The 11 Most Comfortable Sneakers for Seniors, Tested by PEOPLE

Comfortable sneakers are a wardrobe staple at any age, but for seniors, they’re essential. 

As we age, our feet are prone to conditions like bunions and hammertoes, both of which can be caused by ill-fitting shoes. Moreover, issues with stability and balance can lead to falls and injury. So it’s important for seniors to look for shoes with a roomy toe box, proper arch support, and grippy traction.

Pro Tip!

“I don’t believe in ‘breaking in’ shoes. Your shoes should fit comfortably every time you wear them. You don’t want to feel pain in any areas, nor do you want to see any redness, swelling, or blistering.”—Dr. Suzanne M. Levine, a board-certified podiatric surgeon and author of My Feet Are Killing Me

To find the most comfortable sneakers for seniors, our testers — ranging from 45 to 74 years old — tried some of the most well-known shoe brands on the market, testing for fit, comfort, support, traction, and durability. During the 30-day test period, some seniors found that their sneakers relieved joint pain and even improved stability and posture. “My legs don’t feel as strained or tired by the end of the day,” one tester noted, “and I feel like I can walk for longer and stand up straighter in these shoes.”

Ahead, the most comfortable sneakers for seniors, along with expert insights on how to find that perfect everyday shoe.

Best Overall for Women

Skechers Women’s Go Walk Arch Fit 2.0

PHOTO: Skechers

View on Skechers.com
$80 at Macy’s

Star Qualities

• Hands-free, slip-on design made putting these shoes on hassle-free

• Lightweight, breathable material enhanced comfort and mobility

• Extra cushioning provided comfort during long days of wear

• Extremely durable, with no signs of wear and tear despite frequent use

Red Flags

• None that we found

We’re big fans of Skechers, as they always deliver comfort and quality — and these sneakers exceeded our expectations. When we think of slip-ons, we don’t typically think of lace-up sneakers, but putting these shoes on was as effortless as stepping into a pair of house slippers. Dr. Isaac Tabari, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon, says seniors sometimes have arthritic hands and fingers, which makes lacing up sneakers difficult, so a slip-on shoe can be a convenient, pain-free option for seniors.

Our tester found these sneakers to be “really comfortable from the time I slipped them on before my walks to the time I took them off.” They were so comfortable, in fact, that she felt they gave her an “added push” to keep moving. “At some point while wearing sneakers, I tend to feel a slight pinch or discomfort, but not with these,” she says. “[They were] so light and cushioned that I really felt as if I didn’t have anything on.”

Thanks to an exclusive heel pillow and lightweight cushioning, these specially designed Skechers offer not just comfort but support and stability. “They definitely live up to the hype,” our tester raved. “These are some of the best sneakers I have ever worn.”

Sizes: 5–13 | Materials: Athletic engineered mesh upper and rubber outsole | Colors: 4

• PHOTO: People / Sharon Budhai

• PHOTO: People / Sharon Budhai

• PHOTO: People / Sharon Budhai

• PHOTO: People / Sharon Budhai

• PHOTO: People / Sharon Budhai

The More You Know

According to Dr. Isaac Tabari, the ligaments in our feet can become lax with age, causing our feet to lengthen and widen. This means that our shoe size can change as we get older. Dr. Tabari recommends that seniors have a professional measure their feet to identify their proper shoe size.

Best Overall for Men

Orthofeet Men’s Yari Hands-Free

PHOTO: Orthofeet

$125 at Amazon
View on Zappos
View on Orthofeet.com

Star Qualities

• Patented heel technology stabilized foot to prevent slippage

• Orthotic, multilayer insoles provided extra support and cushioning

• A roomy toe box helped alleviate pain from bunions, hammertoes, and swollen feet

Red Flags

• Couldn’t find any

With their superior arch support, slip-resistant outsoles, and ultra-lightweight fabrics, the Orthofeet Men’s Yari Sneakers were designed with seniors in mind. Multilayer and ergonomic cushioning relieves joint pressure and facilitates proper foot alignment, making these an ideal walking shoe. These sneakers also boast a spacious toe box — a plus for those with swollen feet, bunions, and hammertoes.

Our tester, who has high arches and suffers from persistent heel pain, was impressed by how much relief he felt not just in his heels but also in his low back. Even with an active lifestyle and wearing these shoes for long periods, he felt well-supported, experienced less foot fatigue, and noticed improved posture. “The support has been better than my other shoes,” he said, “and I’m able to enjoy walking for longer with much less foot pain.”

