All products featured on Fabulous50s are independently selected by Schellea and our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commissionFor women over 50, walking is essential to health management. As you age, the need for a comfortable and supportive pair of shoes becomes paramount.
The perfect pair of walking shoes for women over 50 is not just about style or brand; it’s about your health, your comfort, and your happiness.
This guide will help you understand the importance of comfort and fit, how to choose walking shoes, and expert advice on the best walking shoes for women over 50.
Walking Shoes for Women Over 50: Comfort and Fit
Walking is one of the most accessible and beneficial forms of exercise, and the right footwear can make all the difference. Not only do they provide comfort and support, but they can also help prevent common foot problems like blisters and arch pain.
Comfort and fit are the two most critical factors when selecting walking shoes, particularly for women over 50. As you age, your feet can change in size and shape, and common issues such as arthritis, bunions, or plantar fasciitis may arise. Therefore, a well-fitted, comfortable pair of shoes can make all the difference.
The right walking shoe should be comfortable from the get-go, not after a “break-in” period. They should provide ample cushioning to absorb shock, have a flexible sole to allow for natural foot motion, and have a breathable upper to keep your feet dry. You should also consider the width of the shoe. As we age, our feet tend to spread, so you may find that a wider shoe is more comfortable.
Finally, fit matters most. Your walking shoes should be snug but not tight. There should be enough room in the toe box for your toes to move freely, and your heel should not slip out of the shoe as you walk. Remember, a good fit can help prevent blisters and other foot issues.
How To Choose The Best Walking Shoes
When choosing a pair of walking shoes, several factors should be considered. First, think about where you’ll be walking. Are you going to be strolling through the neighborhood, hiking in the mountains, or walking on a treadmill? Different environments require different types of shoes.
Consider your foot type. Do you have high arches, flat feet, or a neutral arch? Your arch type can determine what kind of support you need from your shoes. For high arches, cushioning is important. For flat feet, stability is key, and for a neutral arch, a balance of cushioning and support is best. Look for walking shoes with adequate arch support and cushioning to keep your feet feeling great during extended walks.
Take a look at the materials and durability. The materials used in your walking shoes greatly impact their durability and comfort. Look for shoes made from breathable and lightweight materials, such as mesh or leather. These materials help keep your feet dry and comfortable during your walks.
Check the traction and outsole. For a safe and enjoyable walking experience, pay attention to the traction and outsole of your shoes. Shoes with rubber outsoles offer excellent grip, reducing the risk of slipping on various surfaces.
Consider any existing foot conditions you may have. Conditions like bunions, plantar fasciitis, or arthritis may require specific types of shoes or insoles. Remember, your comfort should be your priority.
Remember that shoes that fit well are important for comfort and to avoid foot problems like bunions and blisters.
Types of Walking Shoes
Walking shoes cater to various needs and preferences, with common types including:
Athletic Walking Shoes: These types of walking shoes are ideal for brisk walks and power walking. They offer excellent cushioning and support, making them a top choice for fitness enthusiasts.
Comfort Walking Shoes: The comfort walking shoes are designed for ultimate comfort during leisurely walks or all-day wear. They feature extra cushioning and soft materials, ensuring lasting foot comfort.
Trail Walking Shoes: These shoes provide exceptional grip and protection, perfect for hiking and outdoor adventures on rugged terrain. They are designed for those who venture off the beaten path.
Orthopedic Walking Shoes: These shoes are designed for women with specific foot conditions or those requiring extra arch support. These shoes are specialized in alleviating discomfort and offering optimal support.
READ ALSO: The All-Round 15-Minute Walking Workout for Weight Loss
The Best Walking Shoes for Women Over 50
We know how important it is to have the right shoes for your daily walks, and we are here to help you make the right choice. These are the best walking shoes for comfort and style that you can find.
Nike Women’s Downshifter 9 Sneaker – Best For Comfort, Support & Durability
The Nike Women’s Downshifter 9 Sneaker is an excellent choice for women over 50 as a walking shoe due to its remarkable combination of comfort, support, and durability.
It features plush cushioning that provides superior comfort during walks, ideal for older individuals. With exceptional arch support, it ensures stability and minimizes the risk of discomfort.
Its durable construction and stylish design cater to the specific needs and preferences of women over 50, making it a top choice for those seeking a comfortable and long-lasting walking shoe.
adidas Originals Women’s Swift Run Sneaker – Best For Ankle & Arch Support
The adidas Originals Women’s Swift Run Sneaker is well-known for its outstanding ankle and arch support features.
With its cushioned insole and responsive sole, it ensures unparalleled comfort during walks, making it perfect for ageless women. The sneaker’s snug fit and stabilizing design help prevent discomfort, providing the necessary support for aging feet.
