If you’re about to hit the big 5-0 and noticing your feet are starting to feel a little finicky, it’s not in your head. It turns out, as we get older, the types of shoes we resorted to as youngins (read: flimsy flip flops and sky-high stilettos) are no longer going to cut it, according to experts.
“As we get older, a few unavoidable things happen to our feet,” according to Dr. Amy Ross, a podiatric physician at Desert Foot & Ankle in Arizona. “The natural fat pad on the forefoot and heel start to thin out, meaning we lose some shock absorption. The ligaments tend to lose a bit of elasticity as well, and after years of repetitive stress, this can cause our feet to change shape and even size over time.” Dr. Anne-Marie Duchaine, a Montreal-based podiatrist, adds that our feet tend to lose collagen as we age, leading to flatness and a tendency for our toes to splay outward. “Sometimes people around 50 gain half a shoe size or even a size up,” she says.
What that means is that as we hit 50, we should be prioritizing three crucial elements in a shoe: a rigid sole, a wide toe box and ample cushioning to make up for what our feet have lost over time, Ross says. “A shoe that twists like a dish rag or bends in half like a taco will do you no justice, leading to exacerbation of your current symptoms and setting you further back from doing the activity and exercises that you love to do,” she said.
So, how to tell if your shoe is “The One”? For Dr. Rajat Lahiri, a podiatric physician at California’s Bay Area Foot Care, one quick test worth trying before you buy is to bend the shoe. “It should have some flexibility through the toes, but you generally don’t want a shoe that easily folds completely in half or twists excessively, as that may not provide enough structure for everyday walking,” he says.
Looking to go the extra mile as you hit 50? Find out which shoes podiatrists recommend as you age, whether you’re looking for a little extra comfort, injury prevention, a boost in performance and recovery and even serious style points.
A rocker bottom sole to assist with foot pathologies
Ross recommends a shoe with a rocker bottom sole for her patients with arthritis. The slight curve helps propel you forward naturally as you walk, reducing the stress and pressure on your heel, midfoot and forefoot joints. Shoes she stands by, like Hoka Bondi, “make your daily activities and walking excursions significantly less taxing with a simple lifestyle change of a shoe.” They’re available in women’s sizes 4 to 12 in 26 colors and men’s sizes 7 to 16 in 30 colors, with some sizes available in wide and extra-wide.
Promising Hoka review: “I suffer from metatarsal pain. The Bondi 9 was recommended for that very reason. I had been using an orthopedic insert prescribed by my podiatrist. The moment I put them on it was like standing on a cloud. I walked in my treadmill with them on and felt no pain whatsoever and no need of the orthopedic insoles. I have been walking in them for a week and they feel perfect! I am a size 10 and ordered a 10.5 and it was the right thing to do. They fit perfectly. Highly recommend them.” — Kitty
A cushion-heavy running shoe with plenty of support and shock absorption
“Look for a shoe with combination of comfort, stability and cushioning,” says Dr. Samuel Strothman, a podiatric physician at Desert Foot & Ankle. He points to Brooks Adrenaline GTS as a shoe that checks off all of these boxes, and it also comes with a wide toe box or a wide sizing option to accommodate a wider range of feet or any slight deformities that may arise with age. They come in men’s sizes 7 to 15 in 10 colors and women’s sizes 5 to 13 in 13 colors.
Promising review: “These shoes are very lightweight! I bought them due to stability and hip joint issues from a stroke years ago. I was also considering Hoka, but reviews led me to Brooks. I used the proper shoe finder on their website, and it gave me 3 options...WOW, goodbye Skechers...these shoes are unbelievably comfortable!! I am walking better than I have in the past 3 years, great support and stability. The cushioned sole and arch support is fantastic, it’s like I’m walking on air!” — Lee
A sturdy and supportive walking shoe with plush comfort
Lahiri recommends a supportive sole and good traction for folks who spend a lot of time on their feet. “One specific shoe I like for everyday walking are the New Balance 880s,” he says. They’re characterized by New Balance’s signature Fresh Foam cushioning that helps propel you forward with less effort and more energy return. They come in women’s sizes 5 to 12 in four colors and men’s sizes 7 to 16 in four in colors.
Promising review: “These are the best shoes! I have finicky feet and need a wide toe box so my toes can move, but also need cushion. These fit all my needs. No break in. I use mine for walking and daily wear. This is my 3rd pair of these. Love them!” — DJLP
A lower-profile sneaker with ample shock absorption
For Ross, you want a shoe that absorbs the harsh impact of the pavement “without feeling like you’re dragging sandbags on your feet.” She cites the brand On as offering terrific running shoes because they use a “pod-like” cushioning system that compresses upon impact to absorb shock, followed by locking you in firmly to offer a responsive push off. “They’re supportive for aging joints but remain lightweight enough for serious mileage,” she says.
Better yet, Dr. Duchaine says On sneakers are ideal for someone who wants something “a bit less bulky.” Whereas shoes like the Hoka Bondi feature a high stack height that can throw off your balance, On shoes deliver that same plush feel but with more stability, keeping you lower to the ground. Grab these lace-free sneakers for easy on and off whether you’ve got a busy schedule or live with mobility restrictions. They come in women’s sizes 5 to 12 in eight colors and men’s sizes 7 to 15 in 11 colors.
