16 Best Shoes for Older Women

Happy feet, happy day! I’m not sure that’s a common expression, but I know that my days are always better when I have good footwear that will get me through the day without any foot or leg pain. Nothing can put a damper on your excellent day more than having sore feet.

Here is our top list of the best shoes for older women:

1. The Breeze Sol –  seamlessly combines style and comfort with a sleek profile, stretch-crafted uppers, a washable foam footbed, and a slip-resistant sole, making it ideal for versatile and comfortable work-to-weekend wear.
2. Dr. Scholl’s Madison – Amp up your casual look and style with this comfortable slip-on.
3. Twist Slip-On Sneakers – Easy Spirit’s Traveltime shoes offer superior walking and light activity comfort with easy slip-on style, shock-absorbing removable sock liners, and reliable arch support. 
4. AP1 Walking Shoes – This lightweight walking shoe, equipped with tie-up laces, offers remarkable comfort through its flexible construction, shock-foam sock, arch support, and durable outsole.
5. NIKITA Sneaker from Mephisto – Put a spring in your step with this classic zippered sneaker.
6. Bend Low from Birkenstock – Birkenstock now offers casual shoes.
7. CIRCUIT TIE DENIM BLUE KNIT – This shoe combines sporty simplicity with soft knitted denim uppers, a cushioned EVA footbed, and a machine-washable finish.
8. Hoka One Bondi 7 from Zappos – Ultra-soft memory foam designed to accommodate a narrower heel.
9. YLONA Sneaker from Mephisto – Zipper and lace-up combo sneaker.
10. TOKYO SNEAKER from Vionic – Super comfortable active sneaker perfect for all physical activities.

Comfortable shoes are a must, even more so as we get older. What are the best shoes for older women? Do we have to compromise on style and exclusively wear granny shoes as we age over 50? I don’t think so! I love having comfortable stable footwear, but I also like that they look stylish and reflect my personality and lifestyle.

We should all own at least a pair of shoes for the different occasions and activities that we have in our lives. Obviously, you don’t wear your runners to an evening out or your slinky sandals to the gym.

The basic categories of shoes for older women:

• Casual, everyday, walking shoes
• Workout, physical activity shoes
• Evening, dressy shoes

I will concentrate on shoes and not sandals nor boots in this article. Let’s take a look at some of the best shoes for mature women out there.

The basic criteria to make it on the list are:

• Good quality
• Comfort
• Stability: soles, arch support, etc.
• Size ranges: wide, narrow, etc.
• Price
• Great reviews!

Shoes for Older Women – What to Look For

Comfort is key! Without compromising on style, of course. We all lead different lifestyles, but one thing that we all have in common is that we want comfy shoes that won’t blister or hurt our feet.

I tend to buy better quality shoes now, and I expect them to last longer than the fast-fashion footwear I used to wear 20 years ago.

Remember, your feet change in congruence with the rest of your body. Many older women get wider feet with weight gain. Look for shoes that offer size and width ranges. You may even require a different size now.

Quality construction and material will ensure a better fit and a more comfortable shoe. Rigid fabric and non-flexing soles are a recipe for blisters.

Where to Find Shoes for Older Women

There are specialty stores that specialize in shoes for older women, but you definitely don’t have to limit yourself to those.

I find that asking women around me what type of shoes they wear and would recommend always opens new doors for me. Of course, our feet are all different, but it’s always good to have more options to explore.

Shopping online has become quite trendy in the last few years and grew exponentially during the lockdowns. Shoes are one of those things that I always hesitate to order online. If it’s a new brand and a new outlet, I make sure to read the return policies in case I need to exchange them or send them back.

Best Shoes for Mature Women

So, what are some of the best shoes for women over 55?

Casual Shoes for Older Women

Looking at the offerings in the ‘casual’ category, I found these great options:

BREEZE SOL BLACK

Clark’s is a go-to for comfortable shoes. The Breeze Sol slip-on shoe effortlessly blends style with comfort. The synthetic black upper offers a sleek profile with a hint of stretch for a perfect fit. The 2mm foam footbed provides shock absorption, and the super-grippy TR sole ensures stability. The removable and machine-washable footbed adds convenience to this versatile and easy-to-wear shoe.

Dr. Scholl’s Madison

Effortlessly achieve a stylish look with the Madison from trusted Dr Scholl, featuring a breathable textile upper, easy slip-on wear with dual gore panels, comfortable textile lining, and built-in Energy Wave™ cushioning for immediate and all-day comfort.

