Selecting the best strolling sneakers is at all times essential, however the resolution is particularly essential for seniors who want further help, consolation, and lodging for particular foot situations. As we age, we are inclined to expertise extra foot points, like bunions, hammertoes, arthritis, and plantar fasciitis, says podiatrist Damian Roussel, DPM. These situations can impede every day bodily exercise, which is important to prolonging our wholesome years.
To search out the most effective strolling sneakers for seniors, we spoke with specialists—together with two podiatrists and an orthopedic surgeon—for enter on what key options to search for. Then, we examined over 60 expert-approved strolling sneakers from 14 trusted manufacturers within the Verywell Testing Lab and at house throughout our every day routines and common walks. The sneakers that made our closing checklist of suggestions excelled in cushioning, consolation, match, help, blister safety, and total worth. We additionally had a member of our Assessment Board, who’s a bodily therapist and RRCA-certified run coach, evaluate this text for accuracy.
Key Specs
Weight: 10.7 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Supplies: Mesh higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Average | Care and Washability: Hand-wash, air-dry | Our General Ranking: 5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for health walkers or these with plantar fasciitis who desire a comfy, cushioned shoe for lengthy walks or all-day put on.
Why We Love Them
Brooks’ Ariel GTS 23 Sneakers earned our prime spot for older adults due to their stability, cushioning, and help—significantly for seniors with foot situations like plantar fasciitis and Achilles accidents. Throughout testing, these sneakers offered distinctive consolation throughout high-impact actions, due to the sturdy shock absorption and safe match. We additionally appreciated the shoe’s skill to alleviate knee ache and assist us preserve stability.
The sneakers offered constant help, permitting us to put on them comfortably all day, throughout lengthy durations of standing and strolling. Our toes felt aligned and secure when strolling on numerous surfaces, together with grass, concrete, and an indoor observe, in addition to when going up or down hills. We have been additionally impressed with the shoe’s responsive really feel, which helped us preserve a pure strolling stride and stored us mild on our toes.
Additionally out there in males’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and Fleet Ft.
Potential Flaws
- Once we first tried on this pair, they felt a bit tight, however we have been capable of alter the laces for a cushty match.
Most Helpful Perception
“These offered me sufficient cushioning to help me for high-impact actions like stairs and strolling for lengthy durations of time. I really feel like my posture is healthier whereas sporting these due to the help and alignment they supply.” —Christine Kennedy, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester walks for train on an indoor observe and sidewalks not less than 4 occasions every week. She has a historical past of plantar fasciitis and an Achilles harm, so she wants a supportive strolling shoe.
Key Specs
Weight: 8.3 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Supplies: Mesh higher, foam and gel midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Average | Care and Washability: Hand-wash, air-dry | Our General Ranking: 5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for lively individuals who want a cushty and supportive shoe for health strolling and different actions, like pickleball.
Why We Love Them
Once we examined Asics’ Gel-Contend 9 Sneakers, we discovered them to be remarkably comfy and high-performing, particularly contemplating their budget-friendly value. As quickly as we tried this pair on, we observed that they conformed to the form of our toes and felt extraordinarily supportive. Plus, the grippy rubber outsole stored us regular and secure throughout check walks and when enjoying pickleball.
The froth midsole and gel cushioning within the rear foot mixed to offer smooth, versatile landings and glorious shock absorption. Our toes, joints, and decrease again felt well-supported and stayed pain-free throughout actions and when standing for lengthy durations. We additionally just like the shoe’s low-profile, smooth model, which—mixed with its stellar help and luxury—make it a pleasant selection for all-day informal put on.
Additionally out there in males’s sizes at Zappos and Asics.
Potential Flaws
- We discovered the white sneakers troublesome to maintain clear, so we want that this pair was machine-washable.
Most Helpful Perception
“The cushion in these sneakers is the most effective I’ve skilled. It helps with absorbing shock when strolling, however extra importantly for me, it aids whereas simply standing.” —Connie Pudenz, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester has fallen arches, so she wants a supportive, comfy shoe for strolling and enjoying pickleball. She discovered that sporting these sneakers helped forestall the decrease again ache that she generally experiences when standing or strolling on exhausting surfaces for lengthy durations.
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Snug match
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Very sturdy and secure
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APMA authorised
Key Specs
Weight: 8.7 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Supplies: Knit higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Delicate and responsive | Care and Washability: Hand-wash, air-dry | Our General Ranking: 5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for walkers who need an ultra-cushioned, secure, and supportive shoe that delivers nice shock absorption and dependable traction.
