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Choosing the proper strolling footwear is all the time essential, however the choice is particularly essential for seniors who want further assist, consolation, and lodging for particular foot situations. As we age, we are inclined to expertise extra foot points, like bunions, hammertoes, arthritis, and plantar fasciitis, says podiatrist Damian Roussel, DPM. These situations can impede day by day bodily exercise, which is significant to prolonging our wholesome years.
To search out the most effective 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 dwelling throughout our day by day routines and common walks. The footwear that made our ultimate record of suggestions excelled in cushioning, consolation, match, assist, blister safety, and general worth.
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Key Specs
Weight: 10.7 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Supplies: Mesh higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Reasonable | Care and Washability: Hand-wash, air-dry | Our General Score: 5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for health walkers or these with plantar fasciitis who desire a snug, cushioned shoe for lengthy walks or all-day put on.
Why We Love Them
Brooks’ Ariel GTS 23 Footwear earned our prime spot for older adults due to their stability, cushioning, and assist—significantly for seniors with foot situations like plantar fasciitis and Achilles accidents. Throughout testing, these footwear offered distinctive consolation throughout high-impact actions, because of the strong shock absorption and safe match. We additionally appreciated the shoe’s capacity to alleviate knee ache and assist us preserve steadiness.
The footwear offered constant assist, permitting us to put on them comfortably all day, throughout lengthy durations of standing and strolling. Our ft felt aligned and steady when strolling on varied surfaces, together with grass, concrete, and an indoor monitor, in addition to when going up or down hills. We have been additionally impressed with the shoe’s responsive really feel, which helped us preserve a pure strolling stride and saved 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 have been capable of regulate the laces for a cushty match.
Most Precious Perception
“These offered me sufficient cushioning to assist me for high-impact actions like stairs and strolling for lengthy durations of time. I really feel like my posture is healthier whereas sporting these due to the assist and alignment they supply.” —Christine Kennedy, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester walks for train on an indoor monitor and sidewalks at the very least 4 occasions every week. She has a historical past of plantar fasciitis and an Achilles damage, 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: Reasonable | Care and Washability: Hand-wash, air-dry | Our General Score: 5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for lively individuals who want a cushty 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 seen that they conformed to the form of our ft and felt extraordinarily supportive. Plus, the grippy rubber outsole saved us regular and secure throughout take a look at walks and when enjoying pickleball.
The froth midsole and gel cushioning within the rear foot mixed to supply tender, 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 durations. We additionally just like the shoe’s low-profile, modern type, which—mixed with its stellar assist 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 troublesome to maintain clear, so we want that this pair was machine-washable.
Most Precious Perception
“The cushion in these footwear is the most effective 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 exhausting surfaces for lengthy durations.
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Comfy match
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Very sturdy and steady
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APMA accredited
Key Specs
Weight: 8.7 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Supplies: Knit higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Gentle and responsive | Care and Washability: Hand-wash, air-dry | Our General Score: 5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for walkers who need an ultra-cushioned, steady, and supportive shoe that delivers nice shock absorption and dependable traction.
Why We Love Them
If you happen to want a well-cushioned sneaker, we suggest Hoka’s Clifton 9 Sneakers. Throughout testing, we discovered they supplied nice cushioning and assist, 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 offered 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 ladies’s sizes at Hoka, Zappos, and Dick’s Sporting Items.
Potential Flaws
- After we first tried on this pair, the arch appeared a bit of excessive at first, however we discovered it turned very snug over time.
Most Precious 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 outside walks on concrete sidewalks. He discovered that the Clifton 9 footwear had far 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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Enticing type
Key Specs
Weight: 10.9 ounces | Closure: Lace-up or hook and loop | Supplies: Leather-based higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Reasonable | Care and Washability: Hand-wash, air-dry | Our General Score: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for older adults with steadiness points or unstable ft, ankles, and knees who desire a stability shoe that received’t weigh them down.
Why We Love Them
Geared up with built-in applied sciences to ship movement management and stability, New Stability’s 928v3 Footwear are the only option for seniors who want some further assist. Throughout take a look at walks, we seen that they helped stabilize our gait, whereas additionally enhancing our steadiness and coordination. Our ft and ankles felt well-supported and regular, even when strolling up inclines and on assorted terrain.
The shoe’s enticing leather-based higher and sporty type make this pair supreme for both health strolling or informal put on. Plus, they carried out properly on each indoor and outside surfaces, so that they’re a nice possibility 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 Stability, and Zappos.
Potential Flaws
- Though we love this pair’s assist, 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 assist made them a bit of troublesome to placed on and take off. Nevertheless, they felt extra snug and simpler to get on with continued put on.
