Even after retirement, our older loved ones should be encouraged to stay active. After all, engaging in regular exercises and healthful activities can help older adults maintain excellent physical health and, by extension, great overall well-being.
Walking clubs, for example, are a perfect means for older adults to keep fit. It often involves walking with a group of people within a designated area or path.
While staying active is vital for your parents or grandparents, ensuring their safety while at it is just as important. To ensure your loved one is safe while walking, they must use the proper footwear for them, as wearing improper shoes only puts them at risk of falling and injury.
At Seasons Retirement, we prioritize the safety of our residents and offer an enabling environment to engage in healthy activities. Moreover, residents are provided with emergency pendants to alert our trained staff in case of an accident.
Although helping your older loved ones choose suitable footwear can be challenging, the correct information can make the selection process easier.
This article discusses what to look for in a walking shoe and some of the best walking shoes for seniors on the market today, including popular brands like Skechers that offer comfortable shoes for elderly individuals.
Indeed, appearance and beauty matter when choosing footwear. But these criteria are not enough to choose a walking shoe for an older person, as there are other qualities to look out for.
Below are some factors to consider when shopping for the best shoes for seniors.
The size and comfort of a shoe often go hand in hand. So, before settling on a pair of walking shoes, ensure they are the right size to prevent restrictions or too much looseness on the feet. These can make walking and standing uncomfortable for older adults.
In addition, it is best to choose a walking shoe made from breathable and comfortable materials. Mainly, your loved one should look out for sneakers with soft padding and cushioning. These materials will help protect their feet against irritation and friction that can cause discomfort and blisters. Many brands, like Skechers, offer shoes with memory foam insoles for enhanced comfort.
Arch support is a critical factor when selecting walking shoes for seniors. As we age, our feet naturally lose some of the padding in the arches, which can lead to discomfort, pain, or even conditions like flat feet. Shoes with proper arch support help alleviate this discomfort by redistributing weight evenly across the foot. This improves comfort and reduces the risk of joint and back pain.
Shoes with added arch support can be especially beneficial for seniors with conditions such as plantar fasciitis or arthritis. Podiatrist-certified support is a key feature to look for, and many brands, including Skechers, offer shoes with their Arch Fit system, which provides targeted support where it’s most needed. This support helps enhance overall balance, reducing the risk of falls—a critical safety consideration for older adults.
Many models also offer customizable insoles, allowing the shoes to be tailored to the wearer’s specific needs. If you’re unsure about the right level of arch support, a visit to a podiatrist or foot care specialist can help ensure your loved one’s feet are properly supported.
The higher the heel of a shoe, the greater the chance of falling while walking in it. The best walking shoes for seniors have a low heel – less than one inch – for maximum contact with the ground; this helps ensure older adults are stable while walking.
Also, opt for footwear with ample support in the back, as they help keep their heels and ankles in place. Meanwhile, a pair of shoes with broad soles will offer more stability for safe walking, as it has a greater area of contact with the ground. Look for features like arch support sneakers, which can provide additional stability for older adults.
The soles on the walking shoes of your older adult should be resistant to slips. A proper sole should fasten to the ground in wet and dry conditions. Wearing a pair of sneakers with slip-resistant soles will significantly reduce your loved one’s risk of falling.
Additionally, the soles should be shock absorbent to reduce the impact of walking and standing on their joints. Many modern walking shoes, including those from Skechers, offer excellent cushioning and shock absorption features.
Why take a gamble buying a walking shoe that may not suit your needs when you can pay for custom-made footwear made from scratch? You’ll get the correct measurements and sizes for your parents or grandparents.
Moreover, specific health issues may need older adults to make use of a walking shoe made according to their podiatrist’s instructions.
For instance, one may require the insertion of custom orthotics in their footwear. So, getting a custom-made pair is an ideal solution instead of having to find shoes that can accommodate these arch supports. Some brands offer orthopedic footwear options that can be suitable for seniors with specific foot conditions.
As we age, lightweight footwear can significantly improve mobility. Heavy shoes can cause discomfort, increase fatigue, and affect a person’s gait and posture. That’s why lightweight walking shoes are particularly suitable for seniors.
