Here Are 5 of the Best Sneakers for Active But Aging Feet

These comfortable shoes are perfect for older women.

By

Jane Bokun

 
Published August 29, 2024
photo collage of different shoe recommendations for active and aging feet
Ethel Staff

I have feet that always need a lot of attention and I’m always worried that I’ll fall because of them.

That happened a few months ago while visiting my son in North Carolina. I was experiencing some balance issues and I thought I had them under control. We had just come back from a restaurant when, as if in slow motion, I fell right on my nose tripping on the uneven, jagged cement stairs leading to his apartment.

“Crrrack,” I heard my nose break loudly. It was the fifth break of my large proboscis, so I knew it well. After surgery on my nose, it was time for a deep dive into the healthiest orthopedic tennis shoes I could find. Are your feet hurting or do you find yourself slipping and sliding more often as you grow older?

It’s time to take action if you want to stay active. The right shoes, particularly athletic shoes, ease plantar fasciitis, arthritis and other chronic pain issues that arise due to a lifetime of walking, and all other activities.

“It’s important we start looking after our feet even in our 40s,” advised podiatrist Dr. Michael Nirenberg. “If you’re planning on having healthy feet, you really should consider wearing only shoes that are comfortable with a thicker soul. You can avoid many foot problems such as hammer toes or bunions by starting earlier and seeing a podiatrist. Forget about wearing high heels every day. They are not walking shoes."

He emphasized the importance of seeing a podiatrist if any problems arise so that you get professional advice on the best sneakers for your feet.

Here are some choices:

Hoka Athletic Shoes

First of all, there’s Hoka. I’m wearing them right now. This is an “in” style right now, breaking the billion-dollar mark in sales in 2022 and popularized by celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow and Reese Witherspoon.

As Nirenberg advised, it’s good to start early with a sturdy athletic shoe but this older gal also loves her Hokas for their cushions and support. I am particularly happy for the space and comfort they give to my toes.

“The safest thing for wearers is when your foot is slightly snug at the toes and tightly laced,” said Dr. Nirenberg, adding that he doesn’t recommend shoes that are slip-ons, particularly as we grow older. “Shoes that don’t lace up can make you unstable and more prone to falling."

Hokas run from about $65 and upwards. I got mine for a good price at Nordstrom Rack, though other sources for bargains are Zappos and Amazon.

Adidas Sambas

Adidas Sambas are comfortable and have cool accents like three perfect white lines on a black shoe and vice versa for a white shoe. The modern style of Adidas Samba shoe was introduced in 1972 as a durable sneaker made for soccer players., though the brand itself started in 1950.

Sambas are designed with cups that grip the soles and help with slipping when walking in snow, rain and on tough terrain. Linda Adams is a grandmother and avid runner who finds that “it’s nice to have less of a chance of falling because the bottom of the Sambas have suction.”

This is not a bargain shoe, though is a style that helps prevent one of the top risks we face as older women — failing. Sambas can run as high as $130, though there are slashed prices on various online sites.

On Shoes

After I broke my nose, I met my doctor who was wearing On sneakers. The shoes were unusual because they had what looked like rubber circles on the bottom, again a great suction mechanism.

“Lots of people on their feet all day swear by On sneakers,” the doctor told me, of this shoe that is also equipped with high-tech cushioning.

“I love them so much I bought three pairs,” agreed hygienist Hannah Todhunter. “They are just so comfortable.”

World tennis champion Roger Federer has his own brand of On shoes called The Roger, so they must work for speed, too, as well as all-around comfort. This quality shoe billed to make you feel like you run on clouds is generally $100 or more though, again, bargains can be found.

Allbirds

The Allbirds company calls itself “the most comfortable shoes in the world." Aside from the comfort I hear about from the older women, Allbirds come in a variety of colors such as sky blue and are made with sustainable materials. A good friend who walks four miles a day loves this brand. Beyond cushy comfort, she said, “The price is right”.

Allbirds generally retail for $50 and up.

VIONICS

The VIONIC Tokyo lightweight mesh sneaker is a walking shoe with an orthotic-insert padded collar for added cushion and ankle support. The Tokyo is only one of the styles from this brand that is designed with ample arch support. It also caters to those with plantar fasciitis. Another big plus of VIONICS — they collapse flatly into the sole and are easy to throw into a carry-on when you pack. The styles are so pretty and diverse, they can take you from pickleball to a dinner party.

As for me, I’m sticking with the Hokas basically because I feel comfortable and protected in them. My podiatrist told me that my foot pads were disappearing with age, and that was the reason for my falls. I now also add extra cushioning in the form of inserts whenever I wear any shoe. So, now my preferred foot fashion is athletic shoes, and yes, I do mourn for my sweet, Jimmy Choo spikes!

Photo credits: Buttons: Getty Images; Yellow Hokas: Nattawit Khomsanit/Shutterstock; Blue Hokas: Stefan Pinter/Shutterstock; Ice Blue Hokas: Nadezda Audigie/Shutterstock; Adidas: Shutterstock (2); ON: Nina Westervelt/Bloomberg via Getty Images; White: Courtesy Allbirds

Do you wear sneakers? What kind? Let us know in the comments below.

Jane Bokun is an award-winning freelance writer, reporter, and editor with extensive experience in journalism for People Magazine, AARP, and Chicago Magazine.