7 Best Walking Shoes For Seniors in 2026

How we test walking shoes for seniors

As an independent shoe-testing lab, we choose and purchase all the shoes we test ourselves. No brand sponsorships are accepted here.

First, we perform some on-foot testing to get a good feel of the shoe. Then we take the shoe to our facilities and run dozens of tests and measurements, yielding 30+ data points across various parameters. When it comes to walking shoes for seniors, we pay particular attention to essential characteristics like cushioning, stability, traction, and fit.

All our protocols are standardized and adhere to industry-acclaimed standards such as SATRA and ASTM.

What to look for in the best walking shoes for seniors

Given the lack of education about proper footwear, aging adults often end up wearing ill-fitting shoes or shoes that do not meet their health needs!

According to the WHO, adults over 60 suffer the greatest number of fatal falls, with unstable shoes proving to be one of the preconditions. In fact, walking shoes play such a major role in postural control that inappropriately selected shoes can even modify the wearer’s walking pattern!

Conversely, the right footwear can minimize the risk of slips, trips, and falls among senior citizens while offering comfort and a stronger sense of independence.

Based on the current body of research (Menant, 2008; Jelemma, 2019; Amiez, 2021; Azhar, 2024; Kim, 2024; Chever, 2025) and our own findings, here is what makes a good walking shoe for mature feet:

1. Good shock absorption
2. Moderate stack height
3. Moderate cushioning softness
4. Reliable support and stability
5. Flat or lightly-rockered platform
6. High outsole traction
7. Proper fit

Looking at such an extensive list of shoe criteria, we are not surprised that so few older adults wear suitable walking shoes daily!

1. Good shock absorption

Well-cushioned (but not plush) walking shoes absorb more impact, protecting the wearer’s joints and bones. They reduce foot and leg fatigue and enhance comfort.

Better underfoot padding is also essential for aging feet, as natural fat pad loss occurs at both the heel and the ball of the foot.

Testing shock absorption in our lab

2. Moderate stack height

Shoes with lower heels and platforms keep the ride more grounded.

We found a heel stack of 30-40 mm to be optimal for senior wearers, as it keeps the foot slightly off the ground while still providing enough underfoot support and cushioning.

We also recommend choosing shoes with a moderate heel-to-toe drop of 6-12 mm. An offset that’s too low (0-6 mm) can put stress on the Achilles, while the overly elevated heel (12+ mm) can feel too unstable and result in a forward foot shift.

3. Moderate cushioning softness

Medium- to firm-density, or even hard-density, midsoles provide a more stable, wobble-free base, enhancing dynamic control and balance.

Example of a good, moderately soft shoe for seniors (24.0 HA)

Example of a shoe that's too plush for seniors (9.5 HA)

4. Solid side-to-side support

There are a few components to the shoe’s stability:

Wide midsole: Broader midsole dimensions, particularly in the heel, increase stability by offering a broader landing area.

High torsional rigidity: Firm, wide midsoles, along with the shoe’s overall supportive construction, make it stiffer in the midfoot. Thus, you should not be able to twist the shoe along its length so easily.

Stiff heel counter: A structured heel counter that doesn’t fold or collapse easily and offers a snug fit around the heel and ankle improves stability and reduces postural sway.

The lack of a heel counter is one reason why wearing open-heel designs like slippers, sandals, and flip-flops is not optimal for older adults with balance issues, as they don’t provide the necessary rearfoot support.

5. Flat or lightly-rockered platform

Aggressive rocker-bottoms of most athletic shoes today exacerbate balance issues and reduce stability in older people.

However, low-degree heel bevels and moderate toe rockers are a welcome design feature for senior walkers, as they make heel-to-toe transitions smoother.

6. High outsole traction

The risk of falling is much higher on smooth or wet surfaces, so older people must choose walking shoes with a grippy outsole.

The bottom of the shoe should be sufficiently covered with textured rubber and not worn enough to lose traction. In a recent study, the outsoles of 90% of participants were either partially or fully worn, increasing the risk of slippage!

Some researchers even recommend that older individuals use specialized shoes with non-slip soles instead of normal soles.

Measuring the shoe’s friction coefficient on wet concrete in our lab.

