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. Appley Zip Sand Nubuck – Designed with a premium sand nubuck upper and a curved rubber sole.
2. Dr. Scholl’s Madison – Amp up your casual look and style with this pretty floral printed slip-on.
3. Jollie Walking Shoes from Easy Spirit – Made for older active women. 
4. Reelfun Slip-On Sneakers from Easy Spirit – All-day comfort slip-on shoe.
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. Ezera Run from Clarks – Easy on/off feature.
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 assure 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:

Appley Zip Sand Nubuck

Clarks makes these comfy shoes designed with a premium sand nubuck upper and a curved rubber sole. The interior is fashioned with a breathable OrthoLite® Contour Cushion footbed making steps airy and effortless.

Dr. Scholl’s Madison

These slip-ons are made of breathable textile and have built-in Energy Wave™ cushioning that provides immediate and all-day comfort. They amp up your casual look and style with the pretty floral print.

Jollie Walking Shoes from Easy Spirit

These more traditional-looking walking shoes from Easy Spirit are made with the older active women in mind. They provide extra arch support to keep feet stable and comfortable. They are made of suede and offered in medium or wide widths.

Reelfun Slip On Sneakers from Easy Spirit

This slip-on runner is built with the signature Easy Spirit comfort and features their exclusive e360 technology. Reelfun has a breathable and stretchy upper that hugs the foot for a custom fit. Added bonus: Reelfun’s inside includes both memory foam and gel for all-day comfort.

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.

Ezera Run from Clarks

These sneakers from Clarks are built for comfort and are easy on/off thanks to the elasticized lacing and heel loop. It’s made with a stretchy knitted upper, a lightweight sole, and a removable footbed that you can pop in the wash.

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 Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Running Shoe from Nordstrom

This lightweight running shoe from Nike is my personal go-to for my workouts. This new option has been updated with a fit that offers more room in the forefoot and toes. React foam, Zoom Air technology, and shock-absorbing heels make it feel like walking on air.

Dressy Shoes for Older Women

Here are some options for going out in style:

Seren 30 Court from Clarks

These super comfy dress shoes from Clarks are made with soft merlot suede uppers and plush underfoot cushioning, and a statement square toe and gold-trimmed heel.

Celia from Aerosoles

This Channel inspired flat is made of a combination of quilted and smooth textures that complement one another perfectly. The Celia from Aerosoles is designed with vegan leather. I like! Offered in medium and wide. A delicate bow detail adds a feminine touch.

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.