Where I live in Los Angeles, casual and comfortable shoes are standard items we wear throughout the year. It’s cool to be stylish, but after age 60 or so, sore and aging feet can cause serious problems with your posture and balance.
One fall could send you to the hospital for a hip or knee replacement. But even if nothing serious happens, you don’t want to end up with painful corns, bunions, or heel spurs that will ugly up your twinkle toes.
But that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice looking fabulous! The right shoes can enhance your outfit, support your feet, and keep you walking confidently all day long.
Let’s look at some stylish and comfortable shoes and learn a few tips on how to shop for them.
What to look for in a comfort shoe
These are key features to consider when shopping for shoes that do not give you blisters as soon as you put them on.
- Proper Arch Support helps prevent foot pain and promotes posture.
- Cushioning reduces impact and protect your joints from stress.
- Stability and non-slip soles will provide you with confidence when you are walking.
- A style with a flattering shape and color will elevate any outfit.
The best casual shoes for women over 60
Below are shoe types that offer you comfort, versatility, and safety while running errands or meeting friends for coffee.
- Stylish sneakers – Brands to look for include Vionic, AllBirds, and Ecco because they offer supportive, sleek sneakers that look great with jeans or casual dresses.
- Slip-on loafers – Look for cushioned insoles and flexible soles. Brands to look for include Cole Haan or Clarks which add sophistication without discomfort.
- Ballet flats with arch support – Rothys and Vionic design stylish flats that will support your feet all day.
Comfy dress shoes for older women
Are you going to a wedding or party and don’t want to wear shoes that kill your feet? Here is what to look for.
- Low block heels – 1 1-2 inch block heel adds height without pain. Brands like Naturalizer and Rockport have flattering styles.
- Chic wedge sandals – Wedges provide height and stability and look lovely with summer dresses. Comfortable wedge sandals from brands like Aerosoles or Clarks fit the bill.
- Elegant kitten heels -Low heels look chic for formal events and are much safer than stilettos. Anne Klein and Bella Vita have stylish options.
Comfortable travel shoes for long-distance walking
Travel is fun but not if your feet get blisters from walking. Comfort is key to enjoying your trip. Look for:
- Supportive walking shoes – Sketchers Go Walk Joy, and Brooks sneakers offer cushioning and support.
- Walking sandals – Birkenstock and Naot sandals are made for all day comfort and stability walking anywhere, even on cobblestones.
- Lightweight slip-ons make it easy to go through airport security and are easy to pack in a suitcase. Try Merrell or Toms.
The best boots to wear in cooler weather
During fall and winter a sturdy pair of boots will keep your feet warm and cozy. Look for:
- Ankle boots with low heels – Ankle boots are easy to slip on and are versatile. For waterproof ankle boots try Blondo or Vionic.
- Knee-high boots with stretch panels – Look for high quality knee high boots that are easy to slip on. Flattering styles can be found at Clarks and Franco Sarto.
- Waterproof boots are necessary if you live in areas that rain or snow. Sorel and Ugg offer top-quality waterproof boots that are cozy and durable.
Shoe shopping tips for the best comfort outcome
- Buy shoes in the afternoon – Feet tend to swell during the day so it is best to shop for shoes after you have been standing around for a while.
- Prioritize width and toe box space – A roomy toe box helps to prevent pinching and bunions.
- Invest in quality over quantity – Most of us are not Imelda Marcos. If you purchase a few pairs of well-made and classic-style footwear they will last longer than a closet full of cheap trendy shoes.
Wear Insoles for more support
A good set of insoles will help you stay more comfortable in your shoes and offer you support. As we age, our feet weaken, so it’s important to be choosy about what you wear on your feet.
A podiatrist can fit you with custom orthotics but often they are expensive. Those on Medicare with a diagnosis ofdiabetes can get them for free.
For those who do not have diabetes and are on a budget, you can purchase insoles online.
PerserveranX is an insole brand available on Amazon. It utilizes NASA Embrace technology and caters to a wide range of foot issues including pronation, plantar fasciitis, and other foot problems. Its insoles are made with Eco-friendly material in an ISO9001-approved U.S. facility. You can use them in all sorts of footwear from casual and sports shoes to professional footwear.
These green insoles are best for high arches but you can find others from the same brand to fit your footwear needs.