Many modern walking shoes are designed with lightweight materials that reduce the shoe’s overall weight while maintaining durability and comfort. This allows for more effortless movement, making walking less strenuous for extended periods. A lightweight shoe is also less likely to cause strain on the legs and joints, offering better energy conservation throughout the day.
Shoes with a low-profile design, which do not add bulk but still offer complete support, are great for seniors who want comfort without compromising style or functionality. These shoes provide better freedom of movement, enabling seniors to walk longer distances and enjoy activities without feeling weighed down.
Breathable shoes are crucial for maintaining foot health, particularly in older adults. Poor ventilation can lead to excessive sweating, which can cause discomfort, odour, and, in some cases, fungal infections. Therefore, choosing shoes made from breathable materials is essential when selecting walking shoes for seniors.
Skechers and other reputable brands use mesh uppers or lightweight fabrics that promote airflow, helping to regulate foot temperature and keep the feet cool and dry. This is particularly important for seniors who may experience increased foot perspiration or swelling. Breathable shoes reduce the risk of blisters, fungal infections, and other foot-related health problems, ensuring that older adults enjoy their walks with minimal discomfort.
Moreover, a well-ventilated shoe enhances comfort, as it prevents the buildup of heat and moisture, which can lead to irritation. Shoes with moisture-wicking properties also help keep feet dry, making them ideal for prolonged wear.
It would help if you considered the convenience of wearing walking shoes. For example, if squatting or bending down to tie shoe laces will be challenging for your older loved ones, you should go for shoes without laces. Many brands now offer easy on off shoes for seniors, such as slip-ons or those with velcro straps.
Furthermore, wearing slip-on shoes with hook-and-loop fasteners means there is no chance your loved one would trip from an undone lace. Skechers, for instance, offers their innovative Hands Free Slip-ins technology, making it easier for seniors to put on and take off their shoes.
What are the best shoes for seniors? There’s no definite answer. This is because older adults have unique tastes when it comes to their footwear.
That said, these four walking shoes are known to be very good for older adults:
The New Balance 577 is from the unisex category and can be worn by older persons of all genders.
This incredibly durable shoe features a convenient velcro fastener and an excellent shock-absorbing sole. It is perfect for older adults who need a cushion for their feet while walking.
Speaking of cushioning, the Skechers GO WALK series is a line of sneakers that adds a much-needed spring to an older adult’s steps. It is one of the safest shoes for seniors, as it doesn’t have laces or velcro straps that need to be fastened. They instead opt for a well-designed slip-on design.
The Skechers GO WALK series will comfort your loved one’s feet inside and outside their home. These lightweight walking shoes feature Skechers’ innovative comfort technologies, including:
Popular models in this series include:
The GO WALK collection also includes the GO WALK Anywhere and GO WALK Max models, providing a range of options to suit different preferences and needs.
The design of Hush Puppies Gil is quite basic. But whatever this shoe may lack in appearance to some, it makes up for in function. Hush Puppies Gil is comfortable and light, making it an excellent choice for casual and formal occasions.
Moreover, the shoe has a velcro strap, and a rubber sole with excellent traction to reduce your older loved one’s risk of falling.
This shoe is one of the best sneakers for seniors, especially women. From the convenience of wearing it and its non-skid sole to its aesthetic design, there is so much to love about this footwear. It’s designed for comfort and to provide ample support to the wearer, is made to be worn in a slip-on style, and is crafted using durable materials to last the user a long time.
Skechers has become increasingly popular among seniors due to their focus on comfort and innovative design. Here are some key features that make Skechers shoes an excellent choice for older adults:
Indeed, picking the best walking shoes for seniors can be tricky and challenging. But you should take your time when selecting as the process is for the safety of your older loved one.
The above tips should guide you in choosing the right pair of walking shoes for your parents or grandparents. Whether you opt for traditional brands or innovative options like Skechers with their Arch Fit and GO WALK technologies, prioritize comfort, support, and safety in your selection.
*Seasons Retirement Communities is not affiliated with these footwear brands. To select the correct fit and style for you or your loved one, please consult a trained professional.