:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-skechers-slipins-go-walk-7-springtime-cathy-bixby-09-6e865fc612224679bd14445e9a4b3531.jpeg?w=1500&resize=1500,1000&ssl=1)
Choosing the proper strolling footwear is at all times necessary, however the choice is very essential for seniors who want further help, consolation, and lodging for particular foot circumstances. As we age, we are inclined 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 our wholesome years.
To search out the perfect 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 remaining record of suggestions excelled in cushioning, consolation, match, help, blister safety, and total worth. We additionally had a member of our Assessment Board, who’s a bodily therapist and RRCA-certified run coach, evaluate this text for accuracy.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/brooks-ariel-gts-23-ca6459982ea44afda25e9d1eb51e2845.jpg)
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 General 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 Sneakers earned our prime spot for older adults due to their stability, cushioning, and help—significantly for seniors with foot circumstances like plantar fasciitis and Achilles accidents. Throughout testing, these footwear supplied distinctive consolation throughout high-impact actions, due to the sturdy shock absorption and safe match. We additionally appreciated the shoe’s capability to alleviate knee ache and assist us keep steadiness.
The footwear supplied constant help, permitting us to put on them comfortably all day, throughout lengthy durations of standing and strolling. Our toes felt aligned and secure 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 toes.
Additionally out there 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 Worthwhile Perception
“These supplied me sufficient cushioning to help 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 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 occasions per week. She has a historical past of plantar fasciitis and an Achilles damage, so she wants a supportive strolling shoe.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Asics-Womens-Gel-Contend-9-Walking-Shoes1-45b9d34a674a4f20ad92d0f3e028baa7.jpg)
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 General Score: 5/5
Who They’re For
Finest for lively 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 Sneakers, we discovered them to be remarkably snug and high-performing, particularly contemplating their budget-friendly worth. As quickly as we tried this pair on, we observed that they conformed to the form of our toes and felt extraordinarily supportive. Plus, the grippy rubber outsole stored us regular and secure throughout check walks and when taking part in pickleball.
The froth midsole and gel cushioning within the rear foot mixed to supply tender, versatile landings and glorious shock absorption. Our toes, 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 help and luxury—make it a pleasant selection for all-day informal put on.
Additionally out there 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 Worthwhile Perception
“The cushion in these footwear is the perfect 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 taking part in pickleball. She discovered that sporting these footwear helped stop the decrease again ache that she typically experiences when standing or strolling on laborious surfaces for lengthy durations.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Hoka-Mens-Clifton-9-Running-Shoe-86fe241208924263a43594437fe53ac1.jpg)
-
Comfy match
-
Very sturdy and secure
-
APMA permitted
Key Specs
Weight: 8.7 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Supplies: Knit higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Delicate and responsive | Care and Washability: Hand-wash, air-dry | Our General Score: 5/5
Who They’re For
Finest for walkers who need an ultra-cushioned, secure, and supportive shoe that delivers nice shock absorption and dependable traction.
Why We Love Them
If you happen to choose a well-cushioned sneaker, we advocate 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 comfy, making this pair a wonderful selection for prolonged put on.
Regardless of its ample cushioning, the shoe’s mesh higher nonetheless affords 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, which means a panel of podiatrists has decided that they assist promote wholesome toes.
Additionally out there in girls’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 Worthwhile Perception
“The footwear carry out nicely 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 normally 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.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/New-Balance-Womens-928-V3-Lace-Up-Walking-Shoe-311d981dcec0449dbfda6109470e07c2.jpg)
-
Good for prolonged put on
-
Very supportive match
-
Enticing type
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 General Score: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Finest for older adults with steadiness points or unstable toes, ankles, and knees who need 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 Sneakers are the only option for seniors who want some further help. Throughout check walks, we observed that they helped stabilize our gait, whereas additionally bettering our steadiness and coordination. Our toes and ankles felt well-supported and regular, even when strolling up inclines and on various terrain.
The shoe’s engaging leather-based higher and sporty type make this pair best for both health strolling or informal put on. Plus, they carried out nicely on each indoor and out of doors surfaces, in order that they’re a nice choice for journey or all-day put on. We additionally love that they arrive in 5 completely different widths, permitting you to get a extra custom-made match.
Additionally out there in males’s sizes at Amazon, New Stability, and Zappos.
Potential Flaws
- Though we love this pair’s help, we discovered the cushioning to be a bit missing, in order that they wouldn’t be the only option for high-impact actions.
- Throughout testing, the footwear’ stiff help made them a bit of tough to placed on and take off. Nevertheless, they felt extra snug and simpler to get on with continued put on.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“The footwear really feel extremely secure and make me really feel assured in my steps. I’d positively advocate these footwear to others if they’re in search of a beautiful, secure strolling sneaker.” —Jennifer Bullard Broggini, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester is a really lively 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 durations.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/kizik-womens-lima-79dd8652461c48f1b70524f8616a3f99.jpg)
Key Specs
Weight: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Supplies: Recycled textile higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Average | Care and Washability: Hand-wash, air-dry (shoe); machine-wash, air-dry (insole) | Our General Score: 5/5
Who They’re For
Finest for older adults who’ve issue tying laces or bending down, in addition to these in search of a snug, supportive slip-on shoe for journey or on a regular basis put on.