7. Proper fit

Our feet continue to grow and change shape even into older age, so it is important to remeasure your foot length at least once every 2 years. In a recent study, as many as 72% of senior participants wore shoes that did not fit correctly on both feet!

When trying the shoe on for the first time, look for the following:

• Length: There should be about a thumb-width of space in front of your longest toe.
• Width: There should be no pressure on the sides of the foot or on top of the instep.
• Toebox: There should be enough horizontal and vertical wiggle room to accommodate toe splay and prevent pressure points and potential pathologies (corns, calluses, neuromas, etc.).

Walking shoes must fit well straight from the box, and if they don’t, please return or exchange them for a different size. Don’t rely on a break-in period to fix the problem.

Always measure your feet and try on shoes in the afternoon. That’s because our feet tend to swell after walking or standing.

If you have a prescribed custom orthotic, make sure that it fits inside the new shoe.

PLEASE NOTE that the recommendations above are general and may vary based on a person’s clinical needs and personal preferences.

General shoe recommendations for various health conditions

Because older age is associated with complications like mobility and balance impairments, plantar fasciitis, osteoarthritis, diabetic neuropathy, bunions, hallux rigidus, hammertoes, and other painful conditions, the importance of proper walking shoes cannot be overstated.

Below we provide some general guidelines on walking shoes for various health conditions, but please consult your doctor for more personalized advice:

Flat feet and overpronation

Falls and postural sway aside, older people with flat feet and overpronation will also benefit from stable shoes to prevent their arches from collapsing and their ankles from rolling excessively inward.

Look for shoes that are tagged as 'Stability' as they will have proper arch support, high torsional rigidity, a stiff heel counter, and a wide base.

Best walking shoes for flat feet and overpronation

Plantar fasciitis

Although plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the muscle responsible for the arch of the foot, it most often presents as heel pain. To alleviate that discomfort, you would want better shock absorption in the heel, higher torsional rigidity, a stiffer heel counter, and a wider base.

An orthotic may be prescribed depending on the severity of the condition.

Best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis

Bunions

Very common in older adults, bunions require shoes with sufficient width at the ball of the foot. Wide widths (2E, 4E) may therefore be considered. It’s also best to choose shoes with soft, flexible, and stretchy upper materials that don’t put pressure on the bunion.

Hammertoes

Hammertoes and similar toe deformities require increased toebox height and a soft, flexible upper fabric.

Hallux rigidus

Go for rocker-bottom shoes with stiffer soles and accommodating toeboxes (both wide and high).

Diabetic neuropathy

Older people with diabetes need shoes with thicker, better-padded insoles, seamless interiors, extra depth in the upper, and a wider toe box to reduce friction and lower the risk of foot ulcers.

Knee pain (osteoarthritis or other causes)

Shoes with a minimal heel lift and a lower drop of 4-6 mm can help reduce knee loads and pain. Also look for better shock absorption, particularly in the forefoot.

Limited mobility

People who struggle to bend over to put on their shoes or have limited hand dexterity will benefit from shoes with easy pull-on designs (e.g., Skechers Slip-Ins). But if you’re considering slip-on designs, please make sure that they have at least moderately stiff heel counters.

Fungal infections/odor

Consider shoes with breathable uppers and moisture-wicking textile linings to prevent sweat buildup.

Wearing shoes at home may be necessary for older people

Surveys show that 34% of the elderly walk either barefoot or in socks at home, and 67% report wearing slippers. Curiously, research also shows that the use of socks and slippers actually impairs balance in senior citizens.

That’s why wearing supportive shoes even at home can be beneficial for people with balance problems who want to prevent falls and support their independence at home.

Shoe maintenance is important for senior wearers

Walking shoes inevitably lose their cushioning, support, and grip over time so paying attention to their condition is important. This includes:

• Regular cleaning: Removing stuck dirt and debris helps to slow down material degradation.
• Inspecting shoes for signs of wear: Worn-out outsoles can increase the risk of slips and falls; compressed midsoles fail to provide the right amount of impact protection and lateral stability; holes in the upper can cause discomfort and irritation.
• Replacing insoles: Replacing insoles every once in a while maintains in-shoe comfort.