Whether you are a regular runner or only hit the pavement occasionally, getting the right shoe for your foot structure and stride is paramount. However, buying the right shoe is even more important if you’re an older runner because your joints lose elasticity with age.
The perfect pick for old runners should have good support and cushioning to compensate for that elasticity loss. However, selecting the best running shoes for older runners is a challenge because most shoes, including the not so good ones, are labeled “the best.”
To help you address the challenge, we picked the leading options and reviewed them. Keep reading to discover the best pieces for you.
The Best Running Shoes For Older Runners Are …
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. ASICS Men's Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe |  Top Pick |
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| 2. Brooks Ghost 11 Running Shoes |  |
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| 3. Salomon Women's Sonic Ra 2 W Running |  |
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| 4. Puma Speed Fusefit-600 Men’s Running Sneaker |  |
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| 5. Saucony Men’s Cohesion 11 |  |
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| 6. Brooks Adrenaline Gts 18 |  |
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| 7. ASICS Men's Gel-Venture 7 Trail Running Shoes |  |
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1. ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe — Best Overall
ASICS opens our list of the best running shoes for seniors with this ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 6, a premium pair designed to make running for seniors easy and fun. We found the shoe very effective, especially for seniors who need to correct their feet posture. In addition to the top-of-the-range features, the shoe is also priced affordably.
This shoe is designed with Rearfoot GEL technology cushioning system that helps to provide superior comfort. The gel technology attenuates the shock during the impact phase so that you can enjoy a smooth heel-to-toe transition when running. To make the shoe more comfortable, it comes with a removable sockliner that allows you to insert custom orthotics for a personalized fit.
The shoe’s outsole has a trail-specific and high-abrasion rubber that provides excellent traction to help you overcome even the most challenging trails. Even if age is catching up with you, this shoe will help you to run faster, and overcome every terrain.
Specs
- Weight: 317 grams
- Drop: 10mm
- Pronation: Supination
- Outsole: Rubber
Pros
- Designed using high-abrasion rubber outsole
- Gel cushioning that helps to absorb shock on impact
- Made with a meshed top for better breathability
- Has a large toe box that helps for better support
- Multi-pattern treads and rubber outsole for better traction
- Durable
Cons
- Heavy
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2. Brooks Ghost 11 Running Shoes – Runner Up
Brooks has stood out time and again as one of the best go-to brands for elderly runners who want to enjoy their running or walking time. With its lightweight construction, super cushioning and advanced features, this shoe has everything that a senior person would want to enjoy running.
The most notable thing about the shoe is its balanced and soft cushioning. Brooks used BioMoGo DNA and DNA loft midsole that takes the shape of your foot to absorb the shock that you get on impact. Furthermore, the insole is made from biodegradable material, which is a departure from the EVA models that can take more than 1000 years to decompose.
The outsole of the shoe is made to make running smooth and stable. No matter how your foot lands when running, the Segmented Crash Pad will absorb the shock so that every step feels smooth and natural. With a well-cushioned midsole and stabilizing outsole, you will find the transition from the heel-to-toe easy and enjoyable.
Specs
- Weight: 309 grams
- Drop: 12mm
- Outsole: Rubber
- Support: Neutral
Pros
- Uses a meshed upper for enhanced breathability
- Balanced and soft providing excellent cushioning
- Designed for runners having medium to high-arch
- Made with environmentally friendly materials
- Durable
Cons
- Heavy
- Shoelaces are short
3. Salomon Women’s Sonic Ra 2 W Running
Are you a senior lady and want a great shoe to help you enjoy your runs all the time? This Salomon Women’s RA Max-2 Sonic might be all that you need. It is a great pick for ladies who want to get more from their runs because it alleviates fatigue caused by impact on muscles and joints. Even with its top-of-the-range features, you will like the fact that the shoe is sold affordably.
The most outstanding thing about this shoe is its advanced cushioning. Salomon used VIBE technology to deliver a three-in-one combination of cushioning, durability, and responsiveness in the midsole. The midsole makes you feel comfortable and heel-to-toe translation smooth, meaning that you will be able to run faster without strain.
The outsole of the shoe is designed using blown rubber that gives your feet a plush feeling when running. The stickiness of the rubber and Contagrip lugs guarantees you a secure grip to help you run efficiently on different surfaces. The shoe is particularly good for running on concrete and asphalt surfaces.
