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Foot pain can sideline many seniors. But the right shoe can help older people with foot problems remain active for years—and orthopedic shoes may offer a solution.

To determine the best orthopedic shoes for seniors, the Forbes Health editorial team consulted a panel of experts consisting of two podiatrists who shared their top footwear picks and why they recommend them. Star ratings were determined by the Forbes Health editorial team based on price, average user ratings on brand websites and the number of color options available. Note: All prices are accurate as of publication date.

You May Also Be Interested In Orthopedic Shoes From Our Featured Partner

(Note: Product details are accurate as of publication and are subject to change.)

These easy-to-slip-on sandals offer enhanced arch support and impressive impact cushioning. The latter helps reduce overpronation (when the foot rolls inward as you move) and supination (when the foot rolls outward as you move), both of which are commonly associated with flat sandals. Andrew Majak, a podiatrist based in Watertown, New York, and a Forbes Health Advisory Board member, appreciates the “orthotic-quality arch and heel support” of these sandals.

The Vionic Tide II Toe Post Sandal is a stylish and comfortable choice. It’s a “well constructed sandal with [a] high level of arch support to prevent heel pain,” says Majak. The sandals are designed to reduce stress on the feet, ankles and knees, and their built-in orthotics can help treat plantar fasciitis. They’re also lightweight and easy to clean.

This pair of shoes slips on and off easily, which is ideal “for those having difficulty bending to reach the laces,” says Mehgan Susek, a podiatrist and wound care specialist at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and Forbes Health Advisory Board member. Plus, “memory foam offers extra cushion to help with painful calluses and diminished fat pads on the balls of the feet and heels,” she says. Susek also likes the roomy toe box.

This light and flexible shoe features a rubber outsole that’s good for traction, says Majak. Plus, the L.L. Bean Comfort Mocs have an Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) cushioned midsole, which provides excellent arch support. The moccasins are both comfortable and convenient for daily wear.

This classic design is “lightweight but supportive, providing comfort for dressier occasions,” says Majak. Plus, he likes that these shoes are available with stretchy Lycra for those with toe deformities. The insole is designed with a supportive polyurethane layer, plus gel pods and polyethylene cushioning.

This lightweight crosstrainer is made of breathable material that allows for swelling or toe deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes, says Susek. She appreciates the removable insoles, which allow you to use your own custom orthotics. The Dr. Comfort Performance shoe is “great for someone who is active and needs good support and stabilization during activity,” she says. Plus, they’re lace-free, so you don’t have to worry about tying your shoes.

This sporty sneaker features a “high level of foam combined with [a] firm midsole,” says Majak. It provides good support to the arch, as well as impressive shock absorption, he adds. The Hoka One One Bondi is designed to accommodate a narrow heel, and it protects the Achilles tendon as well.

This lace-up crosstrainer “provides good arch support and shock absorption,” making it ideal for everyday use, says Majak. It features a wide toe box and a non-slip, non-skid patterned rubber sole. The Dr. Comfort Winner Plus shoe can help protect your feet from diabetes complications, according to the company. It has great shock absorbency, plus a padded heel cup and tongue that ensure your skin doesn’t get irritated.

Though pricier than other options, this stylish shoe is “great for all-day walking,” says Susek. There’s ample cushioning for the balls of your feet and heels with a “lightweight sole” that still provides solid support with a soft cushion. The sole is designed to reduce painful pressure on your feet, too.

Our Forbes Health Advisory Board members shared their extensive podiatric knowledge and product recommendations to support our Best Orthopedic Shoes for Seniors of 2022 ranking.

For the best orthopedic shoes for seniors of 2022 ranking, the Forbes Health editorial team consulted a panel of experts consisting of two podiatrists who shared their top shoe picks and why they recommend them. Star ratings were then determined by the Forbes Health editorial team based on price, average user satisfaction and the number of color options available.

Orthopedic shoes support the structure of the foot, ankle and leg with a stable sole and a firm heel. People who have abnormal foot mechanics are more likely to need orthopedic shoes. And seniors often require orthopedic shoes because their bodies change with age and they need shoes that are easy to put on and provide extra comfort.

For the elderly, an orthopedic shoe can be more than just a shoe. “Something as simple as shoe gear can make a huge difference in seniors’ longevity, preventive care and avoidance of surgery on a fragile foot environment,” says Brian L. Ware, a podiatrist in Kansas City, Missouri.

Studies show that almost 80% of elderly patients have foot issues—and wearing inappropriate, ill-fitting shoes are a contributing factor. Here are some of the most common conditions:

Arthritis. This is inflammation and swelling of cartilage and lining of joints. It usually increases fluid in the joints, too—all of which can make your feet stiff and painful.

Bunions. A bunion refers to enlarged bone at the base of the big toe or tissue of the joint that has moved out of place. This causes the big toe to pull toward smaller toes, changing the shape of the foot.

Plantar fasciitis. This is an inflammation of the connective tissue band called the fascia that connects the heel to the base of the toes along the bottom of the foot.

Heel pain. The heel bone is the largest bone in the foot. Heel pain can have a variety of causes such as heel spurs (calcium deposits) and tendonitis.

Diabetes. This disease can cause foot-related complications, such as nerve damage and poor blood circulation, which can result in diabetic foot ulcers on the bottom of the feet.

