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For people who walk frequently, choosing the right walking shoe is super important to prevent your feet from aching and developing or worsening painful foot conditions. But wearing the proper supportive footwear is especially essential for older adults, said Dr. Chanel J. Perkins, a board-certified podiatrist based in Texas.
If you or a loved one is in need of a new pair of walking shoes, consider the ones recommended below by Perkins and other podiatrists:
1. Men's Adidas Ultraboost 20 Sneakers
Perkins recommended this Adidas option, which is made from recycled plastics and has supportive interior padding and great grip on the sole. It comes in men's sizes 4–17 and in multiple colors, including black, orange, black/purple, gray/mint and white. It has a sock-like fit and a "boosting" feature, a super responsive midsole that makes it easier to take steps.
Promising review: "Extraordinarily comfortable shoe. I have flat feet, getting older with hip creaks here and there. My legs and joints feel great when wearing these shoes. Ultraboost is impressive stuff." —Amazon customer
Get them from Amazon for $49+ (available in sizes 4–14 and in a variety of colors).
2. Women's Dr. Comfort Victory Shoes
This Dr. Comfort shoe checked off multiple boxes on Perkins' list of things to look for when buying a shoe for older adults, including its spacious toe box, lightweight design, and Velcro strap.
"The most common complaint I hear from my senior patients is that a shoe is too heavy for them to wear comfortably. Any no-tie, slip-on or Velcro design that allows easy on and easy off is also great for seniors who have a hard time bending over," she said.
The adjustable strap closure allows you to get a more customized fit. The design also has a protective toe box that can help prevent pain from toe stubbing.
Promising review: "I have problems with width in shoes. This fits better than expected. Comfortable in toe box and I even have a skip in my step thanks to the heel shock absorbing the bounce. Easy to put on with the Velcro strap as the sole support to hold the shoe in place. Do not skip owning these shoes!" —snoopymaven
Get them from Amazon for $111.90 (available in sizes 4–12, two colors, and wide and extra-wide options).
3. Vionic Walker Classic Shoes
Stamped with the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance, this Vionic shoe is another recommendation from Perkins. It's breathable, has a podiatrist-designed footbed, cushioned outsole, and a rubber outsole built for steady traction. It comes in several color options and is available in women's sizes 5–12 and men's sizes 7–14.
Promising review: "I received Vionic sneakers for Christmas. I wear a wide width in shoes and was skeptical that the shoes would fit well. I wore them for one day and noticed a marked decrease in my hip pain. I am thrilled with these shoes." —jrg
Get them from Vionic for $109.95 (available in women's sizes 5–11 and nine colors; men's sizes 7–14 and in five colors).
4. Women's Orthofeet Francis Walking Shoes
This walking shoe has a cushioned footbed and orthotic insole designed to help those with various foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis. It also has a roomy toe box for added comfort and bunion and hammertoe relief.
"The slip-on design makes it perfect for seniors who have a hard time bending over to tie a shoe or for those with arthritis in the hands who find difficulty with tying laces," Perkins said.
It comes in women's sizes 5–12, with narrow, wide and extra-wide and extra-extra-wide options.
Promising review: "I bought these walking shoes for my sister's birthday. She just turned 69-years-old last week and she called me today to say that she thought these shoes were the best shoes she had ever put on. She has bad feet and sees a podiatrist on a regular schedule. She said she can wear them all day and not feel any foot pain." —Tony A.
Get them from Amazon for $132.50 (available in sizes 5–12 and five colors).
5. Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit Sneakers
Dr. Mireille Blanchette, a board-certified podiatrist based in New Jersey, recommended this lace-up Skechers sneaker because of its comfort and the fact that it's machine washable to help prevent bacteria buildup.
"Elders can sometimes develop foot fungus because they might not always be able to clean well between the toes and that can create a great environment for fungus," she said.
The shoe is designed with a pull tab on the back to make it easier to put on and take off, and is lined in breathable fabric to promote air circulation. It comes in multiple colors and in women's sizes 5–12 and men's sizes 7–15, both with wide options available.
Promising review: "Bought these shoes for my mom. She needed something with good support that was energizing and helped with footing and movement. These shoes did the job. Her footing, posture and movement have improved tremendously. I bought them for her because I own a pair and have excellent wear with them." —Mom
Get them from Zappos for $65 (available in women's sizes 5–11 and six colors) and $79.95 (available in men's sizes 7–15 and two colors).
6. Women's Orthofeet Joelle Shoes
Blanchette also recommended this Velcro strap Orthofeet shoe, which comes with an adjustable arch booster you can add to increase arch support and several layers of supreme cushioning for maximum comfort. The shoe is also made of a stretchy knit fabric that's made to conform to your foot shape for a more personalized fit.
Promising review: "This shoe was purchased with my 90-year-old mother in mind. She wanted something lightweight, but sturdy and supportive, easy to put on, equally so to take off. She just didn’t want a pair of typical clunky tennis shoes. These have met her every expectation!" —GlitzyGiGi
Get them from Amazon for $124.95 (available in sizes 5–12, two colors, and wide, extra-wide and extra-extra-wide options).
7. New Balance 990v5 Shoes
For a shoe that offers stability and supportive cushioning, look no further than this New Balance shoe recommended by Dr. Gary Evans, a podiatrist based in New York City. It has a breathable lining, durable rubber outsole and a footbed that provides proper cushioning and arch support.
Promising review: "This is my eighth pair of 990s! Wife and I are 'exercise walkers.' We are now older and are ex-triathletes. Aerobic paced walking of 3–7 miles per day is what we enjoy. My 990s are fantastic for preventing injuries and providing a comfortable walk." —No N
Get them from Zappos for $184.95 (available in women's sizes 5–13 and three colors; men's sizes 7–16 and three colors).
8. Skechers Glide Step Shoes
This lace-up shoe is made of breathable mesh and has a removable Skechers Arch Fit insole. It comes recommended by Evans and even has a podiatrist-designed shape to give you the most comfortable fit for all-day wear. The Skechers Glide-Step feature helps to give you a natural momentum as you take each step. It comes in multiple colors and in women's sizes 5.5–11 and men's sizes 7–10.5.
Promising review: "Absolutely the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. I have diabetic neuropathy, and finding a comfortable shoe has been a ongoing quest. Sketchers has always been the most comfortable, but these 'Glide Step' shoes are more comfortable than my bedroom slippers. What more can I say?" —Anonymous
Get them from Amazon for $45+ (available in men's sizes 7–9.5).
9. Saucony Omni Walker 3 shoes
This classic, minimalist walking shoe recommended by Evans has all the features your feet need to stay comfy throughout the day, including a lightweight insole, rubber soles for good grip, and a full-grain leather upper.
Promising review: "I love these shoes. The support for the foot and ankle is extraordinary. My legs don’t feel fatigued when I wear these shoes. My back and hips don’t hurt either. I have rheumatoid arthritis, a repaired tendon in my knee, and a small tear in an ankle (I know right...) but these shoes make me feel well supported when walking and comfortable. I highly recommend." — Aunie
Get them from Amazon for $78.68+ (in women's sizes 5–12 and two colors) or $68.30+ (in men's sizes 7–14 and two colors).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.