Including sneakers, flats, and sandals
Podiatrist-Approved Summer Shoes on Amazon
- Actually Supportive Flip-Flops: Vionic Tide II Sandals, $87 (orig. $95)
- Rocker Soles: Hoka Transport Sneakers, $165 (orig. $191)
- Fun Take on White Sneakers: Naturalizer Marianne Slip-On Sneakers, $90 (orig. $99)
- Removable Footbeds: Dansko Mollie Ballerina Flats, $44
- Mary Jane-Sneaker Hybrid: Orthofeet Jessa Mary Janes, $115
- Margot Robbie-Inspired Flats: Dr. Scholl’s Wren Woven Ballet Flats, $65 (orig. $95)
- Retro-Inspired Silhouette: Cole Haan Grandpro Topspin Sneakers, $100
- Most-Recommended Brand: Oofos Oomega Thong Sandals, $90
- Best for Overpronation: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Running and Walking Shoes, $155
- House Sandals: Revitalign Yumi Metallic Orthotic Sandals, $56 (orig. $70)
Whether you’re spending your sunny days sightseeing, standing for hours on end at an outdoor concert, or reaching your daily step count on a long hike, you’ll need supportive shoes this summer.
While comfort and support are key for anyone on their feet constantly, there are different considerations for people over 50. “Prioritize shoes with excellent arch support, cushioning, and stability,” recommends podiatrist Dr. Dana Figura. “Look for features like supportive insoles, shock absorption, and a wider toe box to accommodate natural foot changes with age.”
With that in mind, I spoke with Dr. Figura and podiatrists Dr. Saylee Tulpule and Dr. Julie Schottenstein for their recommendations on which sandals, sneakers, and flats people over 50 should wear this season. Their go-to summer shoes from brands like Vionic, Dr. Scholl’s, Hoka, and Naturalizer start at $44 on Amazon.
Related: 8 Comfy and Breathable Shoes a Podiatrist Recommends for Summer Travel — and the 1 Style You Should Avoid
Vionic Tide II Sandals
$95 $86 at Amazon
While many flip-flops don’t offer support, these Vionic sandals are exactly the opposite. Dr. Schottenstein calls them “really cool” because of their “amazing arch support and heel cushioning,” and she says they’re “so supportive that they’re great to wear all day.”
Hoka Transport Sneakers
$191 $165 at Amazon
Dr. Tulpule recommends these Hoka sneakers with “amazing shock absorption” for people who “want maximum cushion for walking, travel, or long days on their feet.” They’re also designed with the brand’s signature rocker soles, which help “reduce strain on soft tissue and joints.” They come in sizes 5–11, with half sizes and wide widths available.
What to Look For
If you’re over 50 and need new summer shoes, all three podiatrists recommend the following:
- Wide toe box: “It’s better for toe splay and can help relieve inflammation related to bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, and arthritis,” Dr. Tulpule advises.
- Breathable fabric: Look for lighter-weight materials and breathable fabrics that “keep feet cool and comfortable” during the summer,” says Dr. Figura.
- Adjustable straps: If you experience swelling or have narrow feet, Dr. Schottenstein says adjustable straps help to customize the fit to your feet.
- Heels under 2 inches: You may love your high heels, but according to Dr. Figura, they will not love your feet. Lower heels “reduce strain on the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon while reducing the risk of injuries,” she says.
Naturalizer Marianne Slip-On Sneakers
$99 $90 at Amazon
Sally Field, Oprah Winfrey, and Nicole Kidman have all worn white sneakers recently, and this slip-on pair is a unique way to try the trend. “The classic design pairs well with summer dresses and casual outfits,” says Dr. Figura. She appreciates the shoes’ “supportive cushioning,” which “helps reduce pressure on the forefoot” — something she says is “increasingly important as the feet naturally lose cushioning with age.”
Dansko Mollie Ballerina Flats
$44 at Amazon
If you have plantar fasciitis or flat feet, Dr. Tulpule recommends these ballet flats with “removable, cushioned footbeds.” An Amazon shopper also raved about them, noting that “this is the only time I have bought a pair of ballet flats that do not require any break-in time, band-aids, [or] stretching.” They come in five colors and sizes 5–12.
