You are most likely reading this because you have varicose veins, and you need to choose the best shoes to ease your pain.
The appropriate shoes for varicose veins can go a long way toward preventing pain or easing the unpleasant symptoms of existing veins.
Vein disease cannot be avoided entirely. However, there are things you may consider to lessen the risk and alleviate its pain.
The shoes you wear can impact your body’s ability to pump blood from your lower extremities back up to your heart.
A research study by the Journal of Vascular Health found out that high heel shoes are fatal for varicose veins.
They have a considerable impact on muscle pump performance in the foot and lower leg.
Doctors recommend shoes with a lower heel in this regard (completely flat if possible). In addition, you’ll want to look for footwear that has a mild amount of compression to it.
A long day of work in the wrong shoes can worsen the condition of your foot. On top of that, if you have Varicose Veins, your pain will hunt down your best.
Our recommended best shoes for varicose veins will help you alleviate the pain to an endurable limit.
Top 6 Best Shoes for Varicose Veins Reviews
Here are our top picks of the best shoes for varicose veins—Cushioning, comfort, heel size, good arch support, and considering other necessary aspects.
1. Best For Overall: Skechers Women’s Go Walk 5-Honor Sneaker
The high-rebound comfort pillar technology gives you the utmost comfort by supporting your forefoot’s pressure points.
Worried about comfort? The insole is made with Skechers air-cooled Goga mat. With this technology, you get a super squishy and buttery comforting insole to place your foot on.
Skechers 5-Honor is designed with the lightweight ULTRA-GO cushioning midsole to give suspension to your foot. It will consume all the pressure and give you the bounce back for the next step.
Heathered mesh covers the upper of this easy-to-wear walking sneaker. The inner fabric is designed to provide the highest firmness. Your skin will not feel the slightest hesitation once inside this firm inside fabric.
The 5-Honor has top-notch flexibility. There will be no pressure on your foot, no matter how much you bend your foot while walking. This reduces the chance of getting your blood circulation hampered.
There is also a tiny notch at the back of the shoe. It’s called the Quick Thick Portal. It will help you to put on the shoe effortlessly.
It has a firm compression. So, you can wear them without any compression stockings if you are concerned about your vein health.
Pros
- Comfortable right out of the box
- Lightweight
- Machine-washable
Cons
- Not ideal for people with overpronation
Final opinion
The Honor GOwalk 5 ticks all the requirements for all-day wear with comfort. Its high rebound comfort pillar technology will secure the most delicate of feet with utmost care.
A feathery lightweight build with extra soft cushioning makes it a perfect choice for people with varicose veins.
2. Skechers Performance Women’s Go Walk Slip-On Walking Shoe
Skechers’ Go Walk Performance offers three layers of all-weather protection. This walking shoe offers a slew of other features that we’ll go over momentarily.
If you are familiar with Skechers’ Go Walk brand of shoes, you will be aware of the work put into these shoes to make them very comfortable.
GOGA mat technology pushed these shoes to the highest edge of being comfortable. What is GOGA mat tech, if you might ask?
Well, Skechers has created these shoes using the same material used for yoga mats.
At first, you might think this is strange, but as you put them on, you’ll immediately notice how soft and velvety they are.
Along with the GOGA mat, Resalyte (a proprietary material) and memory foam make these sneakers among of the most comfortable you’ll ever try on.
The insoles are made of Skechers’ GOGA mat return energy technology to energize your every step.
The Go Walk has other things to offer than just comfort. Thanks to their GOGA pillars, you will also experience an extra spring in your step.
As a result, you will not only receive some paramount comfort out of these shoes, but it’ll also get you up and moving around in no time.
Pros
- Aesthetic stitching details
- The upper cloth is stretchy and fits the curve of your foot
- Antimicrobial liner to keep your feet stench free
- GOimpulse sensors to improve sensory feedback
Cons
- Uncustomizable fit
Final opinion
These high-quality synthetic sneakers are designed for energetic people who walk regularly. The shoe is a comfort-house.
With the GOGA mat and memory foam, you will feel like you are wearing a velvety cushion.
3. Salomon Women’s XR Mission Running Shoe
Salomon has built the upper with the same ripstop nylon used on most of its shoes. This is one of the most durable uppers available.
This upper performs an incredibly fantastic job of keeping rocks and debris out.
The upper flex nicely with the foot. In any chilly weather, the upper proved to provide relatively warm feedback.
The shoe’s heel is fashioned around a rigid plastic cup capped with Ortholite foam.
You don’t have to deal with the whole “rigid shoes not flexing with foot” nightmare anymore.
The SensiFlex technology retains natural foot expansion and forefoot flex while supporting.
The SensiFlex system’s Hexagon TPU material is found at the medial and lateral metatarsals of the foot.
The midsole is extremely tough and made with soft cushioning. The XR mission’s midsole is a one-piece molded EVA that combines two materials called Light Weight Muscle by Salomon.
Salomon XR Mission’s outsole comprises a durable carbon rubber known as the Contagrip HA.
