Last updated on February 1st, 2023 at 08:14 pm
With age, cartilage between joints becomes thinner and muscles lose their elasticity, making injury and inflammation more prevalent. Since the entire body is supported with the feet, we’ve made this post to help find the best running shoes for senior men.
As our bodies age, preventing injury during exercise reaches top priority. Finding the perfect running shoes can lessen strain on muscles and alleviate joint inflammation. Choosing a shoe that’s lightweight, focuses on impact absorption, and offers heel-to-toe comfort is one of the keys to healthy running for seniors.
What Makes an Ideal Running Shoe for Senior Men?
Great running shoes will help prevent wear and tear on your joints using a few key factors. Senior men should look for these attributes when searching for running shoes:
- Cushioning: First, ample cushioning should absorb shock from each step. Cushioning comes from a reinforced and flexible foam midsole between the tread and insole of the shoe. Furthermore, the thick tread does not count as cushioning and can’t replace the good quality foam.
- Lightweight: Additionally, the lighter the better. As long as you’re not compromising structure and support. So, look for footwear weighing less than 11 ounces per shoe.
- Support and Comfort: Shoes should address your personal needs like underpronation, neutral/pronation, or overpronation. If needed, they should accommodate wide feet, bunions, or any custom orthotic insoles.
- Terrain: Moreover, choose footwear with your terrain in mind. While shoes made for trails have great features for grip, tough materials will add unnecessary weight and muscle fatigue. Conversely, shoes with low tread and without toe protection will not provide safety when off-roading.
Our Favorite Running Shoes for Senior Men Are...
With the above criteria in mind, we spent many hours of research to bring you our findings. By comparing our top models and ranking them based on runner reviews with other key factors we’ve put together a list below. And, a couple rose to the top as our favorites.
Best Shoe: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
Second Best Shoe: Saucony Cohesion 14
Best Running Shoes for Senior Men: Asics Gel-Venture 8
We think these two models are amazing and can address the needs of most runners. However, since your choice should be geared toward your specific needs, we’ve written a little more about each below.
Comparison Table of 5 Best Running Shoes for Senior Men
While there are many options out there, these models really hit all the marks we look for in shoes for aging feet. In the below article, we’ve detailed a few standout features of each shoe that really set them above the rest. But, first, we’ve placed all of our contenders into this table for quick reference.
As you can see, we’ve chosen five classic designs for running normal to mid-level terrain. With this in mind, each of our choices are great for a different reason. Read more below to gain insight into why each one made it onto our list.
1. Brooks Men's Adrenaline GTS 22
First up, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is exactly that, a great ‘Go-To-Shoe’ that gives you what you need to run the extra mile in comfort. And it continues to receive unwavering support from fans throughout each version for its quality.
Brooks’ consistency continuously puts them in our top ranks for running shoes.
While Brooks offers a great lineup for which to find a custom fit, this model is a fantastic choice for aging feet. The Adrenaline GTS 22 offers great features for additional support and will last you quite a while.
Supreme cushioning and flexibility
Because knee and ankle joints need more help as we age, impact absorption should be a major attribute in your shoe choice.
Brooks has created a specialized combination of foam materials in the Adrenaline GTS 22 midsole for just this. Their DNA LOFT coupled with BioMoGo technology provides a long-lasting, flexible and soft underfoot feel.
The unique construction of this shoe allows all runners, regardless of their weight, stride and speed, to receive the same cushioned support.
Runners find that the Adrenaline GTS 22 gives supreme heel-to-toe cushioning with responsive and durable materials.
Still remains lightweight
Additionally, for a men’s shoe with all of these features, we’re impressed that each shoe still only weighs about 10.2 ounces.
In fact, this is slightly lighter than the GTS Adrenaline 21 that came before it.
Despite falling into the upper scale in terms of weight, its features for comfort and stability secure it in our first place spot.
