Walking is one of the healthiest ways to exercise and offers a wealth of benefits both physically and mentally. One of the biggest advantages when it comes to walking is that you don’t need a gym membership or other fancy equipment to break a sweat every day (though it is nice to have an indoor track or treadmill in inclement weather conditions). One thing you do need to invest in is a good pair of walking shoes because wearing an old pair or one that doesn’t fit you properly could ultimately lead to foot damage or other aches or pains. Ultimately, you want a pair of walking shoes that’s comfortable, supports your arches, cushions the bottom of your feet, and ideally, looks good too!
Another thing to consider is that your feet change over time. Factors such as weight gain or loss, pregnancy, injury, foot conditions, or natural aging can have a huge effect on your feet. Because of this, you don’t want to make assumptions about size or fit based on a brand name or product reviews. When picking out the perfect pair of walking shoes, it is best to do the following:
- Pick them up and check the weight before automatically trying them on.
- Twist the shoe as if you are wringing out a towel to test its flexibility on an uneven trail.
- Try on multiple shoes. It takes a while, but you want to have the perfect pick.
- Find the right fit by wiggling your toes and taking a lap around the store to make sure your foot will be secure and comfortable.
- Make sure comfort is your top priority.
With so many factors in play, Prime created a list to help you find the perfect pair of walking shoes.
1. Orthofeet Kita Shoe, $119.99
The Kita shoe from Orthofeet features patented slip-on technology, allowing hands-free wear without the need to tie or untie laces, and its revolutionary heel design ensures a secure fit. The water-repellent, stretchable upper provides a breathable, contoured fit, while the wide toe box and seamless padded interior offer comfort for sensitive feet. The Ortho-Cushion™ System includes a removable orthotic insole with arch support, an ergonomic sole for improved mobility, and adjustable fitting spacers for a customized fit, all backed by Orthofeet’s 60-day comfort guarantee.
2. Hoka Bondi 8 Running Shoe (18 colors), $165
These ultra-cushioned shoes are a game-changer. They have softer, lighter foam and a brand-new extended heel geometry. The rear crash pad, taking on a billowed effect, affords an incredibly soft and balanced ride from heel strike to forefoot transaction.
3. Women’s Blissfeel 2 Running Shoe (4 colors), $128
With close to 1,000 reviews, these shoes are cushioned, have a good grip, and are made to keep your feet comfortable. Your feet will feel like they are walking on clouds. Plus, Lululemon offers a 30-day test trial. If you aren’t sold by then, you can send them back!
4. Miles Active Sneaker, $110
This sneaker is lightweight and works perfectly for individuals with wide feet. They have a breathable mesh and an orthotic insole to guarantee comfort.
5. Gel-Quantum 180 5, $64.99
These sneakers sell out quickly! They are available in multiple colors, are comfortable, and provide excellent stability and support, especially if you have flat feet. Grab these before your favorite color sells out!
6. Brooks Women’s Ghost Max 2 Running Shoes (9 colors), $149.95
This shoe is available in a multitude of different colors. All people think about when they put on this shoe is comfort, comfort, comfort. This shoe has ample cushioning and a comfortable heel, making it perfect to go on long walks in.
7. Allbirds Tree Runners, $98
You can feel good slipping your feet into this shoe as Allbirds is a sustainable brand. They are machine washable, lightweight, and easy to pack for any travel!
8. Adidas Ultraboost DNA Shoes, $180
Available in multiple colors, this shoe is sure to not disappoint. With 4.5 out of 5 stars, these shoes are excellent for walking and standing for hours. As the flex upper knit stretches and conforms to your foot, the boost sole cushions you through your workout.
9. Skechers Women’s Athletic Lace Up Arch Fit, $66.75
These shoes are perfect to provide support to your arch. They contain a podiatrist-designed shape and a removable insole system that absorbs impact and shock.
10. Merrell Siren Edge 3 Hiking Shoe, $104.95
These are great hiking shoes. They offer excellent support and cushioning with a high traction outsole, keeping you safe from falling. They are waterproof yet breathable upper with a rubber sole and toe cap designed for traction and protection.
11. Saucony Women’s Triumph 21 Sneaker (12 colors), $95.95
These shoes offer a slight bounce to them. They are flexible, durable, and have an ultra-plush sole while maintaining consistent support for your entire foot.
12. Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoe, $67.49
Get the comfort and performance you need every time you exercise in this light and comfortable walking sneaker, an update to a top-rated favorite with exceptional cushion and peak shock absorption.
13. New Balance Women’s 608 V5 Cross Trainer, $67
A great thing about these shoes is that they are available in both narrow, wide, and regular. They have a PU foam insert for long-lasting comfort and support.
Walk Your Way to Better Health
When selecting the best walking shoes for women over 50, comfort, support, and durability are key. As we age, foot health becomes more critical due to changes in muscle tone, arch support, and joint flexibility. Therefore, shoes designed with these needs in mind are essential.
Look for shoes with excellent arch support and cushioned soles to reduce the strain on knees and hips. Brands like Orthofeet, Skechers, and New Balance often feature memory foam insoles that provide both comfort and shock absorption. Orthotic-friendly shoes, such as those from Vionic or Brooks, offer additional support for women with specific foot conditions like plantar fasciitis or flat feet.
A wide toe box is another important feature to consider, as feet can widen with age. Shoes with breathable fabrics, like mesh uppers, keep feet cool and dry during long walks. Lightweight options reduce fatigue, while non-slip soles improve stability, reducing the risk of falls.
Whether for daily errands or fitness walking, the right pair of shoes can promote overall mobility and foot health. Be sure to try on shoes in the afternoon when feet are naturally more swollen to ensure a comfortable fit for all-day wear.
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