Old age is a sign of triumph over lots of disappointments and challenges that come with life; It also comes with wisdom and sometimes, unbearable Foot problems.
Most old people suffer from foot conditions that are serious and life-threatening and therefore need the perfect walking shoes to ease the pain and make life easier for them.
The best walking shoes for elderly are supportive, comfortable, and fits into the situation or occasion.
Wearing the right footwear significantly improves safety and helps to increase the chances of preventing falls among the elderly.
After hours of research, comparisons, and careful deliberation, here are the best shoes for seniors with a guide to assist you during your purchase.
Best Walking Shoes for Elderly
| Name | Price | Made of | Sole |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skechers Women's Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe | Check Price | Textile | Synthetic |
| Hush Puppies Men's Gil Slip-On Shoe | Check Price | Leather | Rubber |
| Propet Men's Life Walker Strap Sneaker | Check Price | Leather | Rubber |
| New Balance Men's MW577 Hook and Loop Walking Shoe | Check Price | Leather | Synthetic |
| Skechers Men's Afterburn M. Fit Strike on | Check Price | Leather and textile | Synthetic |
| Dr. Scholl's - Men's Brisk Light Weight Dual Strap Sneaker | Check Price | Mesh and faux leather | Rubber |
| Nunn Bush Men's Cam Velcro | Check Price | Leather | Rubber |
1. Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe
Skechers GOwalk Joy shoe is significantly lightweight, comfortable, and one of the best walking shoes.
The 100% Mesh upper design keeps your feet cool and cozy while you walk. Apart from the mesh, these shoes are lightweight, and it almost feels like you aren’t putting them on.
The Innovative 5GEN midsole technology ensures additional comfort, optimal shock absorption responsive cushioning quality, and full energy to your every step.
When buying walking shoes for the elderly, we lookout for pairs that re comfy, lightweight, and long-lasting. And all these qualities can be found in the GOwalk Joy shoe.
Nothing from underneath your footwear gets to your foot, no matter the terrain that you walk on.
The Integrated rubber outsole flexibility allows your feet to adjust to your natural gait when walking and makes the this shoe comfortable to walk in.
It is also robust enough to prevent sharp objects from penetrating your shoe.
Pros
- They are breathable and comfortable to wear
- Innovative midsole ensure superb shock absorption;
- Generally Lightweight, flexible and supportive
- Flexible and robust rubber outsole delivers superb traction
- Attractive designs and a variety of colors to choose from
Cons
- Not the best ankle support.
- Some users complained that it wears out quickly
Apart from being lightweight, flexible, and comfortable, we have to admit that the Skechers GOwalk Joy shoe is quite an attraction. It will look good on you, no matter the occasion; it is also washable and easy to take care of.
2. Hush Puppies Men’s Gil Slip-On Shoe
Perfect for an elderly looking for comfortable walking shoes for everyday wear.
The Gil Slip-On shoe is made from 100% full-grain or pull-up leather, which is flexible, comfortable, and designed to withstand everyday use. It also is easy to maintain and convenient for most seniors who may not have the time to keep their shoes clean.
The leather used in the shoes also features a padded collar and a removable contoured, Shock absorbing EVA footbed, which allows for custom orthotic inserts.
The synthetic sole provides all the support you need for your feet.
The men’s slip-on shoe is; the hook-and-loop strap closure ensures that you don’t have to spend so much time trying to tie the laces.
The 1.25-inch heel measurement is perfectly placed and generally considered cool.
The outsole features a lightweight zero-g material that allows you to stand for long hours or to make sudden movements without hurting your feet.
Pros
- 100% flexible, comfortable and robust leather material ensures durability and comfort
- Simple slip-on design allows easy wear and removal
- It is comfortable for extended use
- Four times lighter in weight than traditional styles
- Provides superb shock absorption
- Removable EVA footbed allows for custom orthotic inserts
- Contoured outsole ensures excellent arch support
- Zero-G slip-resistant ensures stability for sudden movements
Cons
- May not be ideal for hot weather conditions
- Not the best styling
- Velcro strapping needs to be adjusted continually
- It may be small, narrow, and uncomfortable for some users
From the boardroom to the golf course, the hush puppies slip-on shoe is perfect for seniors who are still active and looking for a quality pair at a reasonable price.
