Best Walking Shoes for Senior Women | Beat Bunions Stay Active!

Last updated on April 11th, 2022 at 04:55 pm

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Whether battling menopause, bunions, or just trying to remain fit walking can be a huge health benefit for aging women. A comfortable and reliable walking shoe is very important. To keep you moving, and feeling more confident during walks, we’ve put together a list of the best walking shoes for senior women.

Read through the rest of this post to learn how we selected the shoes, and to get a ton of information on all our favorites.

What Makes a Walking Shoe Ideal for Older Women?

The goal of any great walking shoe is to make it easy and enjoyable to stay active. With this in mind, we have selected the shoes on this list because we feel they do this well.

More specifically we were looking for the following attributes:

Wider Toe Box (bunions anyone?): Quite often shoe makers design narrow toed shoes for style reasons. This doesn’t always work for every foot type. We have made sure to find shoes with options.
Weight of shoe (lighter can be better): Lighter weight shoes will help you walk longer and get more out of your day.
General comfort: Comfort should always be your top priority. An uncomfortable shoe isn’t worth it.
Terrain the shoe is for: Picking a pair of shoes based on where you will be hiking is important. The shoe you pick should be able to stand up to the terrain you plan to traverse, while also protecting your foot.
Cushion: The cushioning of a shoe is extremely important as it reduces the impact felt on your feet, knees, and joins.

Our Favorite Walking Shoes for Aging Women Are...

We have reviewed a wide-ranging list of our favorite walking shoes for the aging community and below is our opinion on the best available for your needs. We made our choices based on what is important to you with special focus on comfort, cushion, cost, weight, style, and the overall fitted feel of the shoe.

Best All Around: Skechers Women’s Go Walk 5-True Sneaker

Second Best (but costly): Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19

Honorable Mention: Sketchers Women’s Summit Sneaker

We highlight these three options as our favorites but they are in a very competitive race for the top and you might just prefer the features of the others discussed. Their best attributes, pros, and any potential cons are described in detail to give you a full understanding of what to expect.

Comparison Table of The 8 Best Walking Shoes for Senior Women

Below we provide a comparison table of the best 8 walking shoes for senior women so you can see what they look like side-by-side. If you like the way any of them look, click on the picture or the name of the shoe to see more specifications, pictures, and current pricing on Amazon.

Picture	Name / Link	Price
	Women's Skechers Go Walk 5-True	$$
	Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 22	$$$
	Skechers Women's Summit Sneaker	$$
	Propet Women's Travelactiv	$
	Sketchers Sport Women's Empire Fashion Sneaker	$$
	New Balance Women's 411 VS (Hook and Loop)	$$
	ASICS Women's Gel-Venture 8	$
	Saucony Women's Pro Grid	$

Any of the eight shoes shown above would likely be great for senior women. After all there are some comfortable, stylish, and well designed options to choose from.

If you want to get more details on any of the shoes we cover in this post, keep reading further because we provide all the reasons each shoe made our list below.

1. Skechers Women’s GO Walk 5-True Sneaker

The Women’s Go Walk 5-True Sneakers might just be the best designed foam based walking sneaker Sketchers ever designed…and it is also extremely affordable, which is a great bonus.

The memory foam and extra cushioning make sure that, if you are an enthusiastic walker, you will be kept comfortable whether taking a short walk or aiming for distance.

These Walking Shoes are LIGHT WEIGHT

One of the most impressive qualities of the Go Walk 5 True Sneaker is the weight. Each shoe only weighs 5.55 oz (weight is based on a size 7). This is incredibly light for a durable shoe.

Weight is often an underrated attribute of walking shoes but it can make a significant difference.

With the Go Walk 5-True, Skechers focused considerable effort on creating a shoe that you could walk all day in without causing exhaustion.

A light weight shoe reduces the odds that you will tire out, that your feet will overheat, or that you will form blisters.

The Outer Material and Insole Keep Your Feet Dry

To keep your feet cool and dry on longer walks, the GoWalk 5-True’s come with a few important features.

First, the outer material is a fine, soft-knit, mesh fabric. When this is coupled with the Air Cooled Goga Mat insoles your feet will be less likely to get sweaty. The result of having dry feet throughout the duration of your walk will be that you:

Are less likely to form blisters.
Will be able to walk further in more comfort.
Won’t have pruned toes

According to the Cleveland Clinic, keeping your feet cool and dry is one of the keys to reducing foot blisters (source). The GoWalk 5-True seemed to have designed these shoes with this in mind.