Why We Love Them
In the event you desire a well-cushioned sneaker, we suggest Hoka’s Clifton 9 Sneakers. Throughout testing, we discovered they provided nice cushioning and help, permitting us to stroll longer distances with out knee or hip ache. We discovered the shoe’s match to be extraordinarily supportive and cozy, making this pair a superb selection for prolonged put on.
Regardless of its ample cushioning, the shoe’s mesh higher nonetheless provides nice breathability and blister prevention. In the meantime, the sturdy rubber outsole offered grippy traction, serving to us really feel balanced and sure-footed when strolling. Plus, this pair has earned the American Podiatric Medical Affiliation’s (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, that means a panel of podiatrists has decided that they assist promote wholesome toes.
Additionally out there in girls’s sizes at Hoka, Zappos, and Dick’s Sporting Items.
Potential Flaws
- Once we first tried on this pair, the arch appeared a bit of excessive at first, however we discovered it grew to become very comfy over time.
Most Helpful Perception
“The sneakers carry out nicely it doesn’t matter what I’m doing. I discover that I’m extra comfy strolling longer distances.” —Mark Pudenz, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester normally wears sneakers for out of doors walks on concrete sidewalks. He discovered that the Clifton 9 sneakers had far more cushioning than sneakers he’d beforehand worn, permitting him to stroll pain-free for longer distances.
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Good for prolonged put on
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Very supportive match
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Engaging model
Key Specs
Weight: 10.9 ounces | Closure: Lace-up or hook and loop | Supplies: Leather-based higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Average | Care and Washability: Hand-wash, air-dry | Our General Ranking: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for older adults with stability points or unstable toes, ankles, and knees who desire a stability shoe that gained’t weigh them down.
Why We Love Them
Geared up with built-in applied sciences to ship movement management and stability, New Stability’s 928v3 Sneakers are your best option for seniors who want some further help. Throughout check walks, we observed that they helped stabilize our gait, whereas additionally enhancing our stability and coordination. Our toes and ankles felt well-supported and regular, even when strolling up inclines and on various terrain.
The shoe’s engaging leather-based higher and sporty model make this pair ideally suited for both health strolling or informal put on. Plus, they carried out nicely on each indoor and out of doors surfaces, so that they’re a nice choice for journey or all-day put on. We additionally love that they arrive in 5 completely different widths, permitting you to get a extra custom-made match.
Additionally out there in males’s sizes at Amazon, New Stability, and Zappos.
Potential Flaws
- Though we love this pair’s help, we discovered the cushioning to be a bit missing, so that they wouldn’t be your best option for high-impact actions.
- Throughout testing, the sneakers’ stiff help made them a bit of troublesome to placed on and take off. Nevertheless, they felt extra comfy and simpler to get on with continued put on.
Most Helpful Perception
“The sneakers really feel extremely secure and make me really feel assured in my steps. I’d undoubtedly suggest these sneakers to others if they’re searching for a beautiful, secure strolling sneaker.” —Jennifer Bullard Broggini, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester is a really lively senior who enjoys strolling, energy coaching, and Pilates. She has earlier foot and knee accidents, however she discovered that these sneakers stored her pain-free whereas strolling and standing for lengthy durations.
Key Specs
Weight: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Supplies: Recycled textile higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Average | Care and Washability: Hand-wash, air-dry (shoe); machine-wash, air-dry (insole) | Our General Ranking: 5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for older adults who’ve issue tying laces or bending down, in addition to these searching for a comfortable, supportive slip-on shoe for journey or on a regular basis put on.
Why We Love Them
In case you have issue tying laces or bending all the way down to get your sneakers on or off, Kizik’s Lima Sneakers can assist. They characteristic a bendable heel design that we discovered means that you can simply and effortlessly slip them on and off. Past the hands-free comfort, we have been additionally impressed with the pair’s distinctive consolation and efficiency whereas we have been strolling, dancing, or standing for lengthy durations.
Throughout testing, our toes felt secure and safe on uneven surfaces and various terrain, together with concrete sidewalks, pavement, and sand. Though the sneakers are light-weight and versatile, the cushioning felt very responsive. Plus, the shoe’s glorious shock absorption prevented ache in our joints, together with a beforehand injured knee.
Additionally out there in males’s sizes at Amazon, Kizik, and Nordstrom.
Potential Flaws
- The white coloration will get soiled very simply, so we want these sneakers have been machine-washable.
