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Best Black Dress Shoes for Women Over 50 Your Feet Will Love

Many of us struggle with finding stylish and comfortable shoes as we age; I know I do. If you suffer from various foot conditions like bunions, fallen arches, corns or calluses, hammertoes, and/or plantar fasciitis, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s often easier to find comfy casual shoes, but dressy ones can be harder to find. Thankfully, shoe shopping no longer has to feel like a disappointing chore since I’ve been on a mission to find the best shoes for women with mature feet. Today I’m sharing some of the best black dress shoes for women over 50 that will keep you both stylish and, more importantly, pain-free.

I’ve already shared the most comfortable gold and silver shoes for weddings and formal events, and more recently, I chatted all about the best women’s boots for older feet. Today, we are continuing the conversation with the best black dress shoes for women over the age of 50.

1. Best Low Heel: SAS Allegro

Reading the reviews on this shoe is all you need to convince you to click “Add to cart.” They are loved by bunion sufferers, provide plenty of arch support, and the SAS Tripad Comfort System will keep your feet comfortable all day long.

2. Best Wedge: Vionic Pyrite Emmy Wedge

Many of you have sung the praises of Vionic shoes. If you’re looking for a heel with a wedge, you’ll love this one by Vionic. This brand prides itself on delivering a supportive shoe with arch support, stability, and cushioning.

3. Best Closed Toe: LifeStride Parigi Pump

This shoe was the winner in silver for the best closed-toe silver and gold shoe, but it simply has to make the list for the best closed-toe black shoe as well. LifeStride is known for making comfortable shoes, and this pump has an astounding 10k, 4.5-star reviews on Amazon! You’ll stay comfortable all day since this 2 1/4-inch heel features LifeStride’s SoftSystem comfort elements. Its classic almond toe is a timeless shape that will always be in style.

4. Best Pointed Toe Flat: Rothy’s

You’ve all have heard me talk about this brand several times. I have several pairs of Rothy’s and can’t say enough about them. I love that the shoes are machine washable and that they are sustainable since they’re knit from plastic bottles. If Rothy’s are out of your price point, check out this very similar pair on Amazon for a fraction of the price.

5. Best Rounded Toe Flat: Dream Pairs Sole Shine Ballet Flats

If you are shopping for a rounded toe flat, you should check out Rothy’s rounded-toe version. However, if you are shopping for a more affordable rounded-toe ballet flat, check out this adorable embellished option from Dream Pairs.

6. Best Loafers: Birdies

You can find me wearing loafers often, and Birdies are one of the best things ever to grace my feet! I tried Birdies after my daughter recommended them. They also make mules and slippers in varying patterns every season. These starlings come in medium and wide widths in tons of colors and patterns. I find the medium plenty wide for my feet. I did decide on the Pacific color in these mules, which are winging their way to me šŸ™‚

7. Best Sandal: Dream Pears Aditi Wedge

These wedge sandals have just enough sparkle and feature an adjustable sling back. They also come in gold and silver! I think you could dress these up or down.

8. Best Orthopedic Dress Shoe: Vionic Ellery Wedge

Another pair by Vionic has made the list! If you need orthopedic comfort and support, this pair of wedges has you covered. Dress them up or down so you can walk comfortably wherever your day takes you.

9. Best for Bunions: Birdies

I am a huge fan of Birdies shoes because they are so comfortable for those of us suffering from bunions. They have several different styles of slides and loafers, but I haven’t been unhappy with a single style yet.

10. Best Dressy Shoe: Dream Pairs Nina Pump

If you are on the hunt for a dressier shoe to wear to an event or special occasion, look no further than these gorgeous pumps from Dream Pairs. They have a little extra sparkle to take your outfit to the next level.

11. Best Black Dress Shoe to Wear to a Wedding: Touch Ups Lena

If I am going to a wedding, I am looking for something stylish yet comfortable enough that it won’t leave me suffering the next day! I love the low wedge on these embellished heels. These could be worn for long hours on your feet.

Shop More Black Shoes for Older Women:

What brand are your favorites for style and comfort?

Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.

45 Comments

  1. Mary jarrett says:

    Would it be possible to mention if shoes you recommend provide arch support? I really like your suggestions here, but spent a lot of time looking up whether the shoes are not only well padded, but also provide support.
    Thanks for these posts on shoes!

