The 11 Most Snug Sneakers for Seniors of 2024, Examined by PEOPLE

Snug sneakers are a wardrobe staple at any age, however for seniors, they’re important. 

As we age, our ft are liable to situations like bunions and hammertoes, each of which could be brought on by ill-fitting footwear. Furthermore, points with stability and stability can result in falls and harm. So it’s vital for seniors to search for footwear with a roomy toe field, correct arch assist, and grippy traction.

To seek out probably the most comfy sneakers for seniors, our testers — starting from 45 to 74 years previous — tried a number of the most well-known shoe manufacturers available on the market, testing for match, consolation, assist, traction, and sturdiness. In the course of the 30-day take a look at interval, some seniors discovered that their sneakers relieved joint ache and even improved stability and posture. “My legs don’t really feel as strained or drained by the top of the day,” one tester famous, “and I really feel like I can stroll for longer and rise up straighter in these footwear.”

Forward, probably the most comfy sneakers for seniors, together with knowledgeable insights on tips on how to discover that excellent on a regular basis shoe.

Finest Total for Girls

We’re massive followers of Skechers, as they at all times ship consolation and high quality — and these sneakers exceeded our expectations. Once we consider slip-ons, we don’t usually consider lace-up sneakers, however placing these footwear on was as easy as entering into a pair of home slippers. Dr. Isaac Tabari, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon, says seniors typically have arthritic arms and fingers, which makes lacing up sneakers tough, so a slip-on shoe is usually a handy, pain-free choice for seniors.

Our tester discovered these sneakers to be “actually comfy from the time I slipped them on earlier than my walks to the time I took them off.” They had been so comfy, the truth is, that she felt they gave her an “added push” to maintain transferring. “Sooner or later whereas sporting sneakers, I are likely to really feel a slight pinch or discomfort, however not with these,” she says. “[They were] so gentle and cushioned that I actually felt as if I did not have something on.”

Because of an unique heel pillow and light-weight cushioning, these specifically designed Skechers supply not simply consolation however assist and stability. “They positively reside as much as the hype,” our tester raved. “These are a number of the finest sneakers I’ve ever worn.”

Sizes: 5–13 | Supplies: Athletic engineered mesh higher and rubber outsole | Colours: 4

Finest Total for Males

With their superior arch assist, slip-resistant outsoles, and ultra-lightweight materials, the Orthofeet Males’s Yari Sneakers had been designed with seniors in thoughts. Multilayer and ergonomic cushioning relieves joint strain and facilitates correct foot alignment, making these a really perfect strolling shoe. These sneakers additionally boast a spacious toe field — a plus for these with swollen ft, bunions, and hammertoes.

Our tester, who has excessive arches and suffers from persistent heel ache, was impressed by how a lot reduction he felt not simply in his heels but additionally in his low again. Even with an lively way of life and sporting these footwear for lengthy intervals, he felt well-supported, skilled much less foot fatigue, and seen improved posture. “The assist has been higher than my different footwear,” he stated, “and I’m in a position to take pleasure in strolling for longer with a lot much less foot ache.”

Bonus: These sneakers are additionally slip-ons, supreme for seniors who’ve issue bending over or tying laces because of arthritis. And whereas the value may be a bit steep for some, we expect these sneakers, given their superior design and capability to alleviate varied physique aches and pains, are properly definitely worth the funding.

Sizes: 7–14, medium to X-wide | Supplies: Stretchable knitted cloth, antimicrobial insole, artificial outer materials, and rubber outsole | Colours: 5

Different Snug Sneakers for Seniors That We Love

Our tester wore these sneakers on every day walks and whereas operating errands and dealing from house. She cherished that these footwear had been comfy proper out of the field and continued to carry out properly all through the day. The stretchy, knit materials helped maintain her ft cool in heat temperatures, and a roomy toe field offered ample house for her higher foot — one thing our tester, who has bunions, actually appreciated. Curiously, some sizes with this model come as a half-size vary (our tester ordered a “9–9.5”), however the adjustable laces made it simple to tighten the footwear for a cushty match.

