Selecting shoes that accommodate aching feet is an important part of rheumatoid arthritis care. When buying footwear, think function over form.

The majority of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) experience foot and ankle pain, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. In fact, it's very common for symptoms of RA to first appear in the toes and then the forefoot, back of the feet, and ankles, says Alison Garten, DPM, CPed, vice president of the American Association of Women Podiatrists and a podiatrist in Washington, D.C. These foot problems can make shoe shopping more challenging for people with RA.

6 Ways to Pick the Right RA Footwear

You want support. The most important consideration is that the shoes you're considering offer support, says Dr. Garten. The more support a shoe has, the more it will protect your joints and provide shock absorption — features you want when you have rheumatoid arthritis. Good support means choosing shoes with good arches. Also look for removable insoles that can be replaced with better over-the-counter insoles or custom orthotics that provide even more support. Avoid styles like mules or slip-ons, which offer no support.

Check for room at the toe. Nothing will hurt your feet more than cramped toes, and if you have bunions, tight shoes will only aggravate them further. Look for shoe styles with deep, wide toe boxes, Garten says. You also want some extra room at the heel: A finger's width of room between the back of the shoe and your heel is best. Keep in mind that when you have arthritis, you may need to buy shoes a size bigger than you used to wear.

Keep heels low. Women with rheumatoid arthritis should avoid high heels. They aren't worth the pain they can cause, says Kirsten Borrink, who has RA and writes the blog BarkingDogShoes.com. If you must wear heels, make sure they are no more than 1 to 1½ inches high, Borrink says. If you do choose shoes with a slight heel, Garten adds, make sure the design also has a back strap so that it better secures your foot.

Let the rubber hit the road. The best shoes you can buy when you have arthritis are those with rubber soles, Garten says. The advantage to rubber soles is that they give you more cushioning. Check the soles of shoes you're considering as carefully as you check the fit. Make sure the sole is most flexible at the ball of your foot because that's where you push off when you walk. (Flexibility in the middle doesn't matter much.)

Don't skimp on athletic shoes. Finding great athletic shoes when you have RA can be tricky. Avoid shoes with thick treads because they may become a tripping hazard. If your ankles hurt or are weak, you might prefer high-top sneakers for more support. Above all, invest the money needed to buy a good quality shoe designed for running or walking, Borrink says, adding, "I have one pair that I absolutely love because they're so sturdy." On the other hand, she cautions against so-called shaping or toning shoes. "If you wear them too often, they will throw your knees out of whack — you could hyperextend your knee. I've tried a lot of different pairs, but I can't say they're great for people with RA."

Get some closure. Many people with RA have pain in their hands as well as their feet, which can make tying shoes difficult. The solution is simple: Avoid shoes that lace up. Instead choose shoes that close with Velcro. (Remember to skip the slip-ons because they don't provide support.) An assistive device, such as a long-handled shoehorn, can help you get feet affected by arthritis into shoes more easily.

Ask Your Doctor for Guidelines

Finally, ask your RA doctors to make recommendations and show you how to evaluate shoes before you buy. Work as a team with your rheumatologist and your podiatrist to properly take care of your feet. "It's the best way to handle the foot and ankle problems that are commonplace when you have rheumatoid arthritis," says Garten.