Choosing the proper strolling footwear is all the time vital, however the determination is very essential for seniors who want additional help, consolation, and lodging for particular foot circumstances. As we age, we are likely to expertise extra foot points, like bunions, hammertoes, arthritis, and plantar fasciitis, says podiatrist Damian Roussel, DPM. These circumstances can impede day by day bodily exercise, which is important to prolonging their wholesome years.
To seek out the very best strolling footwear for seniors, we spoke with consultants—together with two podiatrists and an orthopedic surgeon—for enter on what key options to search for. Then, we examined over 60 expert-approved strolling footwear from 14 trusted manufacturers within the Verywell Testing Lab and at residence throughout our day by day routines and common walks. The footwear that made our closing listing of suggestions excelled in cushioning, consolation, match, help, blister safety, and total worth.
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Key Specs:
Weight: 10.7 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Supplies: Mesh higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Average | Care and Washability: Hand wash, air-dry | Our Total Score: 5/5
Who They’re For
Finest for health walkers or these with plantar fasciitis who need a snug, cushioned shoe for lengthy walks or all-day put on.
Why We Love Them
Brooks’ Ariel GTS 23 Footwear earned our high spot for older adults due to their stability, cushioning, and help—notably for seniors with foot circumstances like plantar fasciitis and Achilles accidents. Throughout testing, these footwear supplied distinctive consolation throughout high-impact actions, because of the sturdy shock absorption and safe match. We additionally appreciated the shoe’s means to alleviate knee ache and assist us keep stability.
The footwear supplied constant help, permitting us to put on them comfortably all day, throughout lengthy intervals of standing and strolling. Our ft felt aligned and steady when strolling on varied surfaces, together with grass, concrete, and an indoor observe, in addition to when going up or down hills. We had been additionally impressed with the shoe’s responsive really feel, which helped us keep a pure strolling stride and stored us gentle on our ft.
Additionally obtainable in males’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and Fleet Toes.
Potential Flaws
- After we first tried on this pair, they felt a bit tight, however we had been in a position to modify the laces for a snug match.
Most Invaluable Perception
“These supplied me sufficient cushioning to help me for high-impact actions like stairs and strolling lengthy intervals of time. I really feel like my posture is healthier whereas sporting these due to the help and alignment they supply.” —Christine Kennedy, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester walks for train on an indoor observe and sidewalks no less than 4 instances every week. She has a historical past of plantar fasciitis and an Achilles harm, so she wants a supportive strolling shoe.
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Key Specs:
Weight: 8.3 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Supplies: Mesh higher, foam and gel midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Average | Care and Washability: Hand wash, air dry | Our Total Score: 5/5
Who They’re For
Finest for energetic individuals who want a snug and supportive shoe for health strolling and different actions, like pickleball.
Why We Love Them
After we examined Asics’ Gel-Contend 9 Footwear, we discovered them to be remarkably snug and high-performing, particularly contemplating their budget-friendly value. As quickly as we tried this pair on, we observed that they conformed to the form of our ft and felt extraordinarily supportive. Plus, the grippy rubber outsole stored us regular and protected throughout check walks and when enjoying pickleball.
The shoe’s foam midsole and gel cushioning within the rear foot mixed to offer gentle, versatile landings and wonderful shock absorption. Our ft, joints, and decrease again felt well-supported and stayed pain-free throughout actions and when standing for lengthy intervals. We additionally just like the shoe’s low-profile, glossy model, which—mixed with its stellar help and luxury—make it a pleasant alternative for all-day informal put on.
Additionally obtainable in males’s sizes at Zappos and Asics.
Potential Flaws
- We discovered the white footwear tough to maintain clear, so we want that this pair was machine-washable.
Most Invaluable Perception
“The cushion in these footwear is the very best I’ve skilled. It helps with absorbing shock when strolling, however extra importantly for me, it aids whereas simply standing.” —Connie Pudenz, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester has fallen arches, so she wants a supportive, snug shoe for strolling and enjoying pickleball. She discovered that sporting these footwear helped forestall the decrease again ache that she generally experiences when standing or strolling on arduous surfaces for lengthy intervals.
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Snug match
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Very sturdy and steady
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APMA accepted
Key Specs:
Weight: 8.7 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Supplies: Knit higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Comfortable and responsive | Care and Washability: Hand-wash, air-dry | Our Total Score: 5/5
Who They’re For
Finest for walkers who need an ultra-cushioned, steady, and supportive shoe that delivers nice shock absorption and dependable traction.
