Comfiest Shoes Your Over-50 Feet Will Love
The older I get the more important it is to have comfortable shoes, but I want them to be stylish. New technology and modern products mean we no longer have to suffer for stylish shoes. Today I’m sharing some of the comfiest shoes your over-50 feet will love. Cindy and I are joined by Annie and Mary Anne for our Over 50 Style Edit this month.
Older feet can suffer from bunions, fallen arches, corns or calluses, hammertoes, and/or plantar fasciitis which make comfortable shoes a must. I’ve got several go-to brands that fit my bunion-ridden feet and have rounded up some other great options for you. Let’s start with sneakers and walking shoes.
ECCO
I’ve been a fan of Ecco shoes for years. I own the lace-up version in 3 colors and last year I added the slip-on in a metallic which I find myself wearing all the time. The Ecco lace-ups come in 4 colors here, 3 two-tone options here, and 5 colors with color-coordinated soles here. The slip-on version comes in 7 colors here. Ecco’s have a cushioned insole with arch support and leather upper/leather and textile lining/synthetic sole. The insole is also removable so you can use your own custom orthotic.
Related-Comfy Shoes For Feet Over 50
ALLBIRDS
I love my AllBirds which flex easily and offer tons of cushioning. They’re available in lots of colors and options, including wide width. Their lightweight top is made from eucalyptus fiber which breathes and is super stretchy. They have a cushioned midsole for all-day comfort and support plus they’re machine washable.
ISLE JACOBSEN
These little beauties are simply magical. I now own them in 3 colors. This super-comfortable slip-on sneaker has a suede upper that’s whipstitched to a flexible rubber sole. They stretch to mold to your feet and are cool in hot weather.
BIRDIES
I tried Birdies after my daughter recommended them. They make the 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 me. These mules were last year’s version and I have my fingers crossed they’ll come out with more embroidered options this year because the linen is perfect for summer.
MORE BIRDIES
ROTHY’S
I’ve worn these Rothy’s animal print flats more days than I can count. In fact, they’re now the shoe I leave by the garage door to slip on if I haven’t planned what shoe to wear for the day. They go with everything and are amazingly comfortable. The pattern has changed subtly over the seasons but Rothy’s always makes an animal print.
Rothy’s shoes are made from recycled plastic bottles and they won’t stretch so you need to buy the size you normally wear. They’re all machine washable and seem to last forever! The new driver style has my name all over them so I just need to choose a color.
PAUL GREEN
I’ve worn Paul Green sandals for years but didn’t know incredible comfort until I tried their sneakers last spring. These are pricey for sure, but I can wear them for an entire day and my feet never get fatigued.
Paul Green believes in making shoes that will last a lifetime, not just for one occasion. They’re handcrafted in Austria with only the finest Italian leather. I’ve worn these metallic ones on the beach, sightseeing, climbing on rocks and they still look almost as good as new. When they do die, I will definitely save up and replace them.
EILEEN FISHER
I’ve been wearing Eileen Fisher shoes for as long as I can remember. The leather is soft, the footbed cushiony plus they are wide enough for my medium/wide foot. In fact, I do not recommend them for women with narrow feet.
Sweater and fabric top shoes are personal favorites these days because they stretch where my bunion bulges and never pinch.
I wore these sports sandals day in and day out over hot cobblestoned streets on our last cruise back in 2019 and am still wearing them today. EF makes this shape every year in various colors with a small twist to the sole. This year they’re in 4 colors including a pretty metallic.
Gentle Souls
I’ve worn and loved Gentle Soul shoes for as long as I remember. They’re designed with a well-cushioned footbed and arch support perfect for long days on your feet.
MORE GENTLE SOULS
The best walking shoes for older women
Wearing the right footwear is critical to getting the most out of a walk, which is one of the best, low-impact ways to stay fit. Look for shoes that offer a wide enough toe box not to crimp hammertoes and bunions. They need to provide arch support for stability and extra padding for cushioning.
This Yoon Walking Shoe gets high marks for its breathable, flexible uppers, easy slip-on design, air cushion insole, and durable midsole that provides enough buffer between feet and ground. They come in 14 colors, size 5.5-12. I just ordered this gray for my fast walks up and down my neighborhood paths.
Some other popular options you might consider are Hoka, Sketchers, New Balance, Vionic, Aerosoles, Clarks, FitFlop,
Let’s check out what Cindy at Cindy Hattersley Design, Annie at Most Lovely Things, and Mary Ann atĀ Classic Casual Home are sharing about comfortable shoes.
Thanks for reading and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
I have bunions & hammertoes for years! Thanks
for all the great information!
My go to shoes are Vionic and APL for sneakers. They are a little pricey but so comfy. Nordstroms carries them both. APLās are stretchy and have removable inserts. Takes a little tugging but they come out. All are completely washable. I have washed mine several times. I have several colors of the ones you just slip on. No tying needed!
My hubs had hip replacement surgery on both hips. Always has trouble putting on shoes – game changer Kizik! He loves them! He never has to tie them or use a shoe horn! (A pain when you travel and have to take your shoes off for TSA.) They are sneakers in all styles, comfy insoles, and only need to tie them once then slip them on. The heel does not crumble! They snap back and on your foot quickly! They are wonderful! They come in mens and Womens sizes and styles.