Guiderails for arch support
One of the best features of the Adrenaline GTS 22 is its Guiderail Support System technology. With knee health in mind, Brooks has created a molded material that cradles your foot, preventing your ankles from collapsing inward.
These Guiderails only take action when you need them, helping comfortably align your stride to a natural/neutral heel-toe motion. Overpronators and their sore knees rejoice!
Since this system isn’t underfoot, and only activates when your foot tilts and when you have them tied tightly at the midfoot. As a result, this neutral shoe offers support for most types of feet.
Very comfortable
Finally, the Adrenaline GTS 22 has so many other features for comfort that wouldn’t properly work without a great upper construction.
In fact, its streamlined mesh upper gives ample space in the toe box without abrasive seams and logos.
This shoe is designed to provide a snug and comfortable fit while allowing just the right amount of flexibility and airflow.
Brooks uses their 3D Fit Print to give structure to the material without the use of seems.
Basically, screen-printing certain sections of the shoe forms durable and flexible structural support.
So you’re not just getting a flimsy mesh on top, it’s actually quite a custom fit.
Pros and Cons of the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 PROS
- Soft and flexible cushioning
- Roomy, comfortable toe box
- Great arch support
- Durable materials
- Great traction
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 CONS
- Cost
Who Will Love the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Running Shoe?
The high-quality features for cushion and support of the Adrenaline GTS 22 can’t be beat when looking for the best senior men’s running shoe.
These are perfect for men running on paved paths or indoor tracks, and those that need a little extra arch support (those that overpronate).
2. Saucony Men’s Cohesion 14
The Saucony Cohesion 14 is a great option for runners looking for a lightweight, but stable shoe that offers impact control.
While Saucony is known for their affordable quality this shoe does not disappoint in tough materials and durable cushion.
Additionally, the Cohesion 14 clenches a second place victory with numerous features for comfort and its focus on heel strike.
Plus, this version is constructed with XT-600 tread, giving it more of a non-slip grip, even on wet surfaces.
Provides heel to toe cushion
Firstly, technology like their GRID, ‘Ground Reaction Inertia Device,’ that has constantly been perfected with marathoner feedback since the 70s.
The Cohesion 14 features GRID technology inside its midsole providing a structure of individually compressed sections with each heel strike.
A feature like this absorbs vibrations and hard hits that create wear and tear on joints.
Coupled with EVA foam this shoe provides proper cushioning and stability through each stride.
Light weight reduces body strain
With overlays and all this shoe remains lightweight at a surprising 10.8 ounces per foot for a size 11 Wide.
Being that the Cohesion 14 has a high-quality tread system, thick midsole, extra padding throughout the upper and overlays, this weight is exceptional.
Flexible comfort
Finally, Saucony users will confirm that this brand has a certain fit to them. That being said, regular sizes may run slightly narrow. However, with the option to try sizes denoted as ‘Wide’, these shoes could be perfect if the sizing is correct.
Although, I wear a 7 1/2 regular in most shoes and I have painful bunions that make my feet wide. And, in Saucony I wear a size 8 regular and they’re perfect. From past experiences with Saucony in the 90s, I can attest that the companies sizing has become more forgiving and less narrow in recent years.
The Cohesion 14 is specifically a ‘neutral’ support shoe, but has plenty of room for custom orthotic inserts if extra support is needed.
Users also like the extra-long loop on its tongue to support shoe laces and keep the tongue from slipping either direction.
Additionally, runners also comment on how flexible this shoe is from day one.
And, with features like a grooved crash pad, the sole of this shoe will bend and flex with your individual step.
Pros and Cons of the Saucony Cohesion 14
Saucony Cohesion 14 PROS
- Great cushioning and heel protection
- Great traction
- Affordable
- Flexible
- Comfortable plush tongue and collar
Saucony Cohesion 14 CONS
- Runs narrow
What Type of Runner Will Love the Saucony Cohesion 14?
These shoes are great for aging runners tackling indoor and outdoor activities, especially those looking for a little extra traction.