Sizes: 5–12 | Supplies: stretchy knit higher, light-weight midsole, rubber pods outsole | Colours: 5

Who stated it’s a must to sacrifice fashion for consolation? With a light-weight really feel, vibrant colour choices, and cloudlike insoles, Allbirds have earned their popularity as the perfect on a regular basis shoe. We had been particularly impressed with how properly these footwear carried out on lengthy days, providing glorious cushioning and assist, to not point out some much-needed air flow from summer time humidity. Our tester awarded additional factors for the shoe’s grippy traction. “I felt they had been very steady and safe,” she stated. “As an older individual, that is actually vital since you’re at all times frightened about tripping or falling.”

Sizes: 5–11 | Supplies: Tree fiber mix higher, sugarcane-based inexperienced EVA midsole, recycled polyester shoelaces, and castor bean oil-based insole foam | Colours: 16

Whether or not taking an off-the-cuff stroll across the neighborhood or maintaining with life’s busy actions, seniors have to really feel safe and steady of their footwear. Our tester works in catering and sometimes has to barter slippery terrains, and the sneaker’s grippy rubber outsole withstood moist surfaces with ease. The simple adjustability of the Velcro strap was additionally a pleasant characteristic, which got here in useful when our tester’s ft had been “swollen and tight” on the finish of the day.

We recommend sporting the footwear for shorter durations, as they felt scorching and heavy after a number of hours of damage. But when stability and stability are issues for you, these sneakers ship a number of the finest traction and slip resistance we might discover.

Sizes: 5–12, medium to X-wide | Supplies: Supple full grain leather-based higher, BioMoGo DNA midsole, rubber outsole | Colours: 2

We will attest to Hoka’s superior efficiency in relation to relieving discomfort from overpronation. The Hoka Males’s Bondi 8 affords a reminiscence foam footbed that melds to the foot’s pure form and a thick rear outsole that helps with stability and shock absorption. Our tester, who has overpronated and extensive ft, raved concerning the “cloudlike cushioning” of those footwear, and seen they even helped with gait and posture. Though the footwear have thick soles, they nonetheless felt gentle and springy, a really perfect high quality for touring and strolling lengthy distances. The one disadvantage is that these footwear run small, so we propose sizing up a half dimension. 

Sizes: 7–15, common to X-wide | Supplies: Higher mesh recycled polyester, recycled polyester strobel board, recycled polyester sockliner prime material, recycled polyester eyestay lining, and rubber outsole | Colours: 19

If in case you have flat ft, correct arch assist is vital to consolation and stability. Our tester spends many hours on her ft working in a business kitchen and was impressed by how properly these sneakers supported her flat ft, even whereas standing in place for lengthy intervals. “Most days, I wore them for the complete day, and at no level did I really feel pressure or fatigue,” she stated.

These modern and classy sneakers had been true to dimension and stored our tester’s ft from transferring round within the footwear. The grippy rubber outsole allowed for dynamic motion — though we did really feel the necessity to tread rigorously on moist indoor surfaces. Nonetheless, the hands-free design, spectacular arch assist, and sock-like consolation made these sneakers a go-to for our tester: “I believe they may proceed to be a staple in my footwear.”

Sizes: 6–13, normal and extensive | Supplies: leather-based and suede outer materials, rubber sole | Colours: 9

Along with bunions and flat ft, our tester typically experiences ache within the ball of her proper foot — a situation that may be frequent in older individuals because the padding within the metatarsal space wears down with age. “A variety of seniors really feel like they’re strolling on their bones, or metatarsal heads,” board-certified podiatric surgeon Dr. Suzanne M. Levine says. “They nearly really feel like they’re strolling on a bit marble, and it may be so painful.”

However due to the FuelCell Walker Elite’s beneficiant cushioning and superior outsole know-how, our tester was in a position to go on walks across the neighborhood with no ache. “It felt like I used to be strolling on clouds,” she stated. Taking these footwear on and off was a bit tough — she needed to actually loosen the primary few laces — and the toe field felt barely cosy, however these weren’t deal breakers.

