Updated: 3/7/2024

Have you ever noticed how your feet swell after standing all day? It turns out, lots of people, especially older ones, have this issue—it’s called edema. Scientists have been studying this and found that the kind of shoes you wear can really help. To learn more about their research, you can check out some detailed science related articles here.

• Many people suffer from swelling in their feet. About 1 in 5 older people in the US have this problem.
• Wearing shoes that fit well and give your feet space can make a big difference.
• Here’s how the right shoes can help:
  • They make your feet hurt less.
  • They help you move around more easily.
  • They can stop your feet from getting more swollen.
• Scientists say we should find better shoes instead of just taking medicine.
• Shoes with lots of wiggle room can help keep your feet healthy.

If you suffer with swollen feet (edema), you know the frustration and pain “normal” shoes cause to your feet. Finding a quality shoe, boot, sandal or slippers in the extra wide sizes needed can be a challenge for many. Especially when you are looking for stylish, comfortable footwear provides the room you need for your toes to wiggle.

Good news for you, stylish, comfortable extra wide men’s shoes and extra wide women’s shoes for do exist.  When looking for edema shoes, you need to get the right shoes to properly support your swollen feet. There are many different kinds of factors to remember if you are trying to find the right shoes.. I am going to explain what makes a shoe comfortable for swollen feet.

Men’s Top Selling Shoes For Swollen Feet

Below are our best selling shoes for men with swollen feet along with a comparison chart.

Men's Extreme Lightweight Walking Shoe | 9709

Men's athletic shoe, Apis 9709, with orthotic support. Contoured orthotic insole, with anatomical arch support and gel padded heel seat.

BONUS Gift with purchase -three sets of custom heat moldable inserts. A $240 value included FREE!

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Pros:

• Slip-resistant outsole: Feel confident on any surface, rain or shine. The grippy outsole provides reliable traction, keeping you steady on your feet even in slippery conditions.
• Stretch uppers: Adapt to foot swelling throughout day, offering a flexible fit and enhanced comfort.
• Lightweight construction: Experience a feeling of weightlessness with every step. The lightweight design reduces fatigue and allows for effortless movement, making every step feel easier.

Cons:

• Not all widths stocked: Availalbe in 10E and14E options but is special order
• Special orders soles: 10E and 14E have a different EVA bottom

Color:

Black, Blue, Grey, Red

Size:

5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

Width:

D, 4E, 6E, 9E, 10E, 14E

Men Mesh Walking Shoes | 9704

The Apis 9704 is a blend of comfort and functionality, perfectly suited for everyday activities and those with foot conditions like swelling and bunions.

BONUS Gift with purchase - three sets of custom heat moldable inserts. A $240 value included FREE!

 

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Pros:

• Comfort and Support: Designed with features such as breathable mesh, EVA midsole, and slip-resistant sole, offering comfort and support suitable for orthotics and foot health needs.
• Versatile Sizing Options: Available in a wide range of sizes, including 9E as stock, and special orders available for 10E and 14E widths, catering to a broad spectrum of foot shapes and sizes.
• Special Features for Foot Health: The shoe includes a removable insole for flexible fitting, added depth for better accommodation of orthotics, AFOs, and internal modifications, making it ideal for those with specific foot concerns.

Cons:

• Limited Color Options: Only available in black or grey
• Special Order Requirement for Certain Widths: Widths such as 10E and 14E are available only through special orders, which can take 6-8 weeks for delivery.
• Narrow Tongue: Some users have reported that the tongue of the shoe might be narrow for their preference, potentially affecting the overall fit.

Color:

Black, Grey

Size:

5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

Width:

D, 4E, 6E, 9E, 10E, 14E

Men Athletic Mesh Velcro Walking Shoes | 9704-V

The Apis 9704-V men's velcro shoe combines comfort, style, and practical support, making it an ideal choice for everyday wear and for those with mild foot conditions like swelling or bunions.

BONUS Gift with purchase - three sets of custom heat moldable inserts. A $240 value included FREE!