Most Helpful Perception
“They’re very straightforward to stroll in and really comfy. I may stroll longer distances comfortably with out having to cease usually for a break. On the finish of the day my toes weren’t hurting, in contrast to the opposite sneakers I’ve worn.” —Dorothea Simpson, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester has flat toes and a historical past of knee ache, so she wants a comfortable, supportive shoe for strolling on numerous terrain, together with concrete sidewalks and sandy seashores. She discovered these sneakers tailored nicely to completely different surfaces and allowed her to stroll longer distances with out ache.
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Good affect safety
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Glorious arch help
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Very breathable
Key Specs
Weight: 8.6 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Supplies: Engineered mesh higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Most | Care and Washability: Machine-wash, air-dry | Our General Ranking: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for older adults who stroll or stand for hours at a time and wish a sturdy, comfy shoe.
Why We Love Them
In the event you spend hours at a time in your toes, you want a strolling shoe with further help and cushioning—like New Stability’s Recent Foam X Extra v5. When testing this shoe, we have been impressed with its stable arch help and comfy cushioning. The plush midsole provided nice shock absorption, holding our toes and again pain-free whereas standing for hours at work.
Throughout check walks, our arches and ankles felt very secure and well-supported. Plus, the light-weight, breathable mesh higher stored our toes cool and dry throughout walks in sizzling climate. We additionally like that this shoe is available in three completely different widths. so we have been capable of get a dimension that accommodated a large foot.
Additionally out there in males’s sizes at Amazon, New Stability, and Dick’s Sporting Items.
Potential Flaws
- Throughout testing, the slight flare on the entrance of the shoe precipitated the 2 sneakers to generally catch one another throughout fast actions. Nonetheless, we discovered this pair to be tremendous supportive and cozy for strolling.
Most Helpful Perception
“The shock absorption of this shoe is superb. I may stand all day the primary day sporting them at work doing surgical procedure.” —Donna Harris-Kober, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester works whereas standing for lengthy durations and wishes a supportive, well-cushioned shoe to keep away from aggravating her again ache and former foot harm. She discovered that this pair’s arch help and shock absorption stored her comfy at work, in addition to whereas strolling, mountain climbing, and enjoying pickleball.
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Light-weight however sturdy
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Straightforward to slide on and off
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Machine-washable
Key Specs
Weight: Not listed | Closure: Slip-on | Supplies: Knit higher, reminiscence foam midsole, ethylene vinyl acetate outsole | Cushioning: Light-weight and responsive | Care and Washability: Machine-wash, air-dry | Our General Ranking: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for a walker with sweaty toes, or for somebody who lives in hotter climates or prefers a light-weight, breathable sneaker.
Why We Love Them
With its slip-on design, Skechers’ GO WALK 7 Springtime Shoe is a sensible, comfy choice for seniors who’ve bother with high-quality motor abilities (like tying sneakers) or bending down. Throughout testing, we have been impressed with the shoe’s light-weight, breathable higher that stored our toes cool, dry, and cozy on walks in the summertime warmth. And regardless of the low-profile design, we observed that the sneakers are tremendous sturdy, exhibiting no indicators of damage and tear after many miles.
The shoe’s cushioning felt very comfy throughout lengthy walks on various terrain. Even after being on our toes all day on this pair, we didn’t discover any ache or fatigue. We have been additionally pleasantly shocked they offered dependable ankle help, even once we have been making turns and fast actions.
Additionally out there in males’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and Skechers.
Potential Flaws
- Throughout testing, we observed that the cushioning below the balls of our toes was a bit missing. Our toes weren’t uncomfortable, however some further cushioning might need enhanced the general consolation.
Most Helpful Perception
“These sneakers are comfy for lengthy days of standing and strolling. The mesh on the surface permits my toes to do all kinds of motion whereas remaining comfy. The cooling cushioning prevents my toes from getting overheated and swelling.” —Cathy Bixby, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester is on her toes many of the day for childcare duties and likewise walks on the treadmill or exterior on sidewalks and trails. Her toes get sizzling simply, so she appreciated this pair’s light-weight really feel and breathability.
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Ample cushioning
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Sturdy and secure
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APMA authorised
Key Specs
Weight: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Supplies: Leather-based and mesh higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Average | Care and Washability: Hand-wash, air-dry | Our General Ranking: 4.4/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for older adults who desire a informal strolling shoe that gives stable arch help and good stability.