Most Precious 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 searching for a beautiful, steady strolling sneaker.” —Jennifer Bullard Broggini, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester is a really lively senior who enjoys strolling, energy coaching, and Pilates. She has earlier foot and knee accidents, however she discovered that these footwear saved her pain-free whereas strolling and standing for lengthy durations.
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Key Specs
Weight: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Supplies: Recycled textile higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Reasonable | Care and Washability: Hand-wash, air-dry (shoe); machine-wash, air-dry (insole) | Our General Score: 5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for older adults who’ve issue tying laces or bending down, in addition to these searching for a comfortable, supportive slip-on shoe for journey or on a regular basis put on.
Why We Love Them
If in case you have issue tying laces or bending all the way down to get your footwear on or off, Kizik’s Lima Sneakers might help. They characteristic a bendable heel design that we discovered means that you can simply and effortlessly slip them on and off. Past the hands-free comfort, we have been additionally impressed with the pair’s distinctive consolation and efficiency whereas we have been strolling, dancing, or standing for lengthy durations.
Throughout testing, our ft felt steady and safe on uneven surfaces and assorted 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 colour will get soiled very simply, so we want these footwear have been machine-washable.
Most Precious Perception
“They’re very simple to stroll in and really snug. I might 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 influence safety
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Glorious arch assist
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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 General Score: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for older adults who stroll or stand for hours at a time and wish a sturdy, snug shoe.
Why We Love Them
If you happen to spend hours at a time in your ft, you want a strolling shoe with further assist and cushioning—like New Stability’s Recent Foam X Extra v5. When testing this shoe, we have been impressed with its stable arch assist and snug cushioning. The plush midsole supplied nice shock absorption, retaining our ft and again pain-free whereas standing for hours at work.
Throughout take a look at walks, our arches and ankles felt very steady and well-supported. Plus, the light-weight, breathable mesh higher saved 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 have been capable of get a dimension that accommodated a large foot.
Additionally obtainable in males’s sizes at Amazon, New Stability, 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 Precious Perception
“The shock absorption of this shoe is superb. I might 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 whereas standing for lengthy durations and wishes a supportive, well-cushioned shoe to keep away from aggravating her again ache and former foot damage. She discovered that this pair’s arch assist and shock absorption saved her snug at work, in addition to whereas strolling, mountaineering, and enjoying pickleball.
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Light-weight however sturdy
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Straightforward to slide on and off
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Machine-washable
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 General Score: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Greatest 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 possibility for seniors who’ve bother with high quality motor abilities (like tying footwear) or bending down. Throughout testing, we have been impressed with the shoe’s light-weight, breathable higher that saved our ft cool, dry, and cozy on walks in the summertime warmth. And regardless of the low-profile design, we seen that the sneakers are tremendous sturdy, exhibiting no indicators of wear and tear and tear after many miles.
The shoe’s cushioning felt very snug throughout lengthy walks on assorted terrain. Even after being on our ft all day on this pair, we didn’t discover any ache or fatigue. We have been additionally pleasantly stunned they offered dependable ankle assist, even once we have been making turns and fast actions.
Additionally obtainable in males’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and Skechers.
Potential Flaws
- Throughout testing, we seen that the cushioning beneath the balls of our ft was a bit missing. Our ft weren’t uncomfortable, however some further cushioning may need enhanced the general consolation.
Most Precious Perception
“These footwear are snug for lengthy days of standing and strolling. The mesh on the surface permits my ft to do all varieties 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 a lot of the day for childcare duties and in addition walks on the treadmill or outdoors on sidewalks and trails. Her ft get scorching simply, so she favored 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 accredited
Key Specs
Weight: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Supplies: Leather-based and mesh higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Reasonable | Care and Washability: Hand-wash, air-dry | Our General Score: 4.4/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for older adults who desire a informal strolling shoe that gives stable arch assist and good stability.
Why We Love Them
Vionic’s Stroll Max Sierra Sneaker is one other good alternative for seniors, particularly those that desire a sturdy shoe with wonderful arch assist. Throughout testing, the shoe’s full-length EVA foam midsole supplied good assist, whereas the grippy rubber outsole offered a steady base. With a mesh and leather-based higher, this pair additionally delivers the proper mixture of soppy consolation and elegance.
The shoe’s match felt excellent, with no rubbing or toe cramping. Plus, the extensive width choices make them supreme 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 defense in moist climate.
Potential Flaws
- Though we favored the shoe’s arch assist, we discovered that our heel was slipping out of the shoe, so we might suggest a narrow-width possibility if in case you have slim heels.
- Throughout testing, we discovered that the rubber tongue was a bit uncomfortable, because it was digging into our foot.
Most Precious 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 difficulty. She didn’t use her orthotics on this pair and located that they’d ample arch assist.
Strolling Footwear for Seniors We Additionally Examined
We examined dozens of strolling footwear however solely included eight in our ultimate record of suggestions. These three sneakers had some noteworthy options however didn’t stack as much as the competitors.