One customer remarked, “The cushioning is plush yet supportive, creating a heavenly sensation with every step. It’s like walking on clouds, and the impact on my overall foot fatigue has been remarkable.”
Another says, “After a week of using the Nasa grade insoles my knee pain started to alleviate and it became much easier to walk. The arch support is very comfortable, so I ordered 3 more pairs to put in my other shoes.”
Shoe style tips for women over 60
White sneakers are always chic and look amazing with a nice pair of jeans or slacks.
If you’re plagued with Plantar Fasciitis pain or have low arches, you may want to try on a pair of Brooks Addiction™ walkers. The rear and forefoot of the shoe have been designed with Hydroflow technology that will cushion your feet from shock and put less stress on your plantar ligament. If white is not for you, they come in various colors.
These New Balance 608v5 are classic trainers featuring super-soft cushioning and a durable rubber outer sole.
Ryka is another brand of sneakers I truly love. They are recommended for high arches and are breathable because they are made with mesh. I wore a pair to Mexico where the sidewalks were uneven and made of cobblestone. They kept me upright the entire time because they were sturdy and supportive.
These Ryka Devotion Plus 3 in white are slick and light.
Black walking shoes are a wardrobe staple
Black sneakers are another popular wardrobe option.
I LOVE Saucony walking shoes because they are amazingly comfortable. I recently bought a pair of Saucony Women’s Integrity Walkers on Amazon. They are highly rated, reasonably priced, and recommended for people with high arches. My Sauconys have extra cushy padding and I can walk with them immediately without breaking them in. I wore Saucony when I hiked around Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies and they kept my feet steady.
These elegant and sleek Vionic Winny sneakers are supremely comfortable and stylish.
Adrenaline’s by Brooks on Zappos are breathable and cool. They work well if you have low arches because they have less of a heel drop. They also have the best cushioning and support for flat feet.
Shoes made specifically for foot issues
Orthofeet sneakers will solve over 20 major foot issues and come in flattering colors. They are made of stretch knit and have premium orthotic insoles and adjustable arch support. You will be able to walk for miles in these.
Must have loafers
A classic pair of loafers is a much more practical and comfortable option if you like to walk. This pair of Dr. Scholl’s Webster loafers is stylish but will also take you through miles of museums with extra support so you never feel achy.
If your job requires standing for long periods, you will love these Naturalizer Adiline Loafers. They are ultra-light as well as ultra-comfortable and have a non-slip outer sole.
These Dream Pairs are chunky in style, affordable, and made with vegan leather.
I was given a large collection of Dream Pairs shoes available on Amazon. I’ve found most styles to be comfortable as well. They are all made with vegan-friendly materials and are affordable. Watch my short video displaying some of them below.
Casual espadrilles
Tom’s Shoes offers a wide variety of espadrilles and it is a give-back company that donates part of its proceeds to charities.
Ballet Flats
Ballet flats are wonderful when you want comfortable flat shoes for casual or dressy occasions.
These classic and soft Tory Burch Claire ballet flats will go with everything in your wardrobe. They are perfect for traveling.
Sandals for sun lovers
The most important thing I look for when choosing sandals is to find a pair I won’t fall out of. Nothing can ruin your day or a trip like having a klutzy toe-jamming experience from shoes that malfunction.
These Naot Kayla Sandals are cushioned but can be dressed up for any occasion. They are simply elegant.
According to many podiatrists, Teva Hurricane XLT2 is number one on the list for walking sandals and they will last forever. They have FloatLite technology that makes it feel like you are walking in clouds.
Hiking boots
There is no reason not to hike when you’re over 50 but make sure your boots are lightweight and sturdy so you don’t fall. These Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Boots are comfortable and will take you anywhere you want to climb. Plus, they are gorgeous!
What is your favorite brand of comfortable shoes and why? Please leave a comment below.
The Teva sandals look great. I swear by Clark’s orthotic flipflops, though. So comfortable and cushiony! My current sneakers are Sketchers, but the Teva Float Lights sound ideal. Will definitely check them out. Hope they are sold in Canada. Thanks for the info!
Thanks, Debbie. I love Clark’s too. They are super comfy. I’m pretty sure they’re available in Canada. Here’s to comfortable feet!
Love these. Even in a sneaker, I like a little lift. Some have a thick sole, which I need.
I agree, Laurie. It’s nice to get a little lift and more padding in shoes.