The risk of chronic foot problems increases as you age. Seniors have less fat padding on their feet, making them more susceptible to swollen feet, hammer toes, bunions, and heel pain. Sadly, these complications make it more challenging to move. Even a 10-minute walk would cause immense foot pain, so older adults would rather sit around at home.
Wearing thick socks and comfy open-toed slippers might alleviate your pain, but they don't provide a more permanent solution. You can't even go to nice places wearing them. Instead, look for padded, comfortable, and stylish walking shoes. The market offers dozens of the best walking shoes for elderly men, so you'll definitely find one that suits your mobility needs.
Whether you're buying shoes for an older loved one or yourself, you'd do well to understand the correlation between foot pain and shoes for the elderly. Older adults can't just use any walking shoes. They need specialized footwear with a roomy toe box, rubber sole, and soft suede designed for patients with:
With hundreds of orthopedic shoes for the elderly, you might find the options overwhelming and struggle to find the right pair. Fortunately, we can help streamline your shopping. We made a brief list of the best shoes for seniors with common foot complications lie arthritis, inflammation, and bunions.
| Product Name | Skechers Men's Go Walk Max-Athletic | Avia Avi-Union II Strap Non Slip Shoes for Men | Reebok Men's Work N Cushion 4.0 Walking Shoe | ZUMEIJIA Men's Diabetic Elderly Shoes | Grigobu Diabetic Shoes for Elderly Men |
| Comfort | High-rebound cushioning | Good cushioning for all-day standing and walking | Cushioned midsole | Easily adjustable velcro | Memory foam and removable insoles |
| Shock Absorption & Cushioning | Memory foam insoles | Memory foam for pressure point relief | MemoryTech foam cushioning | Multiple removable insoles | Air cushioning for soles and ankle |
| Support & Stability | Proprietary Goga Max technology midsole and outsole | Compression-molded midsole and heel counter | Beveled heel counter | Triangular heel counter | Cushion provides arch support |
| Protection | Slip-resistant sole | Slip-resistant tread pattern | Slip-resistant rubber outsole | Rubber sole | Gripping rubber soles |
| Quality & Durability | 100% textile exterior and synthetic sole | Thick rubber soles and exterior | Synthetic leather upper | Soft shoe body doesn't deform | Stretchable, breathable mesh doesn't break |
Skechers Men's Go Walk Max-Athletic is one of the most reliable shoes for seniors. Its soft insoles, medium cushioning, and lightweight body make it perfect for long, steady walks. Also, the upper consists of 100% textile. It can withstand years of wear and tear damage.
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight and comfortable for athletic walking | Athletic shoes built for brisk walking, not running |
| Soft, rebounding insole cushions the feet | Inaccurate sizing |
| Super-easy to put on | Excessive cushioning for regular walks |
If you need plain, versatile shoes for work, try the Avia Avi-Union II. Avia equipped it with a proprietary memory foam technology that targets pressure points, plus a specialized heel counter that promotes superior arch support. You won't feel sore even after standing for several hours.
| Pros | Cons |
| Simple hook-and-loop straps | Tacky plain design looks like a school or work shoes |
| Comfortable to stand and walk in | Needs regluing every few months |
| Versatile shoes for work or leisure | Inaccurate sizing |
Reebok Men's Work N Cushion suits older adults who want simple, functional footwear. You can quickly wear and adjust these shoes at any time, and the beveled heel counter supports your Achilles tendon on long walks. Try putting these on the next time you go for a brisk walk.
| Pros | Cons |
| Simple hook-and-loop walking shoe | Cushioning not suited for running |
| Rubber sole doesn't squeak loudly | Hard, thin insole |
| Quick and easy to wear | Can't withstand running wear and tear |
Older adults whose feet always swell should check out this pair from ZUMEIJIA. It has velcro straps and removable insoles, so you can adjust each shoe depending on the swelling of your feet. The brand specifically made this model for diabetic and arthritis patients.
| Pros | Cons |
| Removable insoles for sudden swelling | Feels stiff brand-new |
| Easily adjustable velcro straps | Collar rubs against achilles tendon |
| Suited for long hours of walking and standing | Not enough room for wide feet |
The Grigobu Diabetic Shoes stand as one of the softest shoes on this list. It suits adults with bunions, calluses, or hammertoes. The air cushioning feels soft and bouncy, so you'll feel like you're walking on fluffy pillows all day.
| Pros | Cons |
| Air cushioning provides excellent shock absorption | Difficult to balance on air cushion |
| Accurate sizing | Some dislike super-soft cushioning |
| Easy to adjust | Not enough arch support |
As mentioned above, every walking shoe brand has its advantages and disadvantages. However, if you want the best shoes for support, comfort, and versatility, limit your options to ones that meet the following:
Are you still on the fence about the best walking shoes to get? To further narrow down your options and find the right shoes faster, check out what other shoppers ask when buying shoes for the elderly!
Avoid wearing socks or slippers even indoors if you have limited mobility. The best walking shoes to prevent slip and fall accidents have a wide toe box and slip-resistant sole.
The best walking shoes have good cushioning, not large heel stacks. Thick, cushioned insoles prevent running injuries. However, since walking doesn't impact the feet as much as running, you don't have to fixate on thick cushioning.
Quick Guide- Best Foot Warmers For Elderly Folks
If you want a lightweight shoe for jogging, try sneakers. Walking shoes for seniors typically have less cushioning and weigh more than sneakers to help wearers maintain their balance.
When buying shoes for the elderly, choose a comfy, practical pair that you can easily move around. Stylish, casual shoes are great. However, you shouldn't sacrifice functionality for aesthetics, especially if you get swollen feet quickly.
Also, don't limit yourself to just one good pair of shoes. Explore the different walking shoes for seniors and invest in at least three to four pairs. TrustA fiduciary arrangement that allows a third party, or trustee, to hold assets on behalf of a benefic... us — you won't want to wear the exact walking shoe repeatedly. Not only willA legal document that states how a person's property should be managed and distributed after death. you wear the padded collar quickly, but you'll also look silly with the same orthopedic shoes every day.
Are you still struggling to find the right walking shoes? You might need a pair with arch support. Check out our comprehensive guide detailing the best balance shoes for the elderly!
