4 Podiatrists Told Me the Best Walking Shoes for Women Over 50
Stylish and good for you, too.
By Tatiana Boncompagni
Published on May 8, 2026 @ 01:00AM
THE GIST
Work to Weekend: A supportive shoe that works at the office and at brunch with the girls? Look no further than Elizée's Gemma Flat.
Shopping for shoes you can actually walk in can feel like a game of chance. Heads, and the shoes that felt great in the store, prove to be just as comfy and supportive as you thought they would be once you’ve put some mileage on them. Tails, and it turns out you’ve bought yourself a pair of torture devices masquerading as footwear.
After 50, if it feels like it’s gotten harder to win that game, you aren’t imagining things. As we age, changes like the loss of natural cushioning, foot widening, or the development of bunions or hammertoes can make it even more important how your shoes support and fit your foot, says Priya Parthasarathy, a podiatrist based in Silver Spring, Maryland.
“I always tell women, especially over 50, to think of shoes as part of their wellness routine. The right pair can help you stay active, prevent injury, and maintain independence, and you should never have to sacrifice style to get that support,” she says.
Whether you’re looking for sneakers, office shoes, or sandals, we've curated the best walking shoes for women over 50, along with expert recommendations for specific foot types and concerns.
Top Picks
MOST VERSATILE:
Elizée Gemma Flat at Elizeeshoes.com — $515
There’s no question that ballerina flats look great with everything from jeans to midi skirts and can be dressed up and down. They are the ultimate closet hero, except that they often fall short on structure and have a too-narrow toe box.
“Unsupportive flat shoes can contribute to Plantar Fasciitis due to lack of cushioning and arch support,” adds Marcela Correa, a licensed medical pedicurist based in New York City.
The Gemma flat from Elizée, a footwear brand best known for its comfortable high heels, features a roomy toe box, soft lining, and a removable insert that provides pressure-point support, shock-absorbing cushioning, and added stability.
Worth Noting: These flats are an investment given their higher price point. Given their high-quality construction—they are handmade in Italy with nappa leather—we recommend considering the cost per wear versus the sticker price.
Material: Nappa leather | Size: 6–10.5 | Width: Regular
The following experts spoke to InStyle for this article:
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Marcela Correa is a New York City-based founder and owner of Medi Pedi NYC and a licensed medical pedicurist.
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Elizabeth Daughtery, DPM, is a board-certified foot surgeon and podiatrist based in Dunn, North Carolina.
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Michelle McCool is a luxury personal stylist and the founder of the website mccoolstyle.com.
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Priya Parthasarathy, DPM, is a Silver Spring, Maryland-based podiatrist and president of the Maryland Podiatric Medical Association.
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Sari Priesand, DPM, is a podiatrist and clinical associate professor of podiatry at the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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Anne Sharkey, DPM, is a double board-certified podiatrist in Austin, Texas.