Top 10 Best Walking Shoes For The Elderly for 2020

As time goes by, humans grow physically, which means our physical needs will change. This is why you will see people wear different items of clothing as they age. As we get older, we need to be extra careful about what we wear. One of the most important things we need to take care of would be our footwear. You might have heard of the saying, “everything starts from the ground up” well, it’s true. Picking the right footwear as we mature is crucial.

How to Choose the Best Walking shoes for elderly ?

Let’s discuss a buyer’s guide, which will help you to pick out the right shoes for your needs. We are going to talk about the basics you need to know if you are looking to purchase decent footwear for walking. This buyer’s guide is specifically for the people who want comfortable walking shoes. So if you are looking to buy shoes for walking purposes, then please refer to this buying guide.

Shoe weight

When picking out shoes for the elderly, make sure to pick lighter shoes, especially if they’re going to be using them for walking. Heavy shoes can be a bit problematic for seniors, as they will cause instability during their walks. Heavy shoes can tire you out since you will be carrying more weight on your feet. Please make sure always to pick light shoes if you want to be comfortable when going for walks.

Heel

When picking out walking shoes, don’t opt for the shoes that have higher heels. You want to keep the heels of the shoes at a maximum of 1.5 inches. Having heels in your shoes can cause instability, which is not suitable for the elderly, especially when they are walking. The goal here is to have a solid sole, which will enable the elderly to be stable during their walks. Make sure to pick a shoe that has a softer footing; this will allow the elderly to take the impact from walking in a much better fashion.

Sole

Make sure to pick a sole that has some cushioning, and a sole which has a good grip. The main goal here is to provide elderly’s with a shoe that will keep them stable and offer them shock-absorbing technology during their walks. Please look for soles that have anti-slip technology, as that would be ideal. If you can’t find shoes with an anti-slip technology, then that’s fine; make sure the shoes have a good grip. You don’t want to get shoes that have a completely flat sole with no grip, as it can cause you to slip and be unstable during your walks. The shoes we will talk about do come with a fantastic grip. But if you are looking at other shoes, always look for a tremendous gripping shoe.

Cushioned

You need to make sure that the shoes are well cushioned from the inside. This will create stability and comfort when they go for a walk. We recommend you try out the shoes before you make the purchase, as it will help you to pick out the right fit. Having a cushioned shoe from the inside will make your walks much better, especially when you start to get tired.

Comfortable to wear:

Make sure the shoes you pick are comfortable to wear and remove. Velcro strap shoes would be ideal, but laces are fine too. You can also get slip-on shoes, which are very popular amongst the elderly. The key here is to find a pair of shoes that are easy to wear and remove.

Top 10 Best Walking Shoes For The Elderly

1. Propet Women Shoes

These shoes are regarded as one of the most comfortable shoes for the elderly. Since these shoes are made from 100% leather, you can expect the shoes to last you a long time while providing you with a fantastic feel.

What’s great about these shoes is that it’s made from a rubber sole, which reduces the impact every time a stride is taken. Since these shoes don’t have laces and instead have velcro, they are effortless for the elderly to put on and remove without any hassle.

Many people love the styling of the shoes since they are incredibly casual looking; you can wear them for most occasions. A fantastic investment if you want reliable shoes that are comfortable and allows the elderly’s to enjoy their leisure or active walks.

One negative about these shoes which has been reported is that the sizing could be off. Even though this complaint is rare, we would still like to bring it up as it helps you to weigh out your options. Besides, the one reported negative; there are many more positives associated with these shoes. Not only are they made from high-quality material, but the styling of these shoes makes them very easy to wear on most occasions.

2. Saucony Men’s Shoes

These shoes are made specifically for walking and running, which makes them very shock absorbent and comfortable to wear during intense activities. The sole of these shoes is very absorbent, and it will take a lot of abuse and make you feel none of it. The shoe fit is fantastic, and it hugs your feet when you first wear these shoes. Overall, the shoes are very stable and snug and highly recommended by many elderly walkers.

The material used in the shoes is a hundred percent synthetic, and with many holes that allow you to have a breathable environment for your feet. We can understand that walking for a long distance can make your feet sweat and get hot. With these shoes, you should have no problem walking for long periods, while being comfortable.

Even though there are many benefits to these shoes, there is one negative associated. If you have wider feet, then you might not enjoy the shoes. We recommend you try out the shoes before you make the purchase, but if you have a normal size foot in terms of width, then you should be ok.