Why We Love Them
Vionic’s Stroll Max Sierra Sneaker is one other good selection for seniors, particularly those that desire a sturdy shoe with glorious arch help. Throughout testing, the shoe’s full-length EVA foam midsole provided good help, whereas the grippy rubber outsole offered a secure base. With a mesh and leather-based higher, this pair additionally delivers the proper mixture of soppy consolation and elegance.
The shoe’s match felt good, with no rubbing or toe cramping. Plus, the extensive width choices make them ideally suited for older adults with earlier points with blisters or bunions. We additionally like that this APMA-approved pair is handled with a water-repellent coating for cover in moist climate.
Potential Flaws
- Though we appreciated the shoe’s arch help, we discovered that our heel was slipping out of the shoe, so we might suggest a narrow-width choice if in case you have slim heels.
- Throughout testing, we discovered that the rubber tongue was a bit uncomfortable, because it was digging into our foot.
Most Helpful Perception
“These sneakers felt secure as I used to be strolling round, sweeping, and vacuuming. My toes felt supported, with no instability or wobbling.” —Peggy Schmitz, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester is an avid health walker and generally wears customized orthotics for a heel problem. She didn’t use her orthotics on this pair and located that they’d ample arch help.
Strolling Sneakers for Seniors We Additionally Examined
We examined dozens of strolling sneakers however solely included eight in our closing checklist of suggestions. These three sneakers had some noteworthy options however didn’t stack as much as the competitors.
- We appreciated that Dr. Consolation’s Grace Strolling Sneakers have two completely different insoles for extra custom-made cushioning and help. Nevertheless, throughout check walks, the sneakers rubbed in opposition to our huge toes and our heels have been slipping out, so this pair wouldn’t meet the wants of older adults who want easy-to-wear, comfy sneakers for strolling and every day actions.
- Whereas they provided good stability, SAS’s Tour Mesh Lace Up Sneakers didn’t present the cushioning and arch help wanted for seniors with arthritis, as we discovered that the soles grew to become painful after about 40 minutes of damage. Regardless of the benefit of lacing, their lack of shock absorption restricted their total effectiveness for seniors.
- Though OrthoFit’s Walkers Sneakers characteristic a non-slip rubber sole with glorious traction, they didn’t have enough cushioning or help for extended strolling or high-impact actions. It is a main downside for seniors, significantly these with situations like plantar fasciitis, who need sturdy cushioning and help to keep away from joint ache and instability.
What We’ve Up to date
- Since we final printed this roundup, we’ve examined new shoe fashions and up to date our suggestions primarily based on our new findings.
- In complete, we examined 12 new pairs, eight of which we’ve added to our checklist.
- Based mostly on our most up-to-date testing, we reworked our superlatives to replicate essentially the most up-to-date insights.
What to Search for When Looking for Strolling Sneakers for Seniors
- Cushioning: Seniors could profit from extra-cushioned help, as we are inclined to lose the pure fats padding below the foot as we age, Roussel says. Search for sneakers with a cushioned insole and a smooth, shock-absorbing, contoured midsole that can present consolation and scale back affect. And in case you put on customized orthotic inserts or insoles, select a pair of sneakers with further room.
- Stability: The fitting pair of sneakers can assist enhance stability for older adults who battle with mobility or stability points. Search for sneakers with a secure, agency heel and a fair, supportive outsole. If the shoe’s sole bends simply and is just too versatile on the underside, it might result in extra points and even harm, says podiatrist Tyler Miranda, DPM.
- Traction: Older adults additionally want sneakers with sturdy and slip-resistant soles to assist forestall slips and falls. Search for a pair with rubber soles which have a multidirectional tread sample with good grip and traction.
- Supplies: It’s essential to search for sneakers produced from sturdy supplies, particularly for the outsole. Rubber outsoles present glorious traction and help, whereas mesh and leather-based are nice choices for the higher since they’ll really feel smooth and mild in opposition to the toes. Search for sneakers with breathable and moisture-wicking supplies, which can assist forestall uncomfortable sweating, Roussel says.
How We Examined the Strolling Sneakers for Seniors
To develop our checklist of the most effective strolling sneakers for seniors, we spent over six weeks testing greater than 60 pairs of sneakers from 14 high-quality, trusted manufacturers. We accomplished not less than three walks of various distances and issue and likewise wore the sneakers for on a regular basis actions. All through testing, we evaluated every shoe for the next standards:
- Match: After unboxing, we tried on every shoe to investigate the preliminary match: Was there a thumb’s width of house between our longest toe and the tip of the shoe? Did the sneakers really feel comfortable round our heels and midfoot? Was there room to wiggle our toes? Then, we walked across the room to find out whether or not or not our toes slid round within the shoe. We additionally famous if it felt true to dimension, slim, or extensive.
