Best Walking Shoes For Elderly Men | Senior Strong (2024)

The risk of chronic foot problems increases as you age. Seniors have less fat padding on their feet, making them more susceptible to swollen feet, hammer toes, bunions, and heel pain. Sadly, these complications make it more challenging to move. Even a 10-minute walk would cause immense foot pain, so older adults would rather sit around at home.

Wearing thick socks and comfy open-toed slippers might alleviate your pain, but they don't provide a more permanent solution. You can't even go to nice places wearing them. Instead, look for padded, comfortable, and stylish walking shoes. The market offers dozens of the best walking shoes for elderly men, so you'll definitely find one that suits your mobility needs.

Common Foot Problems Elderly Experience

Whether you're buying shoes for an older loved one or yourself, you'd do well to understand the correlation between foot pain and shoes for the elderly. Older adults can't just use any walking shoes. They need specialized footwear with a roomy toe box, rubber sole, and soft suede designed for patients with:

  • Arthritis: Patients with arthritis typically experience joint swelling and pain in various parts of their bodies, including their feet. They need a comfortable shoe that supports their lack of joint mobility.
  • Calluses: If you love going on walks, you might find a few calluses on your feet. Although they're generally harmless, they could turn into infections if you keep wearing tight sneakers with minimal padding.
  • Swollen Ankles: Don't force your swollen feet into a tight leather shoe. Instead, get a soft, comfy pair with breathable mesh uppers that prevent foot aches.
  • Hammertoes: Years of wearing uncomfortable footwear can cause hammertoes. Switch to a more suitable and comfortable shoe to prevent your injured toes from worsening.
  • Bunions: Shoes for seniors with bunions often have hook-and-loop closures that don't irritate the joints. You can also use open-toed slippers for more casual occasions.
  • Diabetes: Since diabetes impedes wound healing, avoid such shoes with poor padding and tight loop straps, or else your foot complications won't go away.

Best Walking Shoes For Elderly Men In 2022

With hundreds of orthopedic shoes for the elderly, you might find the options overwhelming and struggle to find the right pair. Fortunately, we can help streamline your shopping. We made a brief list of the best shoes for seniors with common foot complications lie arthritis, inflammation, and bunions.

Product NameSkechers Men's Go Walk Max-AthleticAvia Avi-Union II Strap Non Slip Shoes for MenReebok Men's Work N Cushion 4.0 Walking ShoeZUMEIJIA Men's Diabetic Elderly ShoesGrigobu Diabetic Shoes for Elderly Men
ComfortHigh-rebound cushioningGood cushioning for all-day standing and walkingCushioned midsoleEasily adjustable velcroMemory foam and removable insoles
Shock Absorption & CushioningMemory foam insolesMemory foam for pressure point reliefMemoryTech foam cushioningMultiple removable insolesAir cushioning for soles and ankle
Support & StabilityProprietary Goga Max technology midsole and outsoleCompression-molded midsole and heel counterBeveled heel counterTriangular heel counterCushion provides arch support
ProtectionSlip-resistant soleSlip-resistant tread patternSlip-resistant rubber outsoleRubber soleGripping rubber soles
Quality & Durability100% textile exterior and synthetic soleThick rubber soles and exteriorSynthetic leather upperSoft shoe body doesn't deformStretchable, breathable mesh doesn't break

1. Skechers Men's Go Walk Max-Athletic

Best Walking Shoes For Elderly Men | Senior Strong (1)
  • Comfort: High-rebound cushioning
  • Shock Absorption & Cushioning: Memory foam insoles
  • Support & Stability: Proprietary Goga Max technology midsole and outsole
  • Protection: Slip-resistant sole
  • Quality & Durability: 100% textile exterior and synthetic sole

Skechers Men's Go Walk Max-Athletic is one of the most reliable shoes for seniors. Its soft insoles, medium cushioning, and lightweight body make it perfect for long, steady walks. Also, the upper consists of 100% textile. It can withstand years of wear and tear damage.

ProsCons
Lightweight and comfortable for athletic walkingAthletic shoes built for brisk walking, not running
Soft, rebounding insole cushions the feetInaccurate sizing
Super-easy to put onExcessive cushioning for regular walks

2. Avia Avi-Union II Strap Non Slip Shoes for Men

Best Walking Shoes For Elderly Men | Senior Strong (2)
  • Comfort: Good cushioning for all-day standing and walking
  • Shock Absorption & Cushioning: Memory foam for pressure point relief
  • Support & Stability: Compression-molded midsole and heel counter
  • Protection: Slip-resistant tread pattern
  • Quality & Durability: Thick rubber soles and exterior

If you need plain, versatile shoes for work, try the Avia Avi-Union II. Avia equipped it with a proprietary memory foam technology that targets pressure points, plus a specialized heel counter that promotes superior arch support. You won't feel sore even after standing for several hours.

