Features to Consider

A lot goes into the design of a pair of shoes. By considering the key parts of a shoe individually, you can focus on the ones that are ideal for you. The following are some key features to take into consideration.

Toe Box

The shape and design of the toe can have a big impact on comfort. Avoid shoes with pointed toe boxes that squeeze your toes together, focusing instead on shoes with square, round and almond-shaped toe boxes. For a great fit, choose a pair that provides at least half an inch of space between your longest toe and the tip of the box.

Closure

The closure refers to how shoes stay secured on your feet. Lace-up shoes are often a good choice because they provide plenty of support but flex to the shape of your foot for improved comfort. If arthritis or limited finger mobility makes it difficult to tie laces, hook-and-loop closures can be a good option. Steer clear of slip-on shoes like slide sandals, which could come off when you walk and pose a tripping hazard.

Upper Material

The upper is the top part of the shoe, and manufacturers produce uppers out of an array of materials. Cotton and cotton blends can be a good pick for summer because the fabric's natural breathability can help keep your feet dry and cool. Wool uppers provide warmth for winter. Genuine leather is another great choice for winter, and its stiffness can give extra support.

Structure

To properly support your foot, a shoe should have a stiff structure in the back. Stay away from slingbacks, mules and other styles that bare your heel. When trying on shoes, grip the shoe in one hand and take hold of the back of the shoe with the other. If you can wiggle the shoe from side to side, it’s unlikely to provide enough support.

Heel Type

The wrong type of heel can interfere with balance and put too much pressure on your foot. If you prefer a shoe with a heel for dressier occasions, don’t go higher than 1 to 2 inches.

The shape of the heel matters, too. Block and stacked heels typically provide a stabler foundation than skinny stilettos and kitten heels.

Midsoles and Insoles

The insole is the inside of the shoe that rests against your foot as you walk. Some types of footwear, like athletic shoes made for walking and yoga, also include a layer of foam beneath the insole called the midsole. As you compare shoes, look for ones that offer ample arch support through the insole or midsole. Shoes with breathable or moisture-wicking insoles promote drier, fresher skin.

Outsoles

The outsole is the part of the shoe that makes contact with the ground while you walk. Many shoes have rubber soles, but some higher-end styles may feature genuine leather soles. When selecting footwear, turn the shoes over and examine the treads. Shoes with grips provide traction to reduce the risk of slipping, making them a great option for seniors.

Shoe Shopping Tips for Seniors

To get the best shoes for your feet, follow these shopping tips.

1. Measure Your Foot First

Shoe sizing varies from brand to brand, making it important that you know the actual dimensions of your foot before you shop. Because most people’s feet swell during the day, measure in the afternoon or early evening.

To do so, place one end of a flexible measuring tape at the tip of your big toe and then measure the distance all the way to your heel. Then, measure the width of your foot across the widest part. Repeat these steps on the other foot. Use the measurements of the larger foot when choosing what size shoes to buy.

2. Consider Your Activity

Before you start shopping, think about what activities you’ll be doing while wearing your shoes. If you’re buying athletic shoes, look for activity-specific styles, such as walking shoes for walking, cross-training shoes for gym workouts or court shoes for tennis or pickleball.

3. Check Return Policies

Some brick-and-mortar stores will allow you to return shoes within a set time frame if you find they don’t fit properly or are uncomfortable. Return policies are doubly important when you buy shoes online since you won’t be able to try them on ahead of time. For online return policies, find out who's responsible for paying the return shipping and how the return process works to avoid hassles.

4. Wear Your Usual Socks or Hosiery

The thickness of socks and hosiery can affect the fit of shoes. Slipping on whatever socks or hosiery you’ll typically wear under your shoes can help you best judge the fit of various footwear.

5. Talk to Your Health Care Provider

If you have any health conditions that affect circulation, mobility limitations or foot issues, you may have special needs when it comes to footwear. Ask your health care provider for advice regarding which shoes are best for you.

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