Whether you’re an avid walker or someone who simply enjoys the support and stability of a comfortable pair of shoes for daily wear, nowadays there is no shortage of options to suit any style or price point. With so many options to choose from, whether you call them sneakers, kicks, tennis shoes, or running shoes, the search for the right pair can be downright overwhelming.
When it comes to finding the right fit, details matter. Read on for our guide to the best sneakers for seniors.
Balance and Support
For older adults, staying balanced is always a concern due to the increased risk of falls and related injuries. We know that balance issues are often influenced by many facets that go hand-in-hand with aging: reduced flexibility, vision issues, and sometimes even medications. Luckily, strength training, walking, and other types of regular exercise can help to mitigate these issues and regain a strong sense of balance.
The ideal companion to this active lifestyle? None other than a pair of shoes. The holy grail of footwear will offer four essential components: arch support, cushioning, stability, and motion control. While there are many offerings in the space, the New Balance Fresh Foam x1080 and Hoka Bondi 8 are two of our front-runners. Hokas, while pricey, offer a massive cushioned footbed that is virtually weightless yet still manage to be nimble. With an array of colors both subtle and bright, these high-end kicks may just have you jumping for joy. New Balance’s shoes are more competitively priced with a slightly narrower toe-box, but will still give you a bounce in your step and a soft landing, while providing strong arch support and the stability for a successful walk or trip to the coffee shop.
Step Right Up
Or, actually, step right in! Maybe one of the most welcome additions to the sneaker scene is the development of “hands-free” sneakers. A flexible yet stand-up heel makes it possible to slip your foot right in without bending over, pulling your heels, or using a shoehorn. They’re ideal for anyone who struggles to reach their toes or wants the comfort and stability of a sneaker without dealing with tying laces.
Not only are hands-free sneakers easier for people of all ages, they also look like a traditional sneaker and come in many different designs and colors.
There are quite a few comfortable options on the market, such as Sketchers Hands Free Slip-ins, which seem to be the most budget-friendly, Zeba Shoes, which claim to be the original hands-free sneakers and have thousands of positive reviews, and Kizik Sneakers, which profess to be the easiest to put on.
Best for Women
Did you know that men and women carry themselves differently and therefore have different needs when it comes to supportive footwear? Since its inception in 2010, the Ryka brand has gained somewhat of a cult-following. Known for their colorful and fashionable designs, they were the first brand ever to create athletic shoes specifically for a woman’s unique foot shape, muscle movement, and build.
Building on this unique approach, Ryka also offers a selection of APMA approved (American Podiatric Medical Association) shoes made for women that are podiatrist-recommended, providing responsive cushioning for shock absorption and impact protection, a combination that can help alleviate foot pain and prevent injuries.
For the Great Outdoors
If your daily walks include navigating more than a fitness studio or sidewalk, you might want to consider a pair of trail running shoes, whether or not you plan to actually run in them. Designed to handle more rugged and variable surfaces, trail shoes have various features that make them better suited for the job than other shoes. With enhanced traction, cushioning, and durability, many even offer reinforced toes and heels to tackle whatever elements you might encounter, whether on a wooded path or taking the dog for a walk in the rain.
Our favorite trail options include the Saucony line of trail and hiking shoes. In particular, we like the comfort and durability of the Peregrine series, which has a waterproof upper, a soft cushion, and incredibly rugged traction.
While choosing new sneakers, or truly any shoes, an in-person experience at a local shoe store or even a specialty running or fitness retailer is the best way to ensure the most comfortable sizing, style, and overall fit for your unique foot and walking tendencies. Yet the plethora of online retailers – many of whom offer easy return and exchange options – make it simple to order and try on from the comfort of your home. Zappos, powered by Amazon’s rapid delivery service and offering free shipping and free returns, is a quick way to try a bunch and decide what’s right for you. Reading reviews will help you choose the best size, and if you’re uncertain, order two sizes to try and compare. Just don’t forget to box up and return the others. And remember, if the shoe fits, wear it!