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.
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, every day, 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:
Serena Paige from Clarks
I love the look of this everyday shoe. This shoe from Clarks is made with a cushioned footbed and a lightweight, grippy sole. The Serena Paige comes in a variety of colors and prints. It’s also offered in narrow, medium, and wide. A lot of women have commented that this shoe is quite comfortable.
Dr. Scholl’s Jot It Down from Zappos
These fun, tie-dye printed slip-on shoes from Dr. Scoll’s are anything but boring! They are super lightweight and ultra-comfortable. They are made with a textured bottom for excellent grip. The lining and upper part are made with recycled materials. Check out the yellow or blue tie-dye, the cool camo, and the leopard 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.
Lora Slip-On Walking Shoes from Easy Spirit
Here is another great slip-on shoe from Easy Spirit that is designed for ultra-comfort. They are super lightweight, very flexible, breathable, and provide excellent arch support.
HELOISE Mobils from Mephisto
These lightweight sporty and casual shoes from Mephisto are a little on the pricier side but are super comfortable. They are made with SOFT-AIR technology, have shock-absorbent outsoles and removable insoles. The INTEGRAL MATTRESS inside offers incomparable comfort. It guarantees an ideal fit thanks to the self-gripping straps on the instep.
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.
Wave2.0 Step from Clarks
This sporty slip-on sneaker from Clarks features a flexible elastic band and a C-Shell waterproof membrane. Its durable rubber outsole is lightened by an airy EVA midsole and the combination of a full-grain leather sock liner and a removable Ortholite footbed boosts comfort. It is offered in narrow, medium, wide, and extra-wide widths.
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.
NIWA Allrounder from Mephisto
These sneakers from Mephisto offer a practical and modern design. The innovative materials and perfect design make it a great hiking shoe. The sole, with three-dimensional lugs, offers excellent grip on all terrains. The ACTIVE SUSPENSION midsole also helps absorb shocks. The adjustable, self-gripping back strap provides a perfect fit.
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:
Pure Viola Black Leather from Clarks
These slip-on shoes from Clarks’ Pure collection provide simple, classic style thanks to the super-soft, black leather upper and rounded toe shape. They have Cushion Plus technology to ensure comfort with every step.
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.
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.