Its versatile style and durable construction cater to the specific needs and preferences of women over 50, making it a top pick for those seeking both comfort and exceptional ankle and arch support in their walking shoes.
Hoka One One Women’s Bondi 8 – Best Cushioning Athletic Walking Shoe
The Hoka One One Women’s Bondi 8 is a top choice for women over 50 due to its exceptional cushioning and support. With maximal cushioning, it minimizes the impact on joints and offers maximum comfort.
Its stable platform and arch support ensure stability and reduce the risk of discomfort. Plus, its stylish design allows you to maintain your sense of style while prioritizing comfort.
Overall, it’s the perfect cushioned athletic walking shoe for women seeking a comfortable and supportive walking experience.
ASICS Women’s Gel-Contend 7 – Affordable Walking Shoe
The ASICS Women’s Gel-Contend 7 is an excellent choice for women over 50 due to its affordability and practicality. It’s the most affordable shoe that doesn’t compromise on quality.
With its comfortable design and superior support, it caters to the specific needs of this age group. This walking shoe ensures both comfort and cost-effectiveness, making it a valuable and accessible option.
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Giniros Womens Slip On Walking Shoes – Best Eco-Friendly Athletic Shoe
Giniros Women’s Slip On Walking Shoes are an ideal choice for women over 50 as they combine comfort with eco-friendliness. These slip-on shoes provide ease of wear and are designed to accommodate the comfort needs of older individuals.
They also stand out as the best eco-friendly athletic walking shoes, crafted from sustainable materials and manufactured with the environment in mind.
You can enjoy a comfortable walking experience while making an eco-conscious choice when you choose these shoes.
READ ALSO: 15-Minute Walking Workout for Weight Loss That Actually Works
Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker – Best All Day Walking Shoe
The Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker offers superior support and cushioning, ideal for aging joints. It’s renowned as the best all-day walking shoe, ensuring comfort during extended wear.
These shoes are designed to provide stability and durability, making them perfect for prolonged walking or standing. Their well-padded insoles and arch support enhance overall comfort, and their timeless style adds to their appeal.
For women over 50, these shoes offer a reliable and comfortable choice for all-day walking.
ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 28 – Best For Wider Feet
The ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 28 (Wide) offers a combination of comfort and support. It is a versatile walking shoe specifically designed for wide feet, providing a roomy and comfortable fit.
These shoes offer ample cushioning and stability, which are essential for older individuals seeking an enjoyable walking experience.
With its wide-fit design, it accommodates the needs of those with wider feet, ensuring a supportive fit during walks.
New Balance Women’s 840 v4 – Best For Narrow Feet
The New Balance Women’s 840v4 is an ideal choice due to its superb combination of comfort and support. It’s designed to cater to individuals with narrow feet, providing a snug and secure fit.
These shoes offer excellent cushioning and stability, which are essential for an enjoyable walking experience, especially for older individuals.
With their narrow-fit design, they ensure that women with narrower feet have the perfect walking shoe that fits comfortably and provides the necessary support.
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Vionic Women’s Walker – Best For Arch Support
The Vionic Women’s Walker is a perfect blend of comfort and support. It has superior arch support, ensuring stability and reducing the risk of discomfort during walks.
These shoes provide exceptional cushioning and durability, crucial for older individuals seeking a comfortable walking experience.
With their outstanding arch support, they offer the necessary reinforcement for the feet, making them an ideal choice for women over 50 who value both comfort and foot health.
Saucony Women’s Grid Omni Walker – Best For Plantar Fasciitis
The Saucony Women’s Grid Omni Walker is an excellent choice for women over 50 due to its exceptional comfort and support.
It’s recognized as the best walking shoe for Plantar Fasciitis, designed to alleviate discomfort and provide optimal support for individuals with this condition.
These shoes offer superior cushioning and stability, which are vital for an enjoyable walking experience, especially for those with Plantar Fasciitis.
With their specialized design, they offer relief and support where it’s needed most, making them an ideal choice for women over 50 looking to manage Plantar Fasciitis while staying active.
Brooks Women’s Ariel ’20 – Best For Flat Feet
The Brooks Women’s Ariel ’20 is an excellent choice for women over 50 due to its exceptional support and comfort. It’s recognized as the best walking shoe for flat feet, designed to provide the necessary arch support and stability.
These shoes offer top-notch cushioning and durability, crucial for an enjoyable walking experience, especially for those with flat feet.
With their specialized design, they ensure proper foot alignment and comfort, making them the ideal choice for women over 50 looking to alleviate the challenges of flat feet during walks.
Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Vent: Best For Hiking
The Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe is an excellent choice for women over 50 due to its outstanding comfort and durability.