The Cohesion 14 is a perfect fit for runners seeking an affordable and quality shoe that can accommodate extra added orthotics.
3. Asics Gel-Venture 8
Next, if you’re heading out onto trails or gravel paths, the Asics Gel-Venture 8 is a fantastic option.
Asics is another time-tested brand that’s constantly improving their shoes with each version.
And, the Gel-Venture 8 is no exception, with fantastic features for stability, foot protection, and cushioning this shoe ranks high while remaining affordable.
Absorbs impact on tough terrain
First and foremost, this shoe protects heels from impact with GEL technology located in the rear of the midsole.
So, if you experience heavy heel strikes, this shoe could be the perfect option for absorbing those. GEL technology in the heel will absorb impacts from trail roots, rock debris and hard foot fall.
Additionally, Asics has added a ‘heel counter’ that protects your foot from shifting either direction for added stability.
This is great for realigning your gait, keeping motion more natural from heel to mid-step transitions.
These additions coupled with an EVA foam throughout the entire length, make for comfortable cushioning from start to finish.
Offers lightweight structure
Furthermore, reversed lugs and high abrasion rubber offer you fantastic traction on wet and off-road surfaces. Especially when navigating bends and corners.
With tough construction for the trails, we found that these are surprisingly light for a trail shoe.
At 12.5oz the Gel-Venture 8 is a on par with our other options and is much lighter on the trails than many other trail shoes.
Now, It’s not necessarily feather-light, but the additional elements for heel and ankle support have landed it on our list.
Very comfortable
Finally, during our research, we noted that runners love the Gel-Venture 8 for its general comfort and consistent fit.
Also, the additional overlays on the upper portion add stability to the sides of your foot and balance to your gait.
When searching for the perfect pair of shoes, your specific needs should be answered.
Therefore, it should be noted that these overlays and stitching may fall directly on areas affected by bunions.
Pros and Cons of the Asics Gel-Venture 8
Asics Gel-Venture 8 PROS
- Affordable
- Great traction on trails and wet paths
- GEL cushion for heel strikes
- Durable construction
- Provides stability and balance
- Flexible
Asics Gel-Venture 8 CONS
- Insufficient arch support
Who will Love the Asics Gel-Venture 8?
This is the perfect option for off-road traction or even uphill/downhill safety on wet paths. The Asics Gel-Venture 8 is a great choice for aging runners with hard heel strikes looking for a comfortable ride from beginning to end.
4. Brooks Men's Ghost 14
Additionally, the Ghost 14 from Brooks ranks high with us for its roomy toe box and exceptionally lightweight cushioning.
With features for a smooth ride, this shoe is a fantastic option for many runners who experience joint pain.
Brooks categorizes the Ghost 14 as a shoe from their ‘Cushioning’ lineup, and with the feel of a custom fit, this is a great shoe for runners over 50.
Cushioning focuses on the entire foot
Just like most of Brooks shoes, the Ghost 14 utilizes the combination of DNA LOFT and BioMoGo foam.
In fact, this combo offers a lightweight and soft cushion throughout its midsole that doesn’t sacrifice flexibility and durability.
Because this foam runs throughout the entire length of the foot, you’ll get impact absorption exactly where you need it upon striking.
This combination of foams responds specifically to where you need them to retract and reform, making this shoe perfect for absorbing impact.
Additionally, these materials provide great energy return upon push-off, reducing fatigue during and after the run.
Very lightweight
At 9.9 ounces per shoe, the Ghost 14 shows impressive cushioning and durability without sacrificing weight.
Compared to many others, this is very lightweight and is a great option for races, long runs, and for those just getting into running.
Several added features for comfort
Finally, flexibility plays a huge part in providing you with balance and stability during runs, and Brooks has addressed this.
In fact, a unique segmented crash pad with grooves is designed to grant full control from each heel-to-toe transition.
And carbonized rubber tread provides durable and stellar traction on slick surfaces.
