If you want the short list, these are my top running shoe picks for older adults, and you’ll find the details on each one further down.

After a lifetime of standing, walking, and other abuse to our feet, older adults need to take special considerations when buying footwear. Especially running, jogging, and exercise.

The best running shoes for older adults (including seniors and the elderly) should have:

• Cushioning. Lots of cushion and padding from heel to toe and especially in the midsole. This helps absorb the shock to an older body when the feet are pounding on the pavement. Look for memory foam, EVA, and gel soles and insoles.
• Stability. Properly fit running shoes should stabilize the foot which prevents the foot from rolling to either side. This improves balance overall and also reduces pain on the ankles and shins. Check with a podiatrist if you don’t know which way your foot naturally rotates aka pronation.
• Proper Fit. The shoe should fit properly and be comfortable. You don’t want the fit so tight that it rubs blisters onto your feet. But, the shoes shouldn’t be loose or flopping around either. Many seniors get their running shoes a size larger than their normal size. And, if they don’t fit, exchange them for another size.
• Support. Finally, the shoe should support your aging foot. Look for shoes that support arch and have built-in support systems in the soles. Running shoes with a thicker heel that thins out near the toe are often the best choice for older adults.

So, now that you have a better idea what to look for, here are some of my recommended running shoes for older adults.

Best Running Shoes For Aging Men

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Running Shoe

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is a men’s running and walking shoe built around support. Brooks calls its system GuideRails. The idea is to support your foot in its natural motion path while keeping excess movement in check.

That matters if your feet roll in or your stride feels a little wobbly. A shoe that guides each step can make a long walk feel steadier.

The cushioning is Brooks’ DNA LOFT v3, a nitrogen-infused foam. It is meant to feel soft and springy, so the miles feel easier on your feet.

The upper is breathable engineered mesh with a flat-knit collar. That’s the padded edge around your ankle. Together they are meant to give a secure, comfortable fit without rubbing.

This shoe is a certified PDAC A5500 diabetic shoe and has the APMA Seal of Acceptance. If you have diabetes, that is worth knowing. Your doctor or podiatrist can tell you whether it fits your needs.

It also works as an everyday shoe that stays put on your foot, which is a good thing for balance.

The trade-off is that this is a support shoe. If you like a very flexible, barely-there feel, the guided ride may seem firmer than you’d like. It also laces up, so it is not the one for you if you want to slip your shoes on and go.

Skechers Afterburn M. Fit Sneaker

Skechers is a popular brand of shoes for both men, women, and children. It is well known for making trendy, fashionable, and functional rubber shoes that most people, especially young people, use.

However, Skechers has also made The Skechers Men’s Afterburn Lace-up Sneaker with memory foam that features the trendiness and style that Skechers is always known for along with functionality that makes it a great shoe for walking and running.

Available in dark colors and various sizes, this Skechers running and walking shoe is made with 100% smooth and synthetic leather with a mesh fabric upper.

It looks like a stylish training sneaker, embellished by perforated stitching and overlay accents. With a lace-up closing system, this shoe has a padded collar that provides extra comfort in the ankle.

This stylish shoe also has a memory foam insole that gives even more comfort to the user, perfect for an elderly male who wants a shoe that will last long and will also not tire them out.

Because it provides the best comfort level without compromising functionality and comfort, the Skechers Men’s Afterburn Memory Foam Lace-up Sneaker is a great running and walking shoe for those who want to get fit with style.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Running Shoe

Brooks is a well-known running shoe brand, and the Adrenaline GTS 25 is its supportive shoe for both running and walking. It is made for people who want steady, reliable support underfoot.

The support comes from what Brooks calls GuideRails. The idea is to support your body along its natural motion path while keeping excess movement in check. If your feet tend to roll inward when you step, a shoe built this way can help you feel steadier.

Cushioning is Brooks’ DNA LOFT v3, a nitrogen-infused foam that is described as soft and lightweight. It is meant to keep each step comfortable over longer walks.

The upper is breathable engineered mesh with a flat-knit collar, which gives a secure, comfortable fit around the foot.

One detail worth knowing if you have diabetes: this shoe is a certified PDAC A5500 diabetic shoe and has received the APMA Seal of Acceptance.

The trade-off is that this is a support shoe. If you want a very minimal, flexible feel underfoot, it may not be what you are after. And if you need a wider fit than a medium width, look at the other width options before you order.

Best Running Shoes For Aging Women

New Balance Fresh Foam 410v9 Trail Running Shoe

The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 410v9 is a trail running shoe that also works fine on pavement. If your walks switch between a park path and the sidewalk, that is the kind of shoe it is meant for.

The midsole is made of Fresh Foam, which is New Balance’s cushioning. It is described as lightweight and well cushioned, for steady steps on rugged trails and paved paths alike.

The outsole uses an all-terrain tread called AT Tread. It is meant to grip on both road and dirt, so you do not have to change shoes when the route changes.

The upper is breathable mesh, which lets air move through and keeps feet cooler on long walks or hikes. The overlays on the outside are no-sew, which means fewer seams that might rub or irritate.

The shoe is built for durability on and off the trail, so it should hold up to regular use.

Here is the trade-off. This is a trail shoe, and a mesh upper breathes well but offers less protection from cold or wet weather. If you want a shoe mainly for rainy or chilly days, look at something more weather-resistant.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Running Shoe

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is a running and walking shoe built around support. It suits women who want steady footing and a cushioned step.

The support comes from what Brooks calls GuideRails. The idea is to support your foot along its natural motion path while keeping excess movement in check. That kind of design helps most if your feet tend to roll or wobble as you walk.

The cushioning is a nitrogen-infused foam called DNA Loft v3. Brooks describes it as soft and lightweight, aimed at comfort over long stretches of walking or running.

The upper is breathable engineered mesh with a flat-knit collar, which gives a secure, comfortable fit around the foot.

This shoe is a certified PDAC A5500 diabetic shoe and has the APMA Seal of Acceptance. If you have diabetes, that is worth bringing up with your doctor or foot specialist.

As for downsides, this is a support shoe, so it may not feel right if you prefer a very flexible, minimal feel underfoot. Fit is personal too, so check that your size and width match what you need before you order.

Skechers Max Cushioning Endeavour Sneaker

The Skechers Women’s Max Cushioning Endeavour Canova Sneaker is built around one idea: a lot of cushioning under the foot. Skechers calls the design Max Cushioning, and it is meant to give comfort and support with each step.

The midsole is described as lightweight and responsive. It is made to soften the landing and give a little spring back as you move.

Inside, the insole is the Air-Cooled Goga Mat, which is breathable and has high-rebound cushioning. That helps keep the foot from feeling closed in on a long walk.

The shoe also uses what Skechers calls Natural Rocker Technology. The sole is shaped to roll your foot smoothly from heel to toe, which can make walking feel less choppy.

One practical bonus: it is machine washable. Just let it air dry rather than putting it in the dryer.

The trade-off is that a rocker sole can feel different at first. If you like a flat, firm feel under your foot, it may take some getting used to, so wear it around the house before taking it out for a longer walk.

This one suits someone who wants plenty of cushion and an easy rolling step. It is probably not the pick if you want a very firm, close-to-the-ground feel.

Summary

Using the wrong type of shoe could compromise an older person’s desire to be more fit and healthy, so be wise in selecting the best shoe for the elderly person in your life.

Therefore both older adults and caretakers should be careful and meticulous in choosing a shoe that doesn’t only fit and look good but also has great and amazing features that promise stability and support while promoting control, durability, and of course, comfort.

The shoe you choose might just be the one that will help add more years to their lives.