Promising review: “These On Cloud slip-on sneakers have quickly become my go-to shoes. They’re the second pair, just needed a new color. They’re incredibly comfortable right out of the box with little to no break-in period. The slip-on design makes them so easy to put on and take off, which is perfect for busy mornings or when I’m on the go. Purchased them right before a Disney trip and wore them right out of the box. No need to break them in.
They’re lightweight, supportive, and provide great cushioning whether I’m walking around all day, traveling, or just running errands. I also love that they look stylish enough to wear with athletic clothes or casual outfits.” — Jennifer B
A pair of shoes so comfortable, you’ll forget you’re wearing anything at all
At a recent visit to her office, Dr. Duchaine held up my beloved Asics Gel 1130 and pointed to them as a prime example of shoes suitable for aging populations. She folded them in half at the forefoot where the foot bends at the toe, a type of flexibility that helps support the foot's natural gait. Plus, they’ve got Asics’ signature GEL technology to help absorb impact, meaning less pain and more more miles logged with comfort. I’ve purchased multiple pairs of these sneakers as I find myself wearing them everywhere from the gym with a matching athleisure set to dinner with nice trousers. They come in men’s sizes 4 to 14 in 24 colors and women’s sizes 5.5 to 15.5 in 24 colors.
Promising review: “I’m really happy with these sneakers! They are comfortable, lightweight, and fit true to size. They look great and are perfect for everyday wear, walking, or working out. The quality is better than I expected for the price, and they feel durable and supportive. Overall, I’m very pleased with my purchase and would definitely recommend them!” — Sara
A breathable and stylish sandal with a custom-like feel
Birkenstock sandals consistently reign supreme among the podiatrist set for their deep heel cups that “cradle the foot's natural structure,” according to Ross. “The cork bed in Birkenstocks are fantastic as they eventually break in and become a custom arch support that is incredibly comfortable and supportive.” She specifically calls these sandals “winners” for her patients in warmer climates looking to avoid closed toed shoe gear. I wore my Birkenstock Milano Big Buckles every single day this summer, appreciating both their supportive ankle strap and sleek metallic hardware that instantly elevates my outfits. They come in women’s sizes 4 to 11.5 in five colors.
Promising review: “I wear only Birkenstocks. As a retired teacher, I have spent years on my feet. In the 80’s I developed what a podiatrist called a heel spur. The pain was awful, I remembered my old Birks from college days, I found a store, tried a new pair and walked pain-free. I am so happy the company now offers many colors and styles. I always get compliments on my shoes. I could be a spokesperson for Birkenstock!!!!!” — Inez S.
A trendy hiking-inspired sneaker for virtually any activity
The trendiest shoe on the market right now, Salomon XT-6, happens to be a solid buy for the over-50 demographic. Not only are they made big (I wish I had sized down when I bought my pair this summer), offering ample space for your toes to splay freely, but they boast Salomon’s QuickLace toggle closure for one-handed tightening. In keeping with their “gorpcore” hiking-inspired flair, their traction-heavy soles will keep you supported on all kinds of terrain. But if you’re prone to falls, be sure to keep an eye on their iconic treads:
“A supportive shoe is a vital component for overall foot health and support as we age,” says Ross. “Not all shoes will last a lifetime, so it is also important to double check the treads on your shoe gear.” The unisex shoes come in men’s sizes 4 to 13 and women’s sizes 5 to 14 in 19 colors.
Promising review: “Shoes are super comfy, traveled with them and did a lot of walking so they are very comfortable and supportive for your feet. Also feel very breathable when walking.” — Cnord
$185 at Salomon
From $180 at Nordstrom
A sturdy sneaker to keep you feeling stable on your feet
Skechers has quickly earned a reputation for offering some of the most comfortable and practical shoes out there. And because the slip-in Go Walk Arch Fit 2.0 aren’t necessarily the most plush on the market — after all, Dr. Lahiri recommends looking for a shoe that combines comfort, stability and a secure fit rather than the softest or most cushioned option — you’ll feel stable in your stance. They come in women’s regular and wide sizes 5 to 13 in five colors and men’s regular and extra wide sizes 7 to 16 in four colors.
Promising review: “These are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned! I’ve been dealing with heel pain, which I think is plantar fasciitis, and these shoes barely make me feel any pain whenever I wear them. The arch support is amazing, especially since I walk a lot every day.
I’ve worn them so much that they’re fully broken in now, and they’ve become even more comfortable! I highly recommend them to anyone dealing with the same issue.
Another thing I love is that they look stylish and the color is great. As you know, many orthopedic shoes don’t look very attractive, so I’m really happy with the aesthetics as well.
They fit true to size, and best of all, I can easily slide them on without bending over or tying shoelaces. Win-win!
I’m already thinking about getting another pair in a different color!
You really have no excuse not to try them since they’re affordable too. Go get them!” — Daily Finds