The inclusion of this rubber improved the shoe’s impact resistance and offered it a smoother ride on the road. It also had an excellent grip on damp roads.
Everyone wants to choose a comforting shoe while buying a new pair. Overall, the Salomon XR Mission is a solidly comfortable shoe, although it is not without flaws.
Because it is lightweight and flexible, the upper as a whole is fairly comfortable. The outsole and midsole also assist by using unique TPU frames, which aid in stride smoothness.
Pros
- Top-notch durability
- Excellent traction
- Wide toe box
- Fast lacing technology
- Great arch support
- Excellent breathability
Cons
- Heel collar is also overpaded, which could lead to possible discomfort
Final opinion
Prepared to walk out the door and drive to the nearest trailhead? The Salomon Mission XR aspires to be the sneaker that gets you there.
It has trail-specific qualities in its midsole, top, and outsole while also being useable on other terrains.
The XR Mission is an excellent alternative for anyone looking for a trail running trainer at a reasonable price.
4. Best Walking Shoes for Varicose Veins: Skechers Men’s Go Walk Slip-on
The Skechers GOwalk Max is a walking shoe designed for both sporty and casual use.
Its lightweight technology and revolutionary base allow the shoe to be sufficiently cushioned and springy on each step.
Tired of shoelaces? The Skechers GOwalk Max has a slide-on design that allows you to put the footgear on and off effortlessly.
It’s made of a lightweight textured mesh fabric that’s light and airy against the skin. The textured mesh is breathable and helps blood flow smoothly through the veins.
The insole is made out of GOGA max technology. The GOGA max insole is used for maximum support and cushioning.
It is designed to be helpful and responsive. The SQUISH component, on the other hand, embraces the foot for a pleasant underfoot experience.
The Max-athletic Air covers its midsole with 5GEN sole – a proprietary lightweight injection-molded compound with memory retention.
The 5GEN midsole helps absorb heavier impact and gives you the softest touch while walking.
The Skechers GOwalk Max’s bottom is comprised of flexible rubber, allowing the user to move more unrestrictedly.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Appealing design
- Helps soothe vein injuries
- Pull-up loop
- True to size
- Great support and responsiveness
Cons
- Insufficient grip on flat surfaces
Final opinion
If you are looking for maximum support and cushioning out of a walking shoe, the Skecher Max-athletic is top of its game.
For its comfort and tenderness, this shoe can be the perfect shoe to soothe vein injuries, venous insufficiency, or any kind of arthritis pain.
5. Joomra Women’s Minimalist Trail Running Barefoot Shoes
The circular lug pattern of the shoe provides serious grip on the rugged trail. The rubber outsoles will give you superior traction and durability while protecting your feet.
The upper of this shoe is made with breathable fabricated mesh material. This eliminates the chance of foot swelling during the long run.
The rubber-bound front will keep you safe from any hard obstacles. You don’t have to worry if you have sensitive skin. The mesh upper is designed to keep all the debris and dirt away.
The shoe included a removable insole feature to better support the arches. This feature also helps with transferring weight away from the ball of the feet.
During exercise, shoes may fall off but not the case with Joomra. A thick topline is wrapped perfectly around the feet just to ensure that.
The upper fabric features a reflective strip on the heel counter to ensure safety during a night exercise.
The flat heel design makes it a perfect shoe for improved blood circulation of the feet. On top of that, this particular model offers an easy lacing system.
So, you can just put the foot and pull the lace to your suited adjustment, and you are good to go.
Pros
- Great traction
- Durable upper
- Appealing design
- Reflective safety strip for night trails
- Super comfortable
- Top-notch breathability
Cons
- Not waterproof
Final Opinion
Running can be challenging for people with venous insufficiency. But the right pair of shoes can alleviate the pain to a great extent.
If you have varicose veins and love trail running, there is no better shoe than the Joomra.
6. Most Comfortable Shoes: Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe
Like all other shoe lines of Skechers, this model also has a mesh upper that tends to protect the foot.
This wrap is designed to be supportive while allowing expansion and toe splaying. It is also breathable, which helps to keep the foot chamber ventilated.
The Skechers GOwalk Joy has a slip-on design for convenient on-and-off wear. The collar has modest padding.
The plushness protects the ankle from irritation while securing the rearfoot in place.
The GO Walk series always went overboard with their comfort and cushioning technologies. This particular model also didn’t let us down with its cozy, comfy side.
To keep your precious feet protected, Skechers used their 5GEN midsole.
This cushioning technology is designed to be very sensitive to absorb stress, avoid foot fatigue, and keep the foot going forward.
You will find the GOGA Max insole is located within the Skechers GOwalk Joy.
This soft and plush element with the SQUISH component conforms to the foot and improves the midsole cushioning for long-lasting comfort and support.
Because of the rubber sole, you won’t have to be concerned about slipping when wearing this shoe.
It offers Cross-hatched tread pattern that increases flexibility and improves the material’s traction.
