Top 10 Best Walking Shoes For Seniors To Walk Comfortably

Walking is one of the best ways to stay fit as you age. It’s low impact, which is good for aging joints, and helps keep your balance and stability at their best. But if you aren’t wearing the right pair of shoes—a walk through the park could become anything but a walk in the park. There are tons of great shoes, all with their own benefits, and we’ve got some of the best right here.

Best Walking Shoes For Seniors Overview

• Best Budget Shoes for Walks & Light Athletic Movements: Asics Gel-Contend 9
• Best Walking Shoes for Versatility: Orthofeet Coral
• Best All Day Walking Shoes: Brooks Addiction Walker 2
• Best Walking Shoes for Uneven Surfaces: Merrell Moab 3 GTX
• Best Walking Shoe for Socializing: Rockport Eureka
• Best Walking Shoes for Durability: Saucony Integrity Walker 3
• Best Walking Shoes for Seniors with Limited Dexterity: Propet LifeWalker Strap
• Best Shoes for Reducing Shock: Hush Puppies Power Walker II
• Best Lightweight Walking Shoe: Skechers GOwalk 5Best Podiatrist Designed Walking Shoes: Vionic Walker Classic

Don’t Risk Injury in the Wrong Walking Shoes for Seniors

Just like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, the right pair of shoes can change your life. But the same is true for the wrong pair of shoes. Your foot’s shape and health are impacted by your footwear. When you wear shoes that don’t fit or aren’t designed for whatever activity you’re doing, you don’t just have a higher risk of falling or injuring yourself—you could be doing damage to the structure of your foot that can cause long term discomfort.

Why Seniors Need the Best Walking Shoes

There are a few reasons it’s necessary for you to have the best walking shoes. Many seniors live with foot conditions that make it hard to enjoy their favorite activities. A good pair of shoes can help many of these conditions, like Flat Feet. Proper arch support in your shoes can help reduce the shock from each step—which often drains your stamina and enthusiasm much faster than you’d like. This is just one condition that the best walking shoes can help seniors address.

Other conditions to be aware of are:

Foot pain from arthritis

Like any other place on your body, arthritis in your feet causes joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Shoes with good cushioning, a wide toe box, and arch support can help you reduce and manage the pain from arthritis in your feet.

Corns & calluses on your feet

They’re areas of your skin that have gotten thicker thanks to pressure and friction. The build-up of skin can make walking very uncomfortable thanks to added pressure. A pair of properly fitted shoes with soft cushioning will help take the pressure off.

Diabetic foot issues

Diabetes can cause poor circulation to your feet. Which in turn leads to ulcers and infections. The best walking shoes for seniors with diabetes will have extra cushioning, seamless insides, and breathability.

Bunions causing discomfort when walking

These bony bumps that appear at the base of your big toe cause discomfort and make it hard to walk in average walking shoes. Seniors will want to look out for walking shoes made of flexible materials with a wide toe box to make room for the bunion for the best pain relief possible.

Plantar fasciitis requiring heel support & cushioning

It’s a common foot condition that’s caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, an area that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. This condition can cause pain and limit range of motion in your feet. Good heel support and cushioning can do wonders to alleviate pain and discomfort.

Top 10 Best Walking Shoes for Seniors

With so many brands and styles of shoes it’s a challenge to narrow them down to the best for you. We’ve done the deep part, so you can just dive into 10 of the best shoes that’ll keep you walking comfortably in your golden years.

1. Asics Gel-Contend 9: Best Budget Shoes for Walks & Light Athletic Movements

The Asics Gel-Contend series of shoes are a great pair of shoes with comfortable cushioning and arch support. If you’re looking for style and support on a budget, these shoes cannot be beat.

Pros

• Excellent shock absorption
• Comfortable and supportive
• Lightweight

Cons

• Not the most durable

2. Orthofeet Coral: Best Walking Shoes for Versatility

The Coral series of shoes from Orthofeet offer some of the best support and stability, without skimping on comfort. They come in a variety of colors so you can find the style you love and boost your foot health.

