How to Find the Best Walking Shoes

Aug 12, 2024 | Health & Wellness

When it comes to squeezing in exercise as a senior, there’s not much that can beat walking.

It improves the cardiovascular system, enhances your mood, and increases your overall stamina. And you don’t need a lot of time to do it, either – research has shown that walking for just 150 minutes a week (or 30 minutes a day, five days a week) can have significant benefits, including disease reduction and improved bone strength.

Plus, walking can be done anywhere, at any time, with no equipment. You don’t need a gym membership to start reaping the benefits!

However, if you want to reduce your risk of injury and enjoy your strolls to the fullest extent possible, you need to pay attention to what you’re putting on your feet. In this guide, we’ll give you some tips to help you find the best walking shoes that will keep you comfortable and safe as you log your miles.

1. Understand Your Feet

No two people are alike, and neither are two feet – believe it or not, each of your feet is also probably unique compared to the other! What works for one person might not work for another, so you’ll want to think carefully before you start shopping.

Consider factors like arch type (flat, normal, or high), any existing foot problems (like bunions or hammertoes), and foot width. These heavily influence what kinds of shoes will be most comfortable and supportive for you.

2. Look for Support and Cushioning

If you’re just starting out on your fitness journey, now is probably not the time to spring for a low-profile shoe. Prioritize function over fashion here.

Look for walking shoes with good arch support and ample cushioning, both of which can help absorb shock and reduce stress on your joints. This will help prevent pain and discomfort both during and after walking.

3. Consider Flexibility and Grip

While support is important, your walking shoes should also have a degree of flexibility to allow for natural foot movements. This can help in promoting a more natural walking gait. Look for shoes with a good grip or tread pattern on the sole, too, which can help prevent slips and falls, particularly on wet or uneven surfaces.

4. Try Your Shoes On in the Afternoon

If your schedule permits, go shoe shopping in the afternoon rather than first thing in the morning. Our feet tend to swell throughout the day, so you’ll want to try on your shoes when your feet are at their largest – that way, you know you won’t get stuck with a too-tight pair.

Another tip for shoe shopping? Always try your shoes on with the type of socks you plan to wear while walking. It might seem like a small detail, but it can make a significant difference in both fit and overall comfort.

5. Know Where to Shop

You can certainly buy your new walking shoes online, but it’s better to choose a brick-and-mortar store that has a wide variety of walking shoes and knowledgeable staff who can help you make the right choice. This will save you the hassle of having to order blindly, try the shoes on, and send them back (and rinse and repeat multiple times until you find the right pair!).

When you’re shopping, don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek advice. There are some stores that even specialize in footwear for seniors and may be able to offer you personalized recommendations based on your specific needs.

Stay Active and Independent: Las Palmas is the Perfect Fit

Remember, the best walking shoes for you are those that fit you well and feel comfortable from the start. No amount of wear will “break in” shoes that just aren’t right. 

And remember, finding the perfect walking shoes is just one step toward maintaining an active and independent lifestyle. 

At Las Palmas, we understand the importance of independence and mobility in senior living. We encourage our community members to lead active, fulfilling lives by providing the support and resources they need. Give us a call today!

d

Categories

Awards

Stay Connected

Newsletter

|

Testimonials

My mother-in-law loved this place. She was treated great by all staff and she liked ...
Read More
Ron
My mother-in-law loved this place. She was treated great by all staff and she liked her time in the dining room. In her two years there she gained many friendships. Thank goodness the staff encouraged her to take part in activities because that's were she met many of her friends. I know many residents will remember her for years.
Ron
Ron
Very nice senior living complex. Accommodations are very appropriate for anyone. There are studios of ...
Read More
Judith
Very nice senior living complex. Accommodations are very appropriate for anyone. There are studios of various sizes and one bedroom units Some units have no a patio or balcony. There are also cottages on the property. Large, well appointed dining room.
Judith
Judith
Mom loves it here! Staff is friendly, engaged with residents and accommodate most all requests! ...
Read More
Cheryl
Mom loves it here! Staff is friendly, engaged with residents and accommodate most all requests! Lots of activities and the food is very good for facility food! Highly recommended!
Cheryl
Cheryl
Las Palmas is a clean and well run facility with caring staff and good management...
Read More
Ken
Las Palmas is a clean and well run facility with caring staff and good management. My mother-in-law lived there for four years. She enjoyed the social contact and didn’t feel so alone. Despite being a somewhat shy person, she quickly made many friends. She also enjoyed the meals and not having to cook. It was the right choice for her.
Ken
Ken
I am writing this on behalf of my grandma, Lorna. She moved initially...
Read More
Ross
I am writing this on behalf of my grandma, Lorna. She moved initially to Florida from Peoria, Illinois to be closer to family. She still had a tight knit group of lifelong friends from Church that she went to kindergarten with, so was upset to leave but hopeful for finding new friendship yet be closer to family. Initially we brought her to Boca Raton/Parkland area in South Florida and she found the people to be hurtful, cliquey, and was frequently given the cold shoulder. A few months later my mother and stepfather moved up to the Palm Coast, and brought grandma with them. SHE LOVES IT. When we moved her in there were several family members of residents that said how lucky we were to have found “the best one around.” Grandma loves the food, loves the warm hearted people, is shocked by the unexpected competence and responsiveness of the staff, and couldn’t be happier in her new home. It has been about 6 months since her move and she feels closer to the people there than she could ever have hoped. There are tons of activities like chair volleyball and organized events for the residents to participate in and and really look forward to. Grandma’s highlight of her day is always her post dinner Rummikub game with the gals. Another treat is that it is so close to the space coast, so if there is a rocket launch scheduled I’ll give grandma a call and tell her to walk out her front door to watch it with her friends. Very nice place, couldn’t feel more comfortable with the hands that my grandma is in and the people who are in her life.
Ross
Ross
This place is wonderful. The staff is very helpful and friendly. All of my loved ...
Read More
Logan
This place is wonderful. The staff is very helpful and friendly. All of my loved ones needs are taken care of swiftly and respectfully. I Recommend this place to anyone looking for a senior living home.
Logan
Logan
I’ve been living here for one month now, and the property is very well...
Read More
Dennis
I’ve been living here for one month now, and the property is very well maintained and housekeeping is impeccable. The staff are extremely attentive and the dining area provides 3 delicious chef-prepared meals. There are other amenities for social interaction such as art classes, exercise and more…. The residents here are kind and considerate and look out for each other. The folks here at Las Palmas made me feel like part of their family.
Dennis
Dennis

GET THE BROCHURE

Please provide your email to download your brochure.*We will not sell your information to any third party; we will use the email you provided only to reach out to better understand your senior living needs.