Extremely Comfortable

Skechers have an unflappable reputation for crafting incredibly comfortable shoes, especially for aging activity seekers.

The GoWalk 5s benefit from incredibly soft detailing on the uppers along with the Dual-Density ULTRA GO™ Midsole with Comfort Pillar Technology. These features give these shoes incredible cushioning.

For this reason, these shoes would be great for senior women who also spend a long time on their feet each day. I’m thinking nurses here!

A Surprisingly Stylish Women's Walking Shoe

I wouldn’t typically mention style as a specially mentioned attribute to call attention to. However, there is a wide array of different color and laces options, which make the Go Walk 5-True sneakers style adaptable to most.

Sketchers Women's Go Walk 5-True Pros and Cons

Go Walk 5-True PROS

Extremely lightweight
Breathable
Comfortable
Very stylish
Great cushioning for long walks

Go Walk 5-True CONS

Run a little small
Slightly too narrow in the heel for some

Who are the Go Walk 5-True Women's Walking Shoes Perfect For?

The Skechers Women’s GO Walk 5-True Sneaker is lightweight, provides great cushioning for long walks, and is extremely stylish.

For these reasons, this is a great shoe for most older women; it is near perfect for those of us with bunions, who are prone to blisters, or who are looking for something that can be worn for long walks without issue. Oh, and did we mention it is affordable…because it is! You can check out more specifications, pictures, or current pricing on Amazon here: Sketchers Women’s Go Walk 5-True Sneaker.

2. Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 22

The Women’s Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is designed primarily for running, BUT its built-in technology make it perfect for walking. With cushioning good enough for a marathoner, and a relatively wide toe box, The Women’s Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is perfect for older women.

The Adrenaline GTS 22 is available for both men and women, and it is available in a ton of different colors.

The Adrenaline GTS 22 Provides Joint Protection

Brooks are actively relieving the pains their customers experience in their hips, knees, and joints.

The Guide Rails technology incorporated helps to improve your stability in accordance with how you walk. It does not force you to adjust your stride but simply stabilizes your natural walk.

Built to Last - You Will be Able to Walk MILES

Brooks builds shoes for durability. As one of the best selling shoes of all-time and winner of multiple awards, they are widely recognized for their class (source). Brooks redesigned the Adrenaline GTS in 2019 to remove toe cap stitching that was prone to breaking after a long time. With this change, Brooks have ensured an even longer lasting shoe that will be more likely to stand up to the test of time.

Has a TON of Support

The Adrenaline GTS 22 carefully balances the need for soft protective cushioning and responsiveness. The distinctive Guide Rails are purposely designed for stability to lessen the chance of any falls. BioMoGo DNA, and DNA LOFT cushioning is their patented technology that disperses the impact your foot makes on the ground and protect your joints further. Brooks have upped their cushioning from other models to over deliver on the support.

Pros and Cons of the Women's Adrenaline GTS 22

Women’s Adrenaline GTS 22 PROS

Built to protect your body
Made to last
Exceptional technological advancements
Attractive styles
Lightweight

Women’s Adrenaline GTS 22 CONS

Designed for runners first
More costly than others

Who Will Love the Women's Adrenaline GTS 22 for Walking?

Sitting at the higher end of the price range, this shoe is designed to last you a long time. The Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 22 is specially crafted with the aim of reducing the impact on injury prone joints while keeping you comfortable. If you find your joints creaking as you age, these shoes should be on your short list. Check out more specs, pictures, and current pricing on Amazon here: The Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 22.

3. Sketchers Women's Summit Sneakers

Skechers creates some amazing shoes for aging athletes. The Summit sneaker series has been around for what seems like forever and with good reason. Constantly upgrading and innovating, the Sketchers Women’s Summit Sneakers offer extreme comfort at an affordable price.

A Variety of Widths (Awesome for Bunions)

More and more brands are accepting the fact that foot sizes are not just different in length but also in width. It is often an overlooked feature of walking shoes that is vital for comfort when you are getting miles under your belt. Not everyone is a standard size and these shoes cater for that extra width needed. They give you that inner certainty that your shoes fits perfectly as soon as you put them on.

These Are Extremely Comfortable

Skechers lead the way for memory foam products and have done for some time. The Air Cooled memory foam used in the Summit Sneaker is beyond comfort and often likened to walking on pillows. The flexible robber outsole mean your foot stays comfortable even when doing upwards of 15,000 steps a day.