A fantastic shoe that provides you with superior technology while allowing you to be comfortable during your walks. Even though these shoes are for men, women can still wear them. You can convert men’s size to women’s size online and find which size will fit you.

3. Hush Puppies Men’s Gil

The hush puppies are one of the most versatile shoes you can own. Not only are they great for walking, but they also have fantastic styling, which allows you to wear them for formal occasions. Since these shoes are made from 100% leather, you will have a beautiful looking exterior if well maintained. Also, the shoes have a great comfortable lining on the inside. The inside of the shoes is just as crucial if you want them to make you feel comfortable and safe. The sole of this shoe is very absorbent but not as good as the top walking shoes.

These shoes also have velcro, which makes it easy for the elderly to put on and take off these shoes. These shoes are also very flexible, which allows the elderly’s to enjoy their walks without feeling constructed when wearing these shoes.

One negative about the shoes is that it does not provide you with ample ankle support, and there have been some complaints about this issue. Since the shoes are low cuts, they can be difficult to wear during intense exercises. Plus, the shoes don’t provide for the most snug fit. But overall, these shoes are the best bang for your buck if you need shoes that will work in both formal and informal settings.

4. Skechers Men’s Afterburn

Perhaps the best walking shoes you can get for the elderly. Not only are these shoes very stylish, but it has fantastic padding both inside and out, which provides for a comfortable fit. These shoes are made from 100% leather and textile, which means the quality of the shoes is exceptional and, if taken care of properly, will last you a long time.

These shoes also have velcro instead of laces, which allow the shoes to fit perfectly without it being too difficult for elderly individuals to use. The sole of these shoes is excellent, soft, and absorbent, which allows for a comfortable walk. The inside of the shoe is unique and provides for a snug fit without it being too tight. One thing that is appreciated about the shoes is that it provides you with fantastic traction. The sole of the shoe has an impressive grip, which will enable you to experience some of the most robust activities an elderly would ever take part in. If you own these shoes, then you can expect them to tackle any situation.

Even though there are many positives to the shoes, one contrary reported is that the sizing is not correct. Many people say that the shoe fits smaller, so we recommend you get a size larger if you’re thinking about getting the shoes. If possible, try these shoes on before you make the purchase. A fantastic pair of shoes that are loved by many.

5. Skechers Performance Women’s

If you are in the market for casual looking shoes that provide you with the ability to use them for short walks, then you have found them. The reason why these shoes are loved by many is that they are casual slip-on that can be used for walking. Since these shoes are made from 100% mesh, they are incredibly breathable, which means you don’t have to worry about getting your feet sweaty or to feel uncomfortable during walks. The sole of these shoes is very soft and provides for fantastic absorption.

Since these shoes are so comfortable, many users wear them for daily tasks. These shoes are very versatile and can be used by the elderly to complete most tasks. Even though the shoes have many positives, one of the negatives is that it does not provide you with enough support. The ankle support on the shoes is not the best, which is why we don’t recommend you use these shoes for intense exercising. You can use these shoes for light walks, but, ideally, you should pick a more fitness-focused shoe if you want to take part in more intense exercises. In most cases, the elderly will go for short walks, which these shoes should be adequate for. Overall we recommend these shoes to older women who are looking for tremendous slip-on walking shoes.

6. Grasshoppers Women’s Strech Plus Hook-And-Loop Sneaker

Grasshoppers Women’s Strech Plus Hook-And-Loop Sneakers are easy to slip on and slip off with their easy to tighten double hook-and-loop velcro strap. No laces mean it is harder for someone to trip, so that makes these shoes great for an elderly person. Elderly people tend to fall more, so having velcro straps instead of laces can prevent future falls.

These shoes also have rubber soles, so walking will put less stress on their feet, making physical activities more comfortable.

What makes these shoes better for an elderly person is that they are great for walking. They are made with thick padding inside the shoe. This will help prevent knee, ankle and back pains.

With padding in the tongue, this will prevent hard materials from rubbing on ankles. If someone is diabetic, they can bruise easier, so the padded tongue can prevent this. These shoes make walking easier since they are lightweight, flexible and supportive.

The Grasshoppers Stretch Plus Sneaker is very stylish. They are made with suede and mesh so they have a modern look.

