Wearing the right, comfortable, and supportive footwear is important for any occasion or situation as you age. Most older adults suffer from different foot conditions, and back, knee, and ankle pain; therefore, require orthotic shoes to reduce any of the symptoms.
Wearing the wrong footwear when walking can damage your legs, ankles, and knees or worsen pain in the lower back.
Advantages of Exercising and Walking for Older Adults
As you age, it’s advisable to do some exercise. For instance, you can try walking around to help you stay healthy and fit. Besides, it’s also a great recreation form for the elderly.
Below are some advantages of exercising and walking for older adults:
- It helps improve mental health and alertness
- It helps in stabilizing your weight
- It typically lowers the risk of diseases and other different health conditions
- You will feel healthy, energetic, and fit after exercising
- It strengthens muscles, and this makes you less susceptible to diseases and any severe damage when injured
It’s important to choose the right footwear if you decide to be walking as a form of recreation or exercise. You should also ensure the shoes have a perfect fit to keep your feet comfortable and warm all day.
Features of the Best Lightweight Walking Shoes for the Elderly
Motion Control
Motion control is how stable the shoe is or the amount it provides when you are walking. Sturdy footwear helps support your arches and ankles when walking and adjusts the heel motion to lower the impact and stress. For older adults who overpronate, cushioned motion control is vital.
Lightweight and Breathable Material
Footwear material is equally important as walking shoes should be lightweight and breathable. When you are struggling with any foot condition or bunions, go for flexible and incredibly soft shoes that won’t pressure the already affected area.
Support and Cushioning
Excellent support and cushioning also play a significant role in walking shoes for the elderly. Ensure your walking footwear provides enough cushioning to reduce stress on the feet, absorb shock, and offer a comfortable fit.
Great midsole and outsole support reduce any strain on your lower limbs and feet, making you super comfortable.
Here are some of the best lightweight walking shoes for the elderly:
Best Lightweight Walking Shoes for Elderly Folks
If you are short on time, watch this video on the best lightweight walking shoes for the elderly.
#1. Orthopedic Dress Shoes – Orthofeet Avery and Serene
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These shoes offer orthotic support with premium-quality insoles. Plus, the soles are lightweight with an air cushioning system to add springs to your steps and soften them.
The shoes additionally have an extra depth design. Non-binding, incredibly soft exterior and broader toe box eliminate any pressure on hammertoes, bunions, and other foot conditions.
#2. Walking and Casual Shoes – Sketchers Go Walk 4
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These slip-on sketchers are super comfortable, fashionable, and stylish, they are not only great walking shoes but also double up as everyday casual wear.
Features
- They come in leather and soft suede
- The shoe has a supportive synthetic sole with excellent traction on different floor surfaces
- For shock absorption and enhanced stability, these shoes feature a 0.75-inch heel
- The moccasin-stitched seams offer a comfortable and super-soft fit
- The memory foam insole is well-cushioned for maximum comfort all day
- They come in different color designs
#3. Walking Sandals – Propet Daytona and Breeze
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Propets are sandals made for walking during the summer season when the weather is warm. The sandals come in three widths, from wide to narrow, to comfortably accommodate different foot types and shapes.
Features
- An incredibly soft and breathable leather fabric
- Made from full-grain leather, and comes with three adjustable straps for a secure fit
- An antimicrobial cushioned insole to ensure your feet are dry and healthy
- The sole is made of polyurethane, offering energizing shock absorption with each step you take
- They come in different color designs
#4. Casual Sneakers – Ryka Dash
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These are the best lightweight walking shoes for the elderly as they keep your feet super comfortable throughout the day. Besides, they also support older adults with different foot conditions.
Features
- The padded collar and tongue provide a cushioned fit to keep your feet comfortable
- Durable leather overlay and synthetic exterior
- The lining is chafe-resistant
- The insole lining is anatomically cushioned for shock absorption with every step you take
- The molded EVA midsole provides ultimate support and exceptional comfort
- An anti-skid rubber sole for stability
#5. Wash and Wear Walking Shoes – Propet M3851
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These are slip-on walking shoes for the elderly that are super comfortable and supportive. Also, they are relatively easy to clean and ideal for everyday wear.