Twist Slip-On Sneakers

Ideal for walking and light activity, these comfort shoes by Easy Spirit are effortlessly slipped on and off, featuring removable sock liners that absorb shock, offer arch support, and ensure superior all-day comfort, making the Traveltime one of the brand’s favorite choices for women.

AP1 Walking Shoes

Try the ultimate comfort in this lightweight walking shoe with tie-up laces ensuring a perfect fit. The remarkably flexible construction is complemented by a shock-foam sock, arch support, and durable outsole. It’s a go-to choice for those seeking both functionality and unparalleled comfort at every step.

NIKITA Sneaker from Mephisto

These brown leather Nubuck sneakers from Mephisto have both lace and easy-access zippers. This sneaker is a timeless classic and is designed with a detachable insole (with integrated SOFT-AIR technology) and the outsole is equipped with a shock-absorber to minimize impact while walking.

Bend Low from Birkenstock

Gone are the days when Birkenstock only made sandals. The company now designs shoes and boots as well, all the while respecting their reputation for comfort. The BIRKENSTOCK Bend sneaker has a sleek, simple design and can be worn with practically anything. It has a midsole made of PU and cork to ensure optimum shock absorption. It also features a breathable microfiber lining for maximum comfort.

Physical Activity Shoes for Older Women

Many of us are still very active even past 70. If you’re looking for great physical activity shoes, here are a few options to consider.

CIRCUIT TIE DENIM BLUE KNIT

Simplicity meets sporty style in the Circuit Tie shoe from Clarks, featuring soft knitted uppers in a stunning denim blue, a cushioned EVA footbed for easy and comfortable steps, and a sleek modern profile.

Hoka One Bondi 7 from Zappos

The most cushioned shoe in the HOKA lineup, the game-changing Bondi 7  delivers a smooth, balanced experience. It’s engineered with the same EVA midsole, breathable mesh upper, and signature Meta-Rocker technology as its predecessor. Made from ultra-soft memory foam, this shoe is designed to accommodate a narrower heel.

YLONA Sneaker from Mephisto

This ultra-lightweight sneaker provides an excellent fit and comfort. It has a detachable insole that is made with integrated Soft-Air technology.  Lace and zipper combo make it easy to slip on and off.

TOKYO SNEAKER from Vionic

The Tokyo from Vionic is a super comfortable active sneaker perfect for all physical activities. It’s lightweight and flexible and provides assured stability. They are offered in medium and wide.

Nike Free Run 5.0

Designed for a seamless transition from running to training, the Nike Free offers a sock-like fit, lightweight feel, and at least 20% recycled content, combining flexibility with a new, lighter, softer, and more responsive foam for comfort on any surface.

Dressy Shoes for Older Women

Here are some options for going out in style:

UBREE 15 STEP CHESTNUT LEATHER

Experience comfort on your feet with the ballet flat Ubree 15 Step from Clarks, featuring a classic round-toe silhouette and a feminine bow embellishment. Prioritizing comfort, the lightweight leather design includes a molded Contour Cushion footbed to ensure relief from sore soles.

Hidden Wedge Ballet Flat in Off White

The Piper Off White Genuine Leather Hidden Wedge Ballet Flat combines everyday style with superior comfort. Featuring a concealed inside wedge heel, diamond flex outsole, ortholite foam insole, stitch ‘n turn technology, and more, it ensures a comfortable and fashionable experience with each step.

Anne Klein Fabulist from Zappos

Night on the town? Dancing with your partner? The Anne Klein Fabulist pump is an elegant classic shoe that never goes out of style. It’s made of leather with a breathable man-made lining. The dual foam layers provide cushioning and shock absorption for maximum comfort.

Estee from Trotters

A classic flat with a modern twist from Trotters, the Estee’s pointed toe detail brings new life to the popular ballet flat. The signature Trotters footbed provides optimal support. Check out the variety of fun prints and colors. It comes in narrow, medium, wide, and double wide.

Anne Klein Sport Taite Wedge Heel from Zappos

Wedge heels are a great way to get some height without compromising stability. The Anne Klein wedge is made of synthetic material with a breathable textile lining. The padded and flexible footbed is made of lightweight foam layers that provide cushioning and shock absorption. The rubber sole makes it a durable and stable shoe.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Which is your favorite shoe? What type of shoes do you wear the most? Share your favorite shoes with the community. Post your comments below.