7. Aravon Women’s Clarrisa Fisherman Sandal

These are great shoes for the elderly crowd who would like a more formal look. It has a 1.5-inch wedge, so you can get the look of a high heel, but you will get the support from the wedge. Skinnier heels on shoes make it harder to balance. The wedge will help to support ankles and help to prevent falls. They are made with 100% leather so they will still have a stylish look.

These may be a sandal, but they are closed-toe. It’ll have the look of a sandal, but it’ll protect toes from the outer elements. There is an adjustable hook-n-loop strap around the ankle to help the shoe fit snug. The strap will also prevent their feet from sliding out. The lining of the shoes is very breathable, so there is less of a chance of getting a blister from the friction rub caused by obsessive sweating inside the shoe.

Wearing heels can damage feet overtime. The inside of the shoe is layered with memory foam arch support to help reduce strain on major parts of feet. The arch support will also help with keeping a good posture. The soles of the shoes are made from a synthetic material that’ll help give comfort when walking. The inside of the shoe is seamless so it will be great for sensitive feet and diabetics who can’t risk getting cut.

8. Dr. Scholl’s- Men’s Brisk Light Weight Dual Strap Sneaker, Wide Width

Dr. Scholl’s shoes come with gel inserts that are great for any elderly person who likes to be active throughout the day. The dual velcro straps make it easy for them to get the shoes on and off. They are made with mesh and faux leather. The mesh will make it very comfortable on their feet.

What makes these great for elderly people, is that they are lightweight, so it makes walking easier. It’ll put less stress on their bones too.

Some people have wider feet and it’s harder to find a shoe that fits right. These shoes fit well on people with wide feet, and they also get all the comfort and support with it. Sometimes elderly people get swollen feet, these shoes will still have a comfortable fit.

9. New Balance Men’s MW577 Hook and Loop Walking Shoes

These shoes rank number 7 in ‘men’s walking shoes’ and this is why. They have shock-resistant material in the sole of the shoe. This will help to reduce pains in their knees and feet. Unfortanly elder people have knees and feet that are worn down, this can help them feel more comfortable while being active. Polyurethane is in the midsole of the shoe to add more comfort.

The tongue and collar of the shoe are foam-padded so it’ll give them great comfort and keep harder materials from rubbing on their ankles. This is great for anyone who is diabetic and may bruise easily. They are also made from breathable leather, so this will be great for any elderly person who likes to go out and be active throughout the day. New Balance is great for people who do more vigorous physical activities, so they are great for a more active elderly person.

Dual velcro straps will help any elderly person put their shoes on and take them off with ease. No laces mean there’s less of a chance of falling.

10. Orthofeet Best Bunions and Heel Support, Orthopedic Arthritis Diabetic Women’s Stretch Shoes Joelle

These orthopedic shoes are Medicare Certified so they will be perfect for any elderly person that is diabetic, has arthritis in the feet, or bunions. This also means Medicare patients can have these shoes paid for. The front of the shoe has a wider toe, so it will help support bunions and hammertoes. Other shoes don’t have this added comfort.

They will help to ease the pain off their feet, ankles, hips, and knees. They are very lightweight, so they are great for walking and other activities.

Orthofeet says that “millions believe our shoes are the most comfortable orthopedic shoe”. Hearing that millions are happy with this orthopedic shoe shows that they are great for an elderly person who has medical issues. To help support these medical issues, Orthofeet has removable inserts that will help to support many conditions.

These shoes are lightweight and have anatomical arch support that will help in preventing pain in the hips and back. Being very comfortable and pain-free, they will be great for any active elderly person. Multiple cushioning layers will help bring more comfort to their feet.

FAQ

Q1: How to tell if you need a new pair of walking shoes

A1: If you notice that the sole is wearing out, or the shoes don’t fit as snug as they used to, its time for an upgrade. A good rule of thumb is to get a new pair every two years.

Q2: Can the elderly wear these shoes when they are not going for a walk?

A2: Yes, these shoes are very comfortable and stylish, which means you can wear them anywhere. As long as you are pleased with the way they look in your regular clothes outside of your walking attire, you can wear them however you want.

Q3: Do I need multiple pairs of walking shoes?

A3: No, if you wear your new walking shoes only for walking, then you can expect them to last you two years without wearing out. If you are someone who likes to have options, then you can get more shoes, but it’s up to you.

Q4: Can these walking shoes help joint pain and arthritis?

A4: These shoes will help you to reduce the pain in your joint, because of the cushioning and impact absorption. But you can’t expect these shoes to eliminate your arthritis or joint pain. These shoes will help you to have minimal pain during walks.