3. Propet Men’s Life Walker Strap Sneaker
Propet has since 1985 been making comfortable walking shoes that very popular with elderly who suffer from ankle, foot, or hip pain.
The Propet Lifewalker is built with smooth full-grain uppers and features an athletic design. It’s breathable, comfortable, and supportive. It has a replaceable a built-in heel stabilizer and an EVA midsole.
The combination of the firm heel counter and the EVA midsole ensures additional support, traction, and superb shock absorption. The removable orthotic insert makes way for your specialized orthotics inserts.
The Velcro system makes it comfortable and easy to wear and remove While the synthetic sole is hard and also durable.
The Lifewalker line is also approved by Medicare and has been making walking a pain-free and comfortable exercise.
Pros
- Breathable upper keeps the feet fresh
- Lightweight and Comfortable for extended walking and standing periods
- The Velcro system makes it comfortable and easy to wear and remove
- Reasonably priced considering quality
- Rubber, long-wearing outsole delivers excellent traction on various surfaces
- Attractive athletic design; pairs well with both formal and casual wear
Cons
- Not the most durable, especially if you are active
- Not much color options
- Some users complained that the straps were too short
Propet Lifewalker is well criticized for its durability and praised by elders looking for a supportive and comfortable walking companion.
Seniors who exercise more often may need a replacement within six months of steady use.
Most users with foot conditions are okay with the shoe performance that replacing them often isn’t a problem. In general, they are a great choice.
4. New Balance Men’s MW577 Hook and Loop Walking Shoes
One of the best shoe examples of a snug fit and comfortable walking shoe you can bet on.
New Balance is well known for its specialty in making comfortable, affordable and durable walking shoes for men. The new Balance Men’s Walking Shoe MW577 is designed with comfort in mind.
The MW577 is built with breathable leather that keeps air flowing through your feet so you can enjoy a sweat-free walking experience- especially for extended use. The leathers soft and supple finish allows for easy cleaning and maintenance.
The heel of the shoes ensures a shock-free and smooth landing experience thanks to its ABZORB technology.
The New Balance MW577 shoes are popular among seniors with foot problems, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It extends a comfortable and stress-free while on the move.
The hook and loop straps feature makes it easy to take off and easy to put on.
Besides, the shoes padded interior keeps the foot stable and comfortable while the rubber outsole gives good traction and supports the feet as well.
The MW577 Doesn’t compromise style for quality; you can choose from seven different shades of brown, black and white.
Pros
- It is comfortable and easy to use
- Breathable and keeps air flowing through your feet
- ABZORB technology of the heel ensures a shock-free and smooth landing
- The Flexible sole poses no extra pressure and adds a gait to your step
- Adjustable hook and loop feature makes it easy to take off and easy to put on
- Most users like that it is reasonably priced
- Rubber outsole delivers good traction and supports the feet
- Doesn’t compromise style for quality, there are a variety of options to choose from
Cons
- Not the most durable rubber sole
- The leather starts to wear out after frequent use
All in all, the New Balance MW577 shoe is a good choice for the elderly. It is flexible and provides quality comfort when walking. It lowers the level of stress and fatigue on your feet muscles and keeps you safe from hurt.
5. Skechers Men’s Afterburn M. Fit Strike on
Whether for casual wear or sports, the Skechers Afterburn shoe can fit into the occasion.
It’s attractive looks and Quality features qualify them as one of the ideal walking shoes for the elderly.
The afterburn M. Fit is made of 100% mesh and ensures maximum passage of fresh air around your feet. This also ensures that your shoes will not get smelly.
The Flexible rubber sole provides quality traction and sure footing on all terrains.
The reinforced heel with the highly responsive 5GEN midsole provides good cushioning.
The Goga max sole ensures comfort and quality support to your feet.
