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Walking Shoes for Women Over 50
- Altra Olympus 6 Trail Running Shoe, $150 (was $185)
- Archies Arch Support Flip-Flops, $40
- Vionic Walk Max Wanderer, $102 (was $150)
- Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Supportive Running and Walking Shoe, $155
- Asics Gel-Kayano 32 Running Shoes, $125 (was $165)
Aging is a privilege, though there are definitely some less appealing changes that come with the process. Your body doesn’t move as it used to, and you feel pain in areas you didn’t even know existed. We’re huge proponents of moving your body in a way that feels best to you, so long as you have the right gear for it—starting with your shoes. To help, we asked podiatrists which shoes best support folks over the age of 50.
“To support aging feet, which are more prone to swelling, reduced shock absorption and conditions like plantar fasciitis, I recommend footwear that prioritizes non-collapsible arch support, deep heel cupping and shock-absorbing outsoles,” says Christina Pratt, D.P.M., FACFAS, graduate placement director and assistant professor at Samuel Merritt University. Choose shoes with these supportive features, and ensure you’re not choosing shoes that are too narrow. Below are her best recommendations, along with insights from Zac Cartun, M.D., chief medical officer at Stride Soles.
Altra Olympus 6 Trail Running Shoe
$185 $150 at Amazon
“We recommend patients wear Altra shoes; specifically, the Olympus is a favorite model,” says Cartun. He loves these shoes because they check all of his boxes, including a small toe drop, wide foot splay and great grip on the bottom. These aspects help promote better posture, better floor grip and a natural and secure foot splay; the wider shape of the shoe is great for foot swelling, too, giving you extra breathing room when you need it.
Archies Arch Support Flip-Flops
$40 at Amazon
These are great walking sandals to grab while we’re still in the summer heat. “For everyday casual wear, Archies Footwear offers arch-supporting thong sandals,” Pratt says. Many other flip-flop styles tend to include very flat, flimsy bottoms—these are different. There’s noticeable arch support and added structure to keep your toes in place.
Vionic Walk Max Wanderer
$150 $102 at Amazon
“Vionic provides structured, adjustable options for both men and women, such as the Vionic Walk Max Wanderer. These feature thick rubber or EVA outsoles to prevent slippage and absorb impact,” Pratt says. These are also available in wide for patients who tend to experience swelling.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Supportive Running and Walking Shoe
$155 at Amazon
“For all-day walking or managing heel pain, supportive athletic shoes paired with quality orthotics like PowerStep Protech Full-Length Insoles offer the necessary rearfoot stability and cushioning,” Pratt says. The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 comes recommended by podiatrists for its built-in guardrail system and firm, structured sole that still provides comfort on long walks.
Asics Gel-Kayano 32 Running Shoes
$165 $125 at Amazon
If you prefer a more cushioned shoe, try the Asics Gel-Kayano 32 Running Shoes, particularly if you have plantar fasciitis, as Pratt says is common. When we previously spoke to podiatrists about shoes for plantar fasciitis, Mikel Daniels, D.P.M., suggested these shoes. His reasoning aligns with some of Pratt’s preferences for folks over 50: “It has a firmer midsole on the inside (medial) aspect of the shoe,” he said. “Plus, the ‘cup’ around the back of your heel is relatively stiff, which keeps the heel from wobbling side to side, which results in less strain on the fascia.”
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