Specs
- Weight: 209.7 grams
- Drop: 8mm
- Outsole: Blown rubber
Pros
- Designed with a responsive midsole
- Blown rubber and Contagrip cogs give the shoe a firm grip on concrete surfaces
- Meshed top for effective breathability
- Large toe box
- Affordable
Cons
- Not very effective for trail running
4. Puma Speed Fusefit-600 Men’s Running Sneaker
The next on our list is this Speed Fusefit-600 sneaker from Puma, a shoe designed to help you blend style and top performance. Like most PUMA products, this shoe was designed after years of research, which explains its outstanding design, awesome features, and popularity. The price is also pocket-friendly.
The company combines two cushioning technologies, PROFOAM and IGNITE to create a highly cushioned midsole for better support. The midsole gives a floating sensation and absorbs all the shock when running. Furthermore, the midsole is very responsive, helping to provide energetic rides so that your runs become less strenuous.
On the outsole, PUMA used Speedtraction technology, which has seen the shoe win global popularity. The outsole helps to provide additional cushioning to enhance comfort when running with the shoe and give you better traction when running out there.
The upper part is designed using FUSEFIT technology, a sock-like knitted mesh that provides a supportive wrap when running. Furthermore, it allows air to circulate easily and keep your feet feeling fresh when running out there.
Specs
- Weight: 311 grams
- Drop: 12mm
- Outsole: Rubber
Pros
- Uses TPU heel counter to minimize overpronation
- Good cushioning from PROFOAM and IGNITE technologies
- Designed with a durable and comfortable mesh
- Excellent breathability
- Affordable
- Helps one to run faster
- Lightweight
Cons
- The front is narrow
5. Saucony Men’s Cohesion 11
Saucony is one of the respected footwear brands in the globe because it is driven by the focus to deliver quality and value to users. For seniors looking forward to enjoying better performance, the Cohesion 11 is designed with advanced technology to help them challenge themselves every day.
So, whether you are preparing for the next racing competition or simply want a jogging shoe for fitness, this is one great piece to consider. This shoe is designed to provide extra comfort and allow you to run for longer and faster. Using Saucony’s GRID (Ground Reaction Inertia Device) technology in the midsole, most vibrations will be absorbed to make the runs smooth and enjoyable.
Additionally, the midsole also contains foam to cushion your feet and make every stride stable. The shoe’s overall design is aimed at helping to keep the weight low so that you can feel natural and free. From the meshed top to thick midsole and rubber outsole, the materials used on the shoe makes it super light, and you can rely on it to continue running for hours without suffering from fatigue.
Specs
- Weight: 8 ounces
- Drop: 12mm
- Outsole: Carbon rubber outsole
Pros
- Available in seven different colors
- Helps users to combines style and top performance
- Easy-to-use lace-up closure
- Cushioned footbed and padded collar for extra comfort
- A meshed top for enhanced breathability
- Lightweight and durable
- Affordable
Cons
- Might not work for seniors with wide feet
6. Brooks Adrenaline Gts 18
Brooks makes our list again with this top-rated Adrenaline Gts 18, a shoe that is designed to deliver top-notch stability for top performance. We liked the shoe because it uses the latest technology from Brooks for better cushioning and shock absorption. So, whether you want to run faster during competitions or simply for fitness purposes, this shoe will be a great consideration.
If you are a senior and want to enjoy your runs, it is advisable to look for the shoe with strong cushioning to absorb the shock when running. The Adrenaline Gts 18 is made using unique features, such as the BioMoGo foam that provides soft cushioning for your feet. Besides, the midsole is responsive and works like a spring to help you run faster.
Like most Brooks’ shoes, the outsole is made with rubber and uses omega flex technology that helps to support the natural movement of your foot when running. Furthermore, it has Omni grooves and features large cogs that provide a firm grip when running.
