The Sneakers Every Woman Over 50 Needs in Her Closet
Today I am joining my friend Kim for our monthly Signature Style Series. It shouldn’t be painful to walk. But if we are over 50 and wearing the wrong sneakers, every step can remind us that our feet have changed. They flatten, widen, and need more support than they did when we were younger. The good news is that we don’t have to choose between comfort and style anymore. There are stylish sneakers built specifically to support the way our feet function now, with features like arch support, cushioned midsoles, and wider toe boxes that actually accommodate our bunions. Let’s chat about the sneakers every woman over 50 needs in her closet.
Tuscan Getaway Set here, sneakers here, sunglasses here.
The Sneakers Every Woman Over 50 Needs in Her Closet
I love my sneaks, but I’m more of a traditionalist when it comes to styling them. While I admire the whole ‘sneakers, skirts and dresses’ trend on others, for the most part it doesn’t work for me. I like sneakers and a t-shirt dress or a casual utility skirt but I’m much more comfortable sticking to my trusty jeans and sweats when it comes to sneakers.
What Changes in Your Feet After 50?
Age brings wisdom, but it also brings some major changes to our feet that are impossible to ignore. Over time, our arches start to flatten out (the tendons and ligaments lose their give) which means we lose that built-in shock absorption. On top of that our feet get wider especially across the ball of the foot. So those shoes that were your favorites ten years ago are not going to cut it. To top it all off the fat pads on the bottom of our feet (our cushions) start to thin. Throw in a little age-related swelling for good measure and we have a a problem Houston!
Key Features to Look for in Sneakers After 50
Not all sneakers are created equal, and the features that matter most for those of us over 50 and beyond are different from what younger feet need. We aren’t willing to wear the latest and greatest just because they look good.
Top here, pants here, sneakers here, scarf similar here.
Arch Support
Strong arch support is non-negotiable. Without proper support, our feet tend to roll inward. With each step, a condition called overpronation can lead to knee pain, hip discomfort, and lower back issues. Look for sneakers with built-in arch support or removable insoles that let you add custom orthotics if you need them.
Cushioning that Lasts
Cushioning matters, but it needs to be the right type. Soft foam feels great in the store but compresses quickly and supposedly stops providing protection after a few weeks. You want midsole cushioning made from materials like EVA foam or gel inserts that maintain their shape over time. The cushioning should feel responsive, not mushy.
Roomy Toe Box
Our toes need space to spread naturally without being crammed together that is why many of us have issues now. A narrow toe box can cause bunions, hammertoes, and general discomfort . The toe box should allow you to wiggle your toes freely while still keeping your heel locked in place.
Best Walking Sneakers for Women Over 50
My personal favorite has not changed. I need a wide toebox and lots of cushion. For me the New Balance Fresh Foam is still my go to.
It obviously depends on your feet and your needs. I know many love the Hoka Biondi and the Brooks Adrenaline for arch support, and the On Cloud 6 for superior cushioning.
Casual Comfy Sneakers I Love
We live a very casual life here in the Paso wine country. 90% of the time you will find me dressed casually in my favorite sneaks.
Fitflop Dash
Pants on sale here, sneakers, top. Scouty’s gear, collar, harness, and lead here.
I’m lucky enough to get gifted a lot of sneakers. There are some I love, and some… not so much. I recently received the FitFlop Dash. I love their sandals so I am not surprised that these are so good. I usually have to stick to wide widths or stretchy mesh to deal with my bunion, but these were comfortable right out of the box. The toe box is actually wide enough to accommodate my foot without any issues, and they’ve officially become my new go-to casual pair.
Olukai Peheua
Michael Stars tee, skirt, sneakers, bandana, similar bag
The Olukai Pehuea is my favorite summer sneaker. It is primarily mesh and the back can be worn up or down. I own them in black and white.
Taos Plim Soul
Mersea jacket, top similar, jeans, sneakers.
My wonderful local shoe store Sole Tree carries Taos. I have owned these Taos red sneaks for years and I love them. I will say that they are tougher to put on than the others named above but once on..they are so comfy.
Vionic Colbie
Frank and Eileen pants and top, bag, shoes, sunglasses (similar), suitcase.
If you have high arches Vionic sneaks are for you. I often wear the Vionic Colbi for travel as I can walk miles in them. They come in multiple colors. I have also wanted to try Vionics new Gabi sneaker.