Unique Bungee Closing System

How you can really tell that these shoes are designed for the target market of ageing activity seekers is the lacing system. This fantastic feature allows you to simply pull the shoe lace tight and slide down the clamp to tighten the shoes. It requires much less time bent down tying shoes and reduces the strains on your lower back. It small but very considerate detail.

Sketchers Women's Summit Sneakers Pros and Cons

Summit Sneakers PROS

Variety of Widths
Very comfortable
Bungee closing system is very cool
A stylish walking shoe
Very lightweight

Summit Sneakers CONS

Insoles could have longer lifespan
Might be slightly less breathable than other options

Who Would These Walking Shoes Be Perfect For?

Skechers Women’s Summit Sneaker are a real treat for the 60+ population. They are lightweight, comfortable, stylish, very affordable, and their design can work well for those with bunions. If you think you would benefit from any of these attributes, you can check out more specifications, pictures, and current pricing on Amazon here: The Sketchers Women’s Summit Sneaker.

4. Propet Women's Travelactive Fashion Sneaker

Propet are a slightly lesser known brand of footwear but no less impressive. A holistic, customer centered approach underpins everything they do.

The Propet Travelactiv Fashion Sneaker is the creation of a brand that are committed to giving their customers the comfort, fit, and exceptional style they fully deserve. They add technologically advanced features throughout the design to ensure you feel the stability and support you are looking for.

Removable Foot Bed

Many of our readers will have the same questions about the foot beds shoes as you might use prescribed orthotic insoles. Fortunately, Propet hears you loud and clear and has designed this shoe to have a removable footed allowing you to replace it with whatever insert you need. It is a truly caring step indicative of what they are trying to achieve.

These Shoes Offer a Variety of Widths

Similar to the previous shoe, Propet place a great deal of importance and attention on the individuality of each user. They are not content to assume everyone is the same size and look to go one step further by providing a huge range of widths along with sizes. You can get most sizes in standard, narrow, wide, x-wide or 3x-wide which is a fantastic offer from any shoe company.

Very Comfortable

Even with all of these outstanding features, the Travelactiv shoe does not sacrifice any comfort. Complementing the variety of widths is the all mesh upper to make sure your foot can breathe even on the longer walks. The carefully designed fit and extra cushioned flexible insoles are engineered to keep your feet supremely happy.

Pros and Cons for the Propet Women's Travelactive Fashion Sneaker

Women’s Travelactiv PROS

Removable footbed
Comfortable
Variety of widths
Extremely stylish
Slips on easily

Women’s Travelactiv CONS

Outer material might be too stretchy for some
Not ideal for colder environments
Runs a little narrow

Who Are the Propet Women's Travelactiv Perfect For?

Propet continue their leadership as the brand to fit all sized feet with care and comfort. The Propet Women’s Travelactiv Fashion Sneaker is a continuation of an amazingly well thought out shoe line that have been supplying the market with quality since 1985. Mixing stability and quality with style and comfort, your feet will be so happy when they are covered with this sneaker. If you think this shoe would work well for you, check out more specs, pictures, and current pricing on Amazon here: The Propet Women’s Travelactiv Sneaker.

5. Sketchers Sport Women's Empire Fashion Sneaker

The Empire Fashion Sneaker is the final Skechers entry to our favorites list. However, it in no way tells the story of how impressive we consider this shoe to be. It may just take the title for one of the most stylish shoes out there.

Like all other Skechers shoes, it is supremely comfortable and appropriate for longer walks, gym outings or for anyone who spends a long time on their feet.

One of the Most Stylish Walking Shoes

The clue is in the title, Empire Fashion. There is no expense spared on the fantastic designs that Skechers have come up with and this shoe in particular is a major benefactor of that investment. While the cost sits on the affordable end, the colors and specifications are beyond measure. With 12 different eye catching options, you are given a world of choice with the Black/Multi Colored being our personal favorite. Zigzag metallic thread stitching tops off the design features of the Empire Fashion in a wonderful way.

Ample Joint Protection

Not only is this shoe designed for high quality fashion, it is also a very protective. Skechers incorporate a shock absorbing midsole to diffuse the impact of each step on your joints. This is supported by the flexibility of the sole to give your foot the freedom of movement it needs. Over the longer excursions, these details really matter for the preservation of your body.

