They’re designed with walking in mind, but we also recommend them for older walkers who need lightweight, comfortable shoes for work, casual wear, or traveling. Key specs: Weight: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Leather or suede upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Medium-density | Care and Washability: Wipe with a clean clothĪvia’s Avi-Union II shoes provide excellent support, comfort, and traction-all at a budget-friendly price. With so much support and cushioning, the shoe can feel a bit stiff at first, so you may want to wear them around the house or on short walks for the first few wears. The shoe’s flexible EVA foam midsole, padded tongue, and cushioned collar enhance the overall comfort, while a breathable, moisture-wicking mesh lining helps reduce friction and prevent blisters. A durable rubber outsole provides additional stability as well as reliable traction. The Walker Classic also has a removable podiatrist-designed orthotic that provides good arch support and stability. For even more heel protection, a thermoplastic heel counter helps to lock in the rearfoot. We like that the shoe’s heel offers firm support and ample cushioning, which can be helpful for older adults prone to plantar fasciitis and hoping to avoid a recurrence.

With a durable leather upper and sporty design, they’re ideal for fitness walking or all-day casual wear. Vionic’s Walker Classic walking shoe is designed to offer exceptional comfort and stability, which is why they’re a perennial favorite among older adults (and our other best overall pick). Key specs: Weight: 14 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Materials: Leather and mesh upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Soft and flexible | Care and Washability: Hand-wash, air-dry Plus, they come with a reasonable price tag, making them a great value for high-quality leather shoes. With a leather and mesh upper and a grippy, nonmarking outsole, the 608v5 offers reliable protection and traction on different surfaces in most weather conditions. And they’re stable and supportive without feeling too bulky or stiff. The soft yet springy midsole offers good shock absorption and responsiveness, even when walking long distances. We also recommend them for those who need extra room for orthotics or insoles. The shoes come in three different width options, accommodating narrow or wide feet. Well-made and comfortable, New Balance shoes can often serve double duty for exercise and casual wear, as is the case with this pair. New Balance is a favorite brand among older adults and fitness walkers, and with good reason. The 608v5 sneakers earned our top spot thanks to their durability, support, and overall performance. The shoes that made our final list of recommendations excelled in cushioning, comfort, fit, support, blister protection, and value. Finally, we tested a few pairs at home according to Verywell's testing guidelines.įor the shoes we tested, we went for at least three walks in each pair-an easy 3-mile walk, a brisk-paced 3-mile walk, and a longer 6-mile walk. We looked at the shoes’ materials, performance, design, durability, and more. We also consulted experts to decide which features were most important in walking shoes. We chose the best walking shoes for seniors by researching over 50 pairs of shoes from 10 trusted brands. If you have flat feet or fallen arches, you’ll also need good arch support or shoes with removable insoles that can be replaced with orthotics or other in-shoe devices. When selecting shoes for seniors, you should look for excellent cushioned support, good traction, breathable and moisture-wicking materials, and a roomy toe box. This is why it's so important for older adults to find the right shoes to accommodate these foot conditions and to ensure they're as comfortable as possible. But the decision is especially crucial for seniors, who need shoes that are supportive, well-fitting, and durable.ĭamian Roussel, DPM, a podiatrist for the Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics, says that, as we age, we tend to experience more foot issues, like bunions, hammertoes, arthritis, and plantar fasciitis. Choosing the right walking shoes is always important.

Skechers arch support