13 best walking shoes for women over 50, recommended by a podiatrist: New Balance, Nike, Hoka, Adidas & more
It's important to pay attention to how our feet fit in shoes to stay comfortable and avoid long-term damage.
Choosing the right walking shoes is essential to maintaining foot health and comfort, especially when addressing specific foot conditions — or even just natural aging. According to Dr. Bruce Pinker, a board certified podiatrist and foot surgeon, our feet change as we age — and it's important to pay attention to how our feet fit in shoes to avoid long-term damage.
'Added medial arch support'
New Balance Leather 928V3
100% recyclable shoes
HOKA x Reformation Mach 6 LS Crochet
'Helpful for ankle instability'
Nike Blazer Mid '77
Mirrors the way you move
Chargefeel 2 Mid Workout Shoe
Responsive cushioning
New Balance FuelCell Walker Elite
Blends style with performance
Alo Runner
Stylish and comfortable
New Balance 530
'Most stable shoes that I own'
Hoka Transports
'Comfort and convenience'
Adidas Kaptir Flow Shoes
Soft and comfortable feel
Asics Gel-Venture 9
Protects against impact
UA Charged Assert 10 Running Shoes
Perfect for city walks and hikes
Keen KS86 Leather Sneaker
Smooth roll-through
On Cloudsurfer Next
Before we get into shoes, it's important to understand how aging affects feet — and what people should look for in a walking shoe to accommodate those changes. Pinker explains that as we grow older, the natural cushioning in the feet — typically adipose tissue — often reduces in thickness. Read on to learn more about how aging impacts your feet, and discover expert-approved picks for the best walking shoes for women over 50.
How does aging affect your feet?
That reduction in thickness we mentioned above? It can have major impacts.
"The reduction in thickness leads to less shock absorption in the forefoot and ball of the foot. Also, the plantar fascia ligaments can tighten as we age, leading to the pain and inflammation in the heel and arch regions," Pinker says. "After years of wearing shoes, especially if they fit tightly, bunions and hammertoe can develop."
According to Pinker, the most common foot issues women over 50 face include plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains and metatarsalgia/bursitis, which is an inflammation of fluid-filled sacs under the ball of the foot. Other issues include bunions, hammertoes (which occur when pressure pushes the toes out of place) and neuromas — a disorganized growth of nerve cells at the site of a nerve injury.
"Wearing the right walking shoes can prevent or alleviate these issues by providing proper cushioning, shock absorption, and arch support," Pinker explains. "Offering a proper width and length can also be helpful in preventing the development of bunions, hammertoes, and neuromas."
What to look for in walking shoes for women over 50: Expert
Pinker says that women over 50 should look for footwear that fits properly — making sure the shoes aren't too cramped or narrow in the toe box. He also advises to make sure you look for "adequate cushioning, shock absorption and arch support," Pinker adds.
He says that the flexibility of a shoe's sole is somewhat important, but it's even more important for the sole to be durable with appropriate traction and grip to prevent slippage.
When selecting footwear, it's crucial to consider individual foot needs to ensure both comfort and support.
"Extra wide sizes are appropriate for those with wide feet. Adjustable straps for shoes and sandals are recommended to provide a more stable and secure fit," Pinker says. "For flat feet, it is best to look for walking shoes or sneakers with added medial arch support. Meanwhile, for those with high arches, finding a shoe with a firm heel counter and a somewhat deep heel cup is recommended for a preferred fit."
How often should people replace their walking shoes?
Pinker says that people can forget that replacing their walking shoes is a major part of foot health and preventing injuries.
Over time the cushioning and support in shoes breaks down, leading to decreased shock absorption and stability.
Pinker suggests that most walkers should replace their walking shoes every 300 to 500 miles — or around 480 to 805 kilometres — which in most cases is once every 10-12 months.
"Sometimes, depending upon the amount of mileage, it is difficult to determine if the footwear has lost proper support as the outsole may not show signs of wear," Pinker explains. "Once the midsole begins to diminish, usually between 300-500 miles of usage, cushioning and shock absorption become reduced, and these changes are usually not visible."
Best walking shoes for women over 50 | Podiatrist picks
Need help finding the best walking shoes? Check out Pinker's picks — and reasoning — below.
The New Balance Leather 928V3s are a great walking shoe for women over 50 because they feature motion control and Rollbar stability technologies, which help control rear-foot movement for enhanced support.