Additionally, the Ghost 14’s upper is crafted from an engineered mesh with seamless structural and supportive elements placed throughout.
Runners also confirm that the roomy toe box and mesh construction of these shoes allows for comfortable wear with bunions and wide feet.
And, since the Ghost 14 has neutral support, it’s recommended for those with normal pronation (neutral gait).
That being said, this shoe can easily accommodate an insole for those that need more support.
Pros and Cons for the Brooks Ghost 14
Brooks Ghost 14 PROS
- Responsive
- Great cushioning
- Roomy toe box
- Lightweight
- Flexible and stable control
- Durable traction
Brooks Ghost 14 CONS
- Cost
Who Are the Brooks Ghost 14 Perfect For?
The Brooks Ghost 14 is great for senior runners looking for neutral support and flexible heel-to-toe transitions. It’s perfect for those who love the freedom of a mesh upper without abrasive design elements.
5. Asics Gel-Contend 7
Finally, the Asics Gel-Contend 7 makes it onto our list of top picks for Men over 50.
Along with a responsive midsole and plush elements, this is a fantastic budget-friendly shoe for aging feet.
Plus, in this newer model, runners have noted that materials are more durable and better quality than in previous years.
For this reason, the Gel-Contend 7 ranks well with all it has to offer at a very reasonable price.
Heel-to-toe cushioning
First, Asics Amplifoam is engineered to provide a durable, lightweight cushion while maintaining the flexibility and control runners want.
Since this foam runs throughout the entire midsole, this shoe is a crowd-pleaser with runners of all varieties.
With Asic heel GEL technology and Amplifoam throughout the midsole, these shoes have heel-to-toe cushioning.
As mentioned above, Asics GEL technology absorbs shock at the heel, allowing for a smoother transition toward the toe.
Our lightest pick
Additionally, the Gel-Contend 7 weighs in at only 9.5 oz per shoe, making it our lightest option.
Runners appreciate the support, full-length cushioning, and GEL heel that this shoe offers at such a light weight per foot.
Comfortable for Many Runners
Finally, while this shoe supports underpronators or those with a neutral step, it’s received well by a variety of runners.
Many have found that additional overlays and the exterior design lend nicely to the shoes structure, adding balance.
However, a small faction of runners finds that this version has a slightly higher heel cuff than others. And, while this wasn’t the case with the majority of runners, it should be noted during the search.
Pros and Cons of the Asics Gel-Contend 7
Gel-Contend 7 PROS
- Affordable
- GEL absorbs heel strikes
- Cushioning throughout
- Support for underpronators or neutral runners
- Lightweight
Gel-Contend 7 CONS
- Slightly high heel cuff
Who Will Love This Shoe?
The Asics Gel-Contend 7 is great for seniors searching for an affordable shoe to address joint pains and accommodate for underpronation.
Before Picking A Running Shoe for Senior Men
While science shows an active lifestyle can lead to longer and healthier lives, we must still take measures to protect our bodies. As a runner over 50, choosing a running shoe is an important step in your healthy active lifestyle.
Additionally, as we age it becomes increasingly important to speak with a physician before implementing lengthy running or exercise routines.
However, small measures like stretching, warming up, and wearing proper footwear can help us remain active well through our 90s.
Remember to choose running shoes that:
- Are lightweight (ideally less than 11 ounces)
- Absorb impact
- Provide enough space in the toe box and fit comfortably
- Cater to the terrain you want to run
Try several different models and brands before choosing the shoe that’s suits your specific needs.
Finally, take a jog around indoors to ensure they truly feel great and are properly cushioned. You’ll want to ensure feet, ankles and knees feel great with each step, because you’ve got a lot of trails ahead of you.
Title Image Credit, Best Running Shoes for Senior Men: Peter Mooney | (source) | Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0) –reduced file size and cropped
Image Credit 1, Best Running Shoes for Senior Men: Peter Mooney | (source) | Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0) –reduced file size and cropped
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