You can find all of my favorite sneaks here
The right sneakers can change everything about how we feel. No more cutting walks short because our feet hurt allowed. No more dreading standing in line because our feet will ache.Finding sneakers that truly support our feet isn’t about giving in to age, it’s about being smart so we can keep going strong. Thanks for reading The Sneakers Every Woman Over 50 Needs in Her Closet. Please share your favorite comfy sneaks and why they work for you.
Further Reading:
The 13 Best Walking Shoes for Women from Prevention Magazine
Stylish Comfortable Sandals that don’t Look Granny
Now let’s pop over and visit Kim for her favorite sneakers.
Thank you for this great post! I have some new stylish options to check out now. Also interesting to hear what others have experienced. Very helpful!
Hi Mary
So glad you found it helpful!!
The Brooks Ghost for walking, but were just too bulky (and orthopaedic looking) to take on holiday, but was super impressed with the New Balance 471 which looked less matronly than my comfy Frankie 4 Dimity. Gave up on the Frankie 4 leather sneakers, but the inner sole works perfectly in my Kroten white mesh walking shoes, which are soft and light in summer. I bought the square toe Vivaia Mary Jane’s (Margot, I think), but didn’t seem to have as much support as I liked and my Frankie 4 inner sole was too bulky for them, but they look a bit dressier than sneakers
Shoes are a struggle aren’t they? I did not find Brooks comfy either. Steve tried Hokas (he has terrible foot issues) and ended up donating to the Goodwill. I am never disappointed with New Balance.
Cindy, I love the Brooks for walking, but they were too ugly to wear on holiday in Europe. New Balance better. The Brooks have a wide toe box and good padding – they work for me.
Thanks for weighing in Susan!
My go to’s for serious walking are the Brooks, and I wear Roxy lace sneakers for that casual vibe, sometimes.
Interesting that neither of you mentioned Vivaia. I’ve had success with 3 pairs of Vivaia Margots for dressed-up casual and was thinking of trying their sneakers because I have terrible feet with all the problems (except bunions) that you mention. I need to find some reviews…
Hi Prue. fellow Aussie here. Have seen the reviews for the Vivaia sneakers on their website. Not sure where you live (or how you buy your Vivaia), but they now have shops in both Sydney and Melbourne.
prue I have not had good luck with Vivaia because I don’t find their toe box wide enough. I also have not found the fabric to be very flexible.I
probably should give them another try. If they would send me some I would!!
Cindy I live in Easy Spirit Travelfurr clogs in the house all winter. Today I chose Skeckers Go walk Joy slip on mesh style which I’ve had a few years and are very comfortable. I wear a 7 wide because of my arthritis in my toes and have high arches. For walking, my Brooks are the best. Had a few years so don’t know the style. I also have Easy Spirit Denise Austin walk/run sneakers in three colors. At 81, comfort is a necessity.
Cute sneaks! Thanks for mentioning the features that fabulous midlife woman like ourselves need in a sneaker … like arch support and a wider toe box. Hoka’s and On Cloud’s are so good in that regard. Love all your choices. xo
This was so informative. I didn’t know that NB had that Foam shoe. Plus all the others. I’m always looking for a great pair of walking, sneakers etc. Shoe,
Hi Cindy,
I so relate to your go-to New Balance X860v14 I have the exact one and in Black too. I have to have extra wide. I take out the in sole so I can walk and add the following: 10 Seconds Insoles Cushion Pressure Relief. It’s the only sneak I can wear, and have been forever. They enable me to walk. I have no fat pad atrophy in all the pads of my feet. The company is out of NC and they are super great to work either way.
Thank you for the great post.
Take care, and stay safe out there.
Cindy, I love all your cute sneakers. I want to check out the white Fit Flops. I also put those cool Olakai that are both a slide and a sneaker. What a great idea ! You style it all so beautifully.
I love the silver sneakers too. SO cute. xo
Great post Cindy ! I’m at the point where comfort and safety are first and foremost when selecting footwear. Your selections fit the bill and look nice as well. My toe bed needs are on the narrower side.
The Hoka “Arahi” 7 is perfect for my feet and they are comfortable right out of the box !
I have a question about the top you are wearing in the FitFLop picture with Scouty : )
The link for the top goes to the FitFLop site. I’m curious about the top. It looks like a great length and I love the rolled edging on the hem and sleeves.
Thanks !
The top is Frank and Eileen Patrick that I linked to in the post. Here is the link
https://go.shopmy.us/p-43357816
It no longer comes in that particular color but it is my very fave of F&L. You might find one in eBay. I can look for you when I get home
Thank you Cindy !
I appreciate that. I’m familiar with that top! No need to look for me.