Why We Love Them
When you want a well-cushioned sneaker, we suggest Hoka’s Clifton 9 Sneakers. Throughout testing, we discovered they provided nice cushioning and help, permitting us to stroll longer distances with out knee or hip ache. We discovered the shoe’s match to be extraordinarily supportive and cozy, making this pair a wonderful alternative for prolonged put on.
Regardless of its ample cushioning, the shoe’s mesh higher nonetheless gives nice breathability and blister prevention. In the meantime, the sturdy rubber outsole supplied grippy traction, serving to us really feel balanced and sure-footed when strolling. Plus, this pair has earned the American Podiatric Medical Affiliation’s (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, that means a panel of podiatrists has decided that they assist promote wholesome ft.
Additionally obtainable in girls’s sizes at Hoka, Zappos, and Dick’s Sporting Items.
Potential Flaws
- After we first tried on this pair, the arch appeared just a little excessive at first, however we discovered it turned very snug over time.
Most Invaluable Perception
“The footwear carry out properly it doesn’t matter what I’m doing. I discover that I’m extra snug strolling longer distances.” —Mark Pudenz, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester often wears sneakers for out of doors walks on concrete sidewalks. He discovered that the Clifton 9 footwear had rather more cushioning than sneakers he’d beforehand worn, permitting him to stroll pain-free for longer distances.
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Good for prolonged put on
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Very supportive match
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Engaging model
Key Specs:
Weight: 10.9 ounces | Closure: Lace-up or hook and loop | Supplies: Leather-based higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Average | Care and Washability: Hand wash, air dry | Our Total Score: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Finest for older adults with stability points or unstable ft, ankles, and knees who need a stability shoe that gained’t weigh you down.
Why We Love Them
Outfitted with built-in applied sciences to ship movement management and stability, New Steadiness’s 928v3 Footwear are the only option for seniors who want some additional help. Throughout check walks, we observed that they helped stabilize our gait, whereas additionally enhancing our stability and coordination. Our ft and ankles felt well-supported and regular, even when strolling up inclines and on diversified terrain.
The shoe’s enticing leather-based higher and sporty model make this pair best for both health strolling or informal put on. Plus, they carried out properly on each indoor and out of doors surfaces, so that they’re a nice choice for journey or all-day put on. We additionally love that they arrive in 5 totally different widths, permitting you to get a extra personalized match.
Additionally obtainable in males’s sizes at Amazon, New Steadiness, and Zappos.
Potential Flaws
- Though we love this pair’s help, we discovered the cushioning to be a bit missing, so that they wouldn’t be the only option for high-impact actions.
- Throughout testing, the footwear’ stiff help made them just a little tough to placed on and take off. Nevertheless, they felt extra snug and simpler to get on with continued put on.
Most Invaluable Perception
“The footwear really feel extremely steady and make me really feel assured in my steps. I might undoubtedly suggest these footwear to others if they’re on the lookout for a sexy, steady strolling sneaker.” —Jennifer Bullard Broggini, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester is a really energetic senior who enjoys strolling, power coaching, and Pilates. She has earlier foot and knee accidents, however she discovered that these footwear stored her pain-free whereas strolling and standing for lengthy intervals.
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Key Specs:
Weight: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Supplies: Recycled textile higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Average | Care and Washability: Shoe: Hand-wash, air-dry; Insole: Machine wash, air-dry | Our Total Score: 5/5
Who They’re For
Finest for older adults who’ve issue tying laces or bending down, in addition to these on the lookout for a comfortable, supportive slip-on shoe for journey or on a regular basis put on.
Why We Love Them
In case you have issue tying laces or bending right down to get your footwear on or off, Kizik’s Lima Sneakers might help. They characteristic a bendable heel design that we discovered lets you simply and effortlessly slip them on and off. Past the hands-free comfort, we had been additionally impressed with the pair’s distinctive consolation and efficiency whereas we had been strolling, dancing, or standing for lengthy intervals.
Throughout testing, our ft felt steady and safe on uneven surfaces and diversified terrain, together with concrete sidewalks, pavement, and sand. Though the footwear are light-weight and versatile, the cushioning felt very responsive. Plus, the shoe’s wonderful shock absorption prevented ache in our joints, together with a beforehand injured knee.
Additionally obtainable in males’s sizes at Amazon, Kizik, and Nordstrom.
Potential Flaws
- The white coloration will get soiled very simply, so we want these footwear had been machine-washable.
