Lay summary
Gout is major problem in Aotearoa New Zealand. Previous research has shown that patients reported comfort, fit, support and cost as important factors in choosing their own footwear. The proposed research design is aiming to undertake a feasibility study looking at key issues, such as identifying an inexpensive walking shoe, recruitment, footwear acceptability, and calculating the numbers required for a future clinical trial. At the first visit, the objectives are to evaluate four different types of walking shoe and measure pain, comfort, footwear characteristics, acceptability and foot function. Each participant will be randomised to one type of shoe and measured again after 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, the same measures taken on the first visit will be obtained. In the long-term we will seek further funding from the HRC to undertake a clinical trial based upon the results from the feasibility study.