Pros
- Lightweight and flexible for extended use
- The breathable mesh lining keeps feet cool and dry
- Padded tongue and collar keep feet comfortable
- Lace-up closure straps ensure easy adjustability
- Easy to wear and wash.
- Rubber outsole ensures sure footing on all terrains
- Delivers superb shock-absorption and support
Cons
- Starts to wear out after sometime
- Some users complained the closure straps were too short
The Skechers Men’s afterburn M. Fit is one of the best walking shoes for the senior.
However, if you are looking to wear them for daily exercise, these shoes may disappoint you.
6. Dr. Scholl’s – Men’s Brisk Light Weight Dual Strap Sneaker
One of the top attractive and super lightweight walking shoes for seniors.
They boost the comfort of the user and make it easy to carry them along when traveling, all thanks to the Air Pillow gel insoles.
The thick and flexible outsole, combined with the supportive gel heel, work together to absorb shock while also providing superb stability.
Dr. Scholl’s – Men’s Brisk walking shoe is built with mesh and synthetics, which is why they are breathable and flexible.
The Double Velcro closure ensures adjustability and fit and would do a good job for seniors with swollen or aching feet.
These walking shoes are not only good-looking but also feature the latest innovative designs.
They are available in men’s regular width as well as wide width too. The Wide with option is a good choice for women suffering from arthritis.
Pros
- Attractive, Comfortable and super lightweight
- Very breathable and flexible for long walk
- absorb shock while also providing superb stability
- Double velcro closure ensures plenty of adjustability and fit
- These shoes are well-made and less expensive compared to others
Cons
- Velcro straps are too short
- As time passes, it gets bigger and sloppier
- Not the most durable
If you’re looking for a quality walking shoe that will boost comfort, make walking easier, then look no further than Dr. Scholl’s – Men’s Brisk walking shoe. They are breathable, flexible, and ensure plenty of adjustability and fit.
7. Nunn Bush Men’s Cam Velcro
The Nunn Bush Men’s Cam Velcro is built with high-quality leather materials that molds to the shape of your foot and gives you all the comfort you need.
The combination of the firm Comfort Gel heel insert and the EVA midsole ensures additional support, traction, and superb shock absorption.
The Velcro system gives a perfect and snug fit and makes it comfortable and easy to wear and remove.
The Rubber outsole is Lightweight, hard, durable, and also ensures easy movement. It also gives good traction and supports the feet as well.
The Nunn Bush Men’s walking shoe features a Padded tongue and collar, which works with the breathable mesh fabric to deliver quality comfort and to cushion.
Pros
- It is comfortable and easy to use
- The Velcro system makes it comfortable and easy to wear and remove
- Breathable and keeps air flowing through your feet
- Lightweight and Comfortable for extended walking and standing periods
- Most users like that it is reasonably priced
- Rubber outsole delivers good traction and supports the feet
Cons
- Not the most durable, especially if you are active.
- Not the most durable rubber sole
The Nunn Bush Men’s Cam Velcro is one of the Best Walking Shoes for Elderly. It is lightweight and Comfortable for extended walking and standing periods.
Considerations Before Buying Walking Shoes for Elderly
Protection
The older you get, the more sensitive your feet get, and sufficient protection becomes vital.
The protection feature is the combination of its sturdiness, flexibility, and superb insulation to keep your feet warm –especially for cold environments.
Freezing feet for the elderly is not a good feeling at all, and so the footbed must be good to provide quality cushioning for comfort and superb shock absorption.
Walking shoes with poor outer soles will expose your feet to injury from penetrating obstacles like broken glass, nails or small rocks with jagged edges.
The best choice for protecting the feet are often uppers made of leather.
Soft, well-padded shoes elderly people will provide a good, secure fit and prevent the abrasions and bruising caused by regular friction at the back and top of the feet.
They provide maximum protection to elderly people with swollen feet or diabetes.
Fit
Without a doubt, most people often overlook proper fitting when purchasing a pair of walking shoes for the elderly.
