old man shoes

The Best Walking Shoes for Seniors & Elderly People

Just because you are getting older does not mean that you are ready to give up your attractive footwear just yet.

There is a fine line between comfort and aesthetics, and sometimes it seems like all of the shoes that are aimed at older people are completely devoid of style.

While most older people would admit that their needs differ from younger buyers when it comes to footwear, it is still important to find shoes that tick all the boxes.

It’s key to find shoes, which boast all of the key features that ensure comfort and support but which also are appealing.

Our top recommendation is the Hush Puppies Men’s Gil because it is very comfortable and it is made with 100 percent leather. This shoe is highly durable and provides maximum ankle support. It features an attractive design and it is super lightweight.

Here Are the Best Walking Shoes for Seniors:

Finding the right pair of walking shoes for seniors need not be as difficult as it seems.

These days, to cater for demand, there are many brands, which have specialized in supplying comfortable yet appealing footwear that accommodates the older walker’s unique needs.

ProductDetails
1. Hush Puppies Men’s Gil

  • Material: 100% Leather
  • Sole: Synthetic sole
  • Size: 6-16
Check Current Price
2. Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe

  • Material: N/A
  • Sole: Synthetic sole
  • Size: 5-13
Check Current Price
3. New Balance Men’s 577 V1 Hook and Loop Walking Shoe

  • Material: 100% Leather
  • Sole: Rubber sole
  • Size: 7 – 15 X-wide
Check Current Price
4. Clarks Women’s Sillian Bella Mary Jane Flat

  • Material: 100% Synthetic
  • Sole: Rubber
  • Size: 5-12
Check Current Price
5. Propet Men’s LifeWalker Strap Walking Shoe

  • Material: 100% Leather
  • Sole: Rubber
  • Size: 7-15 3X-wide
Check Current Price

 

1. Hush Puppies Men’s Gil — Best Shoes for Elderly Men

Hush Puppies Men's Gil Slip-On,Tan,10.5 M US

The Gil Slip-On is a great choice for men since it is extremely comfortable and the synthetic sole ensures great support while walking. The slip-on design makes these shoes easy to take on and off and since the outer soles are very lightweight they are not too heavy.

There is a removable EVA footbed for extra cushioning and the Strobel material ensures great flexibility. The heel is slightly higher than average at 1.25 inches while the padded collar ensures maximum ankle support and comfort.

Adjusting the hook and loop straps is a breeze to obtain the perfect fit and with their shock-absorbing soles, you will feel like you are walking on air. Not only that, but they are attractive too and available in a wide choice of colors to suit every outfit.

Specs

  • Material: 100% Leather
  • Sole: Synthetic sole
  • Size: 6-16

Pros

  • Lightweight construction
  • Comfortable and flexible
  • Made with 100 percent leather
  • Highly durable

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

2. Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe — Best Shoes for Elderly Women

Skechers Performance Women's Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe,black,6.5 M US

If you are looking for a very comfortable and lightweight walking shoe for elderly women, you should consider the Skechers Women’s GO Walk Joy Walking Shoe.

This shoe features a 100 percent mesh upper design that helps to keep your feet cozy and cool while you walk. Even after wearing this shoe for long, it still feels like you are not putting on any shoes.

It comes with an innovative 5GEN midsole technology that provides the wearer with more comfort. The technology also ensures full energy to your every step as well as optimal shock absorption responsive cushioning quality. These are also highly durable and long-lasting. It is available in sizes 5 to 13 wide and 18 different colors.

The mesh upper is also highly breathable and the shoe comes with a soft fabric lining and padded collar. Regardless of the terrain you walk on, no substance underneath the shoe will get to your feet. It features a flexible rubber outsole that helps your feet to conform to your natural gait.

With this pair of shoes, you do not have to worry about any sharp object penetrating your footwear. In addition to these great features, this shoe is also very attractive. It features an amazing look and great design.

Specs

  • Material: N/A
  • Sole: Synthetic sole
  • Size: 5-13

Pros

  • Comfortable and breathable
  • Supportive and lightweight
  • Attractive design
  • Highly durable construction

Cons

  • Doesn’t provide ankle support

 

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

3. New Balance Men’s 577 V1 Hook and Loop Walking Shoe

New Balance Men's 577 V1 Hook and Loop Walking Shoe, Black/Black, 11 XW US

The New Balance Men’s 57 V1 Hook and Loop Walking Shoe is one of the best walking shoes for seniors. This shoe is very popular for its durability and comfort on the feet of the elderly.

For seniors that spend a lot of time on their feet, this is a great option to consider. This shoe comes with two Velcro straps that make it very easy to take off. This means you can bid farewell to the hassle of bending down to do up laces.

The shoe also offers a great amount of vent, thanks to the perforations in the forefoot area. This means your feet could still get fresh air even when locked up in the shoe. It also comes with a cushioning that makes the shoe very comfortable to wear.

This shoe is available in three different colors and a wide range of sizes, allowing you to choose a color that best suits your style and a size that fits perfectly.

It features a sporty looking design, which is pretty attractive. This shoe helps to minimize leg and foot fatigue, thanks to its midsole that was made with dense foam. The design of the midsole helps to minimize shock also.

The outsole of the shoe is constructed with durable and strong rubber, and it can handle even the harshest weather. It is also highly stable and secure even on uneven terrains.

