Latest news with #walkingshoes
Yahoo
2 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.
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Memorial Day Sneaker Sales That Are Still Live Today: Save Up To 40%
Despite the official end of the holiday weekend, there are still dozens of Memorial Day sneaker sales and deals to be had—including from some of our tested best walking and running shoes. We found extended Memorial Day deals on the On Cloud 5, a standout shoe that made our gear editors' lists of the best walking shoes for both men and women, and the Asics Gel-Kayano 31, Forbes Vetted's pick for the overall best running shoe for men. Regardless of whether you need an everyday sneaker like the Hoka Clifton 9 or a speedy trainer like the Hoka Mach 6, there are plenty of great sneaker deals to shop today. These are the ones we recommend. Many of the best Memorial Day sneaker sales are still going on after the holiday. Dick's Sporting Goods The thick cushioning and breathable mesh upper of this sneaker make it an excellent option for anyone craving more support. We named it the best shoe overall for standing all day. This 20% discount is available in 10 colorways at Dick's Sporting Goods this week. All colors of the women's Clifton 9 are also on sale. Dick's Sporting Goods You can pick from 10 discounted colorways at Dick's Sporting Goods, including the neutral Barley shade above. Our favorite stability running shoe for men, the Arahi 7 is designed to prevent overpronation (when your ankle rolls inward as you walk). It's not as cushioned many of Hoka's popular designs, but the sacrifice comes a more stable build overall. Women's sizes are also on sale. Hoka Our gear editor named the Mach 6 the best Hoka shoe for tempo runs. If you're looking for a lightweight trainer that'll keep up, the Mach 6 is speedier and more dynamic than its plusher Clifton 9 cousin. Hoka only has two colorways available for this price, but a wide array of sizes are in stock. Dick's Sporting Goods The super-comfortable Hoka Bondi 8 has been a customer favorite for years, thanks to its excellent cushioning and bouncy foam sole. It's a great everyday choice for those who are on their feet for most of the day or enjoy taking long walks. Right now, select men's sizes and colorways are on sale for the lowest price we've ever seen these sneakers; most, however, are available at a sale price of $116, just a dollar more than its previous lowest price. On Plush and stable, the Cloudrunner was designed to minimize impact using On's proprietary CloudTec cushioning and lightweight foam. It also has a higher 9mm heel-toe drop that's good for runners who tend to land heel first. This discount is available in two colors and sizes 10.5 through 13. Dick's Sporting Goods The Cloudswift 3 has a sock-like fit and ribbed lacing to keep the sneaker firmly in place while you move. It has a springy sole and a durable, rounded tread that grips the ground and propels you forward. Reviewers also comment on the sneaker's overall comfort, noting that it requires little to no break-in period. This discount is available in seven colors, though sizing is limited depending on the colorway. On If you're looking for an On Cloud Memorial Day sale on trail-running sneakers, we've got you. Right now you can get 25% off the On Cloudsurfer Trail-Running Shoes, in a gray-and-light-green colorway (Frost/Lima). With a moderate cushion and a 7mm heel-to-toe drop, these offer comfort, flexibility and shock-absorbing grip and traction. The deal is available in eight sizes at the time of this writing. On With a light, extra-cushioned design, these sneakers are designed to help propel you forward for more speed. The woven uppers are light and breathable, and the shoe also has excellent reflectivity to help keep you visible in the evenings. This colorway (Black/Iron) is now on sale for 25% off, and it's still available in most women's sizes. Brooks Running Our favorite women's walking shoe overall after extensive yearslong testing, and our favorite men's walking shoe for long distances, the Brooks Ghost 16 sneaker is made for walkers who want to get some serious miles under their feet. The sneaker is well-cushioned, supportive and stable—albeit a bit bulky. Brooks is offering nine colorways for 21% off at the moment in a solid array of sizes. Amazon The newest version of this sneaker (the Glycerin 22) is our favorite men's running shoe for wide feet. The style is very well-cushioned, with a high 10mm drop and spacious toe box. If you don't need the latest design, this 21 model is 38% off in seven colorways at Amazon right now (a few other colors are also on sale for slightly less). Amazon Highly cushioned with a rocker-style sole, this sneaker is the our editors' pick for the best shoe for standing on concrete all day—and the best men's walking shoe for cushioning. It was super popular with our testers for its overall comfort and extremely soft landing. However, its higher stack and weight leave it better suited for standing and walking versus more demanding activities. Two colors are on sale in women's sizes and one is on sale in men's. Asics Our editors named the Asics Gel-Kayano 31 the best running shoe overall for men thanks to its excellent support, impact absorption and a design that promotes proper alignment. As our gear writer Steven John puts it, 'Essentially, this shoe holds your foot exactly where it should be, with your heel locked in place, arches supported and toes free to spread out with each step.' Both men's and women's sizes are on sale for $40 off in a range of colors and sizes, so don't miss out on the rare chance to save on this model. Asics These lightweight and breathable trail-running sneakers are now 25% off in the colorway shown, with all sizes still in stock; most men's sizes are still available and on sale for the same price as well. Proprietary cushioning technology provides lightweight impact absorption for good bounce, and an OrthoLite Hybrid Max sockliner offers comfort no matter where your adventures take you. Asics Designed for road running or treadmill workouts, these running sneakers are lighter weight than their previous iteration, but still cushioned enough to provide comfort and bounce with every step. The mesh upper is made with over 90% recycled materials, a foam blend outsole offers good traction, and this sneaker is also American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) accepted. Nike Our team named the Nike Metcon 9 the best CrossFit shoe for men due to its well-rounded, versatile design that can help you power through nearly any workout. It has a rubber strip on the inside of the foot to take on rope climbing, and its slight heel drop is ideal for weightlifting. The sneaker also quite stylish, coming in eight colorways to fit your desired aesthetic. Keep in mind it's a heavier shoe overall. Columbia If you're looking for a walking shoe that can handle rainy day strolls, our editors recommend the Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Shoe. Its padded, supportive and features a durable outsole with plenty of traction for walking in wet weather. The upper material is also designed to keep your feet dry, so you don't have to deal with sopping wet socks. Fleet Feet New Balance is one of the best sneaker brands for wider-than-average feet. Because it offers widths narrow (B) through extra-wide (4E), all sorts of runners can feel comfortable while wearing this shoe regardless of their size. We particularly recommend the New Balance 880 V14 Wide for beginner runners due to its light weight, sturdy support and ample cushioning underfoot.