- We favored that Dr. Consolation’s Grace Strolling Footwear have two totally different insoles for extra personalized cushioning and assist. Nevertheless, throughout take a look at walks, the footwear rubbed in opposition to our massive toes and our heels have 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 supplied good stability, SAS’s Tour Mesh Lace Up Sneakers didn’t present the cushioning and arch assist wanted for seniors with arthritis, as we discovered that the soles turned painful after about 40 minutes of wear and tear. Regardless of the benefit of lacing, their lack of shock absorption restricted their general effectiveness for seniors.
- Though OrthoFit’s Walkers Footwear characteristic a non-slip rubber sole with wonderful traction, they didn’t have enough cushioning or assist for extended strolling or high-impact actions. This can be a main downside for seniors, significantly these with situations like plantar fasciitis, who need strong cushioning and assist to keep away from joint ache and instability.
What We’ve Up to date
- Since we final printed 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 record.
- 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 Purchasing for Strolling Footwear for Seniors
- Cushioning: Seniors could profit from extra-cushioned assist, as we are inclined to lose the pure fats padding beneath the foot as we age, Roussel says. Search for footwear with a cushioned insole and a tender, shock-absorbing, contoured midsole that can present consolation and cut back influence. And for those who put on customized orthotic inserts or insoles, select a pair of footwear with further room.
- Stability: The precise pair of footwear might help enhance stability for older adults who battle with mobility or steadiness points. Search for sneakers with a steady, agency heel and a fair, supportive outsole. If the shoe’s sole bends simply and is just too versatile on the underside, it might result in extra points and even damage, says podiatrist Tyler Miranda, DPM.
- 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 essential to search for footwear created from sturdy supplies, particularly for the outsole. Rubber outsoles present wonderful traction and assist, whereas mesh and leather-based are nice choices for the higher since they’ll really feel tender 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 record of the most effective strolling footwear for seniors, we spent over six weeks testing greater than 60 pairs of footwear from 14 high-quality, trusted manufacturers. We accomplished at the very least 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 top of the shoe? Did the footwear really feel comfortable 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, slim, or extensive.
- Cushioning: Throughout our take a look at walks, we assessed every shoe’s stage of cushioning. We recorded whether or not the cushioning felt tender or agency if it absorbed influence 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 seen 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 following 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 take a look at walks.
- Consolation: Consolation is among the most essential issues when choosing strolling footwear for seniors. Throughout take a look at walks, we assessed how snug every shoe felt by paying particular consideration to the higher: Was the fabric tender, versatile, and breathable? Was there sufficient room to simply wiggle and splay our toes? We additionally prioritized choices that supplied 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 of match and breathability—two key components of blister safety. Footwear that match accurately didn’t trigger overheating or extra sweating and saved our ft blister-free carried out properly on this class.
- Worth: To find out a price rating, we appeared on the value of every shoe after testing was full. We decided that strolling footwear for seniors that scored excessive on this class have been pretty priced, given the standard of the shoe. And we’d think about paying much more for among the footwear that earned an ideal rating for worth.
Our Consultants
To find out the most effective 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 advisable particular manufacturers of footwear that work properly for older adults and suggested us on which manufacturers and varieties 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
Regularly 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 assist across the ball and heel of the foot to assist wearers preserve correct foot alignment. Alternatively, coaching footwear are additionally often extra versatile and responsive to permit for fast actions. The kind of train tools for seniors you utilize can decide your alternative of footwear.
How a lot do strolling footwear for seniors price?
Often, pair of strolling footwear for older adults prices between $60 and $250. Cheaper pairs might not be as sturdy or supply sufficient assist, particularly for walkers who’re on their ft all day lengthy. Costlier pairs could also be extra trendy and supply specialised assist 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, as a result of impact of getting older on their ft and general well being, Miranda says. Carrying strolling footwear with a sturdy, steady base and cushioned assist might help seniors enhance their steadiness and keep away from falls.
What are the well being advantages of standard strolling for seniors?
Strolling is a wonderful approach for older adults to remain lively and get their advisable day by day quantity of bodily exercise to cut back well being dangers. Common brisk strolling might help enhance coronary heart well being for older folks and can also profit folks with hypertension, arthritis, and diabetes.
How lengthy do strolling footwear final earlier than they should be changed?
Usually, strolling footwear will final about 350 to 500 miles earlier than the cushioning and assist 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 assist any longer, Mehta says.
Why Belief Verywell Match
An authorized private coach, working coach, fitness center buff, and Verywell Match 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 funding for her readers. Christine has examined dozens of strolling footwear herself; one in every of her favorites is Hoka’s Clifton 9. For this text, Christine appeared over the take a look at outcomes from our lab to assist compile our prime picks.
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