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Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
15 best walking shoes for women over 50, recommended by an expert podiatrist: New Balance, Nike, Hoka, Asics & more
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.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Yahoo
20 best women's walking shoes for travel, recommended by a podiatrist: New Balance, On, Saucony & more
When you're travelling, you're on your feet a lot — exploring new places, hiking scenic trails and wandering through every must-see spot on your list so the last thing you want to worry about is sore feet slowing you down. Finding the best walking shoes for travel is essential for comfort and to keep your adventures pain-free so you don't have to take a detour on your plans. Whether you're navigating busy airports or taking long day trips, the right pair of shoes can make all the difference. The best walking travel shoes combine breathable materials, lightweight designs and supportive features to keep you moving comfortably. According to Dr. Bruce Pinker, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon, prioritizing comfort and support is essential when choosing travel footwear. Below, he gives his advice on what to look for in walking shoes for travel. Don't need advice? Jump right to Pinker's recommendations for the best walking shoes for travel in 2025-2026 here. When choosing shoes for walking long distances across different surfaces like concrete, sand or trails, Pinker says it's important to focus on features that ensure comfort, support and durability. "Look for a durable outsole with adequate traction, a firm heel counter for stability, cushioned and shock absorbing midsole, a cushioned insole with added arch support, durable uppers, and a toe box that is not cramped and allows for an air exchange," he explains. If you're searching for a shoe for walking in sand or on the beach, Pinker recommends choosing one with a rubber outsole and a flexible, grippy tread pattern, as it's generally the most effective for preventing slippage on those types of surfaces. To balance style and functionality when choosing walking shoes for mixed environments, Pinker suggests considering a waterproof option — one of his go-to's is Keen. If you know you will be spending a lot of time walking on hard surfaces, like concrete, throughout your trip, Pinker recommends shoes with lots of cushioning. "The best cushioning for this type of walking is ethylene-vinyl acetate which is often found in the midsole," he adds. There are also specific materials and designs that help prevent excessive sweating or odour during long travel days. "Micropores over the toe box or mesh material over the toe box can help reduce excessive sweating as the allow for an air-exchange," Pinker says. To ensure a good fit, especially if your feet tend to swell after hours of walking, Pinker recommends shopping for shoes later in the day. "If your feet swell after walking, it is best to try on shoes towards the end of the day. This will help ensure proper fit to their largest size," Pinker explains. Pinker also suggests considering custom orthotics for long travel days and long walks if you experience persistent foot pain, inflammatory conditions like plantar fasciitis, alignment issues or inadequate support from the standard insoles your shoes come with. "Custom orthotics can be a possibility for some individuals, however, they should be made to address specific concerns of the foot and ankle," he warns. If you're worried about blisters, cramping or pain, Pinker says there are warning signs that shoes will cause harm before it happens. "If a shoe feels tight and cramps the toes, it is not recommended for wearing. Also, if a shoe is too loose, it may cause blisters and is therefore not recommended," he cautions. "Footwear that lacks cushioning and shock absorption is also not recommended as it may cause pain while walking." Need help finding the best walking shoes for travel? Check out Pinker's picks — and reasoning — below. These New Balance sneakers are popular among walkers — they feature a soft foam midsole, an updated outsole and additional rubber in high-wear areas for added durability. According to Pinker, they're "very well-constructed and durable with added cushion." These sneakers also feature a mesh upper that's both supportive and breathable, which helps reduce foot moisture — great for long walks in a tropical destination. The Saucony Women's Ride 18 shoes are lightweight and cushioned, making them a perfect travel companion — no need to worry about added weight in your suitcase. With a reduced weight and an added heel collar cushioning for comfort, this latest iteration of the new Ride style offers a new engineered mesh upper for enhanced breathability and stretch. Pinker says these New Balance sneakers are "excellent walking shoes" and "recommended for long walks." New Balance is his top-recommended brand when it comes to