The 8 Finest Strolling Sneakers for Seniors of 2024, Examined


Choosing the proper strolling sneakers is at all times essential, however the determination is very 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 each day bodily exercise, which is important to prolonging their 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 each day routines and common walks. The sneakers that made our last listing of suggestions excelled in cushioning, consolation, match, help, blister safety, and total worth.

Brooks Ariel GTS 23
PHOTO: Brooks

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 Total Ranking: 5/5

Who They’re For 

Finest 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 high 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, because of the sturdy shock absorption and safe match. We additionally appreciated the shoe’s means to alleviate knee ache and assist us keep stability.

The sneakers offered constant help, permitting us to put on them comfortably all day, throughout lengthy intervals of standing and strolling. Our ft felt aligned and secure when strolling on varied 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 keep a pure strolling stride and saved us mild on our ft.

Additionally obtainable in males’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and Fleet Toes.

Potential Flaws 

  • After we first tried on this pair, they felt a bit tight, however we have been in a position to alter the laces for a snug match.

Most Worthwhile Perception

“These offered me sufficient cushioning to help me for high-impact actions like stairs and strolling lengthy intervals of time. I really feel like my posture is best whereas carrying 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 at the very least 4 instances every week. She has a historical past of plantar fasciitis and an Achilles damage, so she wants a supportive strolling shoe.

Asics Women's Gel-Contend 9 Walking Shoes
PHOTO: Asics

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 Total Ranking: 5/5

Who They’re For 

Finest for lively individuals who want a snug and supportive shoe for health strolling and different actions, like pickleball.

Why We Love Them

After 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 ft and felt extraordinarily supportive. Plus, the grippy rubber outsole saved us regular and secure throughout check walks and when taking part in pickleball. 

The shoe’s foam midsole and gel cushioning within the rear foot mixed to offer gentle, versatile landings and wonderful shock absorption. Our ft, joints, and decrease again felt well-supported and stayed pain-free throughout actions and when standing for lengthy intervals. We additionally just like the shoe’s low-profile, smooth fashion, which—mixed with its stellar help and luxury—make it a pleasant alternative for all-day informal put on.

Additionally obtainable 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 Worthwhile 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 taking part in pickleball. She discovered that carrying these sneakers helped forestall the decrease again ache that she typically experiences when standing or strolling on laborious surfaces for lengthy intervals.

Zappos Hoka Men's Clifton 9 Running Shoe
PHOTO: Zappos
Professionals

  • Snug match

  • Very sturdy and secure

  • APMA accepted

Key Specs: 

Weight: 8.7 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Supplies: Knit higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Mushy and responsive | Care and Washability: Hand-wash, air-dry | Our Total Ranking: 5/5

Who They’re For 

Finest 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 want a well-cushioned sneaker, we advocate 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 wonderful alternative for prolonged put on.

Regardless of its ample cushioning, the shoe’s mesh higher nonetheless presents 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, which means a panel of podiatrists has decided that they assist promote wholesome ft.

Additionally obtainable in ladies’s sizes at Hoka, Zappos, and Dick’s Sporting Items.

Potential Flaws 

  • After we first tried on this pair, the arch appeared just a little excessive at first, however we discovered it turned very comfy over time.

Most Worthwhile Perception

“The sneakers carry out effectively 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.

Amazon New Balance Women’s 928v3 Walking Shoes
PHOTO: Amazon
Professionals

  • Good for prolonged put on

  • Very supportive match

  • Engaging fashion

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 Total Ranking: 4.7/5

Who They’re For 

Finest for older adults with stability points or unstable ft, ankles, and knees who desire a stability shoe that gained’t weigh you 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 bettering our stability and coordination. Our ft and ankles felt well-supported and regular, even when strolling up inclines and on assorted terrain.

The shoe’s engaging leather-based higher and sporty fashion make this pair supreme for both health strolling or informal put on. Plus, they carried out effectively on each indoor and out of doors surfaces, in order 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 obtainable 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, in order that they wouldn’t be your best option for high-impact actions.
  • Throughout testing, the sneakers’ stiff help made them just a little troublesome to placed on and take off. Nonetheless, they felt extra comfy and simpler to get on with continued put on.

Most Worthwhile Perception

“The sneakers really feel extremely secure and make me really feel assured in my steps. I’d undoubtedly advocate these sneakers to others if they’re on the lookout for a lovely, secure strolling sneaker.” —Jennifer Bullard Broggini, Verywell Match product tester

Meet Our Tester

Our tester is a really lively senior who enjoys strolling, power coaching, and Pilates. She has earlier foot and knee accidents, however she discovered that these  sneakers saved her pain-free whereas strolling and standing for lengthy intervals.

