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Best Walking Shoes for Senior Women

By Sandra Roussy April 01, 2024 Beauty

Walking is a great form of exercise that we can do at any age. It’s well known that the benefits of regular physical activity, like walking, can help with weight management and strengthen muscles. According to Harvard Medical School, it can also help with heart health including lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Read 5 REASONS FOR TAKING UP THE WALKING LIFE IN RETIREMENT.

Are you thinking of starting a regular walking regimen? Do you already walk frequently? Do you know what is the most important thing to do to make sure that your walking is safe and comfortable? You got it – a good pair of walking shoes!

Many people simply throw on their old running shoes and set out walking. This can do fine, but dedicated walking shoes are the best footwear for walking purposes.

Here is our list of the best walking shoes for senior women:

  1. 411v1 walking shoes from New Balance – Best Cushioned Walking Shoe
  2. Athletic Walking Shoe by TIOSEBON – Best Budget-Friendly Walking Shoe
  3. Wool Runners by Allbirds – Most Sustainable Walking Shoe
  4. ATOM by KURU – Best All Day Walking Shoe
  5. TABI WALKER by Vionic – Best Walking Shoe for Wide Feet
  6. Integrity ST2 by Saucony – Best Walking Shoe for Narrow Feet
  7. OMNI WALKER 3 – Best Shock Resistant Walking Shoe
  8. Coral Stretch Knit by OrthoFeet – Walking Shoe with Arch Support
  9. Wichita Stretch by OrthoFeet – Best Walking Shoe for Plantar Fasciitis
  10. Kita Hands-Free by OrthoFeet – Best Walking Shoe for Flat Feet
  11. Hedgehog Fastpack GTX Hiker by The North Face – Best Hybrid Walking/Hiking Shoe

How to Find the Best Walking Shoe

Comfort Over Style

When it comes to walking shoes, you want to invest in the most comfortable pair that you can afford. They don’t need to be popular brand names that tend to cost more but also typically offer more trendy styles and color combos.

Lightweight

You want your walking shoes to be light and not to weigh you down. Unless your walking shoes need to be specialty shoes, because of flat feet for example, that may add some weight to the shoe.

Try on as Many as You Can

The best way to find your perfect walking shoes is to try on as many as you can. They must not feel tight and there needs to be sufficient space for your toes. Check with return policies when ordering online.

Size Up

Your walking shoes should definitely not feel tight and compress your feet or toes. Purchasing a size up from your regular shoe size is a good idea when purchasing walking shoes. This way you can be sure that your toes will have plenty of room even if your feet swell during the day. To prevent blisters, make sure that they still fit properly when tied so that there is no friction or loose movement at the heel area.

Durability

Consider the materials used in the shoe’s construction and the quality of the manufacturing process to ensure that the shoes will hold up to regular use.

Top-Rated Walking Shoes for Women Over 60

We’ve scoured professional reviews and customer comments/ratings to pick out the best walking shoes available on the market today.

Best Cushioned Walking Shoe – 411v1 Walking Shoe by New Balance

411v1 walking shoes from New Balance

New Balance is a popular athletic shoe company that was founded in 1906 in Boston, Massachusetts. They are known for their high-quality footwear that is designed to provide comfort, support, and durability for various sports and activities.

The 411v1 walking shoes from New Balance are lightweight and made with DynaSoft midsole cushioning for extra plush comfort and ultra-responsive walking.

Best Budget-Friendly Walking Shoe – Athletic Walking Shoe by TIOSEBON

Athletic Walking Shoe by TIOSEBON

The TIOSEBON Athletic Walking Shoe is a lightweight and comfortable shoe designed for walking and other low-impact activities. The shoe features a slip-on design with a stretchy knit upper that conforms to the shape of your foot for a snug and comfortable fit. The sole has a non-slip design that provides good traction on a variety of surfaces, making it a suitable shoe for outdoor walks. 

The TIOSEBON Athletic Walking Shoe is breathable and has a moisture-wicking lining, which helps keep your feet dry and cool during long walks. The shoe also has a simple and minimalist design that makes it suitable for everyday wear.

Most Sustainable Walking Shoe – Wool Runners by Allbirds

Wool Runners by Allbirds

Wool Runners by Allbirds are a popular line of eco-friendly shoes made from natural materials. The shoe’s upper is made from soft, breathable merino wool that provides comfort and warmth in colder weather while also allowing air to circulate during warmer months. The shoe also features a flexible and lightweight sole made from a proprietary foam material that provides support and cushioning.

Allbirds is a sustainable footwear brand that uses environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing processes to reduce their environmental impact. The company uses a unique “direct-to-consumer” business model to sell their products online, which allows them to keep prices competitive while reducing waste and emissions associated with traditional retail practices.

Best All Day Walking Shoe – ATOM by KURU

ATOM by KURU

For all day comfort (and style, might we add) these shoes from KURU come in highly rated by customers and reviewers alike. The shoe is designed to provide support and comfort for people with foot and heel pain. It features a patented KURUSOLE technology, which is designed to provide cushioning to the foot, particularly the heel and arch.

The ATOM has a lightweight and breathable mesh upper that provides flexibility and allows air to circulate around the foot, keeping it cool and dry. The shoe’s design also features a deep heel cup that helps to stabilize the foot and reduce the risk of injury.

The sole of the ATOM shoe is made from a slip-resistant rubber, which provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces. The ATOM’S sole is made from a durable EVA material, which helps to absorb shock and reduce the impact on the feet and joints.

Best Walking Shoe for Wide Feet – TABI WALKER by Vionic

TABI WALKER by Vionic

Vionic is a popular footwear brand that specializes in shoes that provide support and comfort for people with foot problems, including plantar fasciitis, overpronation, and other conditions. The brand’s shoes are designed with features like arch support, cushioned insoles, and durable soles that help to alleviate pain and discomfort and promote healthy foot alignment.