Skip the Flat Flip-Flops
Yes, flip-flops are easy to slip into and run out the door — but, unfortunately, that’s where the goodness ends. “They provide zero arch support and can lead to plantar fasciitis and heel pain,” Dr. Figura says. “Skip completely flat shoes without cushioning, as they don’t absorb impact and can aggravate joint pain.”
Orthofeet Jessa Mary Janes
$115 at Amazon
Are they Mary Janes, flats, or sneakers? Good news — they’re all three. These shoes are one of Dr. Tulpule’s top picks because they offer “support and cushion” for “long walking days.”
Dr. Scholl’s Wren Woven Ballet Flats
$95 $65 at Amazon
Mesh ballet flats have been a Hollywood favorite for the past couple summers, and these are a slightly more substantial way to try the trend. “The added cushioning and support are especially helpful for women dealing with age-related changes like decreased natural padding under the feet,” says Dr. Figura, noting that the breathable woven material “keeps feet cool,” and the flexible soles “allow natural foot movement.”
Related: Podiatrists Agree These Are the 8 Most Comfortable Walking Shoes for Spring — Plus, Which Styles to Avoid
(Not Such) Great Heights
Both Dr. Tulpule and Dr. Figura say people over 50 should avoid wearing shoes with heels over 2 inches high. “This increases forefoot pressure and affects balance and stability,” Dr. Tulpule cautions.
Cole Haan Grandpro Topspin Sneakers
$100 at Amazon
From “fantastic EVA cushioning” to “excellent traction,” these retro-inspired sneakers get an A-plus in Dr. Schottenstein’s book. The low-top silhouette features platform rubber soles and a slightly raised heel.
Oofos Oomega Thong Sandals
$90 at Amazon
All three podiatrists I spoke with recommended Oofos sandals — like these thongs, which are “great for post-exercise recovery or anyone suffering from flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or general foot fatigue,” says Dr. Tulpule. Dr. Figura agrees, emphasizing that “reducing repetitive impact on the joints can make a major difference in comfort.” Plus, Dr. Schottenstein gives them a “10 out of 10” and says she’s “obsessed.”
Don’t Get It Twisted
“If a shoe folds completely in half or twists very easily, you should not put it on your foot,” Dr. Schottenstein urges, warning that it can contribute to conditions like tendinitis or plantar fasciitis. “It will certainly not have the structure needed to support you all day.”
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Running and Walking Shoes
$155 at Amazon
If you suffer from overpronation (when your gait causes your arches to flatten), you may want to try these Dr. Tulpule-recommended Brooks sneakers. “They work for general cardio exercise [like] walking [or] running and provide maximum motion control,” she says. The sneakers from the Jennifer Garner-approved brand come in over 20 colors, plus sizes 5–13 with narrow, regular, wide, and extra-wide widths available.
Revitalign Yumi Metallic Orthotic Sandals
$70 $65 at Amazon
You may want to go barefoot at home, but according to The Cleveland Clinic, that can actually cause a host of foot issues over time. Instead, slip into these thong sandals with orthotic-grade footbeds approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). Dr. Tulpule specifically recommends the “lightweight yet supportive and cushioned” shoes for people with “plantar fasciitis or flat feet.”
Stay Loose
Overall, people over 50 should look for shoes that aren’t too tight to avoid bunions and hammertoes. “Avoid shoes with rigid soles that don’t flex naturally with your foot’s movement,” advises Dr. Figura.
Adidas Ultraboost 22 Running Shoes
$150 at Amazon
These sporty sneakers are “great for active summer days,” according to Dr. Figura. They’re designed with the brand’s Boost cushioning technology that “provides responsive comfort and energy return with every step,” and breathable knit uppers that “adapt to your foot’s shape.” There are a mix of neutral and bold color options available in sizes 5–11.5.
Fitflop Lulu Glitter Toe-Post Sandals
$80 $50 at Amazon
“These are one of my go-to flip-flops for patients who have plantar fasciitis and Achilles pain,” says Dr. Schottenstein, who notes that they “combine fashion with excellent support.” Additionally, she approves of their exceptional “forefoot cushioning and forefoot rocker.”
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