If you have knee or hip osteoarthritis, what you wear on your feet may matter more than you think. New research published in Annals of Internal Medicine challenges the common belief that flat, flexible shoes are always best for joint pain. While high heels clearly increase joint stress — raising knee forces by more than 20% — the answer isn’t as simple as swapping them for minimalist footwear.
In a clinical trial of people with knee osteoarthritis, stable, supportive shoes reduced walking pain significantly more than flat, flexible shoes over six months. In fact, supportive footwear improved knee pain by 63% more than flexible styles. However, results differed for hip osteoarthritis. In that group, neither shoe type proved superior for reducing hip pain. Researchers suspect the knee may respond differently because it bears higher mechanical forces during walking.
The takeaway is practical. If you struggle with knee arthritis, a stable, well-cushioned, supportive shoe may offer meaningful relief. If hip arthritis is your primary issue, comfort and fit matter more than shoe structure. In all cases, avoid high heels and poorly fitted shoes, which increase joint strain and fall risk. For many people, the right footwear may not cure arthritis — but it can make daily movement far more manageable.
SOURCE:
The Conversation, February 23, 2026