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Pros:

• Comfort and Support: This shoe is noted for its supportive design, which is particularly advantageous for individuals with specific foot needs.
• Durability: Made with high-quality materials, the shoe is durable and suitable for prolonged use.
• Customizable Fit: The shoe features design elements like removable insoles, offering flexibility and customization to accommodate different foot shapes and orthotics.

Cons:

• Limited Color Options: The shoe is available in only a few color choices - black or grey.
• Size Availability: Certain widths and sizes are only available through special order, which may involve longer wait times and restrictions on returns or exchanges.
• Fit Concerns: Some users have reported issues with the fit, such as the shoe running slightly narrow or having a tongue that could be wider for better comfort.

Color:

Black, Grey

Size:

5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

Width:

D, 4E, 6E, 9E, 10E, 14E

Comparison Chart:

Symptoms of swollen feet and swollen ankles

Swollen feet are a very common problem that will affect many of us in our lives at some point.  Most of the time, it is not serious and will resolve naturally and quickly, but sometimes it may be a serious health problem that requires medical attention.

Swollen feet and ankles typically develop when there is a build-up of fluid in the soft tissues. The fluid seeps out of the small blood vessels and collects in nearby tissues. As a result, sodium salt and water levels increase. The kidneys respond by increasing the amount of blood circulating around the body. It can lead to further fluid leakage and increased swelling to the feet.

The symptoms of swollen feet and swollen ankles depend on…

1. Generally, swelling caused by dependent edema, pregnancy, medications, and most diseases produce swelling that is bilateral and usually begins as a soft, puffy skin enlargement in the feet that spreads rapidly to the ankles often within hours.
2. When pressed down with a finger, the skin is easily indented. When the finger pressure is removed, the skin returns to its puffier state.
3. When shoes or socks are removed, Indentations seen in the puffy skin are classic signs of swelling.
4. The skin color with this swelling is often normal or slightly pale; indentation marks are slightly darker than the surrounding swollen tissue.

Did You Know?
The prevalence of peripheral edema among older U.S. adults was estimated to be between 19% to 20% from 2000 to 2016. The condition is commonly associated with factors such as older age, female sex, non-white race, low wealth, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, pain, low activity levels, and mobility limitations

What are the causes of swollen feet?

1. Foot or ankle injury: An injury to your foot or ankle can cause swelling. The most common is an ankle sprain, which occurs when an injury or misstep causes the ligaments that hold the ankle in place to stretch beyond their normal range. To reduce swelling from a foot or ankle injury, rest to avoid walking on the injured foot or ankle, use ice packs, wrap the foot or ankle in a compression bandage, and prop the foot a stool or a pillow.

2. Heart, liver, or kidney disease: Sometimes swelling can indicate a problem like heart, liver, or kidney disease. Ankle swelling at evening can be a sign of salt and water retention due to right-sided heart failure. Kidney disease can also cause swelling of the feet and ankles. When the kidneys are not operating properly, fluid can build up within the body. Liver disease can affect the production of a protein called albumin, which prevents blood from leaking from the blood vessels into the surrounding tissue.

3. Blood clot: Blood clots are solid clots of blood. They can form deep in your leg veins, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis. Blood clots restrict blood flow to the heart and cause swelling of the legs, feet, or ankles. The swelling often occurs on one side of the body.

4. Medication side effect: Some medications can cause fluid retention as a side resulting in swelling of the feet and ankles. The most common medications causing swollen feet are:

• Antidepressants, particularly phenelzine
• Calcium channel blockers used to treat high blood pressure, including Nifedipine, Amlodipine, Verapamil
• Hormone medications such as pills, contraceptives, estrogens, or testosterone
• Steroids
• Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
• NSAIDs
• Diabetes medications

5. Lymphedema: Lymphedema happens due to lymph nodes which can be broken or removed, often as a part of most cancer’s treatment. This reasons your frame to retain lymphatic fluid and might cause swollen toes and ankles.

6. Others Factor:

• Pregnancy: A common symptom of late pregnancy is swelling of the feet and ankles. This swelling is due to fluid retention and inflated pressure on the veins.
• Hot weather: During hot weather, the feet can swell as a result of their veins expand to cool down the body. This method can cause fluid to leak into the encircling tissue. Fluid can even collect within the ankles and fee
• Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can lead to swollen feet and ankles because the body retains more water after drinking. It will usually go away in a few days. If the swelling doesn’t go down during this time, it could be a cause for concern.

