@healthyme246 Comfortable supportive shoes are a must. My feet have spread out as I've gotten older, and getting a wider width has helped a lot. I do have custom orthotics which help. I also have been recovering from an ankle fracture over the last 2 years, so I am dealing with loss of strength that takes a long time to rebuild.

I think you have answered your question. Well fitting shoes with proper support will prevent a lot of problems. I like to wear athletic shoes for hiking that are lightweight with good support. I have Merrel shoes that I bought back in 2015 at an outdoor store and these have lasted longer than most others I have had. Some of the tread has worn through like old tires on a car, but they are still very usable.