  2. Naturalizer Vanessa style comes in tons of colors. They are a medium heeled sandal with just a touch of bling and so comfy! My choice for my sonā€™s wedding this fall.

  3. Linda Foltz says:

    So many great looking shoes! Hard to pick just one, although I would really like to try the Birdies.

    1. Sandra A. says:

      Birdies are wonderful! I have a bunion and Birdies are great!!

  4. I so appreciate these posts! Have you ever tried Aetrex? I recently bought a pair of their leopard wedges and I can actually wear them! It’s so nice to see options for our demographic!

  5. Fantastic list, Jennifer for those seeking a black dress shoe. As for myself; my back is more of an issue (due to an old skiing injury) so currently my priority is a low heel height in a shoe or sandal that requires no breaking in whatsoever, so what I do own ranges in pricing, label and compound. i.e.: Naturalizer’s etc. to even Dream Pairs etc. -Brenda-
    Footnote: A word of caution re cheaper brands regardless of their heel height; beware of some of their synthetic soles as depending upon the surface they can be slippery (i.e.: on ceramic) or even noisy(i.e.: on hardwood) when navigating.

    1. I find the same thing with synthetic soles. Shoes are something I can’t afford to scrimp on because me feet scream if I do.

  6. Hi Jennifer! Thank you for sharing your shoe choices for us mature women. I am 78 and was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy and osteoarthritis in 2001. I had to retire from my nursing job after 30 years because of the pain in my feet. I have found that Merrill Encore Ice 2 is the shoe for me in the winter. They have a good arch support and a safe sole when slippery but also are furry lined. Cold increases my pain. My toes are deforming like my hands from arthritis so I have a couple of pairs in 6 1/2 wide for pain days and thicker socks and medium width for most days. I canā€™t weā€™re any shoe that throws my weight forward onto the ball of my foot. I worn a pair of Merrill sandals to my granddaughter Jenniferā€™s wedding. I just thought you might want to add Merrill Encore Ice 2 to your shoe list for those of us who much have a good arch support and a wider round toe boot. The summer shoes are mesh but look the same. I buy mine on Amazon.

    1. Thank you for sharing that. Merrillā€™s are very comfy. I only have one pair and I love them.

  7. Thank you for your post today. I really like Vionic shoes and have had several pairs. Vionic provides support for your feet too. I also have some Rothy’s but the flats really do not provide much support. I have some of the square toe flats that are fine for church or short term wearing. I really like Rothy’s slip on sneakers with the thicker soles. I will have to try the Birdies, they are reasonably priced too. Have a great day.

  8. Marlene Demko says:

    Love the Vionic brand. But am ā€˜soldā€™ on Sole Bliss. They take into account bunions and hammertoes as well as wide feet. On the pricey side but they do have sales and provide a discount on your first purchase. They have runners, flats, dressy shoes and a lovely assortment of boots.

    1. Youā€™re in good company with the Vionics!

    2. I just had a look at Sole Bliss, and they look fantastic!! I will have to try a pair.

    3. Just FYI to others who haven’t tried Sole Bliss: gorgeous shoes and styling, beautiful high quality shoes, but not for all bunion feet. I ordered a ton of these in different styles and my slightly narrow M width foot with “moderate” bunions were too narrow. I was thoroughly disappointed.

      1. Oh no! Iā€™ve been perusing the site. Their shoes are so cute

  9. Hi Jennifer – Thank you for the great selection of dress shoes! I have some casual vionic wedge heels that I find to be very comfortable, but I do need to get something a little dressier that are comfortable because I’m never going to wear the dress shoes I currently have in my closet! I’d like to try the Birdies, but I’m not sure which style has the most accommodating toe box – has your experience with this shoe made you prefer one style over another for comfort?

    1. I love the Birdies velvet loafers and find any round-toe roomier than pointed. I have a very broad square foot. I have worn them with a long skirt but prefer them with pants.