Important features to look for

Men’s and women’s edema shoes for swollen feet require the following conditions:

• Length: The length of your shoes will depend on how much swelling you have. If you have a lot of swelling, then you will need to buy shoes with a longer length in order to accommodate the toes and protect them. If there is not too much swelling, then your regular shoe size should be just fine.
• Width & Depth: The width and depth of the shoe should also depend on how much swelling there is in the foot. If there is a lot of swelling, then the width needs to be wider so that it can accommodate all that extra tissue.
• Upper Material: The upper material should be stretchable material, breathable and flexible to provide a comfortable fit.
• Adjustability:  Finally, you need to find shoes with an adjustable closure like Velco so you can take them off easily without having to bend over and untie them. When you have a swollen foot, it is important to make sure that the shoe is not too tight or too loose. You should also make sure that the shoe will not rub against your skin and cause blisters. Your shoes should also be breathable, so they don’t make your feet sweat.

Women’s Top Selling Shoes For Swollen Feet

Below are our best selling shoes for women with swollen feet along with a comparison chart.

Women's Light Weight Walking Shoe 9321

One of our best-selling women's athletic shoes! The 9321 by Apis looks great and provides the ultimate in all-day comfort.

BONUS gift with purchase - three set of custom heat moldable inserts. A $240 value included FREE!

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Pros:

• Lightweight: The shoe features a neoprene upper that makes it very light and comfortable to wear for extended periods.
• Added depth and extra width: The toe box is deeper and wider than traditional shoes, providing ample space for swollen feet or other foot conditions.
• Seamless linings: The smooth interior minimizes friction and irritation, preventing blisters and discomfort.
• Removable inserts: The shoes come with removable inserts that can be replaced with orthotics or custom insoles for a personalized fit.
• Multiple widths and sizes: Available in a variety of widths (B/D to 14E) and sizes (4 - 15) to accommodate different foot shapes and needs.

Cons:

• Not for high-impact activities: The shoe is primarily designed for walking and light activities, and may not be suitable for running or other high-impact sports.
• Bulkier design: Compared to some other walking shoes, the 9321 may appear slightly bulkier due to the added depth and width.
• Special Order Requirement for Certain Widths: Widths such as 7E, 10E and 14E are available only through special orders, which can take 6-8 weeks for delivery.

Color:

Black, Grey

Size:

4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Width:

B/D, 3E, 5E, 7E, 10E, 14E

Women's Double Strap Athletic Shoe | 9331

The Apis 9331 is the must-have Velcro athletic shoe loaded with comfort features.

FREE Gift with purchase - three sets of custom heat moldable inserts. A $240 value included FREE!

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Color:

Black, White

Size:

4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Width:

B/D, 3E, 5E, 7E, 10E, 14E

Women's Hands-Free Slip On Shoe | Kita

Orthofeet Kita, the perfect women's hands-free slip-on shoe for the ultimate comfort and convenience.

FREE Gift with purchase - one set of custom heat moldable inserts. A $80 value included FREE!

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Pros:

• Comfortable and supportive: Premium orthotic insoles with anatomical arch support and extra cushioning provide comfort and pain relief for various foot conditions.
• Hands-free convenience: Patented slip-on technology eliminates the need for tying laces, ideal for those with limited hand mobility or back pain.
• Accommodates foot conditions: Extra depth and removable insoles allow for orthotics and foot swelling.
• Lightweight and breathable: Stretch knit upper allows for airflow and keeps feet cool, making it suitable for warmer weather.

Cons:

• Limited water resistance: Stretch knit upper is not fully waterproof, making it unsuitable for wet conditions.
• Potentially less secure fit: Compared to laced shoes, the slip-on design might not feel as secure for everyone, especially during activities requiring good ankle support.
• Limited Widths: Only available in widths up to 4E in grey color option.