Features
- They come in extra-wide sizes to accommodate older adults with different foot conditions
- The quilted leather on the exterior is easy to clean, soft, and offers a flexible fit
- The outsole is made of rubber and has excellent traction on different walking surfaces
- The EVA midsole minimizes pressure on the lower limbs and feet and also helps with shock absorption
- The internal and external heel counters offer excellent support
- The rocker profile helps encourage walking motion naturally
- A flex groove for enhanced mobility
- A padded collar made if stretchy nylon for a more secure fit
- The cushioned orthotic is removable for additional support and comfort
- The arch support is firm and durable
- The shoes come in different color designs
#6. Velcro Walking Sneakers – Propet Life Walker
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These shoes are the best bet for the young and old alike as they are supportive and comfortable enough for different foot types and shapes.
Features
- Synthetic soles with excellent traction and adequate shock absorption
- Supple and incredibly soft leather exterior with an adjustable Velcro closure
- The polished nylon lining is breathable and is gentle on the skin
- The in-built heel stabilizer ensures you are well footed
- The ortholite insole features plush memory foam for ultimate comfort
#7. Athletic Shoes – Saucony Echelon 7 and Integrity
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Saucony Pro Grid provides all the support and comfort features for both men and women with different foot conditions. The shoes are available in wide, medium, and narrow fit to accommodate any feet, shape, and type.
Features
- The shoe comes in three different colors
- The Respon Tek and Heel, pro grid technology, offers excellent shock absorbency helping return energy to the feet
- The XXTM 900 sole features Walk Trac technology for stability, preventing older adults from tripping and falling
- The full-grain leather exterior and flexible forefoot stretch area offer a more secure and comfortable fit for different foot shapes
- The compression EVA midsole allows for cushioning and better support
- The extra Strobel, forefoot, and rearfoot HRC cushioning ensures that every step you take is met with responsive cushioning
#8. Walking Shoes for Longer Walks – Propet Stability Walker
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These walking shoes for the elderly are exceptional and have a wider fit. The shoes are supportive and super comfortable making them excellent everyday wear for older adults.
Features
- Full-grain perforated leather exterior to ensure your feet are well-ventilated and dry all day long
- Polished nylon lining for additional comfort
- The lacing system is quite fast, making it easy on and off shoes
- Padded tongue and collar for comfort and support
- EVA midsole offers arch support
- The rubber soles help provide excellent traction to prevent any slips and falls
- Best lightweight walking shoes for the elderly as they are super comfortable and supportive
#9. Velcro Closure Walking Shoes – New Balance MW928 and WW928
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Velcro closure walking shoes are easy to wear and take off and are equally comfortable. These shoes are perfect for older adults who need extra foot protection and comfort.
Features
- Durable soft leather exterior with Velcro closures for a more customized fit, making them the best lightweight walking shoes for the elderly
- The midsole is made of polyutherane for cushioning and better support
- A foam-padded tongue and collar and a cushioned supportive insole
- The outsole is durable, offers shock absorbency and excellent traction
See more velcro shoes for seniors here.
#10. Orthopedic Walking Shoes for Foot Conditions – Dr. Comfort Endurance and Spirit
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Dr. Comfort is the perfect shoe for older adults struggling with diabetes and other podiatry feet conditions such as hammertoes, corns, bunions, arthritis, heel pain, and edema.
Features
- Supple and incredibly soft leather exterior with Velcro and lace closures
- The gel plus insoles are removable for cushioned comfort, making them the best lightweight walking shoes for the elderly
- These shoes come in different sizes and widths for different foot types
- Athletic shoes offering ample shock absorbency and excellent arch support
- The outsole is sturdy to keep older adults with balance problems firm and steady
The above are the best lightweight walking shoes for the elderly.
