Best Shoes for Swollen Feet and Ankles
Last Updated: March 23, 2021
One of the things that comes with age is health problems. It’s normal, and the body can manifest these things in some unusual ways.
One symptom can be the swelling of the feet. It may sound small and unimportant, but swollen feet can be agonizing and really dampen the enjoyment of life.
To help your elderly family member regain their comfort, independence, and joy of life, we’ve reviewed the best shoes for swollen feet.
Choosing one of these pairs of footwear can dramatically improve your loved one’s comfort, mobility, and mood!It would also improve safety from falls that elderly are often prone to.
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What Causes Swelling of the Feet and Ankles?
Swelling of the feet, also known as edema, can be caused by a variety of things. In seniors, lack of activity can make this problem worse as the muscles and vessels in the feet aren’t stimulated like they used to be.
It’s a good idea to try and figure out the cause of your elderly loved one’s edema. If it’s an easy fix, then great! If not, there are still things you can do to make them feel better (including introducing them to the best shoes for swollen feet).
Here are some of the most common causes of swollen feet in elderly people:
Dehydration
Seniors can forget to drink throughout the day, which can contribute to dehydration. This can lead to the body retaining water, which is often stored in the feet (thanks to gravity).
Bad Circulation
Often, as we age, the heart begins to pump a little weaker and the valves in our veins don’t work so well to push blood back up to the heart. This can cause blood to pool in the lower legs and feet, causing the puffy swelling.
Medications
Some medications can cause edema due to worsening circulation or causing water retention. It’s a good idea to have a look at the potential side effects of any medication your senior loved one is taking.
Injury
Swelling is a natural result of injury, due to inflammation in the area. If your older family member has recently turned an ankle or hurt their foot somehow, this could be the cause.
The swelling will usually be accompanied by redness, pain, and the area feeling hot to the touch. If your elderly person has injured themselves, it’s a good idea to see a doctor to rule out any underlying problems.
Diseases
Certain medical conditions can cause swelling in the feet and ankles. If you suspect one of these, a doctor’s visit may be in order. Some common ones include:
- Kidney disease
- Liver cirrhosis
- Heart failure
- Blood clots in the legs
- Lymphatic system conditions
How Do You Reduce Swelling in the Feet?
In addition to getting a pair of the best shoes for edema, the elderly with swollen feet could benefit from some extra measures to help them get back to feeling their best.
Here are some ideas to reduce swelling in the feet and its associated pain, which your senior can easily do in between wearing the best shoes for swollen feet:
Elevate the Legs
Lifting the legs to a height that’s above the heart can help prevent blood pooling in the lower extremities. Of course, this should be done when lying down for best results.
Wear Compression Socks
Compression socks are designed in such a way that they stimulate circulation by subtle squeezing. They can be difficult to get on, though. To save your family member some frustration, have a read through this post to get an idea of how to put them on easily.
Stay Active
Keeping those muscles moving and the blood flowing can help foot and ankle swelling. It doesn’t have to be anything extreme – something as simple as doing a bit of gardening can get the body working.
If your senior doesn’t have a garden or isn’t sure how to get some exercise in, here’s a video explaining some easy exercises to keep muscles strong.
Stay Hydrated
Seniors tend to drink too little water during the day. This could be because their thirst “sense” doesn’t tell them when they need hydration anymore, or just because they don’t want to get up during the night.
Keeping them well-watered during the day can reduce water retention because the body no longer feels deprived!
Consider a Medication Change
If your family member’s medication is contributing to their feet swelling, have a chat with their doctor and see if there’s an alternative.
Foot Soak
To bring some relief from foot pain and edema, treat your loved one to a foot soak. If they can do it themselves, then it’s something they can have as often as they’d like!
- Fill a tub with enough warm water to cover the feet
- Add ½ a cup of Epsom salt
- Soak feet for 30 minutes to an hour
- Moisturize feet after soaking!
Pros :
- Medicare-approved
- Comes in regular and wide sizes
- Adjustable hook-and-loop closure
- Removable insoles
Cons :
- The sole may be slippery - I would advise checking and roughening it up somehow before leaving your senior alone with these shoes
Overall Thoughts:
Your elderly male relative or friend will appreciate these slippers. They’re designed to be both supportive and comfortable on the feet, which is perfect for swollen feet that need extra care.
The upper is made from stretchable corduroy, which is soft on the feet. It features a wide Velcro strap which opens to reveal a large space that’s easy to get a foot into.
Once the feet are snugly closed inside, they’ll be well-cushioned with the shock-absorbing foam midsole. The insoles of these shoes are removable – if your elderly person has their own orthotic, they can simply slip it into these shoes for instant comfort.
These shoes get a big thumbs-up for the range of sizes they come in. They’re available in size 7 to 16, in regular, wide, extra-wide, double-extra wide, and sometimes even 3X-wide.
