15 best walking shoes for women over 50, recommended by an expert podiatrist: New Balance, Nike, Hoka, Asics & more

Yahoo

2 days ago

Maintaining foot health and being comfortable is essential for overall well-being, especially for people who spend a lot of time on their feet — whether you're standing or travelling. Walking is one of the most accessible and beneficial forms of exercise but without the right walking shoes, it can lead to things like discomfort, pain or specific foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis and joint strain.
According to Dr. Bruce Pinker, a board certified podiatrist and foot surgeon, our feet change as we age — and it's important to pay attention to how our feet fit in shoes to avoid long-term damage.
Before we get into shoes, it's important to understand how aging affects feet — and what people should look for in a walking shoe to accommodate those changes. Pinker explains that as we grow older, the natural cushioning in the feet — typically adipose tissue — often reduces in thickness. Read on to learn more about how aging impacts your feet, and discover expert-approved picks for the best walking shoes for women over 50.
How aging affects your feet
What to look for in walking shoes for women over 50
How often should I replace my walking shoes
Best walking shoes for women over 50: Podiatrist picks
That reduction in thickness we mentioned above? It can have major impacts.
"The reduction in thickness leads to less shock absorption in the forefoot and ball of the foot. Also, the plantar fascia ligaments can tighten as we age, leading to the pain and inflammation in the heel and arch regions," Pinker says. "After years of wearing shoes, especially if they fit tightly, bunions and hammertoe can develop."
According to Pinker, the most common foot issues women over 50 face include plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains and metatarsalgia/bursitis, which is an inflammation of fluid-filled sacs under the ball of the foot. Other issues include bunions, hammertoes (which occur when pressure pushes the toes out of place) and neuromas — a disorganized growth of nerve cells at the site of a nerve injury.
"Wearing the right walking shoes can prevent or alleviate these issues by providing proper cushioning, shock absorption, and arch support," Pinker explains. "Offering a proper width and length can also be helpful in preventing the development of bunions, hammertoes, and neuromas."
Pinker says that women over 50 should look for footwear that fits properly — making sure the shoes aren't too cramped or narrow in the toe box. He also advises to make sure you look for "adequate cushioning, shock absorption and arch support," Pinker adds.
He says that the flexibility of a shoe's sole is somewhat important, but it's even more important for the sole to be durable with appropriate traction and grip to prevent slippage.
When selecting footwear, it's crucial to consider individual foot needs to ensure both comfort and support.
"Extra wide sizes are appropriate for those with wide feet. Adjustable straps for shoes and sandals are recommended to provide a more stable and secure fit," Pinker says. "For flat feet, it is best to look for walking shoes or sneakers with added medial arch support. Meanwhile, for those with high arches, finding a shoe with a firm heel counter and a somewhat deep heel cup is recommended for a preferred fit."
Pinker says that people can forget that replacing their walking shoes is a major part of foot health and preventing injuries.
Over time the cushioning and support in shoes breaks down, leading to decreased shock absorption and stability.
Pinker suggests that most walkers should replace their walking shoes every 300 to 500 miles — or around 480 to 805 kilometres — which in most cases is once every 10-12 months.
"Sometimes, depending upon the amount of mileage, it is difficult to determine if the footwear has lost proper support as the outsole may not show signs of wear," Pinker explains. "Once the midsole begins to diminish, usually between 300-500 miles of usage, cushioning and shock absorption become reduced, and these changes are usually not visible."
Need help finding the best walking shoes? Check out Pinker's picks — and reasoning — below.
The New Balance Leather 928V3s are a great walking shoe for women over 50 because they feature motion control stability technologies, which help control rear-foot movement for enhanced support.
"For flat feet, it is best to look for walking shoes and sneakers with added medial arch support, often found in New Balance with the Rollbar feature," Pinker says.
Pinker highly recommends Hoka as a top brand for walking shoes — and the Clifton 10 is a trusted trainer for daily walking. It has a 3mm heel-to-toe drop and ultralight cushioning to keep you comfortable.
Plus there's a refined heel for improved comfort and fine-tuned midsole geometry for better stability. The heel counter and tongue are padded and it comes in regular, wide and extra wide sizes.
These Lululemon Chargefeel 2 Mid Workout shoes have a pressure-mapped outsole that provides excellent traction and flexibility. They also have a smooth liner that adds second-skin-level comfort, and helps with ankle support.
Pinker says added ankle support is recommended in walking shoes for women with ankle instability or a history of ankle sprains. "High-top sneakers, or those with added ankle support, are usually helpful for these individuals," he adds.
ZGR Womens High Top Canvas Sneakers are another great high-top option at a great price point. They feature anti-slip rubber outsoles and padded memory foam. The canvas upper is made of breathable, comfortable material — and they come in 15 different colours.
The New Balance FuelCell Walker Elite sneakers are a great walking shoe option, because they have responsive cushioning and a supportive outsole.
These are also a great option for those who have had foot surgery, because they feature a stability plane technology that removes the medial post, giving the shoes a softer feel without compromising cushioning and comfort.
The Adidas Cloudfoam Pure Shoes feature midsole cushioning, and have a loop at the back of the shoe to help pull them on with ease. Shoppers have noted that this shoe runs small, so it's recommended to order half a size up.
The New Balance 530s were originally created for athletic performance but they have quickly become a style staple, too. The shoes combine a fashion-forward look with the reliability of a high-mileage running shoes.
Pinker says that New Balance is a top recommended brand for women over 50 as their shoes provide all-day comfort thanks to their special foam cushioning, which supports your feet and absorbs any impact.
The Hoka Transports feature a quick-toggle lace, designed for you to get them on and off easily. They have 360-degrees of reflectivity to provide higher visibility and added safety in low-light areas. The responsive midsole foam offers cushioning and the rubber outsole provides great grip.
Nike's Zoom Vomero 5s have a sculpted heel counter and Air Zoom cushioning to help provide a quick off-the-ground movement. The mesh panels and ventilation ports on the heel keep the shoe light and breathable. They also feature real and synthetic leather on the upper to add durability.
The Asics Gel-NYC 2055 sneakers feature impact-absorbing silicone gel placed in the rearfoot to improve your step and create a softer feeling. Pinker recommends the Asics brand for their shock absorption, durability and comfort.
Under Armour's Charged Assert 10 Running Shoes are a great option for those who plan to walk a lot. They feature a cushioned midsole to help protect against impact and use compression molded foam for responsiveness. They also feature a solid rubber outsole that is great for durability — without the added weight.
The Saucony Women's Ride Millennium shoes feature a cushioned footbed for long-lasting comfort and a breathable mesh upper. The padded tongue and collar add extra comfort and support and the durable rubber outsole delivers flexible traction.
Another brand that Pinker highly recommends is On — specifically for their CloudTec cushioning. This specific model uses CloudTec Phase midsole to help create a smoother roll-though from heel to toe, while the super foam adds a more bouncy and energetic feel. These shoes also have an ultra-lightweight midsole with sock-like construction and a speed lacing system.
The Asics Glideride Max shoes use cushioning foam designed to help create a high energy return through every step. The Guidesole technology helps create smooth toe-offs and the Aharplus outsole improves durability. The shoes also feature a sockliner for soft step-in comfort.
The Experience Form shoes from Altra have a lightweight midsole, guidance technology and a 4mm drop. The GuideRail technology encourages natural foot placement with gentle guidance. They also feature a roomy toe box and a secure midfoot so you can feel confident with every step.