Clothing and footwear, along with food and shelter, have become necessary in our everyday life-- especially for senior citizens. Over 10 million senior citizens in the United States wear sneakers regularly.
However, as you grow older, pain and discomfort slowly creep in with each activity you do, including simple tasks such as walking. As such, choosing the best sneakers for seniors is especially crucial, as they need walking shoes that are supportive, well-fitting, and durable.
In this article, we've listed down our top picks for the best sneakers for elderly men, as well as the things you should consider when selecting shoes for seniors.
According to studies, foot issues affect approximately 80% of older adults, and wearing the wrong shoes contributes to these problems. Some of the most typical conditions are discussed below:
ArthritisAn inflammation of the joints that causes pain and stiffness and is more common in older adults.: This is inflammation and swelling of the cartilage and joint lining. It also increases joint fluid, making your feet stiff and painful.
Bunions: A bunion is an enlarged bone at the base of the big toe or joint tissue that has moved out of place. As a result, the big toe pulls toward the smaller toes, changing the foot's shape and causing extreme discomfort.
Plantar Fasciitis: This is an inflammation of the fascia, a connective tissue band that runs from the heel to the base of the toes at the bottom of the foot.
Heel Pain: The largest bone in the foot is the heel bone. Heel pain can be caused for several reasons, including heel spurs (calciumA mineral essential for life. It is necessary for the proper development and maintenance of healthy ... deposits) and tendonitis from old age.
Fallen Arches: A condition in which the tendon that supports the foot arch weakens, allowing the entire foot to contact the ground. This often leads to knee and back pain.
The pain and discomfort accompanying these medical conditions can often be alleviated by wearing the proper footwear. The right shoes can also help you stay balanced, reduce your risk of falling, prevent knee and back problems, and encourage you to stay physically active.
A good pair of shoes is essential for seniors. In addition to style and comfort, a sturdy pair of shoes is important for elderly men and women for health and safety reasons. Below are some of the advantages of having a good pair of sneakers.
Flexibility: Walking shoes with removable insoles provide greater flexibility because they can be replaced with insoles that provide more cushioning or stronger support.
Easier To Put On And Remove: Hooks, loops, and Velcro can help make shoes more comfortable and easier to get on and off. These are some typical features of a walking shoe specifically designed for seniors.
Enhanced Support: The inner lining of most walking shoes is soft foam-padded, which can relieve pressure and reduce skin friction. They are also made of breathable materials that allow proper air and blood flow to your feet while walking.
Ultimate Comfort: Aside from providing stability and support, walking shoes are also designed to make walks as comfortable as possible. With outsoles perfectly conforming to the foot and cushioned insides, walking shoes provide ultimate comfort for seniors.
When choosing shoes for seniors, look for ones with good traction, breathable and moisture-wicking materials, and a roomy toe box. Below are some of the best sneakers for seniors with all these features.
The Sport Afterburn Slip-on Sneaker from Skechers has a slip-on design that makes them easy to wear and take off while still providing the supportive and secure fit you'd expect from a lace-up shoe. This shoe is excellent for both fitness walking and casual wear.
The shoes' memory foam footbed provides plush comfort and good shock absorption while keeping your feet cool and dry. The Skechers Sport Afterburn also has a spacious toe box, which helps to avoid pressure points on bunions or hammertoes.
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The men's New Balance 840 v4 provides the ideal combination of performance and style. This shoe comes with a full-length Abzorb midsole wherein the foam cushions the impact of walking on hard surfaces, resulting in more comfortable steps on sidewalks or paved trails.
The 840 v4's newly engineered mesh upper allows your foot to breathe while providing structured support.
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Avia's Avi-Union II shoes offer outstanding support, comfort, and traction. The shoe's midsole is made of molded EVA foam, providing excellent cushioning and shock absorption. The slip-resistant tread pattern on its thick rubber soles ensures secure footing on slippery indoor or outdoor surfaces.
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With thick cushioning, the Hoka Bondi 7 provides maximum comfort and shock absorption for seniors. Its full-length midsole offers a plush, lightweight yet supportive feel. A soft memory foam collar adds to the overall comfort of the Hoka Bondi 7 and helps provide a snug, secure fit.
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The New Balance 608v5 sneakers boast durability, support, and overall performance. This shoe's soft yet springy midsole provides excellent shock absorption and responsiveness. It also has removable insoles, giving you more room for your orthotics.
The 608v5 offers dependable protection and traction on various surfaces and in most weather conditions thanks to its leather mesh upper and grippy, non-marking outsole.
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Seniors need well-fitting shoes to get the right support and stability. Wearing the appropriate footwear for any physical activity can also help reduce the pain and discomfort caused by conditions common to old age.
The best sneakers for seniors are those that conform to their foot shape and offer the necessary protection, support, and comfort that they need.
If you want to stay connected with your elderly loved ones, check out this article by Senior Strong on the best jitterbug cellphones for seniors.