Kizik Women's Lima Slip-on Sneaker
PHOTO: Kizik

Key Specs:  

Weight: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Supplies: Recycled textile higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Average | Care and Washability: Shoe: Hand-wash, air-dry; Insole: Machine wash, air-dry | Our Total Ranking: 5/5

Who They’re For 

Finest for older adults who’ve issue tying laces or bending down, in addition to these on the lookout for a snug, 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 right down to get your sneakers on or off, Kizik’s Lima Sneakers may also help. They function a bendable heel design that we discovered lets you 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 intervals.

Throughout testing, our ft felt secure and safe on uneven surfaces and assorted 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 wonderful shock absorption prevented ache in our joints, together with a beforehand injured knee.

Additionally obtainable in males’s sizes at Amazon, Kizik, and Nordstrom.

Potential Flaws 

  • The white colour will get soiled very simply, so we want these sneakers have been machine-washable.  

Most Worthwhile Perception

“They’re very simple to stroll in and really comfy. I might stroll longer distances comfortably with out having to cease typically for a break. On the finish of the day my ft 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 ft and a historical past of knee ache, so she wants a snug, supportive shoe for strolling on varied terrain, together with concrete sidewalks and sandy seashores. She discovered these sneakers tailored effectively to completely different surfaces and allowed her to stroll longer distances with out ache.

Amazon New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X More v5 Running Shoes
PHOTO: Amazon
Professionals

  • Good influence safety

  • Glorious arch help

  • 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 Total Ranking: 4.9/5

Who They’re For 

Finest for older adults who stroll or stand for hours at a time and want a sturdy, comfy shoe.

Why We Love Them 

In the event you spend hours at a time in your ft, you want a strolling shoe with further help and cushioning—like New Stability’s Contemporary 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, conserving our ft 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 saved our ft cool and dry throughout walks in scorching climate. We additionally like that this shoe is available in three completely different widths, so we have been in a position to get a measurement that accommodated a large foot.

Additionally obtainable 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 brought about the 2 sneakers to typically catch one another throughout fast actions. Nonetheless, we discovered this pair to be tremendous supportive and cozy for strolling. 

Most Worthwhile Perception

“The shock absorption of this shoe is superb. I might stand all day the primary day carrying them at work doing surgical procedure.” —Donna Harris-Kober, Verywell Match product tester

Meet Our Tester

Our tester works for lengthy intervals and wishes a supportive, well-cushioned shoe to keep away from aggravating her again ache and former foot damage. She discovered that this pair’s arch help and shock absorption saved her comfy at work, in addition to whereas strolling, climbing, and taking part in pickleball.

Skechers Slip-Ins Go Walk 7 Springtime Walking Shoes
PHOTO: Skechers
Professionals

  • Light-weight however sturdy

  • Straightforward to slide on and off

  • Machine cleanable

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 Total Ranking: 4.9/5

Who They’re For 

Finest for a walker with sweaty ft, 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 tremendous motor abilities (like tying sneakers) or bending down. Throughout testing, we have been impressed with the shoe’s light-weight, breathable higher that saved our ft 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, displaying no indicators of damage and tear after many miles. 

The shoe’s cushioning felt very comfy throughout lengthy walks on assorted terrain. Even after being on our ft 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 obtainable in males’s model at Amazon, Zappos, and Skechers.

Potential Flaws 

  • Throughout testing, we observed that the cushioning underneath the balls of our ft was a bit missing. Our ft weren’t uncomfortable, however some further cushioning may need enhanced the general consolation. 

Most Worthwhile Perception

“These sneakers are comfy for lengthy days of standing and strolling. The mesh on the surface permits my ft to do all varieties of motion whereas remaining comfy. The cooling cushioning prevents my ft from getting overheated and swelling.” —Cathy Bixby, Verywell Match product tester

Meet Our Tester

Our tester is on her ft many of the day for childcare duties and in addition walks on the treadmill or exterior on sidewalks and trails. Her ft get scorching simply, so she preferred this pair’s light-weight really feel and breathability.

Amazon Vionic Walk Max Sierra Sneaker
PHOTO: Amazon
Professionals

  • Ample cushioning

  • Sturdy and secure

  • APMA accepted

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 Total Ranking: 4.4/5

Who They’re For 

Finest for older adults who desire a informal strolling shoe that provides stable arch help and good stability.

Why We Love Them 

Vionic’s Stroll Max Sierra Sneaker is one other sensible alternative for seniors, particularly those that desire a sturdy shoe with wonderful 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 magnificence.

The shoe’s match felt excellent, with no rubbing or toe cramping. Plus, the large width choices make them supreme 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 

  • Throughout testing, we discovered that the rubber tongue was a bit uncomfortable, because it was digging into our foot.
  • Though we preferred the shoe’s arch help, we discovered that our heel was slipping out of the shoe, so we might advocate a narrow-width choice you probably have slim heels.

Most Worthwhile Perception

“These sneakers felt secure as I used to be strolling round, sweeping, and vacuuming. My ft felt supported, with no instability or wobbling.” —Peggy Schmitz, Verywell Match product tester

Meet Our Tester

Our tester is an avid health walker and typically wears customized orthotics for a heel problem. She didn’t use her orthotics on this pair and located that that they had ample arch help.