They’re also available in five colors, so whatever your elderly person likes there should be something to suit them.
The biggest bonus of these shoes is that they’re Medicare-approved. If your elderly loved one can get a doctor’s prescription for them, they should be covered.
$94.95
Last update on2023-06-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros :
- Sheepskin lining
- Suede leather upper
- Removable insole
- Good traction on rubber outsole
Cons :
- They seem to be less durable than others
- Seem to run small
Overall Thoughts:
For winter wearing, a warm pair of shoes is essential. Finding shoes that are both warm and suitable for swollen feet is a hard task, but these tick all the boxes.
The slipper is lined with sheepskin, which is one of the warmest materials you can find. There’s also a sheepskin insole, which is easy to remove if your senior wants to insert their own.
Outside, you’ll find a soft suede leather, which keeps the foot well insulated and supported. A wide, soft strap allows for as tight a fit as necessary without being uncomfortable or cutting into the skin.
With the sizes running from 7 to 16, in regular, wide, and extra-wide, there’s something for every swollen foot here!
Price not available
Last update on2023-06-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros :
- Easy to adjust Velcro straps
- The straps are wide, allowing for a tight but comfortable fit
- Well-padded with soft foam
- Good traction on rubber outsole
Cons :
- Customers mention that these shoes can develop a bad smell
Overall Thoughts:
Orthopedic shoes can be pricey, but this pair offers all the comfort and relief without breaking the bank.
They open completely so they’re easy to get any sized foot into and out of. A seam-free, foam-padded interior means your senior’s feet will be cushioned with every step.
An open-toe design means the feet will be well-ventilated. These would be our best shoes for swollen feet to wear in the summer!
The rubber soles are non-skid, adding an extra element of safety for your elderly loved one. They’re also machine-washable, which is easy and convenient.
They come in sizes 7 to 13. Although there are no wide options on the size list, they’re naturally wider than average.
$52.98
Last update on2023-06-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros :
- Stylish design for out-and-about use
- The strapsMemory foam cushioning are wide, allowing for a tight but comfortable fit
- Breathable and cool on the feet
- Regular, wide, and extra-wide sizes.
Cons :
- They seem to run quite large (although this could be a non-issue for swollen feet).
Overall Thoughts:
Sometimes, orthopedic shoes are great for around the house but nowhere near smart enough for wearing to the store or visiting relatives. These shoes would be super for both.
They’re available in a variety of stylish colors, and feature a memory foam sole for comfy cushioning whether you’re lounging around at home or walking through a shopping center.
Price not available
Last update on2023-06-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros :
- Stylish design for out-and-about use
- Memory foam cushioning
- Breathable and cool on the feet
- Regular, wide, and extra-wide sizes.
Cons :
- They seem to run quite large (although this could be a non-issue for swollen feet).
Overall Thoughts:
Sometimes, orthopedic shoes are great for around the house but nowhere near smart enough for wearing to the store or visiting relatives. These shoes would be super for both.
They’re available in a variety of stylish colors, and feature a memory foam sole for comfy cushioning whether you’re lounging around at home or walking through a shopping center.
The shoes are also very lightweight and breathable, and shouldn’t contribute to swelling. You can get them in a multitude of sizes, including regular and wide (and narrow for women).
$51.81
Last update on2023-06-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros :
- Contain removable orthotic insoles
- Multiple-layer cushioning
- Wide toe box for extra comfort
- Wide and extra wide sizes available
Cons :
- They’re a little pricey
Overall Thoughts:
These shoes are designed specifically to be super comfortable in all ways. They’re feminine and practical, so if you have an elderly female loved one, they’d benefit from a pair of these Mary Janes.
Whatever the cause of the swelling, Orthofeet shoes are known to be helpful. They’re specifically designed as orthopedic shoes, and help plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, bunions, and other foot problems.
They’ll fit any size feet, with sizes ranging from 5 to 12, and in regular, wide, extra-wide, and double-extra wide.
Lightweight, cushioned, and featuring a helpful Velcro over-the-top closure, they’re incredibly comfortable. If your loved one has their own orthotic insert, they can remove the one that’s already there and use their own.
$130.00
Last update on2023-06-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
Gifting your elderly loved one a pair of the best shoes for swollen feet and ankles could be just what they need to recover their zest for life!
Don’t underestimate how much sore, puffy feet can ruin your day. When you’re older and your circulation is slower, your skin is thinner, and your muscles are less active, wearing comfy footwear is not just nice, it’s essential.
Our top choices are the Propét Cush N Foot Slipper for men and the Orthofeet Mary Jane Shoes for women. Both of them are specifically designed for comfort and support, and are adjustable to fit over even the most swollen of feet comfortably.
