Whether you’re running laps or running errands, few shoe styles will get you farther than a good, versatile pair of sneakers. You’ve learned a lot after making it through your 20s in blister-causing, toe-crunching shoes. Now, with all that hard-earned wisdom comes the joy of embracing comfortable, supportive footwear.
To help you refresh your sneaker collection, we asked some of our favorite women over 40 and Facebook followers about the sneakers they reach for every day. They gave us suggestions for running sneakers, trail shoes and fashionable picks to wear out on the town.
We hope this list helps you put your best foot forward as you find your new favorite pair of kicks.
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Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Shoreline
Paula Elam Beaver, 67, loves her slip-on Converse shoes for casual wear, noting that she owns them in many colors. With an elastic collar around the heel, these adorable shoes are super easy to kick on and off and don't require you to tie them. They come in a selection of colors in sizes 5-11.
(Tip: They're available from Amazon, Converse and Designer Shoe Warehouse.)
Allbirds Wool Runner
Few people are as passionate about supportive footwear as my favorite and only aunt, a 67-year-old retired physical therapist. For daily wear while chasing grandkids and running errands, she likes the Allbirds Wool Runners (which many people in my family own). "Sooo comfy!" she said. "Made of wool. Breathes, repels moisture and lightweight."
Versatile kicks that are great for travel or daily use, they are soft and cozy without getting sweaty but will help keep your piggies warm in the cold. These come in a selection of neutral hues in sizes 5-11.
Asics Gel-Venture
My aunt's other favorite shoes, and her longtime suggestion for comfy sneakers, are the Asics Gel-Ventures. "I forget that I have sneakers on," she said. Enjoy the shock absorption and grippy outsoles these shoes offer, keeping you steady and stable as you move and groove. This shoe is designed to not feel too heavy on the foot while still being durable and supportive for long-term wear. Rock them in a bunch of fun color combos in sizes 5-12.
Hoka Bondi
My very sporty mom, a spritely 61-year-old, loves her Hoka Bondi sneakers. "I get a new pair every year, and this is my third pair," she said. "Good arch support and great walking and running shoe. Feels like I’m walking on a cloud." Hokas are a HuffPost favorite, known for their extreme comfort. The Bondi features a light foam sole, with a slightly extended outer heel to help you feel balanced and provide a little more cushion as you stride. These come in a bunch of colors in sizes 5-12.
Nike Air Max 270
A 41-year-old Facebook user with the display name Persnickety Plates recommended Nike Air Max 270s, saying she owns them in multiple colorways. Previously, surgical assistant Shakira McNeal also recommended these kicks, saying: "For the last year I have been wearing Nike brand 270s! I love them! I do surgery all day and they feel like I’m walking on air! I originally bought them for style and I put them on for work one day and NEVER LOOKED BACK!" The Nike Air Max 270 comes in various colors in women's sizes 5-12.
Topo Ultraventure
Katy Heckendorn Storm, 47, said: "I’m a huge fan of Topo Athletic shoes both on and off the trails. The Ultraventures are my favorite pair!" As cushioned trail runners, these kicks stay comfortable for miles and miles of walking time. The slight platform protects your underfoot and gives you some extra cushion, and the increased toe sweep helps with the transition between steps or strides. Best of all, these offer a Vibram outsole, making them extra tough while still looking nice. These come in four colors in sizes 6-11.
Altra Lone Peak
Looking for a hiking shoe that you'll find yourself wearing every day? Ann McGregor, 60, likes the Altra Lone Peak Alpine sneakers, saying on Facebook that they have a "Roomy toe box for my wide feet and bunions." Lightweight but still durable, these sneaks give your feet ample room while offering stability and protection. They come in a selection of colors in sizes 5.5-12.
New Balance Fresh Foam X
"Looove my New Balance Fresh Foam X!" Katie Jones, 42, wrote to us on Facebook. "So cushiony, like a pillow for my feet - I actually look forward to treadmill walks and sloooow jogs!"
Another nurse fave, according to Amazon reviews, these New Balances offer a rounded toe, as well as a super comfy foam sole and a rubber outsole for stability. These come in a bunch of colors in sizes 5-13.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lift
Bring an old classic to new heights — literally. Kimberly Wilson Parsons, 48, said her new favorite sneakers are her Converse All Star Lifts. "They look great with anything - but especially pearls," she wrote.
A little dressier than a basic Converse, these platform sneakers give you a bit of a lift with a super comfy foam insole to keep your feet happy. Despite the thicker sole, the shoes are also made with lightweight materials so they won't feel like cinder blocks at the end of your legs. (I am not over 40, but I do have a pair of these and can attest to this.) Grab them in a bunch of colors in sizes 5-11. Note that the brand says this style runs large and suggests ordering a half-size down.