Vionic Walker Classic shoe and Skechers Performance Go Walk Arch Fit shoe” width=”720″ height=”405″ src=”https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/641db3ae23000020004b59dd.png?cache=WGHGtfzXcx&ops=scalefit_720_noupscale%2Cquality_100″>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.
“Supportive shoes help maintain balance and alignment, which are necessities in this population since they are at a greater fall risk,” she told HuffPost. “They also help decrease pedal muscle fatigue and overall soreness since biomechanics forces are evenly distributed throughout the shoe.”
Perkins described the best shoes for older people as ones that are lightweight and breathable to prevent sweaty feet. They should also be well-cushioned, have good traction on the soles to prevent slips and falls and be easy to get on and off.
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.
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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
“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. It comes in white and pink and in women’s sizes 4-12 with wide and extra-wide options.
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
Promising review: “I received Vionic sneakers for Christmas. I wear a wide with 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
“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 see’s a podiatrist on a regular schedule. She said she can wear them all day and not feel any foot pain.” — Tony A.
“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
It comes in black and gray and in women’s sizes 5-12, with wide, extra-wide and extra-extra-wide options available.
Promising review: “This shoe was purchased with my 90 yr old Mother in mind. She wanted something light weight , but sturdy & 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
Promising review: “This is my 8th pair of 990’s! Wife and I are “exercise walkers”. We are now older and are x-triathletes. Aerobic paced walking of 3-7 miles per day is what we enjoy. My 990’s are fantastic for preventing injuries and providing a comfortable walk.” — No N
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
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
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