ProsCons
Simple hook-and-loop strapsTacky plain design looks like a school or work shoes
Comfortable to stand and walk inNeeds regluing every few months
Versatile shoes for work or leisureInaccurate sizing

3. Reebok Men's Work N Cushion 4.0 Walking Shoe

Best Walking Shoes For Elderly Men | Senior Strong (3)
  • Comfort: Cushioned midsole
  • Shock Absorption & Cushioning: MemoryTech foam cushioning
  • Support & Stability: Beveled heel counter
  • Protection: Slip-resistant rubber outsole
  • Quality & Durability: Synthetic leather upper

Reebok Men's Work N Cushion suits older adults who want simple, functional footwear. You can quickly wear and adjust these shoes at any time, and the beveled heel counter supports your Achilles tendon on long walks. Try putting these on the next time you go for a brisk walk.

ProsCons
Simple hook-and-loop walking shoeCushioning not suited for running
Rubber sole doesn't squeak loudlyHard, thin insole
Quick and easy to wearCan't withstand running wear and tear

4. ZUMEIJIA Men's Diabetic Elderly Shoes

Best Walking Shoes For Elderly Men | Senior Strong (4)
  • Comfort: Easily adjustable velcro
  • Shock Absorption & Cushioning: Multiple removable insoles
  • Support & Stability: Triangular heel counter
  • Protection: Rubber sole
  • Quality & Durability: Soft shoe body doesn't deform

Older adults whose feet always swell should check out this pair from ZUMEIJIA. It has velcro straps and removable insoles, so you can adjust each shoe depending on the swelling of your feet. The brand specifically made this model for diabetic and arthritis patients.

ProsCons
Removable insoles for sudden swellingFeels stiff brand-new
Easily adjustable velcro strapsCollar rubs against achilles tendon
Suited for long hours of walking and standingNot enough room for wide feet

5. Grigobu Diabetic Shoes for Elderly Men

Best Walking Shoes For Elderly Men | Senior Strong (5)
  • Comfort: Memory foam and removable insoles
  • Shock Absorption & Cushioning: Air cushioning for soles and ankle
  • Support & Stability: Cushion provides arch support
  • Protection: Gripping rubber soles
  • Quality & Durability: Stretchable, breathable mesh doesn't break

The Grigobu Diabetic Shoes stand as one of the softest shoes on this list. It suits adults with bunions, calluses, or hammertoes. The air cushioning feels soft and bouncy, so you'll feel like you're walking on fluffy pillows all day.

ProsCons
Air cushioning provides excellent shock absorptionDifficult to balance on air cushion
Accurate sizingSome dislike super-soft cushioning
Easy to adjustNot enough arch support

What To Look For In The Best Walking Shoes

As mentioned above, every walking shoe brand has its advantages and disadvantages. However, if you want the best shoes for support, comfort, and versatility, limit your options to ones that meet the following:

  • Comfort: The best shoes, whether for sports or fashion, feel comfortable. Again, seniors face a higher risk of foot pain, and wearing tight shoes only aggravates the issue.
  • Shock Absorption & Cushioning: Shoes with shock absorption cushioning and a padded collar stay snug and comfy even on long, tiring walks.
  • Support & Stability: The most comfortable shoes also provide arch support. Unless you're running marathons, avoid wearing overly cushioned shoes that might throw you off balance.
  • Protection: Wear shoes that protect your foot from injuries and infections, among other possible complications.
  • Quality & Durability: Don't skimp on your footwear. The best shoes can withstand several years of daily usage without breaking, while cheap velcro shoes burst after just a few months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you still on the fence about the best walking shoes to get? To further narrow down your options and find the right shoes faster, check out what other shoppers ask when buying shoes for the elderly!

What kind of shoes prevent falls?

Avoid wearing socks or slippers even indoors if you have limited mobility. The best walking shoes to prevent slip and fall accidents have a wide toe box and slip-resistant sole.

Are cushioned shoes good for walking?

The best walking shoes have good cushioning, not large heel stacks. Thick, cushioned insoles prevent running injuries. However, since walking doesn't impact the feet as much as running, you don't have to fixate on thick cushioning.

Quick Guide- Best Foot Warmers For Elderly Folks

What is the difference between sneakers and walking shoes?

If you want a lightweight shoe for jogging, try sneakers. Walking shoes for seniors typically have less cushioning and weigh more than sneakers to help wearers maintain their balance.

When buying shoes for the elderly, choose a comfy, practical pair that you can easily move around. Stylish, casual shoes are great. However, you shouldn't sacrifice functionality for aesthetics, especially if you get swollen feet quickly.

Also, don't limit yourself to just one good pair of shoes. Explore the different walking shoes for seniors and invest in at least three to four pairs. Trust us — you won't want to wear the exact walking shoe repeatedly. Not only will you wear the padded collar quickly, but you'll also look silly with the same orthopedic shoes every day.

Are you still struggling to find the right walking shoes? You might need a pair with arch support. Check out our comprehensive guide detailing the best balance shoes for the elderly!

Best Walking Shoes For Elderly Men | Senior Strong (2024)

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