"For flat feet, it is best to look for walking shoes and sneakers with added medial arch support, often found in New Balance with the Rollbar feature," Pinker says.
Pinker highly recommends Hoka as a top brand for walking shoes — and the brand recently launched their collab with Reformation, featuring recycled organic cotton, smooth suede and tied together with recycled polyester laces.
Plus when you're done with them, (hopefully after 300-500 miles), they are 100% recyclable through RefRecycling, Reformation’s textile-to-textile recycling program powered by SuperCircle.
These Nike Blazer Mid '77s have a solid rubber outsole that provides excellent traction and durability. They also have a padded, high-top collar that helps with ankle support and comfort.
Pinker says ankle support is recommended in walking shoes for women with ankle instability or a history of ankle sprains. "High-top sneakers, or those with added ankle support, are usually helpful for these individuals," he adds.
Lululemon's Chargefeel 2 Mid Workout Shoes are another great high-top option. While they sit lower than most high-tops, they feature a sock-life elastic knit extension of the shoe's upper that extends above your ankle to help with stabilization.
These shoes are designed to mirror the way you move — and the midsole is springy enough for running, while the outsole delivers traction and flexibility.
The New Balance FuelCell Walker Elite sneakers are a great walking shoe option, because they have responsive cushioning and a supportive outsole. They also uses FuelCell foam to provide a propulsive feel to help drive you forward with every step.
These are also a great option for those who have had foot surgery, because they feature a stability plane technology that removes the medial post, giving the shoes a softer feel without compromising cushioning and comfort.
The Alo Runners are designed to blend style with high performance. These shoes feature a dual-density midsole for soft impact, high responsiveness and optimal comfort, and also have a stabilizing heel clip to provide stability and support.
The New Balance 530s were originally created for athletic performance but they have quickly become a style staple, too. The shoes combine fashion-forward trends with the reliability of a high-mileage running shoes.
Pinker says that New Balance is a top recommended brand for women over 50 as their shoes provide all-day comfort with their special foam cushioning, which supports your feet and absorbs any impact.
Diana Rohini LaVigne, a California Naturalist and Environmental Educator, has a deep understanding of footwear from over a decade of experience with a job that takes her outdoors frequently, involving long walks and hikes. She has firsthand knowledge of how important good shoes are for comfort and performance.
She explains that her shoe needs have changed since she turned 50 — and suggests the Hoka Transports.
"These sneakers are the most stable shoes that I own. Hoka Transports are top-of-the-line regarding safety, with built-in reflectivity and a stable shoe fit. The shoe is a bit heavier, but the comfort makes up for the extra weight. Parts of the shoe are recycled. The shoe's water-repellent and abrasion-resistant features make it a winner for me," Rohni LaVigne says.
While hiking boots are needed for some of Rohini LaVigne's excursions, good walking shoes that prioritize sustainability are also a top priority for her.
That's why the second pair of shoes that she suggests are the Adidas Kaptir Flow, which she calls "the ultimate shoe of convenience."
"This is a slip-on shoe with a sharp look and style. They are made with 20% recycled content, so there is a feel-good spirit when wearing them. The slip-on elements with loops to grab make them a combination of comfort and convenience," she explains.
The Asics' Gel-Venture 9 sneakers feature gel technology that uses impact-absorbing silicone gel that is placed in the rearfoot that improves impact absorption and creates a softer feeling with your every move. Pinker recommends the Asics brand for their shock absorption, durability and comfort.
Under Armour's Charged Assert 10 Running Shoes are a great option for those who plan on walking a lot. They feature a Charged Cushioning midsole to help protest against impact and use compression molded foam for responsiveness. They also feature a solid rubber outsole that is great for durability without the added weight.
The new KS86 sneakers from Keen are the brand's first-ever casual sneaker with trailhead capabilities. They combine the features of a trail-running shoe with the comfort of an everyday sneaker.
The KS86s are designed with ample front space for natural toe movement and ensures long-lasting comfort with its removable foam insole with arch support.
Another brand that Pinker highly recommends is On for their CloudTec cushioning. This specific model uses the new CloudTec Phase midsole that helps create a smoother roll-though from heel to toe, while the super foam adds a more bouncy and energetic feel. These shoes are also high traction and durable in wet and dry conditions.
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