Bonus: These sneakers are also slip-ons, ideal for seniors who have difficulty bending over or tying laces due to arthritis. And while the price might be a little steep for some, we think these sneakers, given their advanced design and ability to relieve various body aches and pains, are well worth the investment.

Sizes: 7–14, medium to X-wide | Materials: Stretchable knitted fabric, antimicrobial insole, synthetic outer material, and rubber outsole | Colors: 5

• PHOTO: People / Sarah Roberts

• PHOTO: People / Sarah Roberts

• PHOTO: People / Sarah Roberts

• PHOTO: People / Sarah Roberts

• PHOTO: People / Sarah Roberts

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Other Comfortable Sneakers for Seniors That We Love

Aetrex Women’s Emery Arch Support Sneaker

PHOTO: Aetrex

View on Aetrex.com

Star Qualities

• Excellent traction on both wet and dry surfaces

• Extra cushioning provided all-day comfort during various activities

• Lightweight mesh materials kept feet cool throughout the day

Red Flags

• Some sizes range from a whole to a half size up, resulting in a looser fit

• Didn’t provide as much arch and ankle support as we would’ve liked

Our tester wore these sneakers on daily walks and while running errands and working from home. She loved that these shoes were comfortable right out of the box and continued to perform well throughout the day. The stretchy, knit material helped keep her feet cool in warm temperatures, and a roomy toe box provided ample space for her upper foot — something our tester, who has bunions, really appreciated. Interestingly, some sizes with this brand come as a half-size range (our tester ordered a “9–9.5”), but the adjustable laces made it easy to tighten the shoes for a comfortable fit.

Sizes: 5–12 | Materials: stretchy knit upper, lightweight midsole, rubber pods outsole | Colors: 5

• PHOTO: People / Michele Hanson

• PHOTO: People / Michele Hanson

• PHOTO: People / Michele Hanson

• PHOTO: People / Michele Hanson

• PHOTO: People / Michele Hanson

Allbirds Women’s Tree Runner Go

PHOTO: REI

View on Allbirds.com
View on REI

Star Qualities

• Lightweight materials kept feet cool and dry amid warm temperatures

• Cushy insoles offered great support for arches and ankles

• Maintained quality and shape even with extended use

Red Flags

• Expensive compared to other options

• Some may prefer a slip-on rather than a lace-up shoe

Who said you have to sacrifice style for comfort? With a lightweight feel, vibrant color options, and cloudlike insoles, Allbirds have earned their reputation as the ideal everyday shoe. We were especially impressed with how well these shoes performed on long days, offering excellent cushioning and support, not to mention some much-needed ventilation from summer humidity. Our tester awarded extra points for the shoe’s grippy traction. “I felt they were very stable and secure,” she said. “As an older person, that’s really important because you’re always worried about tripping or falling.”

Sizes: 5–11 | Materials: Tree fiber blend upper, sugarcane-based green EVA midsole, recycled polyester shoelaces, and castor bean oil-based insole foam | Colors: 16

• PHOTO: People / Sastridai Budhai

• PHOTO: People / Sastridai Budhai

• PHOTO: People / Sastridai Budhai

• PHOTO: People / Sastridai Budhai

• PHOTO: People / Sastridai Budhai

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Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker V-Strap 2

PHOTO: Brooks Running

$130 at Amazon
$130 at Zappos
$130 at Brooksrunning.com

Star Qualities

• Excellent traction and grip

• Good arch and ankle support

• Spacious toe box

• Velcro straps made adjusting the fit easier

Red Flags

• Shoes felt heavy after a while

• Materials and insoles had poor ventilation

• Not as cushiony as we would have liked

Whether taking a casual stroll around the neighborhood or keeping up with life’s busy activities, seniors need to feel secure and stable in their shoes. Our tester works in catering and often has to negotiate slippery terrains, and the sneaker’s grippy rubber outsole withstood wet surfaces with ease. The easy adjustability of the Velcro strap was also a nice feature, which came in handy when our tester’s feet were “swollen and tight” at the end of the day.

We suggest wearing the shoes for shorter durations, as they felt hot and heavy after several hours of wear. But if stability and balance are concerns for you, these sneakers deliver some of the best traction and slip resistance we could find.