Sizes: 5–12, normal to X-wide | Supplies: Artificial, engineered mesh and textile higher, rubber outsole | Colours: 4

Touring can take a toll on the physique even on good days, however attempting to navigate the bustling and seemingly endless corridors of an airport in uncomfortable footwear could make even probably the most ardent traveler need to keep house. These Nike Revolution sneakers, nevertheless, gave our tester no issues when touring; she was pleasantly stunned that she stored her footwear on whereas flying, one thing she usually doesn’t do as a result of touring tends to make her ft damage.

Our tester discovered these sneakers to be supportive, light-weight, and breathable, and by no means felt any discomfort whereas sporting them. Indoor and outside surfaces, moist or dry, posed no points for these footwear, and the toggle system made taking them on and off a breeze. She did, nevertheless, have some points with the Velcro on the different finish of the toggle mechanism staying securely affixed.

Sizes: 5–12 | Supplies: Recycled plastics, yarns, and textiles | Colours: 3

Gone are the times of sneakers being relegated to unglamorous actions like operating errands or sweating within the gymnasium. We cherished that these footwear weren’t solely comfy and supportive however timeless and classy; informal sufficient to put on throughout every day walks but modern sufficient to wear down and about round city. As our tester put it, it’s the “finest orthopedic shoe that doesn’t seem like an orthopedic shoe.” 

We gave bonus factors for the multilayer cushioning and extensive toe field, which make these footwear an excellent choice for seniors with foot situations. The water-repellent cloth and durable outsoles additionally held up properly all through the testing interval. We did discover that our foot slid round within the shoe when sporting skinny socks, however this was simply fastened with a spacer.

Sizes: 5–12, medium to X-wide | Supplies: Stretchable knitted cloth, antimicrobial cloth insole, rubber outsole | Colours: 3

Light-weight and breathable, well-cushioned and shock-resistant, these sneakers make operating pain-free due to their rocker-motion outsoles, broader platform, and excessive sidewalls. The shoe’s subtle design additionally helped place our tester’s foot in correct alignment for him to run appropriately, making him really feel safer and steady whereas encouraging a easy glide. He even seen an enchancment in his posture and gait whereas operating. “It’s nearly like [these shoes] ran for me,” he stated. 

The outsole’s deep grooves additionally made for grippy traction, and there have been no indicators of damage and tear, even with every day operating. That stated, the ultra-thick cushioning and propeller rocker design made these footwear extra appropriate for operating than strolling.

Sizes: 7–16, medium to X-wide | Supplies: artificial rubber and mesh higher | Colours: 16

What to Know About Snug Sneakers for Seniors

Cushioning

Correct cushioning can present immense reduction for seniors who’ve joint ache, neuropathy, or flat ft. Not solely can it take in influence, lowering pressure on muscle mass and joints, however it could actually take strain off the metatarsal space of the ft, the place padding tends to put on down with age. And whereas a few of our testers cherished their plush, multilayer insoles, there’s such a factor as too a lot cushioning. “You need a shoe that has elevated sensory ft,” Dr. Levine says. “You don’t need one thing that’s so thick which you could’t really feel the bottom.”

Traction

Stability is an actual situation for seniors. That’s why good traction is so vital in a shoe. “It might make the distinction in stopping falls on sure surfaces,” Dr. Levine says. “For a senior, avoiding falls is vital to avoiding critical accidents.” Relying in your job or way of life — say, those that work in a restaurant or wish to run — some might have extra traction than others. Footwear just like the Saucony Information 17 are glorious for runners, whereas the Brooks Dependancy Walker V-Strap 2 delivers a formidable grip on moist and slippery surfaces.

Arch assist

The adage “gravity is our enemy” additionally applies to our ft. “What occurs within the foot as you age is that the arch begins coming down because of pronation and gravity within the cells, like in different components of the physique,” Dr. Levine explains. “Having good arch assist is absolutely lifting the arch up and placing it in a extra impartial place, so that you just’re not going to finish up with knee, hip, and again issues from a foot rolling in an excessive amount of.” Our tester with overpronation cherished the arch assist of Hoka Bondi 8. Kizik Sydney and New Stability FuelCell Walker Elite are additionally glorious choices for these with flat ft.

