When it comes to shoe-wear, everybody wants to wear shoes that are not just stylish but also super-comfy and relaxing. But, as you get older, the style factor leaves your checklist and you’re inclined more towards being comfortable in whatever shoes you are wearing. Your priorities for shoes change as you age with time. Choosing the right footwear is as important as choosing your outfit, in fact more, because you have to move the most wearing them, without wanting to experience any discomfort.
However, discovering the best-fitting shoe in a shoe galore at your local store can be quite an intimidating task. You will find zipper, lace-tie, and adjustable straps all over the place that will complicate your mind. But, if you want to walk out of the store as a happy customer, your shoe must properly fit your feet from heel to toe as well as feel comfortable with your regular walking stride. When picking, however, you usually have a few minutes to examine the shoe and try on a couple of models. For this reason, we are here to help you pick the best shoes that won’t hurt your feet and keep the blisters at bay.
Look for comfort
Those long heels and modish sneakers might look striking but be sure they are no longer comfortable to you at this age. Comfort is the foremost thing you should look for in a shoe. Throw away those worn-out pair that no longer serve your elderly walking needs. A pair of shoes that don’t fit properly may cause fluctuation in balance, lead to discomfort, pain and blisters. Those who like air to pass through, can opt for shoe with a wide width that provides more room for comfort.
Make Sure the Pair is Supportive
If you are unable to walk right away in your shoes, count the pair out. An ideal pair of shoes for the seniors should be anatomically and orthopedically flat. A low heel is perfect to ensure maximum contact with between the ground and the feet as it keeps the walking stable and running smooth. High-heels or those that are more than one-inch off the ground could elevate the chances of tripping and twisting your ankle. Hence, seniors must prefer support over style.
Examine Its Sturdiness
Nothing is more important than the material of the shoe. A little flexibility is good but not to the point that it gets distorted. It might be hard to let go of your favorite pair of shoes but if they are not strong enough to stand the wear and tear of the rough ground, they are surely not worth-keeping. Avoid wearing shoes that feature a narrow sole or heels that do not provide enough support for comfortable and safe walking. Moreover, the soles should be shock absorbent and not flimsy.
Choose Non Skid Soles
A perfect shoe sole is one that prevents you from slipping and tripping while moving around. Since seniors become feeble with time; therefore, their shoes should not only be comfortable but must also have a grip on the soles. If the sole is not serving this purpose, then probably it’s time to change your shoes. Wear no-slip socks with good grip, if wearing shoes indoor is not preferable.
Go for Customized shoes
Changes in your health or age may also cause changes in your foot size. To your surprise, you may now require a completely different shoe-size than in the past. If you have tried on many pair of shoes and none fits properly, try measuring your foot size with the help of a professional. Now this will make your purchasing easy and will tell you the exact foot-size. Seniors dealing with health problems may need to have their shoes made on order as per their podiatrist’s instruction.
Understanding what to look for when choosing shoes for seniors can help you get the right pair in your hand. It might be a bit of a daunting task, but it’s worth all the time and efforts if they are a happy runner in the end.