Sizes: 5–12, medium to X-wide | Materials: Supple full grain leather upper, BioMoGo DNA midsole, rubber outsole | Colors: 2

• PHOTO: People / Marina Kharlamenko

• PHOTO: People / Marina Kharlamenko

• PHOTO: People / Marina Kharlamenko

• PHOTO: People / Marina Kharlamenko

• PHOTO: People / Marina Kharlamenko

Hoka Men’s Bondi 8

PHOTO: REI

$160 at Amazon
$165 at Nordstrom
$165 at Zappos

Star Qualities

• Ultra-plush cushioning and lightweight insoles

• Breathable materials helped feet stay cool and dry

• Excellent arch and ankle support

• Good traction and slip resistance

Red Flags

• Shoes do not fit true to size

• One of the more expensive options on our list

We can attest to Hoka’s superior performance when it comes to relieving discomfort from overpronation. The Hoka Men’s Bondi 8 offers a memory foam footbed that melds to the foot’s natural shape and a thick rear outsole that helps with balance and shock absorption. Our tester, who has overpronated and wide feet, raved about the “cloudlike cushioning” of these shoes, and noticed they even helped with gait and posture. Although the shoes have thick soles, they still felt light and springy, an ideal quality for traveling and walking long distances. The one drawback is that these shoes run small, so we suggest sizing up a half size. 

Sizes: 7–15, regular to X-wide | Materials: Upper mesh recycled polyester, recycled polyester strobel board, recycled polyester sockliner top cloth, recycled polyester eyestay lining, and rubber outsole | Colors: 19

• PHOTO: People / Boris Kharlamenko

• PHOTO: People / Boris Kharlamenko

• PHOTO: People / Boris Kharlamenko

• PHOTO: People / Boris Kharlamenko

• PHOTO: People / Boris Kharlamenko

Kizik Women’s Sydney

PHOTO: Kizik

View on Kizik.com

Star Qualities

• Hands-free, slip-on design made it easy to slide them on and off

• Excellent support and cushioning for those with flat feet

• Fits true to size and keeps foot secure with no slipping

Red Flags

• Great overall traction but can be slippery on wet indoor surfaces

If you have flat feet, proper arch support is key to comfort and stability. Our tester spends many hours on her feet working in a commercial kitchen and was impressed by how well these sneakers supported her flat feet, even while standing in place for long periods. “Most days, I wore them for the entire day, and at no point did I feel strain or fatigue,” she said.

These sleek and stylish sneakers were true to size and kept our tester’s feet from moving around in the shoes. The grippy rubber outsole allowed for dynamic movement — although we did feel the need to tread carefully on wet indoor surfaces. Still, the hands-free design, impressive arch support, and sock-like comfort made these sneakers a go-to for our tester: “I think they will continue to be a staple in my footwear.”

Sizes: 6–13, standard and wide | Materials: leather and suede outer material, rubber sole | Colors: 9

• PHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-Matesevac

• PHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-Matesevac

• PHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-Matesevac

• PHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-Matesevac

• PHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-Matesevac

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New Balance Women’s FuelCell Walker Elite

PHOTO: Amazon

$112 at Amazon
$140 at Zappos
View on Newbalance.com

Star Qualities

• Timeless and stylish design that can be worn in multiple settings

• Supportive footbed and thick cushioning helped with stabilization and posture

• Extremely breathable, keeping feet dry and cool all day

Red Flags

• Runs small, making the toe box feel slightly snug

• Not easy to quickly put on and take off

In addition to bunions and flat feet, our tester often experiences pain in the ball of her right foot — a condition that can be common in older people as the padding in the metatarsal area wears down with age. “A lot of seniors feel like they are walking on their bones, or metatarsal heads,” board-certified podiatric surgeon Dr. Suzanne M. Levine says. “They almost feel like they’re walking on a little marble, and it can be so painful.”

But thanks to the FuelCell Walker Elite’s generous cushioning and advanced outsole technology, our tester was able to go on walks around the neighborhood with no pain. “It felt like I was walking on clouds,” she said. Taking these shoes on and off was a little difficult — she had to really loosen the first few laces — and the toe box felt slightly snug, but these weren’t deal breakers.

Sizes: 5–12, standard to X-wide | Materials: Synthetic, engineered mesh and textile upper, rubber outsole | Colors: 4

• PHOTO: People / Marina Kharlamenko

• PHOTO: People / Marina Kharlamenko

• PHOTO: People / Marina Kharlamenko

• PHOTO: People / Marina Kharlamenko

• PHOTO: People / Marina Kharlamenko

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Nike Women’s Revolution 7 EasyOn

PHOTO: Dick’s Sporting Goods

$70 at Nike.com
$70 at Dick’s
$70 at Macy’s

Star Qualities

• Great traction on all surfaces

• Foam midsole provided solid arch and ankle support

• Easy to put on and take off

• Roomy toe box

Red Flags

• Velcro did not stay affixed

Traveling can take a toll on the body even on good days, but trying to navigate the bustling and seemingly unending corridors of an airport in uncomfortable shoes can make even the most ardent traveler want to stay home. These Nike Revolution sneakers, however, gave our tester no problems when traveling; she was pleasantly surprised that she kept her shoes on while flying, something she typically doesn’t do because traveling tends to make her feet hurt.