- Cushioning: Throughout our check walks, we assessed every shoe’s stage of cushioning. We recorded whether or not the cushioning felt smooth or agency if it absorbed affect when our toes hit the bottom, and if the extent of cushioning felt even all through the shoe or extra concentrated in a single space (the heel, for instance). We additionally observed how our toes felt after every stroll: Any ache? Discomfort? Fatigue?
- Responsiveness: Subsequent up, we evaluated every shoe’s responsiveness, or how bouncy and springy it’s. We famous how efficient the shoe propelled us to the subsequent stride and whether or not or not it bounced again to assist with speedy transitions. Strolling sneakers carried out nicely on this class in the event that they left our legs feeling contemporary after check walks.
- Consolation: Consolation is among the most essential issues when choosing strolling sneakers for seniors. Throughout check walks, we assessed how comfy every shoe felt by paying particular consideration to the higher: Was the fabric smooth, versatile, and breathable? Was there sufficient room to simply wiggle and splay our toes? We additionally prioritized choices that provided consolation all through the entire shoe and left our toes contemporary and blister-free after lengthy walks.
- Blister safety: For this crucial class, we thought-about match and breathability—two key components of blister safety. Sneakers that match appropriately didn’t trigger overheating or extra sweating and stored our toes blister-free carried out nicely on this class.
- Worth: To find out a price rating, we regarded on the value of every shoe after testing was full. We decided that strolling sneakers for seniors that scored excessive on this class have been pretty priced, given the standard of the shoe. And we might take into account paying much more for among the sneakers that earned an ideal rating for worth.
Our Specialists
To find out the most effective strolling sneakers for seniors, we interviewed three specialists and requested for his or her recommendation on which key options older adults most profit from in a strolling shoe. In some circumstances, our specialists additionally really useful particular manufacturers of sneakers that work nicely for older adults and suggested us on which manufacturers and kinds of sneakers seniors ought to avoid. Learn on for extra details about our specialists:
- Damian Roussel, DPM, a podiatrist at The Facilities for Superior Orthopedics
- Tyler Miranda, DPM, a podiatrist at Superior Podiatry of Manhasset
- Pamela Mehta MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and founding father of Resilience Orthopedics
Incessantly Requested Questions
What’s the distinction between a coaching shoe and a strolling shoe?
Strolling sneakers are designed with the particular physique mechanics of strolling in thoughts, so that they sometimes supply extra cushioning and help across the ball and heel of the foot to assist wearers preserve correct foot alignment. Then again, coaching sneakers are additionally normally extra versatile and responsive to permit for fast actions. The kind of train gear for seniors you utilize can decide your selection of footwear.
How a lot do strolling sneakers for seniors price?
Often, pair of strolling sneakers for older adults prices between $60 and $250. Cheaper pairs is probably not as sturdy or supply sufficient help, particularly for walkers who’re on their toes all day lengthy. Costlier pairs could also be extra fashionable and supply specialised help or cushioning that targets particular areas of the toes, just like the heel.
Why ought to seniors purchase senior-specific strolling sneakers?
Seniors have quite a lot of particular shoe gear wants, because of the impact of getting older on their toes and total well being, Miranda says. Sporting strolling sneakers with a sturdy, secure base and cushioned help can assist seniors enhance their stability and keep away from falls.
What are the well being advantages of normal strolling for seniors?
Strolling is a superb manner for older adults to remain lively and get their really useful every day quantity of bodily exercise to scale back well being dangers. Common brisk strolling can assist enhance coronary heart well being for older folks and may profit folks with hypertension, arthritis, and diabetes.
How lengthy do strolling sneakers final earlier than they should be changed?
Typically, strolling sneakers will final about 350 to 500 miles earlier than the cushioning and help put on out, relying on how usually you put on them, your weight, the sneakers’ sturdiness, and the surfaces you’re strolling on. Experiencing foot ache could also be an indication that the sneakers want changing as they’re not offering the suitable help any longer, Mehta says.
Why Belief Verywell Match
A licensed private coach, operating coach, fitness center buff, and Verywell Match author, Christine Luff spends numerous hours researching and testing the newest train gear and devices. She solely recommends merchandise that she will genuinely stand behind and that she believes could be funding for her readers. Christine has examined dozens of strolling sneakers herself; considered one of her favorites is Hoka’s Clifton 9.