The best walking shoes for seniors, according to podiatrists

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Try as we might to treat them right, our feet get subjected to lots of abuse. Whether you've made impractical footwear choices for decades on end or have turned a blind eye to developing issues that are now flaring up, you might find yourself contending with a range of foot-related woes as a senior.

Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all cure, but a good walking shoe can work wonders for tending to your ailing tootsies. To help you find the perfect fit, Shop TODAY consulted a range of experts to break down all of the features of a helpful walking shoe and what to avoid. Plus, a few options to get your search started.

What to look for|What to avoid|Expert picks|How we chose|Meet the experts

What to look for in walking shoes for seniors

Before you go shopping for your next pair of walking shoes, these are the features experts say you'll want to look for:

• Extra depth:“A good pair of walking shoes should be extra deep in order to accommodate orthotics or insoles,” Dr. Brad Schaeffer, a foot and ankle surgeon at Central Park Sole, advises.
• Sturdy base: “Look for something that has a good stable base when walking so you do not slip,” Schaeffer adds.
• A wide toe box: “Look for shoes with a spacious toe box to accommodate wide feet, bunions and hammer toes,” advises board-certified podiatrist Dr. Priya Parthasarathy.
• Mesh material: “It’s better to have mesh that can stretch a little than to wear an all-leather shoe that might irritate bony prominences,” suggests Dr. Ashley Lee, a foot and ankle reconstructive surgeon in Illinois.
• Rocker bottom:“If you are dealing with arthritis in the toe joints or mid-foot, a slight rocker bottom type shoe can minimize pain,” Lee adds.
• The right amount of cushioning: “Look for cushioning to account for the loss in fat pad but not too cushioned, which could affect balance,” Parthasarathy notes. "Shoes with a lot of cushion are great for a lot of people but sometimes decrease responsiveness, which may affect balance in older people. It is important to try the shoes on as every shoe has a variable amount of cushion to make sure you feel comfortable and balanced."
• Arch support: “Ensure the shoe offers ample arch support and evenly distributes your weight,” says board-certified podiatrist Dr. Asim Sayed.
• Slip-resistant sole: “Shoes with a durable or slip-resistant sole prevent falls and injuries,” Parthasarathy says.
• Flexible top: “Seniors should look for shoes that are more accommodative at the top of the shoe. A less restrictive shoe will help take pressure off the toes,” says Dr. Kevin Douglas, a podiatrist at NYU Langone Medical Associates.
• Snug fit around the heel:“The shoe should have plenty of cushion and fit properly in the heel to prevent slippage, which can lead to instability and falls,” Lee notes.

What to avoid in walking shoes for seniors

Knowing what to avoid is equally as important as knowing what to look for while shopping for walking shoes. Here's what the experts say to steer clear of:

• Shoes that are too low to the ground:Both Sayed and board-certified podiatrist Dr. Bradley A. Levitt advise against seniors wearing flats with no support and shoes with little-to-no arch support. "Opting for such footwear offers only marginal benefits over walking barefoot,” adds Sayed.
• Open-backed shoes:"Open-backed shoes are also not as stable and supportive as a closed-back shoe. Due to the toes having to curl to keep the foot from coming out of the shoe, open-backed shoes can also make bunion and hammer toe pain worse," Lee explains.
• Shoes that are too soft or too hard:"Seniors should avoid any shoe that is very soft. The shoe needs to have a good mixture of accommodation and stability. Especially with older people, shoes that are too stable or hard can cause more discomfort with conditions like arthritis, which tends to be more common,” Douglas notes.
• Slip-on shoes:“Slip-on shoes without laces generally do not give the most support, so if you are able to tie your laces, choose a lace-up shoe,” Lee says.

Best walking shoes for seniors, according to experts

Supportive style: Asics Gel-Contend 8 Women’s Running Shoes

Gel-Contend 8 Women's Running Shoes

• Gel-Contend 8 Women's Running Shoes $70.00 at Kohl's
• Gel-Contend 8 Women's Running Shoes $54.95 at Zappos
• Gel-Contend 8 Women's Running Shoes $54.95 at Amazon

Sizes: 6-11 | Wide width available? Yes | Colorways: Four

Levitt is a fan of Asics shoes for seniors and it’s easy to see why. This supportive style has built-in rearfoot gel technology cushioning that absorbs impact, a mesh upper material and a padded footbed.

Editor approved: AllBirds Tree Runners

Men's Tree Runners

Men's Tree Runners $98.00 at Allbirds

Sizes: 8-14 | Wide width available? No | Colorways: 13

Shop TODAY writer Emma Stessman got these sneakers for her dad who works on his feet and plays golf multiple times a week. Not only does he give them his stamp of approval, he loves them so much he asked for another pair as a holiday gift last year! "I think he wore them just about every day of the year for everything from golf to dinners and work," she says.

Extra cushion: Kizik Lima

Lima

• Lima $109.00 at Amazon
• Lima $109.00 at Kizik

Sizes: 6-13 | Wide width available? Yes | Colorways:11

“These shoes are great for people who have difficulty bending over and still offer the support of a regular gym shoe,” Lee says. The hands-free style has extra cushioning, a breathable knit material, ankle padding, a roomy toe box and removable insoles that also happen to be washable.

