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

Posted by ciddy1931 @ciddy1931, Dec 26, 2024

Am reluctant to walk as much as I probably should. Am 93 and in good general health but quite fearful of possiblly falling. I feel that if I had a pair of sturdy walking shoes I would be inclined to walk much more. Any suggstions?

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robertwills | @robertwills | 5 days ago

In reply to @bunnybear "What is a good walking shoe if you need a wide footbed but a regular heel?" + (show)

Brooks, Saucony and New Balance are the major shoe brands and are generally of high quality and have lines designed specifically for walking. The Brooks Addiction Walker is a famous model that has been around for many years.

You need to look at the current, or former, models online or in stores and see which, if any, come in wide sizes. Then try them out. Some stores, online and physical stores, have generous return policies like Brooks.

Some running shoes can be used for safe walking. Mizuno is one such brand that is high quality.

bunnybear | @bunnybear | 5 days ago

I will try all again. I do recall that Saucony fit me well in the distant past. New Balance was narrow I thought but maybe it was just the style I was wearing. I’ve never worn Brooks so I look forward to trying them. So far, Hoka and Merrill have been my go to shoe. Thanks!

robertwills | @robertwills | 5 days ago

In reply to @bunnybear "I will try all again. I do recall that Saucony fit me well in the distant..." + (show)

Hoka and Merrill did not feel good on my feet. Hoka felt cheap. Merrill felt weird. Also, all the Hoka's I've seen have very high midsoles, higher than most brands. I do not feel this is necessary at all. There needs to be good protection from the ground but too high leads to instability.

I will also add that I believe the best current podiatric medicine would indicate for most people that "cushioning" shouldn't be soft that deforms much, if at all. Shoes also should not bend or twist easily in the hand. Ideally you want shoes that with a firm but shock absorbent midsole that is inflexible. Traditional quality walking shoes were built this way. The trend of high and squishy midsoles is awful.

bunnybear | @bunnybear | 4 days ago

In reply to @robertwills "Hoka and Merrill did not feel good on my feet. Hoka felt cheap. Merrill felt weird...." + (show)

@robertwills I have very high arches. A podiatrist told me I had arches a ballerina would envy. 🤭 That is probably why Hokas feel good. There are so many different kinds of feet…thus the need to try on and walk in shoes before deciding. And our feet do so much work for us, it is worth trying on many shoes.

holdrege | @holdrege | 4 days ago

HOKA has some new models that are outstanding. Try them on first because they are expensive. If you are concerned about falling buy two carbon fiber walking sticks from Amazon.