When you are ordering online or offline, you want to pay close attention to the sizing charts provided to get a perfect fit.
Also, keep in mind that your perfect fitting walking shoe may not fit as it should be next year or sooner, depending on how you use it. Your foot has the tendency to change as you age.
If you are unsure about the size of the feet, it is very important to visit the podiatrist or a foot specialist to confirm the feet size before buying the pair.
Traction
A high-quality tread should be profound enough to deliver efficiency in any condition or terrain.
Ideally, the grooves should neither be too narrow nor too broad, and the traction should get to the outsole’s edge.
If they are too deep, it will affect the shoes’ efficient flexibility, and if they are too thin, it won’t be efficient in slippery terrains such as mud.
The walking shoes featured in this list are known for the superior traction they deliver.
Support
Walking shoes with robust soles and thick threads provide good arch support.
If they also allow room for custom soft inserts, then it is a good choice for seniors with foot conditions.
These walking shoes for seniors should be comfortable as well as offer support around the foot and ankle.
Stability
Good stability is a major cause of falls among elderly people.
Ideally, A well stable shoe features a wide flat sole with a small heel and robust back support.
The back support snugly holds the feet in place by a strap to avoid sliding.
Backless shoes do not support the entire foot and hence are considered risky, and you should avoid them too, except you want to cause your ankle to twist.
Comfort
You don’t want to compromise comfort when purchasing shoes for the elderly because it’s one feature that will keep your feet safe from hurt.
The ripples from the impact of the feet on the ground can sometimes journey up the ankle, the legs, and then to your back, and s such, adequate shock absorption is required.
The best walking shoes for adults should be shock absorbing with enough padding, a breathable upper, superb arch support, heel stability, and a good outsole for quality traction on all surfaces and keep your gait smooth and even with every step.
Another essential comfort feature is weight and breathability. The most comfortable shoes for the seniors are lightweight and prevent the accumulation of sweat inside them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. I want to buy a pair of the Hush Puppies slip-on for my 71-year-old pops for his birthday. Will these prevent falls?
A. Unfortunately, shoes don’t prevent falls. However, the Hush Puppies are popular for their high-quality shoes, which feature anti-slip outer soles and work well on varieties of surfaces.
Q. What are the best elderly shoes for balance?
A. To date, no shoe is known to be best for balance or to prevent falls. Exercising 3 times a week at least will help improve your balance.
Q. I can’t make adjustments to my walking shoes cause the Velcro strap is too short! Why are the straps on most shoes short?
A. Only a handful of manufacturers can answer this question. Many shoes with the velcro strap system seem to be having the same issues.
Q. Aren’t velcro fastening shoes for kids who can’t tie their shoes? Why are there so many for the elderly?
A. No! There are a lot of benefits that come with these shoes for the elderly.
First, Velcro fasteners enable shoes to be much faster and easier to put on than other conventional types of shoes. All you have to do is just slip them on and then pull the fastener to your preferred tightness and you are good to go!
They also adjust to the feet to account for swelling – a condition popular among the elderly and known as edema- which can cause so much difficulty and comfort when wearing regular shoes.
Velcro walking shoes are well adjustable and keep comfort at the forefront of your walking experience.
Conclusion
Old age does come with wisdom and sometimes, unbearable Foot problems, and therefore choosing the superb walking shoes for seniors is one of the top ways to ease the pain and make life easier for them.
You want to take some factors into consideration, such as the comfort it provides, its weight, the efficiency of movement, shock absorption, support, and fastening.
The ideal shoes for the elderly are pretty much like the ones in this list; you can go ahead and choose any of them based on your preferences and needs.
Wearing the best shoes for the elderly while in the house instead of slippers and socks is recommended to avoid falls.
A healthy lifestyle should also be a priority; you need to take some time out and try to work out a bit.
If you are unsure about the size of the feet, it is very important to visit the podiatrist or a foot specialist to confirm the feet size before buying the pair.
There! You have it, the top 10 best walking shoes for elderly with all the information you need to get the perfect shoes.
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