Toe Field

“Having sufficient room within the toe field is essential as a result of many seniors have bunions and corns, so that you need a roomy shoe that may accommodate any foot abnormalities,” Dr. Tabari says. We particularly cherished the spacious toe field of Aetrex Emery Arch Assist Sneaker, and slip-ons like Skechers Slip-ins: GO WALK Arch Match 2.0 provided stretchy materials that gave the forefoot extra flexibility and luxury.

Worth

“There’s a purpose we don’t skimp on footwear,” Dr. Levine tells PEOPLE. In lots of instances, value and high quality align. That stated, the Nike Revolution 7 footwear are a budget-friendly choice that proved its value. Although a bit pricier, the Kizik Sydney sneakers had been a standout for his or her additional cushioning and assist, in addition to their capability to assist us stand for lengthy hours with no ache or fatigue. If in case you have an lively way of life, nevertheless, it may be value spending a bit extra on a shoe. You’ll be able to’t go fallacious with Saucony Information 17 for operating (although we wouldn’t suggest these for strolling), and the Hoka Bondi 8 is a good selection for strolling lengthy distances.

Behind the Scenes 

To seek out probably the most comfy sneakers for seniors, our testers — who had been seniors themselves — wore their footwear weekly for a month, rigorously paying attention to their efficiency, sturdiness, and luxury. For a formidable 930 hours, they walked, exercised, ran errands, stood for lengthy intervals, and even trekked by way of busy airports. 

Beneath are a number of the key options we thought of whereas reviewing the most effective sneakers for seniors.

• High quality: After eradicating the footwear from the field, we examined their situation, making certain there have been no manufacturing flaws. Subsequent, we carried out the “bend take a look at,” bringing the toe of the shoe again towards the heel. This maneuver checks the assist and suppleness of the shoe. Notice: You need the shoe to bend on the toes, not the midfoot.
•  Match: We then analyzed the shoe’s match, noticing how our ft felt within the toe field, midsole, and heels. We had been on the lookout for a shoe that had sufficient give for our ft to increase and flex however not so unfastened that our ft slid round or felt unstable.
• Consolation: If the footwear felt comfy after the preliminary match take a look at, we wore them for our every day actions. We famous if the footwear felt comfy for shorter or longer intervals and which actions they had been finest suited to. We dinged factors if there was any rubbing, pinching, or restriction within the toes. We additionally took be aware of the standard of the fabric, observing if our ft stayed cool and dry all through the day.
•  Efficiency: As a result of arch assist and stability are so essential to seniors’ foot well being and security, we paid shut consideration to the thickness and cushioning of the insoles — making certain they provided ample assist with out hindering our capability to really feel the bottom. We additionally wore our sneakers on a number of surfaces, each moist and dry, to check the standard of traction and the way assured we felt in our stability.
• Worth: Final, we examined the long-term put on of every shoe, on the lookout for scuffs or harm to the outsoles or supplies. We additionally famous any points with the outsole sporting down prematurely or shedding traction over time. Moreover, we requested testers if the value was definitely worth the funding and in the event that they had been more likely to proceed sporting their sneakers usually.

The testers with foot abnormalities like overpronation, bunions, and hammertoes paid particularly shut consideration as to whether their footwear helped or aggravated their foot situation. After the take a look at interval, testers rated their footwear on a scale of 1-5. Orthofeet Males’s Yari Sneakers earned our prime scores for males whereas Skechers Slip-ins: GO WALK Arch Match 2.0 was our prime choose for girls. 

Why Belief PEOPLE? 

Trina Grey is a contributing freelance author who makes a speciality of ladies’s way of life content material. She virtually lives in her sneakers — pairing them with every thing from sundresses to denims to informal costume apparel — and understands the worth of a cushty shoe. For this piece, she analyzed the insights of our PEOPLE Examined workforce and compiled a complete record of probably the most comfy sneakers for seniors. Trina additionally spoke to Dr. Suzanne M. Levine and Dr. Isaac Tabari about frequent geriatric foot situations and what seniors ought to search for when shopping for sneakers.

What Is PEOPLE Examined? 

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