This shoe also enhances good natural foot movement, thanks to its flexible groove pattern. You also do not have to worry about slipping off on wet or slippery surfaces, as it is slip-resistant. It has a removable sock liner, which means you can wear it with orthotics.

Specs

  • Material: 100% Leather
  • Sole: Rubber sole
  • Size: 7 – 15 X-wide

Pros

  • Easy enclose system
  • Great arch support
  • Ideal for everyday use
  • Comfortable and durable

Cons

  • Tongue short and bulky

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

4. Clarks Women’s Sillian Bella Mary Jane Flat

CLARKS Women's Sillian Bella Mary Jane Flat, Black Synthetic, 9 M US

The Women’s Sillian Bella Mary Jane Flat from Clarks is one of the most comfortable walking shoes for elderly women. With the comfort this shoe provides, you will not feel that you are putting on shoes, even after walking for a long time. It comes with a sporty look and slim design.

This shoe is available in a variety of colors, including a highly fashionable blue denim effect that is great for stylish seniors. The outsole of the shoe is made with rubber, and it provides a lot of cushioning and support. In addition to being very comfortable, the shoe is super lightweight. It also features an ortholite footbed.

Clarks cushioned this show all through, and it is integrated with the Clarks Cloud stepper technology. This shoe is very easy to slip in and out, thanks to its simple strap closure. This feature also helps to keep the shoe secured in place to prevent it from slipping off your foot.

It is breathable and it allows for flexible movement, thanks to its stretch fabric panels. This synthetic mesh shoe can also handle any weather, and it will continue to retain its stylish look and comfortable feel.

Specs

  • Material: 100% Synthetic
  • Sole: Rubber
  • Size: 5-12

Pros

  • Super lightweight
  • Stretchy and comfortable
  • Ortholite footbed
  • Highly breathable and flexible

Cons

  • Narrow fit

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

5. Propet Men’s LifeWalker Strap Walking Shoe

Propet Men's Life Walker Strap Sneaker,Black, 7 XX (US Men's 7 5E) wide

The last on our list is the Men’s LifeWalker Strap Walking Shoe from Propet. Propet has been making shoes since 1985, and making comfortable walking shoes is one of the strong points of this brand.

This is one of the best shoes for seniors who suffer foot, hip, and ankle pain. This shoe features an athletic design and it is designed with smooth full-grain uppers.

It has an EVA midsole and a replaceable inbuilt heel stabilizer. The shoe is supportive, breathable, and very comfortable. You can also use specialized orthotics inserts with this shoe, as it comes with a removable orthotic insert.

This shoe comes with a synthetic sole that is highly durable and hard. It also comes with a Velcro system that makes the shoe very comfortable and easy to wear and remove. It is made with 100 percent leather.

Specs

  • Material: 100% Leather
  • Sole: Rubber
  • Size: 7-15 3X-wide

Pros

  • Comfortable and lightweight
  • Easy to wear and remove
  • Breathable and attractive design
  • Reasonable price tag

Cons

  • Not the most durable

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Why Do Older People Need Dedicated Walking Shoes?

Older people are now being encouraged to take more exercise and walking is one of the ways in which the elderly are being told to get fit. As we age, we are more prone to developing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, which can be relieved by losing weight and taking more exercise.

It has been proven by expert studies that men and women who remain active into later life are healthier and live longer than those who adopt a more sedentary lifestyle.

When all of this is taken into account, it is no wonder that there is an increasing demand for attractive, supportive, and comfortable shoes that are suitable for older walkers and meet all their changing needs.

How Do Older Walkers’ Needs Differ?

As we get older, our footwear needs start to change from those of younger buyers. While younger people are more about style and meeting the latest fashion trends, older walkers need shoes, which help their joints, relieve pressure on problem areas, and which offer more support and structure to improve stability while walking.

Older people have less fat on the soles of their feet, which can lead to pressure, pain, and sores, as the heel presses more against the surface causing irritation and heel spurs.

However, that does not mean that they want shoes that are ugly and unappealing. Staying comfortable and safe while still feeling good about their footwear is vital for any older walker.

How to Choose Walking Shoes for Seniors

It is important not to underestimate how important a good quality pair of walking shoes is for older people who want to boost their exercise levels.

When we get older, we are more at risk of trips and falls, and therefore finding shoes, which offer more stability, is essential to limit the chance of injury.

As we get older, our feet also change shape, and problems such as flat feet and claw toes can develop. Finding shoes to accommodate those changes is important.

Bunions and claw toes create more pressure, which can then result in leg and foot pain. Finding footwear that has been designed with this in mind is essential.

When looking for the right pair of shoes for older walkers, it is important to find a pair that hugs the heel well to prevent slippage while walking, and which has ankle padding and a strong heel counter while still being flexible enough at the forefoot to enable easy bending and movement.

Knowing the type of arch you have is also important. Motion-control shoes are good for overpronators while under-pronators need thicker heels and flexible midsoles. Those who have normal arches should look for stable footwear.

Conclusion

There is no denying that if you make the right choice of footwear, you will find that even though you are getting older you can still enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle.

By choosing shoes, which have been designed specifically with the needs of elderly walkers in mind, you can be confident that you will be picking footwear, which is comfortable, supportive and easy to wear, and yet which won’t look like you have headed out of the house wearing your slippers!

Our top pick is the Hush Puppies Men’s Gil because it is very comfortable and easy to wear. It is highly durable and it features a great design.