I’ve been watching the HBO streaming show “And Just Like That,” which is a continuation of “Sex and the City.” The women in it are facing menopause and aging. If you are not familiar with the show, Jessica Sarah Parker plays Carrie Bradshaw, who is a NYC-based newspaper columnist and fashionista. She adores wearing stiletto shoes and has a huge closet dedicated to them.
In season 3, her neighbor, who lives underneath her, works at night and complains of the noise she makes tromping around in her six-inch heels. Jessica/Carrie is 60 years old. I can only imagine the state of her feet at this age.
I was never able to wear six-inch heels, even when I was young, and could only manage 2” in dire emergencies. Yet, we see women, especially on the news and at award shows, wearing those death-defying ankle breakers all the time. The higher the heels, the better. This includes women in their eighties.
To me, it’s similar to how the Chinese bound women’s feet, which caused them to break so they couldn’t walk. This practice lasted from the 10th century to 1950.
As you can tell, I am not a fan of heels, so it inspired me to write about types of shoes that cause pain and discomfort in older women and some alternatives to consider.
Why we must update our footwear as we age
As we get older, our feet change—just like the rest of our bodies. Fat pads thin out, arches may drop, and we’re more prone to bunions, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, or neuropathy. For women over 60, the wrong shoes can worsen foot pain and contribute to long-term problems with balance, mobility, and comfort.
The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice style to protect your feet. Here’s a look at the worst offenders in footwear—and the best shoes that offer both comfort and support, including stylish dress options and the ideal heel height for older women.
Shoes that can cause foot pain and problems
Even if you’ve worn some of these shoes for decades, it’s worth reassessing your footwear choices.
Be mindful of:
1. High Heels
- Why they hurt: Heels over 2 inches can push your weight forward, putting pressure on the balls of your feet and toes. This can worsen bunions and hammertoes and cause balance issues. The last thing we want is to fall when we are older.
- Common ailments caused by heels include ball-of-foot pain, ankle sprains, bunions, and neuromas.
I currently have zero heels in my closet. The last heels I owned were kitten heels, and even those bothered me.
2. Ballet Flats and Flip-Flops
- Why they hurt: These have little to no arch support and offer minimal shock absorption.
- Common ailments: Plantar fasciitis, heel pain, flat feet, knee and hip pain due to lack of support.
For those who love to wear flip-flops around the house, like me, I found a pair of Archies with excellent arch support (as far as flip-flops are concerned). I also found a pair of comfy ballet slippers by Clarks with arch support, but I only wear them if I know I won’t be walking.
3. Pointy-Toed Shoes
- Why they hurt: They squeeze the toes together unnaturally, which can exacerbate bunions or create hammertoes.
- Common ailments caused by pointy-toed shoes: Bunions, corns, blisters, and nerve pain.
I bought a pair of pointy-toed shoes for my daughter’s outdoor wedding at the last minute. I wore them for a total of five minutes and spent the rest of the night barefoot because they pinched my toes together so hard I was ready to squeal!
4. Slip-Ons Without Structure
- Why they hurt: Loafers or slides without proper footbed support or heel structure can cause the foot to slide around.
- Common ailments: Arch pain, instability, and foot fatigue.
Walk Hero sent me a pair of slip-on shoes to try. They are designed with arch support and are so comfy, I didn’t have to break them in. I’m surprised at how good they feel. They aren’t the most stylish shoes, but I love wearing them around the house.
5. Worn-Out Sneakers
- Why they hurt: Old athletic shoes lose cushioning and support over time—even if they still look okay on the outside.
- Common ailments from worn-out sneakers: Heel pain, shin splints, and arch collapse.
Shoes are like mattresses; you have to replace them over time, especially if you wear them often. A mattress can last about eight years, but shoes probably last one year if you wear them a lot.
The best shoe features to look for as an older woman
When shopping for shoes after 60, prioritize the following:
- Arch support: To prevent flat feet and provide stability.
- Cushioned insoles: For shock absorption and comfort.
- Wide toe box: To avoid squeezing the toes.
- Low, stable heels: Heels under 1.5 inches are best.
- Non-slip soles: To prevent falls.
- Adjustable closures: Like straps or laces for a secure fit.
- Lightweight design: To reduce fatigue when walking.
The best shoes to choose for women over 60
Every day, walking or athletic shoes
- Brands to try:
- New Balance 928 or 847 (great for walking and stability)
- Brooks Addiction Walker (always at the top of the list for comfort and stability)
- HOKA Bondi or Gaviota (plush cushioning, ideal for joint pain)
- Orthofeet Coral (great for plantar fasciitis or bunions)
- Kuru Roam (stylish, versatile, and supportive everyday sneaker featuring patented KURUSOLE technology for superior heel cushioning, arch support, and a roomy toe box, making it ideal for combating foot pain.)
- Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneakers ( you can always trust Dr. Scholl’s.)
My tip: Comfortable shoes are worth investing in for many reasons. Avoid cheap and shoddily made ones from discount stores.
Supportive dress shoes (Yes, they exist!)
- Look for: Block heels, wedges, or kitten heels under 1.5″, padded footbeds, and wide sizing options.
- Brands to try:
- Vionic Josie or Vionic Ziva – stylish and podiatrist-designed.
- Clarks Unstructured line – soft leather with arch support.
- Naturalizer – stylish and available in wide sizes.
- Trotters – known for excellent arch support and dress styles.
Stylish Flats with Support
- Avoid basic ballet flats and instead go for:
- Vionic Minna
- Ecco Soft 7 ballerina
- Dansko Franny or Fawna (Mary Jane styles with arch support)
Supportive Sandals
- Look for sandals with contoured footbeds and adjustable straps.
- Brands to try:
- Naot Kayla or Dorith
- Birkenstock (classic cork footbed molds to your foot)
- Vionic Tide
- Orthofeet Sandals – They come with an additional arch booster.
Heel height: What’s best for older women?
The ideal heel height for older women is:
- Between ½ inch and 1.5 inches. Some podiatrists say no higher than 2”.
- A low wedge or block heel is safer than a narrow or stiletto heel.
- A slight elevation (not completely flat) can help relieve Achilles or heel pain.
Final tips for foot comfort
- Rotate your shoes to avoid pressure in the same areas daily.
- Replace shoes regularly (every 6–12 months for daily walkers).
- Use orthotic inserts if you have specific foot conditions.
- Stretch your feet daily, especially the calves and arches, to maintain flexibility and circulation.
You don’t have to choose between fashion and comfort
There are more options than ever for older women who want to stay stylish and comfortable. Whether you’re walking the dog, traveling, or attending a wedding, you can find shoes that support your lifestyle and protect your feet.
Your feet have carried you this far—treat them well!
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