Our tester found these sneakers to be supportive, lightweight, and breathable, and never felt any discomfort while wearing them. Indoor and outdoor surfaces, wet or dry, posed no issues for these shoes, and the toggle system made taking them on and off a breeze. She did, however, have some issues with the Velcro at the other end of the toggle mechanism staying securely affixed.

Sizes: 5–12 | Materials: Recycled plastics, yarns, and textiles | Colors: 3

• PHOTO: People / Claire Gurfein

• PHOTO: People / Claire Gurfein

• PHOTO: People / Claire Gurfein

• PHOTO: People / Claire Gurfein

• PHOTO: People / Claire Gurfein

Orthofeet Women’s Nira Hands-Free

PHOTO: Orthofeet

View on Orthofeet.com

Star Qualities

• Feet stayed cool and dry, even on hot days

• Durable, despite extended wear

• Stylish design

Red Flags

• Foot had some slippage with thin socks

Gone are the days of sneakers being relegated to unglamorous activities like running errands or sweating in the gym. We loved that these shoes were not only comfortable and supportive but timeless and stylish; casual enough to wear during daily walks yet fashionable enough to wear out and about around town. As our tester put it, it’s the “best orthopedic shoe that doesn’t look like an orthopedic shoe.” 

We gave bonus points for the multilayer cushioning and wide toe box, which make these shoes a great option for seniors with foot conditions. The water-repellent fabric and sturdy outsoles also held up well throughout the testing period. We did notice that our foot slid around in the shoe when wearing thin socks, but this was easily fixed with a spacer.

Sizes: 5–12, medium to X-wide | Materials: Stretchable knitted fabric, antimicrobial fabric insole, rubber outsole | Colors: 3

• PHOTO: People / Sarah Roberts

• PHOTO: People / Sarah Roberts

• PHOTO: People / Sarah Roberts

• PHOTO: People / Sarah Roberts

• PHOTO: People / Sarah Roberts

Saucony Men’s Guide 17

PHOTO: Saucony

$140 at Amazon
$140 at Zappos
View on Saucony.com

Star Qualities

• Improved running posture and gait while reducing pain in joints

• Rocker motion and cushioning enhanced running performance

• Excellent heel, arch, and ankle support

Red Flags

• Great for running but not suitable for long-distance walking

Lightweight and breathable, well-cushioned and shock-resistant, these sneakers make running pain-free thanks to their rocker-motion outsoles, broader platform, and high sidewalls. The shoe’s sophisticated design also helped place our tester’s foot in proper alignment for him to run correctly, making him feel more secure and stable while encouraging a smooth glide. He even noticed an improvement in his posture and gait while running. “It’s almost like [these shoes] ran for me,” he said. 

The outsole’s deep grooves also made for grippy traction, and there were no signs of wear and tear, even with daily running. That said, the ultra-thick cushioning and propeller rocker design made these shoes more suitable for running than walking.

Sizes: 7–16, medium to X-wide | Materials: synthetic rubber and mesh upper | Colors: 16

• PHOTO: People / Boris Kharlamenko

• PHOTO: People / Boris Kharlamenko

• PHOTO: People / Boris Kharlamenko

• PHOTO: People / Boris Kharlamenko

• PHOTO: People / Boris Kharlamenko

What to Know About Comfortable Sneakers for Seniors

Cushioning

Proper cushioning can provide immense relief for seniors who have joint pain, neuropathy, or flat feet. Not only can it absorb impact, reducing strain on muscles and joints, but it can take pressure off the metatarsal area of the feet, where padding tends to wear down with age. And while some of our testers loved their plush, multilayer insoles, there is such a thing as too much cushioning. “You want a shoe that has increased sensory feet,” Dr. Levine says. “You don’t want something that is so thick that you can’t feel the ground.”

Traction

Balance is a real issue for seniors. That’s why good traction is so important in a shoe. “It can make the difference in preventing falls on certain surfaces,” Dr. Levine says. “For a senior, avoiding falls is key to avoiding serious injuries.” Depending on your job or lifestyle — say, those who work in a restaurant or like to run — some may need more traction than others. Shoes like the Saucony Guide 17 are excellent for runners, while the Brooks Addiction Walker V-Strap 2 delivers an impressive grip on wet and slippery surfaces.

