According to American Association for Retired People (AARP), feet change with age. Feet stretch out and get wider over time. Fatty pads on soles thin out, hampering shock absorption. For these reasons and more, choosing shoes designed just for seniors can be a game-changer for mature walkers eager to stay fit and active.
Skechers Men’s Afterburn Memory-Foam Lace-up Sneaker – Our Pick!
- Fabricated of leather, synthetics and mesh
- Sporty look features stitching and overlay accents
- Padded collar and tongue
- Memory foam insole.
Step out in style wearing these kicks that feature a comfy fabric lining and a flexible, high-traction Articu-Lyte rubber sole. The 1 ½-inch built-in heel offers just the right amount of lift, and no matter what size you wear, you’ll probably find a good fit since this men’s lace-up sneaker comes in sizes 6.5- to 16X-wide.
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Shoe experts insist that this shoe delivers a true fit, so no worries about returns, and you’ll get a dozen color choices if you’re fastidious about your wardrobe. Considered a #1 pick for gentlemen who crave fashion and performance, this Skechers shoe is all about style, but be prepared to make decisions based on the color you choose since the more exotic shades drive up the price.
Vionic Men’s Walker – Also Great!
- 100-percent leather shoe
- Tough, durable rubber outer sole
- Some models feature suede uppers
- Removable textile-covered EVA footbed.
For senior walkers who wouldn’t consider a shoe made of synthetics, this 100-percent leather product is surprisingly affordable if you choose one of the collection’s popular colors. The half-inch elevation is built in to deliver a smooth heel-to-strike zone transition. Pricing depends upon the color and textile mix you prefer, but all 6 options are stylish and trendy.
Having received the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, seniors can expect a comfortable, stable experience, whether that walk is around a park or on a hike. All Vionic brand footwear features proprietary Active Motion System (AMS) technology, which means that podiatrists helped develop this product, so each pair delivers the ultimate support seniors crave in a walking shoe.
Dr. Comfort Performance Men’s Therapeutic Athletic Shoe
- Wear it for walking and sports
- True to size fit
- 4 color options
- Sizing ranges between 6 and 15 X-wide.
This good-looking men’s athletic shoe serves an impressive number of uses. It’s a walking shoe and a cross-trainer, so it performs as well on a walking trail as it does in the gym. Excellent arch stability, support, and comfort make this a very versatile pick, and the no-tie elastic lace enclosure means no tedious shoelace threading or lacing. Further, the seamless design is specifically engineered to help cut down on skin irritation.
The mesh uppers are crafted of breathable textiles that regulate heat, so feet stay cool and dry, even on the longest walks. Remove the insoles and replace them if you wear orthotics regularly or occasionally. The protective toe box could be your favorite feature if you stub your toes on more occasions than you care to recall.
Rockport Men’s Eureka Walking Shoe
- Fit is true to size: sizes run from 6.5W to 14
- Features a tough rubber sole
- Sturdy leather upper is easy to clean
- Extra collar padding prevents blister formation.
This genuine leather walking shoe looks more like a traditional shoe and less like athletic footwear. The fatigue-fighting footbed cushions feet, and the moisture-wicking mesh lining contributes breathability so guys who like long walks don’t have to limit the distance they travel on foot. Colors? Choose from 3 popular ones.
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What’s the magic behind this walking shoe’s performance? Rockport’s San Crispino construction, impact-absorbing EVA midsole and lightweight produce a shoe that offers stability and traction plus long-wearing flexibility on all types of surfaces. Expect the outsole to keep performing for years, and when it comes to style, this shoe stands alone.
Orthofeet Proven
- Get a 60-day free trial to test these out
- Recommended for walkers with foot disorders
- Lightweight sole and ergonomic design
- Premium orthotic soles feature anatomical arch support.
Looking for high-quality that won’t force you to borrow from your IRA? This shoe offers multiple cushioning layers for pillow-like comfort, and since it’s designed for comfort while easing foot and heel pain, you could experience pain relief all the way up to your lower back.
It is recommended that seniors who suffer from flat feet, overpronation, and arthritis fit isn’t a problem since this shoe comes in extended widths, and the non-binding uppers add additional comfort. The wide, roomy box toe is especially helpful for seniors who suffer from conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and Morton’s Neuroma. This Orthofeet walking shoe only comes in black, but if you suffer from a painful foot condition, that factor won’t phase you.
Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 8 Running Shoe
- Comes with a synthetic sole
- Engineered for seniors concerned about flexibility
- Durable leather overlays lock in the midfoot
- EVA sock liner enhances comfort.
You know the brand, but you may not know that Under Armour makes a shoe that not only pampers the feet of senior walkers but doubles as a running shoe for those eager to compete in Senior Olympics games. This design contributes balance and cushioning to walks at any pace, and the lightweight mesh upper breathes.
Three-color digital printing adds style to this shoe, and the charged cushioning midsole uses compression molded foam to enhance responsiveness and contribute to energy return. That outsole is not just a pretty face, either: It covers high-impact zones that add durability with less weight. Love having color choices? You get 24 from which to pick as long as your favorite retailer stocks the full line in sizes 7 to 15 X-wide.
Rockport Men’s Chranson Walking Shoe
- Genuine leather nubuck
- Available in brown/black
- Synthetic sole with a 1.25-inch heel
- Sizing runs from 7 to 14.