Specs
- Weight: 311
- Top: Engineered mesh
- Drop: 12mm
- Support Type: Overpronation
Pros
- Adjustable and asymmetrical saddle in the middle for a personalized fit
- A great pick for seniors seeking to improve their stability and performance
- Awesome cushioning for shock absorption
- Comes in a sleek design
- Durable
Cons
- Expensive
7. ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7 Trail Running Shoes
The last running shoe for senior runners to make our list is this Asics Gel-Venture 7 that comes with outstanding stability and protection features. The shoe is a reflection of ASICS’s commitment to improving its shoes progressively, and you can rely on it to break your own record.
The shoe uses the Rearfoot Gel Technology Cushioning System that helps to absorb shock during the impact phase when running. Then, the midsole provides additional cushioning and support to the rest of the foot to make the heel-to-toe transition fast and easy. The overall effect is that you will be able to run faster.
Another outstanding thing about Gel-Venture 7 running shoe is the Ortholite X-40 Sockliner, a premium feature used to help with moisture management. It also helps to improve breathability to help keep your feet feeling fresh from the starting to the finishing line.
As a trail running shoe, ASICS designed the outsole with high abrasion rubber and large lugs to provide a firm grip even when running on a loose surface. The outsole is also large to help improve your stability when running on uneven surfaces. This gives you the confidence that no matter the terrain, whether wet or filler with loose material, it is possible to conquer and achieve your running goals.
Specs
- Weight: 303 grams
- Drop: 8mm
- Outsole: Rubber
Pros
- The shoe comes with gel cushioning for heel strike
- Available in 15 different colors
- Sold affordably
- Durable construction to guarantee you high value for money
- Great for stability and balance
- A meshed top for better breathability and support
Cons
- Limited arch support
Buying Guide
The musculoskeletal resilience of people reduces with age because of the progressive loss of elasticity in the ligaments and joints. This is why you should ensure to only pick the shoes with good cushioning and features to help reduce shock.
The shoes we have listed above are the best you can get In the market, and you might have already pinpointed the perfect piece for you. However, if you are still unsure about the piece to select, here are the things to look for.
Running Surface
The running surface is the area of a shoe that makes contact when running, and it is a crucial factor because it helps in determining the stability and shock absorption. The good thing is that there are shoe models designed for different types of surfaces, from slippery trails to street pavements.
To identify the right type of surface, make sure to focus on the terrain. For example, if you will be running out there in the trails, which can be slippery because of loose soil or wetness, it is advisable to select the shoe with strong cogs or treads.
The Weight Of The Shoes
When people set off running, some of the common objectives include finishing races faster or running for longer periods. If the shoes you select are heavy, they are likely to make you feel as if some weights have been attached to the feet, making you get tired fast or run at a slow speed.
The best running shoes for senior runners should be light and comfortable to use. The lovely thing about it is that advanced technologies, such as BioGoMo and Rearfoot GEL technology, make it easy to design lightweight shoes without compromising their effectiveness.
Shoe Size
When buying shoes for running, it is imperative to ensure that they are of the right size. If the shoes are small, they are likely to result in severe pain, deformed bones, and poor performance. To determine the shoe’s right size, start by measuring your foot and then add a small allowance because human feet expand during the day and when running.
Support and Comfort
The best running shoes for seniors should be comfortable to wear and provide support to all foot parts. Look for the shoe model with good cushioning to help absorb shock when running and compensate for the lost muscle elasticity.
The shoe should also have a well designed and breathable top. Check closer to ensure that the top is well meshed to allow air to pass to the foot when running. The top should also be comfortable and hug the foot for a plush feel when running.
Durability
People consider running shoes important investments and look forward to picking models that can last over a long time. A durable shoe should have an outsole designed with tough material, such as rubber, to ensure it can survive the punishing running schedule on street pavements of trails in the wood.
Other things that can help your shoe to last longer include:
- Firmly designed top
- Properly done joints
- Long-lasting cushioning
- Well-cushioned collar and tongue
Final Thoughts
Running as a senior, whether for competition or fitness purposes, brings a lot of joy and satisfaction. However, unlike younger runners, older people’s joints and ligaments start losing elasticity, and the right shoe should be designed to compensate for the loss. T
he seven shoes we have reviewed in this post are the best in the market, and you can rely on them for three things – good foot protection, excellent cushioning, and improved performance.
Although we stand with the seven best running shoes for older runners in our reviews above, the ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe is our first pick. The shoe is designed with advanced features for better cushioning, posture correction, and durability. So, you can count on it for better performance.