Thank you, Joan. I’ve never heard of that brand. It sounds like just what my husband needs!!
Thanks for the info on the Yoon shoes. Shopping online is a gamble.
I was just checking to see if I had a reply to my question, and noticed the Yoon pair. There are so many mixed reviews on the Amazon site regarding the ‘Yoon’ walking shoes, you said you ordered. They don’t look like they would support your heel…side to side motion.
I’d love to know what you think after you have worn them for brisk walking. I see they have the slight wegde I’m looking for although a bit chunky looking , but I need a well constructed shoe for support.
Mine arrived and I’m finding them pretty loose. I’ve worn them around the house a bit and my feet feel like they’re moving around in the show too much.I think I will need to send these back.
Great roundup Jennifer! This is really helpful and I’m saving it for the future. Thanks!
So many lovely shoes in this post and I can’t wear any of them .
Sort of ironic that now in my 70’s I can still wear 3″ heels, but because of an ankle issue , I can’t wear flats.
I have a rather old pair of Ann Klein sport perforated slip on style sneakers with a slight wedge ( 1 1/4″ ) that need replacing, and there doesn’t seem to be anything on the market , in sporty / casual shoes with a bit of a wedge.
I’d also love to find lace up slightly athletic looking shoes.
If anyone has a suggestion , I would appreciate it
Even though this is about sneakers, you look fabulous in every single outfit!
I have several of these brands and agree about the comfort. I haven’t reached a point where I’ll pay almost $400 for sneakers, but maybe one day.
I wear a lot of Sketchers and find them very cushiony and comfortable. Most of mine are slip ons and I’ve been very happy with their different styles.
Good informative post.
I love shoes, but have a narrow foot (2A). I’ve spent my whole life looking for cute, pretty, nice shoes.
As a teenager especially I could never wear what was in style…they never had a narrow. It’s only gotten worse as I’ve gotten older (60’s). I live near a major city but still have to order shoes online…if I can find something! Everyone says to try Naturalizer (they are not supportive or comfortable) and Clarks (I liked their shoes until the last 2 years..they’ve changed alot). And of course prices have gone up alot also.
If I could do anything I’d start my own shoe company for gals like me. I have 10 friends with narrow feet! Love all the ideas you show us!
You are so right about comfortable shoes and it is tricky to find those which are stylish. I like the look of the Rothys and Paul Green sneakers, but it is necessary for me to try on shoes. These days my go to shoes are Frankie 4 (for walking under 10kms and when I want the ‘sneaker’ look), Brooks for longer walks (over 20kms) and Rollie for just about everything else when not hot enough for sandals. For years, I loved Gucci loafers and Tod driving shoes, but cannot justify their cost anymore.
As a brand new 70 year old Iām finding my feet arenāt as easy to please as they used to be! In the past year I have gotten a pair of Altras for walking and Oofos for home wear. Iām still in need of good walk around shoes-so, thank you, Jennifer for this post!
I also wanted to share with you, Jennifer, that I was at the same place in Mexico where you were visiting your brother! It was funny when I saw the picture with the pool-I swam there a couple of times. What a lovely place!!
Patti
It’s a beautiful spot. We love it there!!
I have a terrible time finding shoes but namely because I am half size but shall definitely bookmark this page so when the USA/Canada border opens up (without the need of Covid/Variant testing) and I am in the market for comfort walking shoes, I will consider some of your suggestions as try to avoid double shipping costs in event I have to return them. Hope that makes sense …. š. -Brenda-
I have always loved nice shoes and used to get compliments on my shoes but these days I’m 66 and my feet have bunions and osteoarthritis I had just packed up 3 pairs of shoes to return that I had bought online when I read your post it was nice to feel that I’m not alone with my foot issues. I really appreciate all the time and effort that you put in to your post thank you Jennifer.
I am a huge fan of Ecco shoes and have had many pairs over the years. They do a very nice walking sandal as well as dressy but wearable sandals with low heels.
Couple of other brands are Ara ( made in Germany) and Ziera (originally from New Zealand but now made in Australia). Ziera have several styles which are orthotic friendly.
Lastly Birkenstocks are great sandals for summer with a very comfy footbed. I live in mine all summer as does the man of the house who is now on to his 7th or 8th pair. He maintains they give his feet instant relief when he puts them on.
Gentle Souls and AllBirds are my favorites. I have actually worn out pairs.
My podiatrist/foot surgeon said never to wear a shoe you can bend in half. That comment took all the Sketchers and some others out of my closet. According to her, those flexible soles can feel nice, but do not support your feet long term. I like NB and Brooks, and just added Hoka. Rockport are a great choice for casual shoes and boots. They have good sales and I never pay full price for Rockport. For true walking shoes, I always go to a running store. They can look at the wear on your current shoes and measure you correctly.
Hi Jennifer
Aren’t the Tulip from Ilse Jacobsen so comfy? I just love them! I probably should try Ecco again. I ordered canvas ones last year and they were not comfortable on my feet. I did love a leather pair that I had for years. Great post. I am bookmarking this one. You shared so many good ones!!