We’re taking a look at the 11 best walking shoes for seniors and the elderly that will keep your feet feeling amazing all day!
Overall, our top pick for the best walking shoes for seniors are the Gel Venture 7 Running Shoes. These gel-cushioned all-terrain shoes provide traction while walking and help to prevent falling on slick surfaces. They’re comfortable for walking all day and can also serve as a great pair of hiking shoes when out in nature!
11 Best Walking Shoes for Seniors
ASICS Gel-Venture 7 Running Shoes
The Venture 7 by ASICS is a running shoe that is designed around trail running or running on uneven surfaces, but it makes it as #1 in our list of the best walking shoes for seniors due to its functionality, comfort, and amazing support.
The shoe is made from synthetic materials with a mesh over the toe and to the side to help airflow into the shoe. ASICS distinctive side shoe design can be seen on both sides of the runner, and this particular style can be found in 19 varieties with different color combinations.
The sole of the shoe is made in rubber and has a GEL cushion system in place to attenuate shock when your foot makes contact with the ground. The GEL also helps to make a smooth transition from impact to midstance, ensuring your legs and knees are kept free of impact shocks.
ASICS High Abrasion Rubber is used in critical areas of the sole to help provide additional durability. The Outsole uses revered lugs to help give both uphill and downhill traction on many different types of terrain.
The insole can be removed, and the shoe can accommodate a medical type of orthotic or any custom insole.
What we like
- Many colors to choose from
- Removable insole
What we don’t like
- Not a lot of arch support
New Balance Cruz V2 Fresh Foam Running Shoe
Even with how cute they are, the Cruz 2 is actually a functioning running shoe. Synthetic material on the low cut upper has a nice breathable mesh to keep your feet cool. The rear of the shoe is a soft material and offers some elasticity so you can simply pull the shoe on without doing up the laces.
New Balance uses their award-winning, very own fresh foam cushioning tech to ensure you have a perfect cushion with each step or stride. These adorable sneakers come with a simple slip-on design that makes it a convenient option for the elderly.
What we like
- Slip on shoes means no need for tying
- Breathable mesh
- Woven design
What we don’t like
- No heel support
- Not appropriate for wet surfaces
TIOSEBON Athletic Walking Shoe
Tiosebon has the shoe for you if you want to keep your comfort but have a touch of style at the same time!
The insole uses a cushioned memory foam for extra comfort. The outsole is made from a wear-resistant anti-skid Elastic MD material for durability.
These are a knit tennis style sneaker with a breathable lining that will keep your feet comfortable and cool even in hot weather. These are the most comfortable among our list of the best walking shoes for seniors.
What we like
- Sleek profile
- Soft and very comfortable
What we don’t like
- Not a lot of support
Zyen Comfort Walking Shoes
Zyen offers a timeless classic style of slip-on shoe that is a perfect balance between comfort and fashion.
The upper of these shoes is a lightweight, stretchable fabric that allows you to slip the shoe on and off with the help of the convenient back look. There are two variations available, a full shoe or a half top style that will expose more of the foot.
These walking shoes have an EVA sole giving the shoe a lot of flexibility when walking. The insole is made for a high elastic foam for maximum comfort.
What we like
- Slip-on shoe
- Simple yet attractive style
- Very lightweight
What we don’t like
- No support
New Balance WW411v2 Walking Shoe
If you are considering a lot of walking on your next trip, then you may want to consider a shoe that is designed specifically for walking. New Balance has you covered with their WW411v2 Walking Shoe.
The upper is made from leathers and synthetic materials. There are two styles to choose from, but both styles have breathing holes or mesh around the front and sides of the shoe meaning your foot can breathe in warmer weather. This is a full lace shoe and not a slip on.
A full rubber sole means you have some protection against the elements and the shoe can be used for dry weather or even a little bit of rain without worrying about getting your feet soaked right away. Not meant for deep puddles but can be used in urban rainy weather.
What we like
- Quality leather construction
- Slight arch in the insole
What we don’t like
- Style is a little bland
Nike Women’s Flex Experience Sneakers
If you are looking for a pair of runners in just about any color imaginable, then these are the ones for you.
The upper of this shoe is made from synthetic fibers and mesh meaning it is designed to be as breathable and cool as possible. The top of the shoe and most of the sides are done in a mesh to be sure you have the most airflow as possible. These are a full lace-up shoe.
The sole of these is made from a dual-density foam with rubber pods at the front and the back of the shoe for full traction. The rounded heel helps to give a more natural range of motion when walking or running.