Most Invaluable Perception
“They’re very straightforward to stroll in and really snug. I may stroll longer distances comfortably with out having to cease typically for a break. On the finish of the day my ft weren’t hurting not like the opposite footwear I’ve worn.” —Dorothea Simpson, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester has flat ft and a historical past of knee ache, so she wants a comfortable, supportive shoe for strolling on varied terrain, together with concrete sidewalks and sandy seashores. She discovered these sneakers tailored properly to totally different surfaces and allowed her to stroll longer distances with out ache.
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Good affect safety
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Wonderful arch help
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Very breathable
Key Specs:
Weight: 8.6 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Supplies: Engineered mesh higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Most | Care and Washability: Machine wash, air dry | Our Total Score: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Finest for older adults who stroll or stand for hours at a time and wish a sturdy, snug shoe.
Why We Love Them
When you spend hours at a time in your ft, you want a strolling shoe with additional help and cushioning—like New Steadiness’s Recent Foam X Extra v5. When testing this shoe, we had been impressed with its strong arch help and snug cushioning. The plush midsole provided nice shock absorption, preserving our ft and again pain-free whereas standing for hours at work.
Throughout check walks, our arches and ankles felt very steady and well-supported. Plus, the light-weight, breathable mesh higher stored our ft cool and dry throughout walks in scorching climate. We additionally like that this shoe is available in three totally different widths, so we had been in a position to get a dimension that accommodated a large foot.
Additionally obtainable in males’s sizes at Amazon, New Steadiness, and Dick’s Sporting Items.
Potential Flaws
- Throughout testing, the slight flare on the entrance of the shoe brought on the 2 footwear to generally catch one another throughout fast actions. Nonetheless, we discovered this pair to be tremendous supportive and cozy for strolling.
Most Invaluable Perception
“The shock absorption of this shoe is superb. I may stand all day the primary day sporting them at work doing surgical procedure.” —Donna Harris-Kober, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester works for lengthy intervals and wishes a supportive, well-cushioned shoe to keep away from aggravating her again ache and former foot harm. She discovered that this pair’s arch help and shock absorption stored her snug at work, in addition to whereas strolling, mountain climbing, and enjoying pickleball.
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Light-weight however sturdy
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Simple to slide on and off
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Machine cleanable
Key Specs:
Weight: Not listed | Closure: Slip-on | Supplies: Knit higher, reminiscence foam midsole, ethylene vinyl acetate outsole | Cushioning: Light-weight and responsive | Care and Washability: Machine wash, air-dry | Our Total Score: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Finest for a walker with sweaty ft, or for somebody who lives in hotter climates or prefers a light-weight, breathable sneaker.
Why We Love Them
With its slip-on design, Skechers’ GO WALK 7 Springtime Shoe is a sensible, snug choice for seniors who’ve hassle with advantageous motor expertise (like tying footwear) or bending down. Throughout testing, we had been impressed with the shoe’s light-weight, breathable higher that stored our ft cool, dry, and comfortable on walks in the summertime warmth. And regardless of the low-profile design, we observed that the sneakers are tremendous sturdy, exhibiting no indicators of damage and tear after many miles.
The shoe’s cushioning felt very snug throughout lengthy walks on diversified terrain. Even after being on our ft all day on this pair, we didn’t discover any ache or fatigue. We had been additionally pleasantly stunned they supplied dependable ankle help, even after we had been making turns and fast actions.
Additionally obtainable in males’s model at Amazon, Zappos, and Skechers.
Potential Flaws
- Throughout testing, we observed that the cushioning beneath the balls of our ft was a bit missing. Our ft weren’t uncomfortable, however some additional cushioning might need enhanced the general consolation.
Most Invaluable Perception
“These footwear are snug for lengthy days of standing and strolling. The mesh on the skin permits my ft to do all kinds of motion whereas remaining snug. The cooling cushioning prevents my ft from getting overheated and swelling.” —Cathy Bixby, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester is on her ft many of the day for childcare duties and in addition walks on the treadmill or exterior on sidewalks and trails. Her ft get scorching simply, so she appreciated this pair’s light-weight really feel and breathability.
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Ample cushioning
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Sturdy and steady
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APMA accepted
Key Specs:
Weight: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Supplies: Leather-based and mesh higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Average | Care and Washability: Hand wash, air dry | Our Total Score: 4.4/5
Who They’re For
Finest for older adults who need a informal strolling shoe that provides strong arch help and good stability.