These conditions often lead seniors to seek out footwear that can accommodate changes in their feet. Loafers, for instance, can often be too constrictive for older adults with edema, also called swelling.

Whether you need orthopedic sneakers or are simply looking for the best shoes for older adults, be flexible and understand your choices. “Strength, flexibility, disease and their environment are all factors to be considered,” says Ware.

Consider these factors when choosing orthopedic footwear:

Comfort and adjustability. Hooks, loops and Velcro can help make shoes more comfortable and easier to get on and off.

“Seniors, especially men, do not bend well, so they often compromise support for ease of putting on the shoe,” says Ware. “A good trick is to purchase some expandable laces and pre-tie the shoe, converting them into a more accommodating option for support and swelling. The lacing system allows the person to slip the shoe on, much like a loafer.”

Cushioning and shock absorption. The insole is inside the shoe, where the footrests. Shoes with removable insoles give you more flexibility—you can replace them with insoles that provide more cushioning or stronger support.

Traction and grip. The outsole, or the hard bottom of the shoe, should conform to your foot. Non-skid soles can help prevent falls.

Toe box. This is the area in the front of the shoe, where the toes go, and it can be round, pointed or square. Anyone who has worn pointed-toe shoes knows all too well that the toe box can cause discomfort. The deeper the toe box, the more room there will be for your toes.

You May Also Be Interested In Orthopedic Shoes From Our Featured Partner

Shopping successfully for orthopedic shoes requires a little research and strategy.

Know your purpose and foot condition. Talk to your podiatrist. Your doctor can give you shopping guidelines on factors like heel height, width or shoe flexibility. And consider the activities you’ll be doing when you wear the shoe. You may be looking for orthopedic walking shoes or shoes to help with balance problems.

Buy in person or be certain of the return policy. An internet search can help you figure out where to buy orthopedic shoes in your area. But don’t order online if possible. You need to try on shoes to make sure they fit properly. Ideally, you should go to a store that carries a variety of styles. But if you must order online, double-check the company’s return policies before you buy. A size chart and a customer service rep can help, too, whether you’re looking for casual footwear or the best walking shoes.

Shop and try on shoes in the late afternoon or evening. Feet can swell throughout the day, so it’s best to shop toward the end of the day. This will help avoid a tight fit.

Check the fit. Feet can grow as we age and our feet can be different sizes, too. So, it’s a good idea to have both feet measured each time you buy new shoes. Stand while being measured, as your body weight will make your feet expand.

Once you’re trying on shoes, it pays to be nitpicky. You should have one half of an inch between your longest toe and the tip of the shoe. Look for any areas that may rub.

“Pay special attention to the bony prominences of the foot and in particular the ankle bones,” says Ware. “Senior skin is very thin.”

He also suggests avoiding shoes that are too roomy. Too much space can cause excessive movement, and that friction can lead to a sore.

The right shoe won’t need to be stretched by a salesperson or broken in once you get them home.

Don’t go cheap. You don’t need the most expensive shoes. You need the best shoes for you. Well-made shoes can be an investment, but they can often be resoled and repaired, so you can wear them for years to come.

A good ballpark for high-quality orthopedic shoes is about $100. Some brands to try are Kuru Footwear, Propét, Orthofeet and Hoka. All of these companies offer a variety of orthopedic shoes for men and women.

You can find women’s orthopedic sandals for as low as $50, but depending on the style and support, prices can go up to about $125. Women’s casual shoes include slip-ons, Mary Janes and tie shoes. These can cost from $80 to more than $150.

For men, orthopedic walking shoes range from $90 to $175 or more. For casual shoes, expect to pay $75 to $185. The more specialized and supportive the shoe, the higher the price tag.

The best place for seniors to shop for orthopedic shoes is a store that carries a wide variety. Find a shop that makes you comfortable and lets you take your time trying on shoes and walking around in them. Knowledgeable salespeople are a plus, too.

Finding the right shoe that provides the support and comfort you need is worth the effort. “A proper shoe, and a lot of times, a brace for a collapsed ankle, can improve quality of life tremendously and even extend one’s years,” says Ware. “This may be seen as a grandiose statement, but activity is essential to longevity.”

Experience The Comfort With KURU

Looking for orthopedic shoes that help reduce pain while walking, running, or standing? Find shoes that feature orthotic-inspired technology to cushion and support your feet.

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Becky Brown is a professional writer whose mission it is to empower readers. She tells stories that help people make smart, informed decisions about their health and lives. She’s covered everything from endocrinology to entrepreneurship, food safety to finances. She loves dogs, vegetables and stories that make her guffaw.

Angela Haupt has been a health writer and editor for more than a decade. She was previously the managing editor of health at U.S. News & World Report, where she spent 11 years covering and editing wellness and conditions topics. She helped launch the popular Best Diets rankings and continued to oversee the franchise throughout her time there. Angela has also written about health and wellness for publications such as the Washington Post, USA Today, Everyday Health and Verywell Fit. She’s passionate about helping people make healthier decisions through accurate journalism that delivers the facts and puts them in context.

Alena is a professional writer, editor and manager with a lifelong passion for helping others live well. She is also a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and a functional medicine certified health coach. She brings more than a decade of media experience to Forbes Health, with a keen focus on building content strategy, ensuring top content quality and empowering readers to make the best health and wellness decisions for themselves.