While it’s primarily a hiking shoe, its rugged design and excellent support make it ideal for walkers seeking versatility and stability. These shoes offer superior cushioning and traction, essential for an enjoyable walking experience, even in challenging terrain.
With their specialized design, they provide the necessary protection and grip, making them a great choice for women over 50 looking to embrace both walking and light hiking adventures.
Brooks Women’s Glycerin GTS 19 – Best For Shock Resistance
The Brooks Women’s Glycerin GTS 19 is an excellent choice for women over 50 due to its exceptional support and cushioning.
It’s recognized as the best shock-resistant walking shoe for women over 50, thanks to its advanced technology that minimizes the impact on joints and offers superior shock absorption.
These shoes provide both comfort and stability, essential for an enjoyable and safe walking experience as individuals age. They ensure a smooth and comfortable walk, offering both support and shock resistance for walks.
TIOSEBON Women’s Slip On Walking Shoes – Best For Casual Walks
TIOSEBON Women’s Slip On Walking Shoe is an excellent choice for women over 50 due to their slip-on design, which makes them easy to put on and take off, accommodating various mobility levels.
These shoes provide comfort and style, ideal for casual walks and everyday wear. They feature a lightweight and breathable construction, promoting foot comfort during walks.
With their versatile design, they offer convenience and support, making them a great choice for women over 50 seeking an effortless and enjoyable walking experience.
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OrthoComfoot Womens Walking Sneakers – For Arch Support
The OrthoComfoot Women’s Arch Support Walking Sneakers offers exceptional arch support, crucial for maintaining comfort and stability during walks. These sneakers prioritize foot health, providing the necessary reinforcement to alleviate discomfort.
With their comfortable and supportive features, they ensure a pleasant walking experience for women over 50. The Arch Support Walking Sneakers are a top pick for those seeking both style and functionality in their walking shoes.
ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 25 – For Cushioning & Support
The ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 25 are known for their exceptional cushioning and support. They offer superior comfort for prolonged walking sessions, making them ideal for older individuals.
The shoes also feature advanced gel technology, which minimizes the impact on joints, ensuring a comfortable walking experience. Their durable construction and stylish design cater to the specific needs and preferences of women over 50, combining both functionality and fashion.
Overall, the Gel-Nimbus 25 is a top pick for women looking for comfort, support, and style in their walking shoes.
How to Maintain Your Walking Shoes
Your walking shoes can last longer if you take care of them properly. First, make sure you clean your shoes often to get rid of sweat and dirt that can damage them. Clean them with a soft brush or cloth and a mild soap. Then, let them dry on their own.
If you walk daily, consider having two pairs of walking shoes and alternating between them. This allows each pair to fully dry out between walks, which can prolong their lifespan.
Most importantly, get new shoes when you need to. If you walk on different surfaces and at different speeds, your walking shoes may last longer or shorter than 300 to 500 miles.
If your shoes are not supporting and comforting you as well as they used to, it is time to get new ones.
Walking Tips for Women Over 50
Walking is a great way to stay active and healthy, but it’s important to do it right. If you have never walked for exercise before, start out slowly. Start with short walks and slowly add more distance as you get better.
Always pay attention to your form. Keep your head up, relax your shoulders, swing your arms naturally, and maintain a steady pace. This can help prevent injuries and make your walks more enjoyable.
Make walking a habit. Aim for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking most days of the week. Remember that if you want to get the health benefits of walking, you need to do it regularly.
How to Choose the Right Size of Walking Shoes
To ensure a proper fit, it’s important to measure your feet each time you buy new shoes. Feet can change in size and shape over time, especially as we age. Here’s how to ensure a perfect fit:
1. Measure Your Feet
Before making a purchase, measure your feet in the evening when they’re at their largest. This will help you find the right size, as our feet tend to swell throughout the day.
2. Consider Your Socks
Think about the type of socks you’ll be wearing with your walking shoes. If you typically wear thicker socks, choose a slightly larger size to accommodate them comfortably.
3. Check the Width
Walking shoes come in different widths, so make sure you select the one that fits your feet best. A snug, but not too tight, fit is essential for comfort.
4. Try Them On
Don’t hesitate to try on several pairs to compare the fit, comfort, and style. Walk around the store to get a feel for how they perform.
Closing Thoughts
Getting the right pair of walking shoes can make walking a lot more enjoyable. There is a pair of walking shoes for everyone, whether you like to work out, walk for fun, or go on adventures outside.
When you make your choice, do not forget to think about the type of walking you do, the fit, the materials, the arch support, and how long they will last. You can take care of your feet and enjoy your walks in style and comfort if you wear the right shoes.
With the right shoes, you can confidently set out.