What we like
- So many to choose from
- Flexibility fits your feet
- Lightweight and comfortable
What we don’t like
- Shoes get soaked inside and out in wet weather
BOBS from Skechers
Sketchers has an adorable flat that not only looks cute but for each BOBS you purchase Skechers will make a donation that will help save the lives of cats and dogs to Best Friends Animal Society.
These comfortable sneakers come in colors and patterns that you can choose from.
The sole is made of a synthetic material that keeps the shoes anti-slip and the appearance has the look of a slick pair of Keds that you may recall from the old days.
What we like
- Great denim and other textile patterns
- Super easy slip-on shoes
What we don’t like
- Incidents of the rear metallic tab coming off and hurting the wearer
Saucony Integrity ST 2 Narrow
Sometimes it is not really about style, but more about functionality and Saucony offers a great walking shoe done in 4 different colors.
The Integrity ST2 has a one hundred percent full grain leather upper with a fully padded tongue. This is a low cut shoe with decent ankle support and full laces, so you have a snug fit for those long walking days.
The shoe sports a non-marking outsole that is designed for incredible cushioning yet keeps a lightweight package. Slight arch support is part of the insole and is a little on the firm side.
What we like
- Comfortable walking shoe
- Air cushion sole
What we don’t like
- A little plain looking
Reebok Ever Road DMX Walking Shoe
Reebok offers a great no-nonsense walking shoe that has a petite profile that is just so cute.
This walking shoe has a full fabric upper that allows for airflow throughout the shoe making them a great choice for warmer weather walking. A pull tab on the tongue helps to slide the shoes on or off without any issues.
The sole has decent flexibility to them, and the rubber bottom sole has massage points in the tread to help keep feet feeling relaxed and in good shape even after long walks.
What we like
- 6 great colors
- Low profile and slim look
- Massaging sole
What we don’t like
- The toe area can be a little tight.
- Not so good for wide feet
Related: Shop These 15 Most Comfortable Flip Flops
New Balance WTv5 Cushioning Trail Running Shoe
New Balance’s trail shoe not only offers good support but it will also give you the traction you need for those rougher areas.
The WTv5 is a full walking/running trail shoe constructed with synthetic materials and a mesh weave to help air circulation throughout the shoe.
The rubber sole offers decent height to keep the foot away from damp trails or wet pavement. The tread is designed to be rough to give added grip when needed. Extra toe and heal protection are included to help keep durability up.
What we like
- 12 different colors combinations to choose
- Decent arch support
- Good heel support
What we don’t like
- Foam sole may crack under certain stresses
Saucony Triumph
The mesh and synthetic upper allows for the right amount of flowthrough and yet keeps a great style.
The sole uses their GRID cushioning system to keep your feet comfortable with each step taken. The rubber sole keeps your feet away from damp grounds and wet areas.
Saucony’s trail runner is a great looking shoe and perfect for you if you don’t mind spending a little more to get a quality shoe with a decent runner look at the same time. The tread may not be perfectly tuned for walking around town, but if you are going to the part of heading off to the wilderness, this shoe won’t steer you wrong.
What we like
- Rugged design
- Decent arch support
- Decent heal support
What we don’t like
- Not the best for pronation
Related: Stay Safe on Your Next Trip with these 9 Best Travel Neck Wallets
Best Walking Shoes for Seniors Buying Guide
Buying Shoes Online
We live in an online world today and buying shoes online is becoming more and more popular for its convenience and for its current state of delivery speeds. However, there are some things to consider when you are buying shoes online as it is not like just going down to your local shoe store and trying them on. Here are a few things to consider when you are buying shoes online:
Return policies
Before you do any shopping, you want to check what the shop you are considering has for a return policy. It is not like just trying on shoes and then deciding you don’t want them, you are making a purchase, and if that purchase does not quite work out for you, it is best to be sure you can return them instead of just throwing them in the dumpster.
Try them on right away
You see too often in negative reviews online where someone says they bought such and such and then waited a year to try them on and then by that time it is too late to send them back. Always open your package and try on your shoes right away. If there is something wrong with them or they don’t fit right, return them right away. Delays can be costly and mean you can forfeit your return window.
Don’t go outside
If you try on your shoes and then go for a walk around the block and find you don’t like the shoes, likely you have forfeited your ability to return them by getting them used. Try your new shoes on inside and walk around on your carpets or your floor so that you can get a feel for them without scuffing them or getting them dirty.
Research
Like anything you are buying online, you should do your research before you hit that “buy” button. Check out reviews in places like Youtube or Amazon or various blog posts online. Just doing a google search for the shoe you are considering will bring up a ton of information about materials, construction, fit and feel and more. Read reviews but take some of the comments with a grain of salt.