Extremely Comfortable

Skechers simply don’t offer a shoe that isn’t designed for your comfort. The bungee laces mean quick tightening with minimal strain on the lower back. The Air Cooled Memory Foam makes it a form fitting shoe catered to your needs. The padded collar and tongue, and a soft fabric inner lining all contribute handsomely to this shoe giving exceptional comfort suitable for all feet even those with bunions, planter’s fasciitis and arthritis.

Pros and Cons of the Sketchers Women's Empire Fashion Sneaker

Empire Fashion Sneaker PROS

Style is on-point
Joint protection
Very comfortable
Comparably Affordable
Bungee Lace

Empire Fashion Sneaker CONS

Fit a little wider than other shoes
Might require a break-in period

Who Will Love These Walking Shoes?

Skechers are so well known for their memory foam options and catering to the ageing activity seekers market. The Skechers Sport Women’s Empire Fashion Sneaker is a great option for their clientele and over delivers in a number of areas, namely: style, comfort, protection, and how well they perform. They are another fantastic ambassador for the brand and do not disappoint. Take a look at all the available styles, and current pricing, on Amazon here: The Sketchers Sport Women’s Fashion Sneaker.

6. New Balance Women's 411 V2 Hook and Loop

New Balance are a brand synonymous with quality options catered to the needs of their buyers. The 411 Hook and Loop Walking Shoes were specifically designed for the older age groups to ensure maximum comfort for any length of walk.

Strap Closing Feature

The Hook and Loop closing system is the signature feature of the 411s and makes an important difference. Many brands are only now moving away from the traditional lace up option but New Balance has occupied this space for a long time. Preservation of self is a valid consideration and straining to tie laces becomes more and more challenging. The Velcro styled closing system means it is quick and easy to jump into these shoes, tighten them up, and get moving without having to strain to tie them every time before giving up on untying at the end of the day.

Durable Leather

Most other shoes are made from a synthetic leather and fabric mesh which doesn’t always hold the same durability standings as the leather the 411s are made from. They are 100% leather with a rubber sole to give you a very long lasting option. Durability is an underrated feature of a shoe nowadays but New Balance certainly doesn’t let the side down here.

These Walking Shoes Have a Removable Foot Bed

The 411s Hook and Loop have many other features that show the thoughtful design beyond the closure system. Chief among them are the removable foot beds. Understanding that many of their customers require customized orthotic inserts, New Balance has made their own insole easily removable. This feature alone ranks them high in the shoes recommended by most podiatrists.

New Balance New Balance Women's 411 V2 Hook and Loop Pros and Cons

The Women’s 411 V2 PROS

Easy to tighten
A durable option
Removable footbed
Very comfortable
Affordable option

The Women’s 411 V2 CONS

Lacks style
A bit on the heavy side
Less breathable than other options

Who Are These Walking Shoes Perfect For?

New Balance Women’s 411 V2 Hook and Loop Walking Shoe are an ode to the most comfortable of reliable shoes. The laceless closing system is a unique feature, and is a great way to avoid over extending your back. For this reason these women’s walking shoes are perfect for someone losing dexterity, or who doesn’t want to fuss around with lacing. What they may lack in style, they make up for in durability and long-lasting comfort. If you think these shoes might be a good fit for you, check out more specifications, pictures, and current pricing on Amazon here: New Balance Women’s 411 V2 Hook and Loop Walking Shoes.

7. ASICS Women's Gel-Venture 8

It makes sense that shoes designed for running end up being great for walking as well. The Gel-Venture 8 is a perfect example of this.

Although these are made primarily as a running shoe, they hold a litany of benefits for older activity seekers who focus on walking. From comfort to shock absorption, and with over 25 different styles the Gel-Venture 8 are a great option for aging walkers.

Great Shock Absorbtion

As mentioned, the importance of a shoe that diffuses thee impact of each step is crucial, especially if you walk quite a few miles at a time. The fortunate overlap between the distance runner and the ageing athlete is this exact need. Asics have built-in exceptional impact reduction technologies to preserve the athletes to the highest degree. A Rearfoot Gel Cushioning System was designed for the Gel-Venture 6 to minimize any impact felt by the walker.

Designed With Durability in Mind

Similarly, the mutual benefit of a shoe built for punishment is the extraordinary durability factored into the design. Asics crafted the AHAR, Asics High Abrasion Resistance technology that is used throughout the outsole of the shoe to make this one of the most long-lasting shoes available to buy anywhere regardless of category or customer.