comfort and durability for travel. They come in standard, wide and extra wide sizing, making them a great option to pack for a tropical climate vacation, where feet tend to swell due to the heat after hours of walking. The design of these sneakers helps drive you forward, and the midsole cushioning features lightweight foam to make you feel supported all day. The Cloud 6 Running Shoes from On blend advanced running tech with street-ready style. They feature a foam outsole, making them lightweight and deliver cloud-like landings with energy-boosted takeoffs. These shoes have a breathable mesh upper to help keep your feet cool with prolonged freshness. If you know you'll be dealing with mixed environments, Pinker recommends these waterproof hiking shoes from Keen. They have a contoured fit and also provide a constant curve from toe to heel for nonstop propulsion. These shoes are made from waterproof, breathable material that seals out moisture from the inside. They also feature a higher-traction rubber outsole with a full-length, lightweight plate in the midsole for added stability. These lightweight slip-on shoes from Amazon combine comfort with practicality. They feature stretchy foot-hugging knit to offer breathability and flexibility with moisture wicking and odour reducing insoles so you can go sock-free. The Energycloud midsole and outsole offer step-in comfort and cushioning. The Keen KNX Leather sneakers have a natural feel with a fit that hugs and moves with your foot. They also feature a no-tie stretch lace system, leather-wrapped insole for added durability and higher-traction foam outsole for lightweight durability. The Hettas Alma Tempo shoes are made for everyday walking and running. They feature a lower heel cup and collar to reduce rubbing on ankle bones and holds your heel in place without putting pressure on the Achilles. It's recommended to order a 1/2 size larger because this shoe includes two pairs of insoles. The New Balance DynaSoft Nergize Sport v2 shoes are a versatile pair of sneakers that are great to throw in a suitcase because of their lightweight nature. They're designed with breathable mesh and can be easily slipped on — and they also come in multiple widths, which make them a stellar option if you have wider feet. These slip-on sneakers from Amazon are designed with a breathable mesh upper, ensuring your feet stay cool and sweat-free. The convenient slip-on design makes them a perfect option for travel or on-the-go days. The heel reinforcement and supportive foam padding offer increased stability and ankle protection, helping to prevent blisters on long walks. New Balance's FuelCell Walker Elite shoes are an ideal choice for someone looking for cushioning and stability. The FuelCell foam helps drive you forward and the stability plane provides stability without compromising cushioning. The FLEX Slip-On sneakers from Kuru Footwear deliver pain-relieving support with the patented tech flexing with each step to hug and protect your heels. These shoes have a shock-absorbing cushion and the ergonomic insole adds arch support to keep your feet comfortable and supported. The Lululemon Chargefeel 3 Workout Shoes have an upper that secures your foot with targeted support and stretch. The outsole has the perfect balance between stability and flexibility with the responsive, lightweight midsole that helps with create a powerful motion forward. Wide feet? Go a half size up. Under Armour's Court 96 Suede sneaker delivers all-day comfort, with their comfort foam midsole. The translucent rubber outsole is durable and provides excellent traction, providing a comfortable walking experience. These lightweight shoes from Amazon feature a convenient slip on and go style, which makes them great for walks on the beach. The breathable mesh upper keeps your feet dry and comfortable all day, and the lightweight nature makes them a great packable option. The Saucony Tempus 2 shoes feature a midsole that offers a plush, responsive feel that will keep you energized with every step. The mesh upper provides a snug and supportive fit to ensure your foot stays secure. The On Cloudtilt Shoes use feature comfy soles and also have a sock-like construction and speed-lacing system for ease. Reebok's Classic AZ sneakers are a great option if you're looking to merge comfort with style. The nylon underlays and suede overlays offer a sleek and comfortable fit, and they feature a durable rubber sole for added support and traction. The Keen Women's UNEEK WK Sneakers are a great option for warm climates, since they combine the breathability of a sandal with the stability of a sneaker. They have a generous space across the forefoot for toes to splay and also feature a quick-cinch bungee lacing system to get shoes easily on and off. There's no insole in these shoes, bringing you even closer to the ground for a barefoot experience. This shoe promotes natural foot mechanics, helping to reduce impact, improve posture and lead to more efficient movement.