  10. Cute shoes. Some of the links I think are to the wrong shoes. The first one is to a Pair of Clarks. Thank for posting comfy shoes, itā€™s appreciated

    1. I’m fixing them now, sorry.

  11. I’m not one who likes to show my ugly toes in sandals/shoes, etc. I think baby toes are adorable but not all adult toes are “pretty” and I see too many of them too often. If having a choice, I would go with a sparkly flat shoe

  12. Some great suggestions and pretty shoes! Which shoe do you recommend for dancing at weddings? (I don’t wear flats and I don’t have foot issues.) Also, have you found the Lena wedge dressy enough to wear as part of the wedding party at a semi-formal wedding?

    1. If you can wear a low heel, I’d probably go for the Lifestride pump. The heel looks stable, and it’s dressier than a wedge.

  13. Great list of black shoes. Will be shopping shortly. Thanks

  14. The first three links are going to different shoes, Jennifer.

    1. Oh no, sorry I will fix them

  15. These shoes look really great! I definitely need a pair. I call my dress shoes one hour shoes as that’s about how long I can wear them without being in pain. Since I dislocated a toe I now have to have a bigger toe box which is hard to find in a dress shoe. Plus my feet are narrow so that’s another problem. That’s for this important post!

  16. I struggle with very narrow feet. Most styles only come in medium or wide. Itā€™s very disheartening. There must only be a few of us out there

    1. Also have narrow feet! Lately I have been liking Rockport / Cobb shoes. Often available through Nordstrom’s (great return policy) or directly from Rockport (also easy to return).

      1. Nordstrom has the BEST return policy!

    2. I think there are lots of ladies with narrow feet. Iā€™ll check for some.

    3. Hi Alice. I too have narrow feet and of all the shoe brands out there I have found Keds to fit my feet perfectly with no added insole to take up room. Lots of cute styles although nothing truly dressy. They are so comfy. Who knew Iā€™d be loving keds at 67?

  17. Thanks Jennifer. In 2021 when shopping for black shoes for my nieces wedding I struggled to find just the perfect pair. I bought a nice black pair but it fastened at the ankle and I think was not too slimming.

    Great selections here.

  18. I like SAS shoes. I have a narrow foot and they fit great, feel secure and are comfortable. I find slides too hard to walk in and sling backs donā€™t feel secure on my foot. I now top out at a 1 1/2ā€ heel. All the beautiful, sexy heels out there and I can no longer wear them. šŸ˜¢ With a higher heel, I look like a kid wearing her momā€™s shoes – wobbly.

    1. I hear you. Older women can suffer from balance issues. It’s hard to know until you actually walk in them.

    2. Wobbly isnā€™t a great look and makes me fear for my ankles.

  19. Love naturalizer flexee flats. Whenever I find a pair On sale I buy them. Then I have my shoemaker put heel savers on them. I walk a lot and wear my shoes out quickly. My favorite is the silver. They have a pearl sheen and I can wear them anywhere.

    1. Naturalizer are really comfy! Great idea about the heel savers.

  20. Great shoe options, thanks for doing the homework for us!
    Request: would it be possible to make your Travel Planner document fillable? In pdf form, it isn’t as easy to complete without having to print. Some of us prefer electronic docs which can be easier to store, saves paper and is readily available if stored on the cloud – especially handy when traveling. Ha, I haven’t had a printer for years!

    1. I can try to make it fillable, but that may be above me pay grade:)

  21. Mihaela Eftimescu says:

    Hi, Jennifer !
    What a nice selection !
    I went abroad with two pair of shoes for the two special occasions and I was surprised I could no longer stay on 5cm heels ! What a horror ! I should have tried them first before putting them in the bag, Lucky me I had a precious pair of little silver booties which I had bought recently before the winter fuss, but I was once again disappointed by the changes in our body shape. I like Birdies mostly !
    All the best,Mihaela

    1. I hear you! My feet are so intolerant of painful shoes now.

      1. Thanks for this post Jennifer.. I am always on a quest for pretty and comfortable shoes to wear to a formal event. I just purchased the Onex Misha as my “black dress” shoes. They have a small heel but are padded and so very comfortable. I would be comfortable at a wedding or cocktail party in them.

  22. Thank you so much for this post. I struggle with finding attractive shoes to fit my 10W feet. I love so many of these styles. Thanks again..

    1. My pleasure. I know your size must be a struggle to find.

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