Wick away moisture: Vionic Miles II Sneaker

Miles II Sneaker

• Miles II Sneaker $109.96 at DSW
• Miles II Sneaker $110.00 at Zappos
• Miles II Sneaker $110.00 at Vionic

Sizes: 5-13 | Wide width available? Yes | Colorways:Seven

Schaeffer calls out Vionic shoes as a supportive option for seniors. This pair offers moisture-wicking materials, a mesh design, sturdy outsoles, removable orthotics and a firm heel counter. The brand has also received the APMA Seal of Acceptance for several of their shoes, including this pair.

"Great for wider feet": Topo Athletic ST-5

ST-5

• ST-5 $114.95 at Zappos
• ST-5 $114.95 at Amazon
• ST-5 $115.00 at Topo Athletic

Sizes: 6-11 | Wide width available? No | Colorways:Two

“Topo gym shoes are shaped like a foot. These shoes are great for wider feet or for people who have bunions and/or hammer toes,” Lee says.

Great for the gym and everyday activities, these walking shoes offer plenty of desirable features including a mesh upper material, a spacious toe box, antimicrobial insoles and a “second skin” fit.

Worth the splurge: Orthofeet Kita Hands-Free

Kita Hands-Free

• Kita Hands-Free $125.00 at Amazon
• Kita Hands-Free $125.00 at Orthofeet

Sizes: 5-12 | Wide width available? Yes | Colorways:Seven

“This is a lace-up gym shoe that you can slip on without using your hands,” Lee says. This sturdy style has several enviable features including arch support, a wide toe box, a slip-resistant outsole, a rocker bottom and cushioned sole.

Easy to pull on: Hoka Kawana 2

Kawana 2

• Kawana 2 $139.95 at Zappos
• Kawana 2 $140.00 at Foot Locker
• Kawana 2 $140.00 at Hoka

Sizes: 5-11 | Wide width available? No | Colorways:Five

“I like to recommend Hokas for my older patients. Hokas provide many options with rigid soles and even wide bases to help with stability and arch support. They have many design features such as pull tabs for easy pull-on and removal,” Sayed says.

These responsive trainer shoes feature an airy mesh material, a durable outsole and plenty of support without added bulk.

Roomy interior: Brooks Addiction Walker Suede

Addiction Walker Suede

• Addiction Walker Suede $139.95 at Amazon
• Addiction Walker Suede $139.95 at Zappos
• Addiction Walker Suede $140.00 at Brooks

Sizes: 5-12 | Wide width available? Yes | Colorways:Two

“Brooks Running has great everyday walking shoe styles. These specific ones have ample cushioning while providing the maximum amount of support,” Sayed tells us. Not only are they offered in wide and extra-wide varieties, they're also slip-resistant and have responsive cushioning, according to the brand.

The pros know best: Hoka Arahi 7

Arahi 7

• Arahi 7 $144.95 at Zappos
• Arahi 7 $145.00 at Hoka

Sizes: 5-12 | Wide width available? Yes | Colorways:10

"Hoka shoes have a slight rocker bottom and cushioned sole, so they are good for people who have arthritis in the mid-foot or toes," Lee notes.

This style serves up support in spades without sacrificing comfort. It has a durable underfoot and a compression midsole, plus it's ideal for addressing overpronation.

Keep the balance: Hoka Clifton 9

Clifton 9

• Clifton 9 $144.95 at Zappos
• Clifton 9 $145.00 at Hoka

Sizes: 5-12 | Wide width available? Yes | Colorways: 10

“My patients love the Hoka Clifton. They’re cushioned, supportive, neutral shoes that account for the loss of fat pad many patients have. They are not over-cushioned to affect balance,” Parthasarathy shares.

Trust the patients: Kizik Wasatch

Wasatch

Wasatch $149.99 at Kizik

Sizes: 6-13 | Wide width available? Yes | Colorways:Four

“This is a walking shoe that patients will be able to get on hands-free, which is a bonus for seniors with arthritis in the hands or mobility issues,” Parthasarathy notes.

With a water-resistant design and a foam midsole, these durable shoes offer the best of both worlds. They also feature a removable, washable insole.

Stay stable: New Balance 928v3

928v3 Sneaker

• 928v3 Sneaker $154.99 at Amazon
• 928v3 Sneaker $154.99 at Nordstrom
• 928v3 Sneaker $154.99 at New Balance

Sizes: 5-13 | Wide width available? Yes | Colorways:Three

"New Balance 928v3 is a nice stability shoe with a roll bar so this shoe is good for all day use, especially for overpronators," Lee says.

This sleek sneaker has a stylish leather upper, a removable foam footbed and a midsole that expertly absorbs impact.