Pros

• Excellent arch support
• Great for plantar fasciitis & bunions
• Good cushioning

Cons

• Plain design

3. Brooks Addiction Walker 2: Best All Day Walking Shoes

The exclusive support system and soft responsive cushioning–These are a pair of shoes that will keep your feet comfortable all day. Making it easier to stay on your feet for longer.

Pros

• Stable
• Slip resistant
• Durable & supportive design
• Strong arch support for flat feet

Cons

• Heavy
• Stiff

4. Merrell Moab 3 GTX: Best Walking Shoes for Uneven Surfaces

This is more than just a walking shoe—it’s a hiking shoe. But you don’t need to be scaling mountain tops to use them. You’ll feel as sturdy footed as a mountain goat with the deep grip on the sole, and integrated lacing system on any path—leaving you more confident anywhere you walk. Not to mention they’re waterproof, so rainy days don’t have to hold you back.

Pros

• Excellent traction and stability
• Breathable mesh upper
• Good shock absorption
• Ideal for outdoor walking

Cons

• Moderately priced
• Can feel a bit stiff initially

5. Rockport Eureka: Best Walking Shoe for Socializing

Designed like a stylish pair of dress shoes, with the features of the best walking shoes, you’ll be turning heads without giving up any comfort. Without your feet aching, you’ll be the life of the party long into the night,

Pros

• Comfortable footbed
• Moisture-wicking lining
• Flexible rubber outsole

Cons

• May not provide enough arch support for some

6. Saucony Integrity Walker 3: Best Walking Shoes for Durability

The attention to detail in these shoes means more than just a comfortable pair of shoes. These are tough from the top of the full leather sole, to the strong and responsive sole. 

Pros

• Durable construction
• Comfortable cushioning
• Good traction
• Good for stability & balance

Cons

• Drab style
• Longer break-in period
• Heavier than modern shoes

7. Propet LifeWalker Strap: Best Walking Shoes for Seniors with Limited Dexterity

These shoes have excellent cushioning, and a wide toe box–but the standout feature of these walking shoes are the velcro system. The large velcro straps are easy to grab and keep your feet secure.

Pros

• Adjustable straps for easy fit
• Cushioned midsole
• Wide toe box
• Affordable

Cons

• Higher price point
• Limited style options

8. Hush Puppies Power Walker II: Best Shoes for Reducing Shock

When your foot hits the ground after taking a step, some of the energy travels back into your foot and leg–making your strain more and lose energy faster. These shoes are designed to absorb and redistribute that shock so your legs and feet can stay energized for longer.

Pros

• Comfortable and durable
• Removable footbed
• Stable design
• Good for everyday wear

Cons

• Mid-range price
• Can be heavy

9. Skechers GOwalk 5: Best Lightweight Walking Shoe

Skechers chose light materials for a good reason–they wanted to keep these walking shoes as light as possible. So light you would hardly notice you had them on if it wasn’t for the comfortable cushioning and secure fit.

Pros

• Lightweight & flexible
• Good cushioning

Cons

• Not great for flat feet
• Not ideal for rough terrain

10. Vionic Walker Classic: Best Podiatrist Designed Walking Shoes

These shoes have a dynamic orthotic insole that offer greater support and comfort than your average shoe. Paired with all of the other podiatrist designed features, you’re going to have a pair of shoes that make your feet feel great on or off.

Pros

• Great arch support
• Stable and cushioned
• Ideal for foot conditions like plantar fasciitis

Cons

• Higher price range
• Style isn’t for everyone

A good pair of walking shoes cannot be underestimated. Get one of the best walking shoes for seniors and you’ll be comfortable for a long time and enjoying those strolls—pain-free! If you want to put those new shoes to good use, you’ll want to check out this–Indoor Walking Workout For Improved Downhills Class.