Arch support

The adage “gravity is our enemy” also applies to our feet. “What happens in the foot as you age is that the arch starts coming down due to pronation and gravity in the cells, like in other parts of the body,” Dr. Levine explains. “Having good arch support is really lifting the arch up and putting it in a more neutral position, so that you’re not going to end up with knee, hip, and back problems from a foot rolling in too much.” Our tester with overpronation loved the arch support of Hoka Bondi 8. Kizik Sydney and New Balance FuelCell Walker Elite are also excellent options for those with flat feet.

Toe Box

“Having enough room in the toe box is very important because many seniors have bunions and corns, so you want a roomy shoe that can accommodate any foot abnormalities,” Dr. Tabari says. We especially loved the spacious toe box of Aetrex Emery Arch Support Sneaker, and slip-ons like Skechers Slip-ins: GO WALK Arch Fit 2.0 offered stretchy material that gave the forefoot more flexibility and comfort.

Value

“There’s a reason we don’t skimp on shoes,” Dr. Levine tells PEOPLE. In many cases, price and quality align. That said, the Nike Revolution 7 shoes are a budget-friendly option that proved its worth. Though a bit pricier, the Kizik Sydney sneakers were a standout for their extra cushioning and support, as well as their ability to help us stand for long hours with no pain or fatigue. If you have an active lifestyle, however, it might be worth spending a bit more on a shoe. You can’t go wrong with Saucony Guide 17 for running (though we wouldn’t recommend these for walking), and the Hoka Bondi 8 is a great choice for walking long distances.

Behind the Scenes 

To find the most comfortable sneakers for seniors, our testers — who were seniors themselves — wore their shoes weekly for a month, carefully taking note of their performance, durability, and comfort. For an impressive 930 hours, they walked, exercised, ran errands, stood for long periods, and even trekked through busy airports. 

Below are some of the key features we considered while reviewing the best sneakers for seniors.

• Quality: After removing the shoes from the box, we examined their condition, ensuring there were no manufacturing flaws. Next, we performed the “bend test,” bringing the toe of the shoe back toward the heel. This maneuver checks the support and flexibility of the shoe. Note: You want the shoe to bend at the toes, not the midfoot.
•  Fit: We then analyzed the shoe’s fit, noticing how our feet felt in the toe box, midsole, and heels. We were looking for a shoe that had enough give for our feet to extend and flex but not so loose that our feet slid around or felt unstable.
• Comfort: If the shoes felt comfortable after the initial fit test, we wore them for our daily activities. We noted if the shoes felt comfortable for shorter or longer periods and which activities they were best suited for. We dinged points if there was any rubbing, pinching, or restriction in the toes. We also took note of the quality of the material, observing if our feet stayed cool and dry throughout the day.
•  Performance: Because arch support and stability are so crucial to seniors’ foot health and safety, we paid close attention to the thickness and cushioning of the insoles — ensuring they offered adequate support without hindering our ability to feel the ground. We also wore our sneakers on multiple surfaces, both wet and dry, to test the quality of traction and how confident we felt in our stability.
• Value: Last, we tested the long-term wear of each shoe, looking for scuffs or damage to the outsoles or materials. We also noted any issues with the outsole wearing down prematurely or losing traction over time. Additionally, we asked testers if the price was worth the investment and if they were likely to continue wearing their sneakers regularly.

The testers with foot abnormalities like overpronation, bunions, and hammertoes paid especially close attention to whether their shoes helped or aggravated their foot condition. After the test period, testers rated their shoes on a scale of 1-5. Orthofeet Men’s Yari Sneakers earned our top scores for men while Skechers Slip-ins: GO WALK Arch Fit 2.0 was our top pick for women. 

Why Trust PEOPLE? 

Trina Gray is a contributing freelance writer who specializes in women’s lifestyle content. She practically lives in her sneakers — pairing them with everything from sundresses to jeans to casual dress attire — and understands the value of a comfortable shoe. For this piece, she analyzed the insights of our PEOPLE Tested team and compiled a comprehensive list of the most comfortable sneakers for seniors. Trina also spoke to Dr. Suzanne M. Levine and Dr. Isaac Tabari about common geriatric foot conditions and what seniors should look for when buying sneakers.

Our Expert Panel

• Dr. Suzanne M. Levine is a board-certified podiatric surgeon and celebrity podiatrist in New York City. She is the author of My Feet Are Killing Me and has been featured on The Today Show, Good Morning America, The View, ABC News, and The Dr. Oz Show, among others.
• Dr. Isaac Tabari is a New York-based board-certified podiatrist who specializes in surgical and nonsurgical corrective procedures, athletic medicine, and geriatric and diabetic foot care. His patients come to him from across the world, and include many athletes and celebrities.

What Is PEOPLE Tested? 

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education