A Stability Focused Shoe

The stability of the Venture-8 is a real feather in the cap of Asics. The strong, firm build and extra reinforcement running through the side wall mean that they offer great stability. Designed with trail running in mind, they take every precaution to protect the runner from falls and ankle rolls. The traction provided by the rubber soles with extra lugs provides extra grip for extra confidence in slippery conditions. These benefits are ideal for the senior walker as they may address concerns you have.

Asic's Gel Venture 8 Pros and Cons

Women’s Gel-Venture 8 PROS

Great shock absorbtion
Extremely durable
Great stability shoe
Lasting comfort
Various color options
More affordable than others

Women’s Gel-Venture 8 CONS

Might feel a bit firm
Heavier than some of the others

Who Will Love These Shoes?

A fair case could be made for featuring more trail running shoes on our list due to the overlap in benefits and requirements for protection, long lasting comfort, and extreme durability. Asics Women’s Gel-Venture 8 argue that case supremely well, as they will likely last a little longer sing they are built for the rigor’s of running. Check out current pricing, more specs, and additional information on Amazon here: Asics Women’s Gel-Venture 8.

8. Saucony Women's ProGrid Integrity ST2 Walking Shoe

Saucony have been creating athletic shoes since 1898 and have learned many wonderful trade secrets in that time. This storied history has resulted in the evolution and improvement of all of their shoe models. The ProGrid Integrity ST2 might be one of the best all around walking shoes.

A Very Comfortable Saucony Walking Shoe

As a company founded two years after the first Olympic marathon, Saucony know a thing or two about lasting comfort for their customers. A walk-trac outsole, grid cushioning, padded tongue and collar contribute amazing comfort for the user. In addition to these exceptional features, there is little to no break-in period as they come ready for action. Many nurses and postwomen turn to the Integrity ST2 for comfort as they spend so many hours on their feet.

A Walking Shoe Designed to Help Foot Ailments

The ProGrid cushioning can make a significant difference in soothing their foot ailments. When coupled with the Forefront Stretch Zone, and the various widths available, these shoes seem to offer an all around more forgiving fit.

In addition to general foot health, the shoes are designed to help reduce pronation issues for the wearer.

Lightweight But Still Durable

These two attributes do not always go together in most shoes. The full-grain leather build adds to its long-term durability, but unlike a lot of leather shoe options, this shoe is not overly heavy. At approximately 9.7 oz per shoe, they will be unlikely to tire you out.

Fortunately, Saucony have managed to keep the Integrity ST2 as light weight as possible to give you the best of both worlds.

Women's ProGrid Integrity ST2 Walking Shoe Pros and Cons

Women’s ProGrid Integrity ST2 PROS

Variety of widths available
Can help alleviate pains
A lightweight option
Durable
Supportive build

Women’s ProGrid Integrity ST2 CONS

Lacks style and color options

Who Will Like These Walking Shoes Most

The Saucony Women’s ProGrid Integrity ST2 Walking Shoe is another well thought out, carefully designed option that provides a TON of sizing options (bunion space anyone?), with a durable well cushioned design. If you are have bunions, or are just looking for a tried and true brand for walking shoes, this might be the shoe for you. You can check out additional pictures, specs, and current pricing on Amazon here: Saucony Women’s ProGrid Integrity ST2.

Before Picking Your Walking Shoes

Whether looking to go for a walk once a week, or once a day, there are a few things you should keep in mind before picking a walking shoe. This becomes particularly true for older women, as common ailments such as bunions and osteoporosis become a factor.

Regardless of how frequently (or infrequently) you plan on walking, remember that aging women should keep the following in mind:

Know your feet, and what foot ailments you’re dealing with
Shoe comfort is the most important attribute for a shoe – if it is comfortable you are more likely to remain active.
The shoe you purchase should work on whatever terrain you plan to take on.
They should match your style desires (if you care about that kind of stuff).

Stay Comfortable, Stay Active... Enjoy Life!

It becomes increasingly important to take care of your feet while you age. Part of this is likely physical therapy, but another part of this is going to be selecting the right pair of walking shoes. This will keep your feet comfortable, and will ultimately encourage you to remain active and stay healthy.

If you find the perfect pair of shoes, and think hiking might be your next challenge, check out our post, Hiking Over 60 | a Guide for Aging Senior Trail Seekers. You would likely need to select a different pair of shoes for that activity, but if you master walking regularly this could be a good next step in staying healthy.

Hopefully you can remain active deep into the future, and a good pair of walking shoes can help! After all, you should be enjoying your walks without having to think too much about your feet.

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