The 13 Best Walking Sandals for Women Over 50 That Are Comfortable and Have Arch Support
There's nothing like a 7 p.m. sunset stroll around the neighborhood post-dinner, a morning walk to get those steps in or heading to the park or your favorite trail with a friend for a catch-up walk. And it's especially nice in the summer where the weather is beautiful and the scenery is filled with nature. However, before you head out the door, you need the right pair of walking sandals! Sometimes the summertime is just too hot for sneakers, which can make your feet feel extra sweaty and confined. With walking sandals, your feet can still the get the support of sneakers, but will be able to "breathe" much easier and feel cooler. Here, we rounded up the best walking sandals for women over 50 that are both comfortable and stylish, with extra arch support, cushioning and more.
What to look for in walking sandals for women over 50?
If you've noticed your feet starting to lose cushioning, experience more aches and pains or feel "flatter" after 50, you're not alone. As we age, our feet unfortunately can greatly be affected, showing up as described above or a range of other problems, like bunions, plantar fasciitis and more. Not only can be these problems be incredibly painful and agonizing, but it also makes finding proper and supportive shoes that much more important.
Below, a few key things to keep in mind when looking for the right walking sandals for women over 50:
1. A pair with arch support
The natural arch of our foot tends to fall flat as we age, which can make walking, standing and other activities spent on your feet very painful. If you'll be spending lots of time walking, you'll definitely want to look for walking sandals with built-in arch support. This will give your feet that arch it's lacking, which will not only feel better, but will allow you to comfortably spend a longer amount of time on your feet.
2. A pair with extra cushioning
No one wants to walk on what feels like cardboard, no matter their age. Not having adequate cushioning, aka shoes with very thin, flat and/or hard footbeds, can exacerbate your foot pain and make your problems even worse. Make sure you're searching for walking sandals that have cushioned, yet supportive, footbeds. Some brands have special foot-forming technology for their footbeds or cushioned midsoles with heel cupping, which are great examples of supportive cushioning.
3. A pair that feels stable and secure
When looking for a walking sandal, you'll want a pair that feels secure on and you don't have to worry about slipping or sliding out of the shoe. That's why it's best to look for ones that have straps that tighten/are adjustable. And if you're looking for slides (aka sandals without an ankle strap), make sure they are well-fitted/snug on the top of your foot.
4. A pair that's breathable
As previously mentioned, summertime is more prone to making your feet feel hotter and sweatier. This extra sweat and heat can lead to odor, bacteria and other issues you'll want to avoid. Therefore, ensure you are looking for sandals that are breathable and lightweight; even better if they have odor-fighting technology.
The 13 best walking sandals for women over 50
Keep reading for our favorite walking sandals for women over 50 for all your neighborhood strolls and nature walks this summer.
Talk about cushion, these sandals have an ultra-comfortable, ultra-cushioned topsole that feel good on your feet when walking or if worn all day. Plus, we like that they can easily be dressed up or down; throw them on with your running shorts for a morning walk or with cute jean shorts for vacation.
Skechers GO WALK Arch Fit Sandal
Skechers is known for their comfort, so it's no surprise the brand made out list for the best walking sandals. This pair has a contoured footbed, special arch support technology, lightweight cushioning and are very supportive for walking.
Vivaia AdaptAll? Sport Sandals
How adorable are these summery peach walking sandals? But they're not just stylish, they're oh-so-comfy too. They feature supportive arch support, a cushioned insole, anti-slip outsole (perfect for more rocky/rough walks) and adjustable buckle straps; truly the whole package.
Made with contoured arch support, cushioning that is shock-absorbent and a supportive heel cup make this pair of walking sandals a stand out. Plus, the outer material is made from high traction rubber, so can feel more secure and stable wherever your walks take you.
Cole Haan Zerogrand Meritt Sandals
Cole Haan is podiatrist-recommended by doctors all over for their comfort and support, and this pair of walking sandals is no different. They are shock absorbent which is ideal for walks and lots of time spent on your feet. Plus, they look so chic and sharp with this all black colorway (but they have four other colors if you want to brighten it up).
Skechers GO WALK Flex Chic Sandal
Metallics are very on-trend right now, so you'll look especially chic with these walking sandals. Even better, they are specifically designed for walking with a contoured footbed, adjustable ankle strap and lightweight cushioning.
We love the criss-cross design and different shades of neutrals of these walking sandals. They feature arch support, a foam, comfy footbed and durable outsole for all your walking needs.
Look pretty in pink and feel pain-free all day with these chic walking sandals designed with a foam EVA midsole (making them great for walks along the water), lightweight feel and adjustable ankle strap. What's more, they come in both medium and wide sizes.
Paredes Made In Spain Sport Sandals
These walking sandals are have such a fun, summery color way that will brighten up any walk and outfit. They have adjustable velcro straps for extra security all day and a breathable, lightweight feel.
Aerosoles Laurel Hooded Toe Ring Footbed Sandal
Need an easy pair of walking sandals to slip on and head out the door? This pair has you covered. Slip-ons aren't always ideal for walking sandals since they're not typically as secure as sandals with straps, but for quick and casual walks, the right pair can work. We like these because they have a slip-resistant, treaded outsole and a thick, wide thong strap design for more coverage. They're the perfect elevated slide with the chic and elegant design.
Teva Original Universal Slim Leather
If you're more of a minimalist and prefer a simple, sleek design, these walking sandals are for you. They are fuss-free with thin straps and in a neutral color but also boast anti-odor technology, a durable rubber outsole and comfortable EVA midsole.
Easy Spirit Taite 2 Comfort Sandals
Another slip-on option, we recommend this pair because of its contoured comfort footbed, anti-slip grip outsole and secure top straps. Plus, they cost just $20 at the moment.
Clarks Kitley Way Navy Leather
Clarks is another widely-recommended shoe brand by podiatrists. They are known for how comfortable and supportive their shoes are, especially for women over 50. We chose this pair of sandals because it has a contoured cushion footbed, adjustable straps and anti-microbial lining.
See more summer staples to add to your wardrobe:
The 10 Best Beach Shoes for Women Over 50 That Are Stylish and Supportive
The Best Sun Hats to Protect Skin and Hair for Women Over 50: See 8 Summer Headwear Options
Best Sunglasses for Women — 16 Styles from Readers to Bifocals and Regular Sunnies
