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

Some days the first steps out of bed hurt, and you start wondering if your shoes are part of the problem. Finding the best orthopedic shoes for seniors can help, and this page keeps it simple.

We cover picks for men and women, including diabetic and plantar fasciitis styles, what to look for in arch support and fit, the common foot problems and which shoes help, and whether Medicare may cover some of the cost.

Best Orthopedic Shoes for Senior Men

New Balance 577 V1 Cushioned Walking Shoe

If you are looking for the best orthopedic shoes for walking, you shouldn’t look further than the New Balance men’s sneakers. It features a leather upper as well as hook-and-loop closure.

There are also several closure options and even includes a lace-up style. It is the perfect shoe for a wide variety of foot sizes and shapes. To ensure optimal foot health, the shoes come equipped with a padded tongue to help tighten it enough to ensure the best arch support.

Bruno Marc Men's Slip-On Loafer

The Bruno Marc slip-on loafers are a dressy shoe with no laces and no buckles to fuss with. Stretchy elastic gores on the sides let you slip them on and off easily.

The upper is PU, a man-made material that wipes clean without much effort. It has a classic square toe, so it looks right at an office, a wedding or church.

Inside, there is a supportive foam insole and a vegan leather lining for cushioning. The outsole is TPR, a sturdy, wear-resistant material made to grip and give you stable footing.

One thing to know: these are a dress loafer, not a medical shoe. If you need a removable insole for a custom orthotic, or a very wide fit, a shoe built for that will serve you better. They also have a square toe, so if your toes need lots of room, try them on and see how they feel.

OluKai Nohea Mesh Slip-On Sneaker

The Olukai Nohea Slip-On Shoes can be worn just about every day. The shoes have a mesh upper that is quick-drying and provides exceptional airflow. To make it even more enticing, the shoes come with a 1-year warranty.

The Olukai Nohea Slip-On shoes come with a versatile heel and can be worn either as regular shoes or as slide-in slippers. The anatomical footbed comes with a microfiber-lined cover and is removable too. It can be used with custom orthotics lines.

If your shoes have a removable footbed and you want something less costly than custom orthotics, here are insoles for plantar fasciitis heel pain that were reviewed for different arch types.

Birkenstock Boston Soft Footbed Clog

If you are looking for a comfortable and supportive sandal, your search stops with the Birkenstock Unisex Suede Clogs. The upper is made of oiled leather that provides sufficient support for the foot while the footbed features a cork construction with EVA foam outside.

The shoes are extremely durable, breathable, and have a personalized fit. The insole has a suede structure and is soft against the skin. The shoes have ample space in the toe area while the footbed provides great stabilization.

Best Orthopedic Shoes for Senior Women

Scurtain Women's Diabetic Orthopedic Shoe

The Scurtain Women’s Walking Shoe is a black mesh slip-on made with a wide toe area. The idea is to let your toes sit in their natural shape instead of being squeezed, which matters if you deal with bunions, swollen feet, corns, or calluses.

It has adjustable straps, so you can tailor the fit to your foot. The listing names diabetes, neuropathy, arthritis, edema, and plantar fasciitis among the conditions it is meant for.

The upper is stretchy, three-dimensional knit meant to cut down on sweating and odor. The rubber sole has non-slip treads and is made in one molded piece for grip on different surfaces.

One thing to know: it is a zero drop shoe, meaning the heel sits level with the toes. If you are used to a raised heel or a lot of arch support, it may feel different at first. It may not be the right pick if your doctor has asked for a specific orthotic or a firm, structured shoe.

Skechers Summits Hands-Free Memory Foam Sneaker

These Skechers Summits are a sneaker you step into without bending down or using your hands. The laces are fixed and stretchy, and a Heel Pillow holds your heel in place once your foot is in.

The insole is Air-Cooled Memory Foam, so it’s cushioned underfoot. The upper is a soft heathered jersey knit that breathes. The midsole is flexible and shock-absorbing, and the outsole has traction for daily walking.

They’re machine washable, which is handy for a shoe you wear a lot.

One trade-off: the laces are fixed, so you can’t loosen or tighten them the way you would with regular laces. If you need a lot of adjustment for swelling or a custom fit, a shoe with hook-and-loop straps may suit you better. These are also a sneaker, not a medical shoe, so they aren’t the pick if your doctor has prescribed a specific orthopedic shoe.

Propét Wash & Wear Slip-Resistant Walking Shoe

These slip-on shoes from Propet are stretchy and lightweight, with a non-slip sole. The nylon collar of the shoe is very stretchy which makes it easy to put these shoes on and remove them.

They have a trainer-like appearance and make great house shoes for a woman who wants supportive shoes with good treads and grips for maximum traction. They are affordably priced too.

Women's Plantar Fasciitis Walking Sneaker

These are women’s walking sneakers made for plantar fasciitis, flat feet and heel pain. Plantar fasciitis is the sore band along the bottom of the foot that tends to hurt most with the first steps in the morning.

They have arch support, a deep heel cup and a cushioned orthotic insole. That combination is meant to give steady support when you spend a good part of the day standing or walking. The deep heel cup holds the heel in place, which is where much of the relief for heel pain comes from.

The upper is breathable engineered mesh, so your feet stay cooler and drier on longer walks. The outsole is flexible, so your foot can move naturally. They close with adjustable laces, so you can set the fit snugly, and there is a padded ankle collar for comfort.

The details also mention diabetes. If that is your situation, ask your doctor or podiatrist before relying on any shoe, since foot problems from diabetes need a professional’s eye.

One thing to know: laces mean a little more effort than a slip-on. If bending down or working a knot is hard for you, elastic laces are an easy fix. Mesh is also cooler than leather, but it gives less protection from rain and cold.

SAS Roamer Diabetic Comfort Loafer

These slip-on loafers have a wide, slip-on heel and a velcro strap with extra padding to minimize rubbing. They are designed to be as comfortable and supportive as possible for diabetics, while still being cute and fashionable.

This makes them a good choice for anyone who wants to stay independent and still dress with confidence when out and about.

SAS is a brand that is known for offering maximum comfort, and they have delivered that once again with this stylish set of loafers for women. These shoes will look great with a dress or a suit.

Most Common Foot Problems Experienced by Seniors

• Arthritis: It can cause feet to be swollen and painful. Gout and rheumatoid arthritis can lead to foot deformities that can make each step painful.
• Bunions: Bunions occur if you have a misaligned bone or bony growth at the bottom of the big toe. It can cause the big toe to start turning inward toward the small toe and the bone can become incredibly painful.
• Heel Pain: If heel pain is chronic, it can be annoying and some may even brush it off as a simple inconvenience. Unfortunately, it can make simple activities such as walking quite a struggle.
• Diabetes: It tends to disrupt circulation to the feet or reduce feeling in the feet. People with diabetes may also have sores on the feet that simply won’t heal.

Orthopedic Shoes to Address Foot Problems in Seniors

Walking and staying active are an essential part of a healthy foot care regimen. Moving helps keep your muscles strong and helps you maintain a steady weight.

Wearing orthopedic shoes is a great way to improve mobility and minimize foot pain and maintain healthy feet.

Final Thoughts

The right orthopedic shoes can help with some of the most common foot problems that seniors suffer from and provide exceptional arch support.

With the right heel support, orthopedic shoes can prevent heel pain and support the ankle for the right posture when walking. If you have foot problems, consider trying out the shoes featured here.