Strolling Sneakers for Seniors We Additionally Examined 

We examined dozens of strolling sneakers however solely included 8 in our last listing of suggestions. These three sneakers had some noteworthy options however didn’t stack as much as the competitors. 

  • We preferred that Dr. Consolation’s Grace Strolling Sneakers have two completely different insoles for extra custom-made cushioning and help. Nonetheless, throughout check walks, the sneakers rubbed towards our massive 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 each 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 turned painful after about 40 minutes of damage. Regardless of the convenience of lacing, their lack of shock absorption restricted their total effectiveness for seniors.
  • Though OrthoFit’s Walkers Sneakers function a non-slip rubber sole with wonderful traction, they didn’t have ample 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 revealed 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 listing. 
  • Based mostly on our most up-to-date testing, we reworked our superlatives to mirror probably the most up-to-date insights.

What to Search for When Searching for Strolling Sneakers for Seniors

  • Cushioning: Seniors might profit from extra-cushioned help, as we are inclined to lose the pure fats padding underneath the foot as we age, Roussel says. Search for sneakers with a cushioned insole and a gentle, shock-absorbing, contoured midsole that may present consolation and scale back influence. And for those who put on customized orthotic inserts or insoles, select a pair with further room. 
  • Stability: The proper pair of sneakers may also help 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 could result in extra points and even damage, podiatrist Tyler Miranda, DPM says.  
  • 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 made out of sturdy supplies, particularly for the outsole. Rubber outsoles present wonderful traction and help, whereas mesh and leather-based are nice choices for the higher since they’ll really feel gentle and delicate towards the ft. Search for sneakers with breathable and moisture-wicking supplies, which is able to assist forestall uncomfortable sweating, Roussel says.

How We Examined the Strolling Sneakers for Seniors

To develop our listing 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 at the very least three walks of assorted distances and issue and in addition 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 area between our longest toe and the top of the shoe? Did the sneakers really feel cosy 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 ft slid round within the shoe. We additionally famous if it felt true to measurement, slim, or large. 
  • Cushioning: Throughout our check walks, we assessed every shoe’s stage of cushioning. We recorded whether or not the cushioning felt gentle or agency if it absorbed influence when our ft 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 ft 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 following stride and whether or not or not it bounced again to assist with speedy transitions. Strolling sneakers carried out effectively on this class in the event that they left our legs feeling recent after check walks.  
  • Consolation: Consolation is without doubt one of 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 gentle, 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 ft recent and blister-free after lengthy walks. 
  • Blister safety: For this essential class, we thought of match and breathability—two key elements of blister safety. Sneakers that match accurately didn’t trigger overheating or extra sweating and saved our ft blister-free carried out effectively on this class. 
  • Worth: To find out a worth rating, we seemed 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 think about paying much more for a number of 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 instances, our specialists additionally really helpful particular manufacturers of sneakers that work effectively for older adults, and suggested us on which manufacturers and varieties of sneakers seniors ought to keep away from. 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

Ceaselessly Requested Questions

What’s the distinction between a coaching shoe and a strolling shoe?

Strolling sneakers are designed with the precise physique mechanics of strolling in thoughts, in order that they sometimes supply extra cushioning and help across the ball and heel of the foot to assist wearers keep correct foot alignment. Then again, coaching sneakers are additionally normally extra versatile and responsive to permit for fast actions. The kind of train tools for seniors you employ can decide your alternative of footwear.

How a lot do strolling sneakers for seniors value?

Often, a great pair of strolling sneakers for older adults value between $60 and $250. Cheaper pairs will not be as sturdy or supply sufficient help, particularly for walkers who’re on their ft all day lengthy. Dearer pairs could also be extra trendy and supply specialised help or cushioning that targets particular areas of the ft, just like the heel.

Why ought to seniors purchase senior-specific strolling sneakers?

Seniors have a wide range of particular shoe gear wants, because of the impact of getting old on their ft and total well being, Miranda says. Sporting strolling sneakers with a sturdy, secure base and cushioned help may also help seniors enhance their stability and keep away from falls. 

What are the well being advantages of standard strolling for seniors?

Strolling is a superb approach for older adults to remain lively and get their really helpful each day quantity of bodily exercise to scale back well being dangers. Common brisk strolling may also help enhance coronary heart well being for older folks and might also profit folks with hypertension, arthritis, and diabetes.

How lengthy do strolling sneakers final earlier than they have to be changed?

Typically, strolling sneakers will final about 350 to 500 miles earlier than the cushioning and help put on out, relying on how typically 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, working coach, health club buff, and health author, Christine Luff spends numerous hours researching and testing the most recent train gear and devices. She solely recommends merchandise that she will genuinely stand behind and that she believes could be a great funding for her readers. Christine has examined dozens of strolling sneakers herself, one in every of her favorites being Hoka’s Clifton 9. 



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