Copy your dad: New Balance Made in USA 990v6

Made in USA 990v6

• Made in USA 990v6 $199.99 at Amazon
• Made in USA 990v6 $199.99 at Zappos
• Made in USA 990v6 $199.99 at New Balance

Sizes: 7-16 | Wide width available? Yes | Colorways:Three

"My dad absolutely loves his New Balance 990s. They are stable for his flat feet. They come in many different widths, which accommodate his wide feet and are perfect for his daily walks," Parthasarathy says. It has a mesh upper, midsole cushioning and provides ample support.

Accessories for your walk

• Arm & Hammer Odor Busterz (Set of 3)

  • Arm & Hammer Odor Busterz (Set of 3) $5.98 at Amazon
  • Arm & Hammer Odor Busterz (Set of 3) $5.99 at Target

• Tribe Running Phone Holder Armband

  Tribe Running Phone Holder Armband $12.98 at Amazon

• Bombas Women's Ankle Socks

  Bombas Women's Ankle Socks $13.00 at Bombas

• Dr. Scholl's Walk Longer Insoles

  • Dr. Scholl's Walk Longer Insoles $14.97 at Amazon
  • Dr. Scholl's Walk Longer Insoles $14.97 at Walmart
  • Dr. Scholl's Walk Longer Insoles $20.49 at Target

• Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle with Straw

  • Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle with Straw $27.99 at Amazon
  • Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle with Straw $32.99 at Target
  • Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle with Straw $27.94 at Walmart

• Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

  Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag $38.00 at Lululemon

• Bala Bangles

  • Bala Bangles $55.00 at Athleta
  • Bala Bangles $65.00 at Target

Frequently asked questions

• Arthritis: “Due to activity and aging, our joints can develop arthritis over time. The midfoot and great [big] toe joints are the most susceptible. This can lead to the development of bone spurs or bony prominences that can make shoe fitting uncomfortable as well as cause limited and painful joint motion,” says Lee.
• Balance: “The biggest issue seniors tend to face is balance because they are often unsteady on their feet due to neuropathy, vertigo and muscle weakness,” says Schaeffer. "This tends to happen with a lot of people as they age and they require canes, walkers and other devices to help,"
• Worsening foot conditions: “For seniors who have had foot issues in the past — such as bunions, hammer toes or flat feet — these issues tend to get exacerbated with age,” says Douglas.
• Fat pad atrophy: “Aging leads to a reduction in the fat padding beneath our feet, increasing pressure on specific areas. Long-standing biomechanical issues that haven’t been addressed — such as equinus (walking on the front of your foot rather than your heels) or a forefoot varus (walking on the outside of your foot) —can further intensify the effects of fat pad atrophy,” says Sayed. "Any flaws that result in increased pressure on any particular part of your foot in the gait cycle could lead to issues down the road."
• Weak ligaments/collapsed arch: “Over time, the ligaments and tendons in our feet can become weaker. This can lead to a collapsed arch, over pronation (the foot turns inward) and cause tendonitis and pain in the tendon that supports our arch (aka posterior tibial tendon dysfunction),” Lee says.
• General foot pain: “The majority of patients I see 55 and older have issues with metatarsalgia [a condition where the ball of your foot becomes inflamed] while walking or generalized foot pain,” says Texas-based board-certified podiatrist Dr. Silas Espino.

As with all health challenges, some feet issues are preventable, while others are just inevitable as you get older. For instance, Espino says fat cushion loss is a normal part of aging.

"As we age, we tend to lose the protective padding our bodies have on the balls of our feet. There are ways to help reduce this with good shoe gear orthotics and padding," he notes.

You can also thank your ancestors for some foot issues that you experience as a senior.

“For the most part, deformity development is likely a genetic component. Arthritis is to some degree also genetic, but probably can be exemplified by certain activities," says Levitt.

Some of the foot problems you're experiencing right now can also be a result of ongoing foot conditions you've experienced over your lifetime. But you can ease their progression.

“Wearing practical supportive shoes or using arch supports or orthotics can help support the 33 joints in the foot, minimizing or slowing the process of bunions, hammer toes or arthritis. Wearing stability shoes or using a good arch support can also help prevent weakening and pain in the tendons that support our feet and ankles,” Lee adds.

How we chose

The walking shoes featured in this story came at the recommendation of experts we consulted and from the personal experience of seniors.

Meet the experts

• Dr. Ashley Lee, DPM, is a double board-certified podiatrist and surgeon at Northern Illinois Foot and Ankle Specialists.
• Dr. Brad Schaeffer, DPM,is a board-certified podiatrist and surgeon at Central Park Sole in New York City.
• Dr. Kevin Douglas, DPM, is board-certified podiatrist currently practicing at NYU Langone locations in Long Island, New York.
• Dr. Asim Sayed, DPM, AACFAS,is a board-certified podiatrist at Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital in El Dorado, Kansas.
• Dr. Silas Espino, DPM,is a board-certified podiatrist at Strash Foot & Ankle Care in San Antonio, Texas.
• Dr. Bradley Levitt, DPM,is a fellowship-trained podiatric surgeon based in Virginia.
• Dr. Priya Parthasarathy, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist based in Maryland. She has previously spoken to Shop TODAY about the best walking shoes for women, work flats and non-slip shoes.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com