There are 26 bones in the human foot along with muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which tend to become less flexible and stiffen due to a loss of water in tissues, as we reach the age of 60. Muscles wear and tear making our feet flatter and broader as the depth of the foot arch reduces resulting in flat feet.
Other common conditions in the elderly like shortening of the Achilles tendon also result in a more flat-footed stance while walking, jogging or running. Stiffness in the joints because of arthritis causes the cartilage between the joints to become thinner resulting in inflammation and pain.
Hence, wearing a quality pair of running shoes adds less pressure on our lower back, knees, calves, ankles and feet, because they are designed and use technology and materials which are lightweight, offer superb cushioning and responsive shock absorption, with heel-to-toe support and comfort.
We have put this article together for you to provide you with the latest, most stylish and comfortable running shoes for seniors available at the best price, considering features, design, materials and technology, so that you continue to stay motivated to head out for that run or an extended brisk walk, and stay physically fit and healthy, as well as emotionally positive, in a good state of mind.
Best Running Shoes for Elderly Women (Most comfortable & Best Price)
- New Balance Fresh Foam provides midsole padding for a weightless ride, and a NDurance rubber outsole for superior robustness. It offers flexible webbing along the midfoot, with a synthetic mesh upper for ventilation. Its ultra-heel construction embraces the foot back for a secure fit.
- Saucony Women’s ProGrid Integrity Shoes provides a PROGRID padding system with a compressed molded EVA, and HRC absorption area. It comes with a prevalent forefoot flexible area that allows for an effortless fit for a brisk walk.
- Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 20 offers responsive BioMoGo DNA padding on top of a supple DNA LOFT impact pad. It provides GuideRails Holistic support for the knee joints, and an efficient engineered mesh upper. The asymmetrical 3D Fit print cradle is right from the heel and around the arch for a secure fit.
- Saucony Women’s S10483-2 Trail Running Shoe offers PWRRUN midsole padding for absorption and lugs close together, and a PWRTRAC sticky rubber outsole for grip. FORMFIT encloses the foot for unparalleled comfort, along with 3D printed film for ventilation with a sturdy knit upper.
- Brooks Women’s Ghost 13 Running Shoe comes with DNA LOFT which covers outside the heel up to the forefoot, with a lot of padding underfoot. It offers an engineered air mesh upper for ventilation. The 3D Fit 1print provides strategic flex and sturduness to the upper.
- New Balance Women’s W990v5 $175 has a blown rubber outsole with twin thick collar foam for secure comfort at the ankles. It features an ENCAP midsole padding with weightless foam and a sturdy polyurethane rim. It also comes with a suede plus mesh upper.
Best Running Shoes for Elderly Men (Most Comfortable & Best Price)
- ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe is a robust and supportive shoe with a strong synthetic upper and a stitched-down toe front for extra sturdiness and security. It comes with Rearfoot GEL technology for impact absorption along with an AHAR outsole for toughness. The tread comprises multi-directional lugs for excellent traction.
- Skechers Men’s Energy Afterburn Lace Up Shoes features a smooth leather upper with stitching accent, along with a padded collar and tongue, and soft fabric shoe lining. It comes with a cushioned insole and a shock absorbing midsole, with flexible traction outsole.
- Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 8 Running Shoe comes with a breathable lightweight mesh upper and durable leather overlays for stability in the midfoot. It features an EVA sockliner for step-in comfort and a charged cushioning midsole with compressed molded foam for responsiveness and durability, along with a solid rubber outsole.
- New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer features an EVA footbed/heel pocket with forefoot flex grooves for extreme flexibility. It offers IMEVA midsole for firm and flexible cushioning, and has an internal shank and leather upper, along with a 52 durometer insert/midsole.
- Salomon Men’s Speedcross 5 Trail Running Shoes features larger lugs with more space for a better grip on all surfaces. It comes with a completely welded upper and offers superb stability in every stride. It is lightweight made of synthetics and fabric for a snug fit with an OrthoLite insole for cushioning.
- ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus Running Shoes features long-run impact shock absorption and comfort. It offers breathability with the upper in soft engineered mesh design. It comes with softer GEL technology cushioning for the heel and contoured design lines. It also offers an Ortholite X-55 sockliner, and a stretchy midfoot panel for support, comfort and a softer feel.
What to Look for in Running Shoes for the Elderly
There are a variety of running shoes meant for different purposes like jogging, a fast run, or trail running, etc. It’s important to look at the surface on which you will be running to shortlist those perfect pair of running shoes. As running shoes come with different support, cushioning, shock absorption, and traction for different terrain to keep you stable.
Look for shoes which correct your posture and pronation. This is important to keep your stability and balance when running. Some shoes are precisely designed to be adaptable and correct foot pronation by providing for removable insoles so that you can insert your own customised orthotics.
Shoes with good cushioning technology from the heel to arch support and to the toes, ensures you have good support. The midsole and outsole must be designed with good materials (as you can see from our shortlisted shoes above) for shock absorption, should be sturdy, but flexible and durable at the same time.
Shoes which are lightweight make it easier to run, as they have less heaviness and pressure on the knees and ankles. Running shoes weighing less than 1.4 pounds a pair are perfect for elderly runners.
For running ensure that your shoes give you a snug fit. It should not be tight either, or loose. Having a pair of shoes securely on your feet while running with the right kind of support gives you the confidence required to keep moving forward in comfort, as the wrong size of running shoes could instigate or worsen an existing foot condition, as elderly feet are delicate already.
