Sugestion for good walking shoes for a 90-plus-year-old?

Good walking shoes are a must. I wore the Hoka Bondi before I had hip replacement surgery. The extreme cushioning really helped the pain when walking. But. Almost a year after the surgery, I believe that that extreme cushioning contributed to my fall down flagstone steps as you can’t ‘feel’ the ground as much and I fractured my pelvis which healed well without incidence but the fall also re-tweaked an already deteriorating spine which I’m still recovering from. I DO like Hoka’s. Lots of toe box room, wider base for stability, so I switched to the Clifton 9’s with a more regular cushioning and also with Sole orthotic inserts (I need arch support). I’ve been very happy with the Clifton’s.

On the Hoka website one can fill out a questionnaire to find out which model is likely to be the best for you. I bought my first pair at a running shoe store to find out size. I wear a much larger size in Hoka’s than other shoes. Now that I know my size, I usually order directly from Hoka (free shipping and returns) to get a better selection of color.

I still want to try their ‘hiking’ shoe that has a very wide base. I’m a little paranoid since that fall (and we had handrails installed for those steps in the backyard since) so I have tossed or donated any of my shoes (sadly a pair of Dansko clogs with a narrow base) to give me a better chance of not falling going forward (I’m 74 - used to be quite athletic but back issues have impacted my ability to move well. )

I also use a Trionic Veloped walking my dog on the paved trails where I live. It’s an all terrain rollator - it ensures I won’t fall when walking and gives support to my back. I easily walk a mile every day with that rollator. They are Swedish designed and pricey but made so well, it will go on to help someone else one day. It’s a bit bulky for traveling with although a lot of folks travel, even fly with them. Trionic makes a less bulky but still very navigable walker/rollator that I’ll get down the line for taking to the mall or to walk to the downtown stores and for traveling with. I do have a small indoor only rollator with a tray that I sometimes use when I go to a big box store but it doesn’t compare to the Trionic brand. Right now, taking a cane (I like the inexpensive, lightweight RMS canes with an ergonomic handle) for those types of walks usually works fine. Trionic has a spiffy Ferrari red walker/rollator that I have my eye on.

I can really walk like a champion if I use mobility devices to assist me. I long got over thinking I look old, using one. I look a lot older, trudging along in pain after a short bit of walking without one than I do walking crisply and with a normal gait using one. Certainly it helps that I spend money to buy nice looking walking aids rather than spending money on other things. But if it keeps me active and healthy it’s money well spent.

I am 77. For improving balance and stamina I do " rebounding" = very gentle bouncing on a personal trampoline where feet remain in contact with the trampoline. A handle can be installed for maintaing balance/ safety. Very safe and handy plus great for The Rocky Mts. weather.
For walking indoors and out I wear "barefoot" shoes which are very comfortable and easy to put on/ off.
I puchased the above items from Temu. They have a huge selection of the shoes and very good return policy.
The trampoline was only $50.

I would not recommend Hoka. I have Peripheral neuropathy and the Hoka’s are not stable enough. OrthoFeet are good . Nobull shoes are very comfortable.

My father-in-law swears by his new slide-on Sketchers. They offer him good support and have good tread on the bottom. He also has orthopedic shoes as were recommended from a doctor, but he prefers his Sketchers. He says they’re much more comfortable.

I’m only 87, but have been running and then walking for most of my adult life. Here’s what I learned. No need to buy expensive shoes. Get reasonably priced ones (I love Dr Sholls from Walmart in leather for about $30. Very fashionable too.). THEN go to drug store(or Walmart) and buy insoles (preferably Dr Sholls again) for working and walking—nice thick gel ones. Trim to size and stuff them into your chosen shoes. Voila! Very comfortable thickly padded walking shoes. Some insoles are made to support arches etc. I have come to the point that I put these insoles into almost all my shoes! So comfortable!

I visited someone in a large assisted living facility over the course of a year and I noticed that it seemed most residents were wearing Sketchers. I have worn Sketchers casually but would not walk my daily 1 hour in those. They were not stable, the midsole was easily bendable, not thick, strong or non-slip enough for safe outside daily walking. Around town doing errands they were fine.

I think I have seen advertisements for Sketchers saying that now some of their shoes are podiatrist certified for support. Still, for walking you want to make sure the shoes you wear are approved by your podiatrist if there's any question. Otherwise stick to the major brands that have shoes that are specially made for walking, like Brooks and Saucony. Those brands are both recommended by podiatrist.

Gotcha. I just shared about what has worked well for my father-in-law. He always led a very active lifestyle but has slowed down in his elderly years due to rheumatoid arthritis. For basic, everyday walking, the Sketchers have been working great for him. His podiatrist did recommend a pair of orthotic shoes, which he has, but he just prefers the Sketchers.

If I were you, I'd get myself to an excellent sports shoe store, get fitted properly and take off! They know how to fit active peoples' feet properly... ask a podiatrist, perhaps... Most are not used to assisting an older active person like you (or me) Do reach outside the normal "foot dr" experience as they don't have much of a clGet out there and stay walking.. Get help from a pt with balance issues.. ghis will fight your fears , a HUGE help ~ with aging feet!

My mom is 92 and is in fairly good health but she has to use a can to walk when we go shopping etc. She has had trouble with her right foot everys since they replaced her right knee. She spends about 150 dollars every two months on shoes. She has tried many.
The pair she is wearing are Brooks. she seems to like them a lot. God bless you.

kayhaun- I love that you said, just 87! Keep on living life with joy!