Color:

Black, Blue, Grey, White, Rose

Size:

5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12

Width:

B, D, 2E, 4E

Women’s Walking Shoe Comparison Table

What kind of shoes should you wear for swollen feet?

1. Look for shoes that are wide, adjustable, comfortable to wear: The swelling in your feet requires wider, comfortable and adjustable shoes. Shoes with Velcro straps, soft and flexible materials and wider toes are highly recommended for people with swollen feet.

2. Look for extra deep toe boxes: A deep toe box is essential if your foot is severely swollen. This gives the inside of the shoe more depth and prevents the upper part from getting caught.

3. Look for soft leathers and flexible uppers: Stretchy upper combined with a roomy fit is a great option for those who have varying degrees of swelling on each foot. It’s normal for every foot to swell at different rates, and a stretchy upper accommodates every foot.

The soft leather upper is also a great option for those wanting a more formal look. Stay away from cheaper stiff leather as it constricts the foot and puts pressure on the swelling. If you choose leather, the leather should be smooth and of high quality.

Choose shoes that offer breathability

The best shoes for are made of soft, breathable materials. We always recommend buying wide leather shoes which is breathable, durable, supple and soft.

As the weather warms up and our feet swell more than usual, leather shoes are less likely to rub your feet compaired to synthetic materials. For those who have other foot problems such as hammer toes, bunions and difficult joints, leather shoes are still the best choice because they rub less and cause less blistering. When shopping for shoes, remember to choose leather shoes to keep your feet cool and help reduce swelling.

Wide shoes with lots of padding

Padding is important in a shoe for swollen feet because it provides the comfort and support needed to help relieve pain and pressure on the foot.

You should choose shoes with soft, cushioned soles to be able to absorb shock. This will protect your feet when walking on hard surfaces and keep you from getting tired or hurting your swollen feet.

Flexible uppers that stretch with swelling

Suitable shoes for swollen feet usually have flexible or stretchy uppers. This extra stretch addresses swollen legs. For swollen feet, we recommend leather shoes. The leather is flexible, durable and keeps your feet from sweating in warm weather. Many DT Footwear shoes feature leather uppers and linings and stretching to accommodate bunions and wider feet.

Extra depth for more room

If you suffer from swollen feet, it’s important to look for shoes with depth. The best shoes have a deep and wide toe area (the upper part of the front foot), where space is most needed. All DT Footwear shoes have a very extra roomy toe box, making them perfect for those with swollen feet.

Find comfortable shoes with shock absorption

The right shoes for swollen feet provide all-around comfort, so look for shoes that have cushioning and shock absorption. Provides comfort and prevents the love handles under your feet from wearing down. Good shoes will also do a good job of absorb shock.

DT Footwear shoes provides strong impact absorption and protects the ball of your foot. We have a Comfort Shoe program that also includes those 1 to 3 sets of FREE Heat Moldable Customized inserts (no other website offers up to 3 pairs of inserts for FREE or a $240.00 gift to you) that helps control edema, bunion pain, diabetic needs.

How can the best shoes help reduce swelling?

Although the above methods help reduce swelling, it is imperative that you use high-quality wide shoes. The best quality wide shoes provide the right compression for your swollen feet. This leads to a gradual reduction of internal fluid accumulation.

Specialized footwear designed to treat swollen feet; prevent blood clotting. They also do the job of preventing the expansion of superficial veins. The combination of good quality supportive shoes, compression socks and diabetic slippers for swollen feet can effectively fight with internal swelling by removing fluid buildup in the veins.

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BONUS Inserts

Receive up to 3 free BONUS inserts per shoe with your purchase. (Not available with all styles)

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Disclaimer: Educational Information Only

The information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment, including any foot-related concerns. If you have any health issues or questions about your feet, please consult a qualified healthcare professional, like a doctor or podiatrist. Don’t ignore medical advice or delay seeking help based on what you read here or elsewhere. We’re not responsible for any harm caused by using this information. Everyone’s response to treatments can be different, and medical recommendations may change over time. If you experience a medical emergency or serious foot problem, seek immediate medical attention, or call your local emergency services. By using this resource, you agree to these terms and understand the importance of getting personalized medical advice from a qualified professional.