We choose shoes for seniors. Check what to pay attention to

Active at any age

Regular walking helps maintain vitality and improve balance. What's more, scientists have proven that regular walks can largely prevent serious diseases that seniors often struggle with - diabetes, hypertension and bone weakness.

However, wearing the wrong shoes makes walking uncomfortable. As a result, many older people give up walking and decide to spend their time more passively. This is a huge mistake! After all, more or less vigorous marching brings many benefits.

If you don't want uncomfortable footwear to stop you from this form of activity, be sure to check what features you should look for when choosing shoes for seniors.

What to look for when buying senior shoes?

There are several aspects that you should pay special attention to when buying shoes for an elderly person. We've gathered them all in one place to make your choice as easy as possible. 

Thick sole for maximum support

Tissue is lost in the feet with age. As a result, it can cause stronger pressure of the heel on the ground and result in even painful ailments, e.g. heel spurs. 

To prevent the development of unpleasant diseases, choose shoes with a thick (but not stiff) sole. Thanks to this, your feet will gain maximum support while moving, and you will feel comfortable even on longer walks. 

Also, make sure that the sole of the shoes is made of non-slip materials, such as rubber, which will allow you to avoid losing your balance and the unpleasant consequences associated with it.

However, remember that the sole may wear out over time. For this reason, do not forget to replace your shoes with new ones as soon as you notice that the rubber has worn off. 

Cushioning for safety

Another important factor that is worth looking for in shoes for seniors is cushioning. Stabilizing footwear will easily adapt to the movement of your feet while walking, and will also protect your ankles from injuries.   

If you care about additional support, you can put special insoles dedicated to seniors in your shoes. There are also silicone insoles with studs on the market that reduce fatigue when walking.

Perfect fit for comfortable use

It is equally important that shoes for seniors fit perfectly. It is this factor that most affects the comfort of use.

We have devoted a separate article to the subject of shoe fitting, which you will find here. Remember not to try on shoes in the morning. Due to swelling of the feet and ankles during the day, it is best to do it in the late afternoon or evening. 

Also, make sure to test the new footwear with everything you plan to wear with it - e.g. orthopedic insoles. 

Easy to put on and take off for independence

Seniors who have a problem with bending should pay special attention to the ease of putting on and taking off shoes. To support your own independence, as well as to ensure safety, it is better to avoid shoes with laces.

The statistics are clear - an unraveled shoelace is one of the most common causes of falls! To prevent this, put on shoes with Velcro fasteners. Thanks to this, you can easily adjust the width within the foot and ensure maximum comfort.

Beware of these models!

For their own safety, elderly people should refrain from wearing certain models of shoes. Wondering what to avoid? we suggest!

High heels can contribute to instability in the ankles and, as a result, increase the risk of tripping. Due to the lack of sufficient contact with the ground, they will not be able to provide you with a sufficient level of safety.

In addition to high heels, avoid wearing flip-flops and open-toed shoes, which also negatively affect your balance. An undeveloped heel can also cause stability problems. 

Also, watch out for shoes that are too tight, the wearing of which can cause many painful ailments, such as corns, corns or calluses. Ill-fitting shoes, whether too small or too large, make it difficult to maintain balance.

Don't underestimate the importance of a good pair of shoes for seniors!

As you can see, the importance of a good pair of shoes for a senior is huge. After all, properly selected footwear is a key element for ensuring your safety. Some even say that proper fit in this area is the first step in reducing the risk of falling.

Fortunately, you already know what exactly is worth paying attention to when choosing shoes. If you are wondering where to find the best models at a great price, be sure to check out ours online store.