Measure your feet
Be sure to measure both feet and not just one of them and then use the larger of the two as your shoe size. This will ensure that you don’t get a size too small for one of your feet. Better to have one foot with too large a shoe than one foot with too small a shoe.
Choosing Walking Shoes for Aging Feet
As we get older, there are some additional things that need to be considered when it comes to our walking shoes and walking habits. We want to be sure we keep our health and also make sure that we are not adding undue stress to our knees and our minds in the process. Here are a few things to consider as we get older when it comes to choosing our best walking attire.
Shoe size can change
As we get older, our shoe sizes may increase by a half size or even more and even require wide sizing as a result. This is because of ligaments and tendons in our feet can lose their strength and some of the elasticity making our feet become longer, wider and even a little flatter. The ASICS Gel Venture as well as the New Balance WW411v2 Walking Shoe come in wide sizing.
Ventilation
Dry skin can be a big part of our lives as we age and so we want to be sure we get shoes that offer some ventilation but maybe not so much that it will dry everything out. The best walking shoes for seniors will have adequate ventilation, allowing for cool feet all day and avoiding ailments like bunions or cracked skin.
Function vs Style
Foot problems are pretty common as we age. Bunions, corns, and other painful foot ailments can be prevented by making sure your purchase is not just about buying the most attractive shoes out there. Pointy shoes and high heels can make foot problems a lot worse so it is a good idea to consider how functional the shoes you are going to wear should be.
The Saucony ProGrid Walking Shoe is a perfect example of an amazingly functional walking shoe that is supportive enough to be worn all day. They may not be the most attractive sneaker, but your feet will certainly thank you at the end of a long day on your feet.
Cushion
How much shock is absorbed in each step can be a necessary consideration once we reach a certain age. Bones tend to thin, and we lose bone density meaning we are more prone to breaks and fractures, and this includes all the bones in your feet. Ensuring you have a good shock absorbing shoe means less chance of something breaking or going out of place just by walking every day.
Proper fit
Circulation is everything as we age. If your shoes are too tight, then it can cut off circulation to the feet which can lead to many complications if you are older. One in five people over the age of 65 have diabetes which can lead to lower blood circulation in the feet. Having a shoe rub and cause blisters because they don’t fit well can lead to infections and then other severe complications.
Choosing the Best Support
When it comes to buying shoes, it is very important to know your arch type beforehand. If you are buying runners or any kind of walking shoe, they are likely to have some form of arch support inside to help keep feet comfortable while under stress.
Most casual shoes and flats offer no arch support at all and have only a hard flat insole which can cause havoc on feet if they are used for long periods of time. Know what kind of shoe you need for maximum comfort and if you do need arch support make sure buy shoes at the right sizes that allow you to add insoles and still keep your foot inside without running out of space.
For more information on arch types and how to check your own arch time you can check here:
Sizing
Knowing your actual shoe size is very important especially when it comes to online buying. There are many resources for finding out just what your shoe size is but wikihow seems to have a very no-nonsense approach to measuring your feet and using that information to find out just what your shoe size is including if you have narrower or wider than average feet.
Width is just as important when looking for shoes as knowing your overall length as a shoe that is the right length but too narrow for your foot can cause a lot of undue stress and pain in your feet. You can check out the Wikihow on finding your shoe size.
Make sure when you are checking your shoe size that you check both feet and go with the size of the larger one. Your feet can have different lengths to them and so being sure which foot is the bigger one means you will be assured comfort when you buy your shoes.
What are the most comfortable shoes for seniors?
Among our list, the TIOSEBON slip on walking shoes have ranked as the most comfortable shoes for seniors. They’re constructed with breathable knit mesh and feature flexible outsoles that keep your feet pain-free!
Are Skechers good for the elderly?
Although not making our list of the best walking shoes for seniors, those who prefer Skechers will love the Flex Appeal 3.0. These sneakers are super lightweight while featuring a shock-absorbing and highly supportive midsole.
How do I choose a good walking shoe?
The first priority is considering any specific foot needs or pains that you hope to address with the sneakers, including high or flat arches, Plantar Fasciitis, as well as bunions.
Conclusion
Walking always seems a pretty big part of travel and not only that, walking should be a part of your daily routine. Studies show that walking is not only good for your heart and your health, but it helps to give you a mental boost as well. Staying comfortable while you are walking is just good sense and will ensure that you enjoy your trip more than if you had to stop halfway through your day because your ‘dogs are barking.’ We hope you found a pair among our best walking shoes for seniors that call to you and keep you feeling great on your next walk!
Our top pick for the best walking shoes for seniors is the Gel Venture 7 Running Shoes, but you can’t go wrong with any of the sneakers that made our list!