The popular TABI WALKER shoe from Vionic offers a firm thermoplastic heel for increased stability and support. Also, it has the no-lace convenience of hook-and-loop tabs that lets you adjust the fit.

Best Walking Shoe for Narrow Feet – Integrity ST 2 Narrow by Saucony

Integrity ST 2 Narrow by Saucony

The Integrity ST 2 Narrow is a walking shoe designed by the popular athletic footwear brand, Saucony. The shoe is designed to provide comfort during low-impact activities such as walking and light exercise.

One of the key features of the Integrity ST 2 Narrow is its narrow fit, which is designed to accommodate women with narrower feet. It has a cushioned insole and a shock-absorbing EVA midsole, which helps to reduce the impact on your feet and joints while you walk. The shoe also has a non-slip rubber outsole that provides good traction on a variety of surfaces.

Best Shock Resistant Walking Shoe – OMNI WALKER 3

OMNI WALKER 3

The OMNI WALKER 3 is a walking shoe designed by Saucony, a popular athletic footwear brand. The shoe is designed to supply support and comfort for people who need to spend long periods on their feet, such as nurses, waitresses, and other professionals.

The shoe is made with a durable leather upper and also has a padded tongue and collar, which help to cushion your feet and reduce the risk of blisters. The shoe’s midsole is made from a lightweight, shock-absorbing material that helps to reduce the impact on your feet and joints while you walk. It also has a non-slip rubber outsole.

One of the key features of the OMNI WALKER 3 is its stability design, which provides extra support to your feet and helps to prevent overpronation. The shoe also has a removable insole that can be replaced with custom orthotics, allowing you to customize the fit and support to your specific needs.

Walking Shoe with Arch Support – Coral Stretch Knit by OrthoFeet

Coral Stretch Knit by OrthoFeet

These walking shoes by OrthoFeet are engineered with advanced footwear technology to enhance comfort and alleviate heel and foot pain. They offer premium orthotic insoles made from a contoured foam material with anatomical arch support to prevent the foot from rolling inwards. This alleviates pain on the foot and heel and even all the way up your knees, hips, and lower back. 

The Coral Stretch Knit features a stretchable, breathable mesh upper that conforms to the shape of your foot and provides ventilation to keep your feet cool and dry. The shoe also has a padded collar and tongue, which help to cushion your feet and reduce the risk of blisters and other foot problems. The Coral Stretch Knit also has a roomy toe box that allows your toes to move freely, which can be especially beneficial for people with bunions or other foot deformities.

Best Walking Shoe for Plantar Fasciitis – Wichita Stretch by OrthoFeet

Wichita Stretch by OrthoFeet

Enjoy exceptional comfort and fit with these stretchable casual walking shoes. They offer a non-binding fit, extra room for toe movement, and maximum protection against pressure points. The Wichita is designed with a hook-and-loop strap for maximum adjustability and allows the tongue to completely open for easy foot insertion. The strap is also designed to provide additional support and stability to your foot, which can be helpful if you have balance or mobility issues.

As with all OrthoFeet footwear, they come with a 60-day trial wear period.

Best Walking Shoe for Flat Feet – Kita Hands-Free by OrhtoFeet 

Another shoe from OrthoFeet

Another shoe from OrthoFeet, this one has lightweight cushioning soles and a mild rocker designed to absorb impacts and soften every step. They are easy to slip on and off, requiring no hands or bending. 

OrthoFeet is a company that is dedicated to providing comfortable and supportive footwear for people with foot conditions such as arthritis, plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and neuropathy. Their shoes are designed to improve foot health and reduce the risk of foot pain and other problems, making them a reliable choice for people who need specialized footwear.

Best Hybrid Walking/Hiking Shoe – Hedgehog Fastpack GTX Hiker by The North Face

Hedgehog Fastpack GTX Hiker by The North Face

The Hedgehog Fastpack GTX Hiker features a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane that keeps your feet dry in wet conditions. The shoe’s upper is made from a durable synthetic material that is also breathable, helping to keep your feet cool and comfortable during long walks or hikes. The shoe also has a protective toe cap and heel overlay, which helps to protect your feet from rocks and other hazards on the trail.

Read our helpful article WANT TO FEEL STEADY ON YOUR FEET EVERY DAY? DISCOVER THESE 3 TIPS FOR WALKING WELL that contains great advice (and videos) for walking safely and confidently.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you have a favorite pair of walking shoes? How often do you use them when you head out? Why are they your favorite? Are there walking shoes that you tried but didn’t particularly like? Share your thoughts on walking shoes with our community in the comments below.

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ROSLYN MARY CAMPS

Looking for a walking shoe that is somewhat supportive but enables some impact on the bones while walking to support bone strengthening. Any suggestions please

Kay

I wish I had a favorite pair of walking shoes. I don’t and I have spent over a year trying to find one. Because I have compression fractures at L1, L2,L3, I have a curvature of the back. I need a shoe with a low heel to toe drop. The 12 mm drop causes pain, tilts me forward and affects my balance. It would be wonderful to have a pair of walking shoes.

The Author

Sandra is the middle-aged woman you hear about who sheds everything she owns and sets out into the world to rediscover and redefine herself. After more than twenty years spent in the fashion industry designing collections for brands such as La Senza, Victoria’s Secret, and JACOB Lingerie, she shifted her path and pursued her longtime passion for writing, traveling, and photography. Sandra was published in the NY Times best selling book Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It. A deeply personal essay hand-picked by Elizabeth Gilbert about loss, facing fears, and going after dreams. Visit her website: www.sandraroussy.com

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