to having swelling just as you would have if you were standing too much.  You can get around this by getting up and moving a bit.  Wearing compression socks has been shown to be a good course of action for athletes, since it compresses the muscles and aids in performance.  It’s thought that they can help swelling a bit as well as helping you battle against muscle fatigue.  Baths are also a helper, since the warmth can help.  Cool baths can also be nice to have, as are using heating pads and icing, too.  Taking salts out of your diet could also contribute to decreasing swelling.  If you have major issues, though, make sure to see a doctor and discuss it further with him or her.  It could be something you need to address immediately.

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