Why We Love Them
Vionic’s Stroll Max Sierra Sneaker is one other sensible alternative for seniors, particularly those that need a sturdy shoe with wonderful arch help. Throughout testing, the shoe’s full-length EVA foam midsole provided good help, whereas the grippy rubber outsole supplied a steady base. With a mesh and leather-based higher, this pair additionally delivers the right mixture of soppy consolation and magnificence.
The shoe’s match felt good, with no rubbing or toe cramping. Plus, the huge width choices make them best for older adults with earlier points with blisters or bunions. We additionally like that this APMA-approved pair is handled with a water-repellent coating for cover in moist climate.
Potential Flaws
- Throughout testing, we discovered that the rubber tongue was a bit uncomfortable, because it was digging into our foot.
- Though we appreciated the shoe’s arch help, we discovered that our heel was slipping out of the shoe, so we’d suggest a narrow-width choice if in case you have slender heels.
Most Invaluable Perception
“These footwear felt steady as I used to be strolling round, sweeping, and vacuuming. My ft felt supported, with no instability or wobbling.” —Peggy Schmitz, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester is an avid health walker and generally wears customized orthotics for a heel subject. She didn’t use her orthotics on this pair and located that they’d ample arch help.
Strolling Footwear for Seniors We Additionally Examined
We examined dozens of strolling footwear however solely included 8 in our closing listing of suggestions. These three sneakers had some noteworthy options however didn’t stack as much as the competitors.
- We appreciated that Dr. Consolation’s Grace Strolling Footwear have two totally different insoles for extra personalized cushioning and help. Nevertheless, throughout check walks, the footwear rubbed in opposition to our large toes and our heels had been slipping out, so this pair wouldn’t meet the wants of older adults who want easy-to-wear, snug footwear for strolling and day by day actions.
- Whereas they provided good stability, SAS’s Tour Mesh Lace Up Sneakers didn’t present the cushioning and arch help wanted for seniors with arthritis, as we discovered that the soles turned painful after about 40 minutes of damage. Regardless of the convenience of lacing, their lack of shock absorption restricted their total effectiveness for seniors.
- Though OrthoFit’s Walkers Footwear characteristic a non-slip rubber sole with wonderful traction, they didn’t have ample cushioning or help for extended strolling or high-impact actions. This can be a main disadvantage for seniors, notably these with circumstances like plantar fasciitis, who need sturdy cushioning and help to keep away from joint ache and instability.
What We’ve Up to date
- Since we final revealed this roundup, we’ve examined new shoe fashions and up to date our suggestions based mostly on our new findings.
- In complete, we examined 12 new pairs, eight of which we’ve added to our listing.
- Primarily based on our most up-to-date testing, we reworked our superlatives to mirror probably the most up-to-date insights.
What to Search for When Looking for Strolling Footwear for Seniors
- Cushioning: Seniors might profit from extra-cushioned help, as we are likely to lose the pure fats padding beneath the foot as we age, Roussel says. Search for footwear with a cushioned insole and a gentle, shock-absorbing, contoured midsole that can present consolation and cut back affect. And in case you put on customized orthotic inserts or insoles, select a pair with additional room.
- Stability: The precise pair of footwear might help enhance stability for older adults who wrestle with mobility or stability points. Search for sneakers with a steady, agency heel and a fair, supportive outsole. If the shoe’s sole bends simply and is simply too versatile on the underside, it could result in extra points and even harm, podiatrist Tyler Miranda, DPM says.
- Traction: Older adults additionally want footwear with sturdy and slip-resistant soles to assist forestall slips and falls. Search for a pair with rubber soles which have a multidirectional tread sample with good grip and traction.
- Supplies: It’s vital to search for footwear produced from sturdy supplies, particularly for the outsole. Rubber outsoles present wonderful traction and help, whereas mesh and leather-based are nice choices for the higher since they’ll really feel gentle and delicate in opposition to the ft. Search for footwear with breathable and moisture-wicking supplies, which is able to assist forestall uncomfortable sweating, Roussel says.
How We Examined the Strolling Footwear for Seniors
To develop our listing of the very best strolling footwear for seniors, we spent over six weeks testing greater than 60 pairs of footwear from 14 high-quality, trusted manufacturers. We accomplished no less than three walks of various distances and issue and in addition wore the footwear for on a regular basis actions. All through testing, we evaluated every shoe for the next standards:
- Match: After unboxing, we tried on every shoe to research the preliminary match: Was there a thumb’s width of house between our longest toe and the tip of the shoe? Did the footwear really feel cosy round our heels and midfoot? Was there room to wiggle our toes? Then, we walked across the room to find out whether or not or not our ft slid round within the shoe. We additionally famous if it felt true to dimension, slender, or huge.
