Hush Puppies Men’s Slip-On Shoe

They might call them the golden years, but there’s not much about growing older that calls anything shiny and golden to mind. For most, the senior years are about reflection and sentimentality: Hanging onto and treasuring those faded old photos, that comfy sweater … that frayed but reliable pair of shoes.

But if there’s anything that seniors really should consider investing in, a new pair of shoes is near the top of the list. Those old loafers might be comfortable, but aging (and possibly unsteady) feet come with a whole new set of needs. And we probably don’t need to mention that one slip and fall can be a life-changing experience.

Whether you’re buying a pair of shoes designed for seniors or toddlers, one priority remains number one: The size. If anything, that’s more important for seniors. Don’t assume your old shoe size will always stay the same, especially if you have developed conditions like edema, bunions or arthritis that can alter the shape of the toes and foot. Tight shoes will of course be painful, but make sure that you don’t pick anything too loose, either. Feet that slide around inside the shoe are more prone to lose their balance.

The factor that most shoe buyers consider next is the feel of the sole, and that warrants an important note. No matter how good they feel after a short “breaking in” pace around the room, be wary of midsoles that are too soft. Any professional runner can tell you that when stability is paramount, you want to be able to feel the ground. Go with a shoe that’s comfortable enough to reduce the impact on sore joints, but still has a structure that allows you to feel your steps.

As for the back of the foot, stay away from shoes that unduly raise or overly cushion your heel. They tend to be bad for your posture and therefore your gait. It goes without saying for most senior shoes, but make sure the back of the heel is closed. Open heeled, “slipper” type shoes will cause the same balance problems that any ill-fitting shoe would. In fact, a higher back on the shoe can be helpful in offering extra support.

As far as the tread goes, you might think that the shoe with the most ground-hugging design might be the best. Don’t go with anything too extreme, though. Too much tread can be as much of a stumble risk as worn-out shoes with little or no tread. There’s a sweet spot to look for, and shoes that are designated as “slip-resistant” usually hit near that mark.

As for the rest of the shoe, the material should be light and breathable. Tired feet get sweaty, and sweaty feet aren’t just uncomfortable — they’re more prone to slip. The shuffle-step is an all too common gait among the elderly, and it can be alleviated by getting shoes aren’t too heavy.

Older shoe buyers might assume that Velcro fasteners were invented to appease tweens who were too lazy to tie their shoes, but they can be a real lifesaver for seniors. Even if you’re capable enough to tie your shoes now, go ahead and choose Velcro over ties (which most senior shoes have anyway). You may thank yourself later on.

Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of style. Just because your shoe is geared toward an older lifestyle doesn’t mean it has to look like a relic. Comfort is paramount, but there are plenty of senior shoes out there that are indistinguishable from everyday work wear or casual walking shoes.

• When we pick a pair of shoes, most of us are used to that awkward couple of walks around the block, otherwise known as “breaking them in.” That might be standard practice for dress shoes or some types of sneakers, but you shouldn’t have to do it for senior shoes. In fact, it can be dangerous. Discomfort can cause you to shift your gait, and that can result in falls or aggravation for any foot conditions you may have. Good senior shoes are designed with large width in the toe and other features to accommodate a wider range of sizes and shapes. If they don’t feel right when you first put them on, try another.
• Another tip when you’re sizing up shoes for the first time: Remember to bring your insoles. Thicker insoles can take away a significant amount of space inside the shoe, so make sure you account for that right off the bat.
• It’s not a common practice, but just in case you were planning on saving a few bucks: Don’t do it by purchasing old shoes or accepting hand-me-downs. Worn tread means a much higher chance of slippage. Along those same lines, make sure that you check old shoes periodically to make sure their tread still has a few grooves left. They may be comfy, but slick bottoms can make unfamiliar terrain even more problematic.
• If you’re having particular problems walking, you might have heard that orthotics are the solution. They certainly can be, though they are most effective when prescribed by a foot doctor for a specific medical condition or irregularity in the gait. Over-the-counter orthotics are also an option, although you should still get a diagnosis to determine whether a simple one might help. In either case, make sure as with insoles that you take them into account when trying on new shoes.
• Finally, a word about taking those shoes off. Around the house, seniors with particular mobility issues might want to keep some stability by investing in grip socks. Those are socks with tiny rubber patterns on the bottom, designed to help you stay free of slips around the house (which is where most falls happen, after all).