Why We Love Them
When you have issue tying laces or bending right down to get your footwear on or off, Kizik’s Lima Sneakers can assist. They function 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 had been additionally impressed with the pair’s distinctive consolation and efficiency whereas we had been strolling, dancing, or standing for lengthy durations.
Throughout testing, our toes felt secure and safe on uneven surfaces and various 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 glorious shock absorption prevented ache in our joints, together with a beforehand injured knee.
Additionally out there in males’s sizes at Amazon, Kizik, and Nordstrom.
Potential Flaws
- The white colour will get soiled very simply, so we want these footwear had been machine-washable.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“They’re very straightforward to stroll in and really snug. I might stroll longer distances comfortably with out having to cease usually for a break. On the finish of the day my toes weren’t hurting, not like the opposite footwear I’ve worn.” —Dorothea Simpson, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester has flat toes and a historical past of knee ache, so she wants a snug, supportive shoe for strolling on varied terrain, together with concrete sidewalks and sandy seashores. She discovered these sneakers tailored nicely to completely different surfaces and allowed her to stroll longer distances with out ache.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/New-Balance-Womens-Fresh-Foam-X-More-v5-Running-Shoes-d0f849b34317441c8aa3caea524e7317.jpg)
-
Good impression safety
-
Wonderful arch help
-
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
Finest for older adults who stroll or stand for hours at a time and want a sturdy, snug shoe.
Why We Love Them
If you happen to spend hours at a time in your toes, you want a strolling shoe with further help and cushioning—like New Stability’s Contemporary 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, conserving our toes and again pain-free whereas standing for hours at work.
Throughout check walks, our arches and ankles felt very secure and well-supported. Plus, the light-weight, breathable mesh higher stored our toes cool and dry throughout walks in sizzling climate. We additionally like that this shoe is available in three completely different widths. so we had been in a position to get a dimension that accommodated a large foot.
Additionally out there 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 prompted the 2 footwear to typically catch one another throughout fast actions. Nonetheless, we discovered this pair to be tremendous supportive and comfy for strolling.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“The shock absorption of this shoe is wonderful. 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 desires a supportive, well-cushioned shoe to keep away from aggravating her again ache and former foot damage. She discovered that this pair’s arch help and shock absorption stored her snug at work, in addition to whereas strolling, mountain climbing, and taking part in pickleball.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Skechers-Slip-Ins-Go-Walk-7-Springtime-Walking-Shoes-a1a8c91ac9aa4c59b13bc7b0bc6d0755.jpg)
-
Light-weight however sturdy
-
Straightforward to slide on and off
-
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
Finest for a walker with sweaty toes, 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 tremendous motor abilities (like tying footwear) or bending down. Throughout testing, we had been impressed with the shoe’s light-weight, breathable higher that stored our toes 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, displaying no indicators of wear and tear and tear after many miles.
The shoe’s cushioning felt very snug throughout lengthy walks on various terrain. Even after being on our toes all day on this pair, we didn’t discover any ache or fatigue. We had been additionally pleasantly shocked they supplied dependable ankle help, even after we had been making turns and fast actions.
Additionally out there in males’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and Skechers.
Potential Flaws
- Throughout testing, we observed that the cushioning beneath the balls of our toes was a bit missing. Our toes weren’t uncomfortable, however some further cushioning may need enhanced the general consolation.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“These footwear are snug for lengthy days of standing and strolling. The mesh on the skin permits my toes to do all forms of motion whereas remaining snug. The cooling cushioning prevents my toes from getting overheated and swelling.” —Cathy Bixby, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester is on her toes many of the day for childcare duties and likewise walks on the treadmill or outdoors on sidewalks and trails. Her toes get sizzling simply, so she favored this pair’s light-weight really feel and breathability.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Vionic-Walk-Max-Sierra-Sneaker-0ee32e5cbcf04e8887ae9a4e78d2cb48.jpg)
-
Ample cushioning
-
Sturdy and secure
-
APMA permitted
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 General 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 selection for seniors, particularly those that need a sturdy shoe with glorious arch help. Throughout testing, the shoe’s full-length EVA foam midsole provided good help, whereas the grippy rubber outsole supplied a secure base. With a mesh and leather-based higher, this pair additionally delivers the right mixture of soppy consolation and elegance.
The shoe’s match felt excellent, with no rubbing or toe cramping. Plus, the broad 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
- Though we favored the shoe’s arch help, we discovered that our heel was slipping out of the shoe, so we might advocate a narrow-width choice when you’ve got slender heels.
- Throughout testing, we discovered that the rubber tongue was a bit uncomfortable, because it was digging into our foot.