Senior men who have no desire to stand out from the crowd love this conservative-looking Rockport leather shoe that offers wearers a breathable interior courtesy of the textile footbed cover and mesh lining. Every step you take is not only cooled by the ventilation, but wearers enjoy confidence born of truTECH, Rockport’s lightweight engineering, so heels are cushioned, and shocks are absorbed.
The rubber outsole on this shoe is known for conquering all types of surfaces, so even the least sure-footed member of the senior crowd will feel safe, confident and secure. The adjustable lace closure is artfully designed to help contour the Chranson to the foot. As a result, wearers get a custom fit that keeps feet comfortable on the go.
New Balance Men’s 577 V1 Hook and Loop Walking Shoe
- Velcro straps for fast fastening
- Sporty 100-percent leather style
- Premium cushioning conquers foot fatigue
- Available in 3 neutral colors.
New Balance has joined the men’s senior shoe market with this attractive walking shoe that comes in sizes 7 to 15 X-wide. For seniors who put “excellent support” atop their must-have lists, this versatile 577v1 hook and loop walking shoe features the company’s signature ABZORB system, known for transferring shocks to the heel so walkers can go further and faster without experiencing pain.
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In addition to the stylish uppers, these walking shoes feature cushioned polyurethane midsoles, solid rubber outsoles and a versatile look that works for all levels of senior fitness enthusiasts, from casual strollers to fast walkers whose goals include speed walks that benefit their cardio systems.
Propét Men’s LifeWalker
- 4 neutral colors hide soil and dirt
- Size range is vast: 7 to 15 3X-wide
- Brushed nylon lining for comfort
- Fabricated of 100-percent leather for longevity.
Must you speak French to properly pronounce the name of walking shoe manufacturer? Not really – but if you do know a few words, you may wind up describing this footwear as magnifique and tres chic. Remove the cushioned orthotic if you prefer to replace it with the one your doctor ordered and off you go, enjoying this shoe’s padded collar and tongue and adjustable hook-and-loop closure system.
The built-in heel stabilizer with dual strap Velcro closures permit you to kiss shoelaces goodbye forever if you hate bending over. The EVA midsole offers durable, sturdy arch support, and this shoe is recommended for diabetics after being classified as a certified Medicare/HCPCS code A5500 diabetic shoe sure to appeal to men eager to do all they can to forestall disease progression.
Dr. Comfort Men’s Brian Acorn Stretchable Diabetic Casual Shoes
- Stretchable casual shoes for diabetics
- Available in black and acorn
- Sizes run from 6 X wide to 15 X wide
- Dr. Comfort gel inserts are included.
For men who are contending with a diabetes diagnosis, this Dr. Comfort shoe offers an alternative to the Propét Men’s walking shoe described above. Specifically designed to address myriad foot issues experienced by diabetics, this product pairs classic craftsmanship with sophisticated style and despite being a therapeutic shoe, comfort was not ignored in the design process.
Putting them on couldn’t be easier thanks to the one-strap Velcro fastener, and the upper is fabricated of leather and Lycra for the ultimate stretch. Seamless padded lining adds an element of comfort and thanks to the huge range of widths that range from B/D and E/2E to 3E/4E, senior walkers are assured of the fact that even the widest foot will find a happy place wearing these unique shoes.
Comfort and Cushioning
Comfort and cushioning aren’t buzz words. They’re reality. The best walking shoes for older men are made with orthotic insoles for arch support — or at the very least, they are deep enough to accommodate an orthotic prescribed by a doctor. Why are orthotics so important? They alleviate pain caused by joint pressure and cushion foot soles, too.
A shoe that offers under-heel cushioning is beneficial for seniors who suffer bunions, enlarged joints, or those diagnosed with arthritis or gout, and don’t ignore interior shoe features that add extra cushioning. Look for shoes with protective interior linings that are seam-free and padded with extra foam.
Grip and Stability
All it takes is one fall to break the fragile bones of seniors, so selecting a shoe for its grip and stability can’t be overstated. One way to ensure that won’t happen is to pick a shoe with a low or flat heel, so the likelihood that a wearer will fall or twist an ankle is diminished.
Shop for shoes made by manufacturers who prioritize grip and traction features when they describe their shoes and if you live in an area where rain is frequent or where you will be walking in snow, check the product description to make sure the shoe is waterproof.
Budget
As a rule, shoes in this niche tend to fall into a somewhat narrow price structure despite brand name, materials used and innovations added. As a result, the senior walking shoes described on our list range in price from slightly under $100 to around $200. Oftentimes shoe color drives up a price, so keep that in mind when you shop.
Shopping Tips
- Choose a shoe with extra-depth if your prescribed orthotics are thick.
- Opt for non-lace closures if tying shoelaces is problematic.
- Slip-on walking shoes are particularly convenient and popular.
- Ask a professional shoe fitter to help you if you’re not sure about fit.
- Toes need wiggle room, but feet should not slide around in shoes you buy.
- Shop at the end of the day. That’s when your feet are at their largest.
- Bring your socks and orthotics along when you audition senior walking shoes.
- Don’t expect your shoes to stretch out. If shoes feel tight, take a pass.
- Walk around the block before you buy to make sure shoes meet your expectations.