7 Best Walking Shoes for Men Over 60, According to Podiatrists

Among the countless walking shoes we’ve tried, the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 hit all our best marks thanks to the maximum support, soft cushioning, slip-resistant traction, and excellent stability. In particular, Dr. Alvarez says these shoes are great for older adults who need extra stability and cushioning, which is especially helpful for maintaining joint health as you age.

You’ll notice full-body support from these shoes due to the extended progressive diagonal rollbar, which helps you maintain a natural stride, and the responsive BioMoGo DNA cushioning providing adaptable comfort while you’re in motion. The sturdy arch support is beneficial for preventing overpronation, and we’re big fans of the array of narrow, medium, wide, and extra-wide sizing.

The shoes are on the heavier side, but the soft leather upper and rubber outsole delivers top-tier construction that’s made to last. Some users also notice they’re a bit squeaky first out of the box (likely due to the leather craft), but they quickly break in as they mold to your feet.

Read more: Best Walking Shoes for Men

A good walking shoe doesn’t have to break the bank, and the Reebok Walk Ultra 7 is a great pair for those who want maximum comfort during prolonged periods of walking, says Dr. Alvarez. They feature DMX MAX moving air technology, which adapts its cushioning to your specific walking style by moving air from the heel to the forefoot and back as you move, and the MemoryTech foam provides first-feel comfort without having to break them in, he says. The durable rubber outsole is made to last on any terrain, and the leather textile upper has a support fit that gently hugs your foot.

These kicks have medium arch support to help prevent your foot from rolling, and the foam design absorbs impact to ease pressure on your joints. Just note these shoes are less breathable than other options on this list since they’re made from leather, so they may be hot in warmer climates.

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Pros

• Shock-absorbing
• Durable rubber outsole

Durability is non-negotiable when investing in a walking shoe, and Dr. Alvarez says these Skechers After Burn Memory Fit deliver. The flexible rubber outsole provides optimal traction to minimize slipping, and he says the Articu-Lyte shock-absorbing midsole reduces strain on your joints. You can also expect a supportive, comfortable fit thanks to the cushioned, memory foam insole. “This shoe provides excellent support and cushioning for extensive walking, and it’s designed to keep you comfortable and supported,” Dr. Alvarez says.

The leather outer detail technically isn’t water-resistant, which is a slight con, but the synthetic mesh upper helps reduce moisture within the shoe and prevent excessive sweating. The affordable price tag and extra-wide sizing is also a plus.

Read more: Best Hoka Shoes for Walking

If you’re looking for maximum cushioning, Dr. Schaeffer recommends the MBT Huracan 3. Each pair comes with an insole made from high-quality foam, creating a layer of orthopedic padding that provides extra cushioning with every step, and the rocker-bottom design helps offload pressure from heel strike to toe off. The insole also includes a patented heel sensor which helps reduce impact on the knees and hips.

The engineered two-tone mesh offers optimal breathability to keep your feet dry, and the reflective outer helps ensure visibility during low-light conditions (good for early morning or evening walks). Plus, if you’re interested in running, the rocker bottom sole propels you forward while keeping your foot stable and supported.

Read more: Most Cushioned Running Shoes

The Hoka Cliton 9’s have a cult-following for a reason. The breathable knit upper and gusseted tongue allow for maximum airflow to keep your feet cool, and the lightweight design (only 8.7 ounces) reduces clunkiness and excessive bulk. The responsive foam is ideal for walking on hard surfaces, especially when you want to go faster, and the rubber outsole ensures durability mile after mile.

Hoka’s are known for their plush cushioning, but these picks are specifically designed to provide balanced protection while absorbing impact to take a load off your joints. They may be slightly less stable than other models, but Dr. Schaeffer says the rocker bottom is great for a supportive fit to reduce pressure on the sole of your foot.

Read more: Best Stability Running Shoes

The GDEFY Energiya are a top pick from Dr. Schaeffer thanks to their stability, protection, rolling forefoot design, and high-level shock absorption. The soles are lightweight but contain 5.5 mm foam cushioning to swallow impact as you walk. The patented VersoShock outer sole also propels you forward while soaking up shock from the ground.

The micro-fiber, antibacterial leather upper minimizes tears for peak durability, and the seamless mesh inner lining prevents blisters while maximizing airflow inside the shoe. They are slightly heavier than other options on the list, so they may feel a touch bulkier, but the thicker sole offers high energy return whether you’re walking, jogging, or running.

Whether you’re running errands or out walking the dog, the Allbirds Tree Gliders are extremely lightweight and airy for a barely-there walking sneaker. The tree fiber fabric delivers top-tier breathability to keep you cool and dry, while the one-piece upper offers a sock-like fit that’s made to move without restricting your range of motion. The featherlight, plush cushioning also supports a comfortable stride without excessive bulk.

The sugarcane-based foam midsole is infused with nitrogen instead of chemical additives for the brand’s lightest midsole, but durability is never an issue thanks to the solid construction (even when in the washing machine). The one downside? They’re not available in wide sizes.