Most Worthwhile Perception
“These footwear felt secure as I used to be strolling round, sweeping, and vacuuming. My toes felt supported, with no instability or wobbling.” —Peggy Schmitz, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester is an avid health walker and typically wears customized orthotics for a heel problem. She didn’t use her orthotics on this pair and located that they’d ample arch help.
Strolling Sneakers for Seniors We Additionally Examined
We examined dozens of strolling footwear however solely included 8 in our remaining 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 Sneakers have two completely different insoles for extra custom-made cushioning and help. Nevertheless, throughout check walks, the footwear rubbed in opposition to our huge 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 wear and tear. Regardless of the benefit of lacing, their lack of shock absorption restricted their total effectiveness for seniors.
- Though OrthoFit’s Walkers Sneakers function a non-slip rubber sole with glorious traction, they didn’t have adequate cushioning or help for extended strolling or high-impact actions. This can be a main disadvantage for seniors, significantly 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 printed this roundup, we’ve examined new shoe fashions and up to date our suggestions primarily based 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 Searching for Strolling Sneakers for Seniors
- Cushioning: Seniors could profit from extra-cushioned help, 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 may present consolation and scale back impression. And should you put on customized orthotic inserts or insoles, select a pair of footwear with further room.
- Stability: The appropriate pair of footwear can assist enhance stability for older adults who wrestle with mobility or steadiness points. Search for sneakers with a secure, agency heel and a good, supportive outsole. If the shoe’s sole bends simply and is just too versatile on the underside, it could 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 stop slips and falls. Search for a pair with rubber soles which have a multidirectional tread sample with good grip and traction.
- Supplies: It’s necessary to search for footwear created from sturdy supplies, particularly for the outsole. Rubber outsoles present glorious traction and help, whereas mesh and leather-based are nice choices for the higher since they’ll really feel tender and delicate in opposition to the toes. Search for footwear with breathable and moisture-wicking supplies, which can assist stop uncomfortable sweating, Roussel says.
How We Examined the Strolling Sneakers for Seniors
To develop our record of the perfect 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 likewise 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 toes slid round within the shoe. We additionally famous if it felt true to dimension, slender, or broad.
- Cushioning: Throughout our check walks, we assessed every shoe’s stage of cushioning. We recorded whether or not the cushioning felt tender or agency if it absorbed impression when our toes 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 toes 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 nicely on this class in the event that they left our legs feeling contemporary after check walks.
- Consolation: Consolation is likely one of the most necessary 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 tender, 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 toes contemporary and blister-free after lengthy walks.
- Blister safety: For this crucial class, we thought of match and breathability—two key elements of blister safety. Sneakers that match appropriately didn’t trigger overheating or extra sweating and stored our toes blister-free carried out nicely on this class.
- Worth: To find out a price rating, we seemed on the worth 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’d take into account paying much more for among the footwear that earned an ideal rating for worth.
Our Consultants
To find out the perfect 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 nicely for older adults and suggested us on which manufacturers and forms of footwear seniors ought to keep away from. 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
Continuously Requested Questions
What’s the distinction between a coaching shoe and a strolling shoe?
Strolling footwear are designed with the precise physique mechanics of strolling in thoughts, in order that they usually supply extra cushioning and help across the ball and heel of the foot to assist wearers keep correct foot alignment. Alternatively, coaching footwear are additionally normally extra versatile and responsive to permit for fast actions. The kind of train gear for seniors you utilize can decide your selection of footwear.
How a lot do strolling footwear for seniors value?
Often, pair of strolling footwear for older adults prices between $60 and $250. Cheaper pairs is probably not as sturdy or supply sufficient help, particularly for walkers who’re on their toes all day lengthy. Dearer pairs could also be extra fashionable and supply specialised help or cushioning that targets particular areas of the toes, just like the heel.
Why ought to seniors purchase senior-specific strolling footwear?
Seniors have a wide range of particular shoe gear wants, as a result of impact of getting old on their toes and total well being, Miranda says. Sporting strolling footwear with a sturdy, secure base and cushioned help can assist seniors enhance their steadiness and keep away from falls.
What are the well being advantages of normal strolling for seniors?
Strolling is a wonderful method for older adults to remain lively and get their really helpful day by day quantity of bodily exercise to scale back well being dangers. Common brisk strolling can assist enhance coronary heart well being for older individuals and may profit individuals with hypertension, arthritis, and diabetes.
How lengthy do strolling footwear final earlier than they have to be changed?
Normally, strolling footwear will final about 350 to 500 miles earlier than the cushioning and help put on out, relying on how usually 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
A licensed private coach, operating coach, health club buff, and health author, Christine Luff spends numerous hours researching and testing the most recent 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 among her favorites is Hoka’s Clifton 9.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-skechers-slipins-go-walk-7-springtime-cathy-bixby-09-6e865fc612224679bd14445e9a4b3531.jpeg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1&description=The+8+Finest+Strolling+Sneakers+for+Seniors+of+2024%2C+Examined){kind=link}