The GOwalk’s outsole is designed to be durable and withstand walking on rugged terrain.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Velvety-comfort
- Incredibly cushioning upper
- Great for soothing venous insufficiency related pain
Cons
- Not true to size
- Low durability
Final opinion
It’s lightweight, easy to put on and take off, and you can wear it without socks. It also offers the wearer excellent ventilation and cushioning to keep them active for much longer.
These qualities make it a perfect suit for people who need a great pair of comforting shoes.
What are Varicose Veins?
Twisted or swollen veins are known as varicose veins and sometimes spider veins. These twisted veins can appear on any part of the body.
But they are more commonly appear on the legs. You should not have to worry too much about these varicose or spider veins.
They are not life-threatening. They can, however, be uncomfortable and, to some extent, can be the cause of pain.
But no need to worry; if it appears in your legs, the right pair of shoes can eliminate those uncomfortable feelings.
Why are Shoes Vital in Helping Vein Issues?
It’s critical to understand that not all shoes are created equal. With vein insufficiency, constricting shoes exacerbate the problem of poor blood circulation.
Wearing shoes that limit blood flow in the legs and feet might hasten the development of venous problems and varicose veins.
Blisters, corns, and bunions are just a few of the problems they can cause.
Because lower leg and foot disorders can affect blood flow throughout the rest of the body, paying attention to these areas is essential.
Ideal Shoe Types for Varicose Veins
Experts generally suggest wearing shoes with a lower heel. Low-heeled shoes help blood flow more swiftly through the veins.
As varicose veins occur for poor blood circulation, to begin with, it’s essential to choose shoes with a low heel.
It doesn’t matter what shoe brand you choose; it should be comfortable. If you have varicose veins and work long hours standing in rigid shoes, your venous insufficiency issue can worsen.
Healthcare professionals recommend shoes with good arch support, soft cushioning, low-heeled as the ideal shoe type for varicose veins.
Experts often suggest wearing compression socks as a method of preventing varicose veins.
What to look for when choosing shoes for Varicose Veins
Indeed, varicose veins or venous insufficiency are not life-threatening. But it can lead to severe and permanent damage to your foot if left untreated. Wearing the right shoes can be your first step towards healing.
So, here are the things you should look into before buying any shoes for varicose veins-
Arch Support
Good arch support aids in distributing pressure throughout the foot, reduces foot pain, promotes balance and stability, and improves your posture.
So, make sure you invest your money into a shoe with good arch support.
Insoles
We recommend shoes with Orthotic insoles. An orthotic insole designed precisely for your arch and foot provides extra cushion and aids you when it bends. Thus, reducing pressure and tension on your legs.
A comfortable shoe can get you far enough in healing spider veins, as per medical experts.
So, no matter what shoe you buy, the insole must have to be comfy.
Low or Flat Heel
Wearing low-heeled shoe tones and strengthens your calf muscles. Toned muscles, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, increase blood flow back up via the legs.
Comfortability
Every foot has a unique pattern, and not every shoe can provide the required comfort or flexibility.
So, don’t just buy shoes based only on how amusing they look. Uncomfortable and stiff shoes can cause severe damage to your vein health.
We suggest against buying shoes online. You can choose them online but while buying, buy directly from the stores. In this way, you will find the shoe most suited to your comfort.
FAQ’s
Do high heels make varicose veins worse?
High heels don’t help directly develop varicose veins, but they can cause a severe negative impact on your vein health once developed.
Can shoes help varicose veins?
Shoes with good arch support, cushioning, and comfortable insoles can alleviate the pain to a great extent.
Can you get varicose veins from bad shoes?
There is no definitive answer, as it depends on the individual’s genetics and other factors.
However, it is generally recommended that people avoid wearing high-heeled shoes if they have varicose veins.
Wearing shoes with a narrow foot width can also help reduce the risk of developing varicose veins.
Are Spider Veins and Varicose Veins the same?
They are the same, while the Spider Veins are smaller than Varicose veins. They often look like “spider webs.”
Do compression stockings help heal from venous disease?
They aid in relieving venous insufficiency symptoms and ensure post-treatment leg health.
What kind of shoes should I wear for varicose veins?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the type of shoes you should wear will depend on the severity of your varicose veins.
However, some general guidelines that may help include wearing closed-toe shoes that are comfortable and supportive, and avoiding high heels and other types of shoes that may aggravate your condition.
Conclusion
Vein health is vital to maintaining a healthy heart, therefore, a fit and healthy body. Although, Venous insufficiency is not fatal but can take a serious turn if left unattended.
The shoes you use on a daily basis play a crucial role in your vein health.
Our research on the best shoes for varicose veins found the Skechers Go-Walk 5-Honor the best option for people with varicose veins.
Meeting different criteria of using other recommended shoes is also top-notch for soothing your vein-bred pain.
References
- The Right Shoes for Varicose Veins: https://www.treatmentsofmanhattan.com/the-right-shoes-for-varicose-veins/
- Varicose veins: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350649
- Varicose veins: https://www.footsmart.com/pages/leg-varicose-veins