- Cushioning: Throughout our check walks, we assessed every shoe’s degree of cushioning. We recorded whether or not the cushioning felt gentle or agency if it absorbed affect when our ft hit the bottom, and if the extent of cushioning felt even all through the shoe or extra concentrated in a single space (the heel, for instance). We additionally observed how our ft felt after every stroll: Any ache? Discomfort? Fatigue?
- Responsiveness: Subsequent up, we evaluated every shoe’s responsiveness, or how bouncy and springy it’s. We famous how efficient the shoe propelled us to the subsequent stride and whether or not or not it bounced again to assist with speedy transitions. Strolling footwear carried out properly on this class in the event that they left our legs feeling contemporary after check walks.
- Consolation: Consolation is among the most vital issues when choosing strolling footwear for seniors. Throughout check walks, we assessed how snug every shoe felt by paying particular consideration to the higher: Was the fabric gentle, versatile, and breathable? Was there sufficient room to simply wiggle and splay our toes? We additionally prioritized choices that provided consolation all through the entire shoe and left our ft contemporary and blister-free after lengthy walks.
- Blister safety: For this crucial class, we thought-about match and breathability—two key components of blister safety. Footwear that match appropriately didn’t trigger overheating or extra sweating and stored our ft blister-free carried out properly on this class.
- Worth: To find out a worth rating, we regarded on the value of every shoe after testing was full. We decided that strolling footwear for seniors that scored excessive on this class had been pretty priced, given the standard of the shoe. And we might take into account paying much more for a few of the footwear that earned an ideal rating for worth.
Our Consultants
To find out the very best strolling footwear for seniors, we interviewed three consultants and requested for his or her recommendation on which key options older adults most profit from in a strolling shoe. In some circumstances, our consultants additionally really helpful particular manufacturers of footwear that work properly for older adults, and suggested us on which manufacturers and kinds of footwear seniors ought to avoid. Learn on for extra details about our consultants:
- Damian Roussel, DPM, a podiatrist at The Facilities for Superior Orthopedics
- Tyler Miranda, DPM, a podiatrist at Superior Podiatry of Manhasset
- Pamela Mehta MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and founding father of Resilience Orthopedics
Incessantly Requested Questions
What’s the distinction between a coaching shoe and a strolling shoe?
Strolling footwear are designed with the particular physique mechanics of strolling in thoughts, so that they usually supply extra cushioning and help across the ball and heel of the foot to assist wearers keep correct foot alignment. However, coaching footwear are additionally often extra versatile and responsive to permit for fast actions. The kind of train gear for seniors you utilize can decide your alternative of footwear.
How a lot do strolling footwear for seniors price?
Normally, a great pair of strolling footwear for older adults price between $60 and $250. Cheaper pairs will not be as sturdy or supply sufficient help, particularly for walkers who’re on their ft all day lengthy. Costlier pairs could also be extra trendy and supply specialised help or cushioning that targets particular areas of the ft, just like the heel.
Why ought to seniors purchase senior-specific strolling footwear?
Seniors have quite a lot of particular shoe gear wants, because of the impact of getting older on their ft and total well being, Miranda says. Sporting strolling footwear with a sturdy, steady base and cushioned help might help seniors enhance their stability and keep away from falls.
What are the well being advantages of normal strolling for seniors?
Strolling is a superb manner for older adults to remain energetic and get their really helpful day by day quantity of bodily exercise to scale back well being dangers. Common brisk strolling might help enhance coronary heart well being for older individuals and may additionally profit individuals with hypertension, arthritis, and diabetes.
How lengthy do strolling footwear final earlier than they have to be changed?
On the whole, strolling footwear will final about 350 to 500 miles earlier than the cushioning and help put on out, relying on how typically you put on them, your weight, the footwear’ sturdiness, and the surfaces you’re strolling on. Experiencing foot ache could also be an indication that the footwear want changing as they’re not offering the suitable help any longer, Mehta says.
Why Belief Verywell Match
An authorized private coach, working coach, health club buff, and health author, Christine Luff spends numerous hours researching and testing the newest train gear and devices. She solely recommends merchandise that she will genuinely stand behind and that she believes can be a great funding for her readers. Christine has examined dozens of strolling footwear herself, one in all her favorites being Hoka’s Clifton 9.