Most of us have owned a favourite pair of shoes that seemed to go with everything. They were comfortable, familiar and probably moulded perfectly to our feet after years of wear.
The problem is that what feels comfortable is not always what is best for our bodies.
The shoes we wear every day play a surprisingly important role in how we move, how stable we feel and even how much energy we have at the end of the day. Poor footwear choices can contribute to sore knees, aching hips, lower back pain and fatigue, while supportive shoes can make everyday activities feel easier and more comfortable.
The good news is that most people do not need expensive orthopaedic footwear or custom-made shoes. For many Australians over 60, a well-chosen pair of standard retail shoes can provide all the support they need.
Here is what to look for next time you head shoe shopping.
Start with support, not softness
One of the biggest mistakes shoppers make is assuming that the softest shoe is automatically the best shoe.
While a heavily cushioned sole can feel wonderful for the first few minutes in a store, shoes that are too soft can sometimes provide very little support or stability once you start walking longer distances.
A good everyday shoe should feel comfortable without allowing your foot to roll excessively from side to side. Think stable rather than squishy.
Check the heel counter
The heel counter is the firm section that wraps around the back of the shoe and holds your heel in place.
Give it a squeeze with your fingers. If it collapses easily, the shoe may not provide enough support for regular walking.
A firmer heel counter helps reduce unnecessary movement and can improve stability, particularly on uneven surfaces such as footpaths, parks and shopping centres.
Look for grip underneath
Slips and falls become a greater concern as we age, making grip one of the most important features of any shoe.
Take a look at the sole. A smooth or heavily worn sole may offer little traction, particularly on polished floors, wet surfaces or tiled areas.
A good sole should have visible tread patterns and feel secure underfoot.
Make sure there is room for your toes
Many people continue buying the same shoe size they wore in their forties, even though feet can change shape over time.
As we age, arches can flatten slightly and feet may become wider. A shoe that once fitted perfectly can gradually become restrictive.
Your toes should be able to move comfortably inside the shoe without feeling squeezed together or pressing against the front.
If you are shopping later in the day, even better. Feet naturally swell slightly throughout the day, so an afternoon fitting often provides a more realistic indication of comfort.
Test the flexibility
A supportive shoe should bend where your foot bends — across the ball of the foot.
If the entire shoe folds in half like a piece of cardboard, it may not provide enough support.
Likewise, if it feels completely rigid, it may make walking feel awkward or uncomfortable.
The ideal shoe strikes a balance between flexibility and structure.
Think about your lifestyle
The best shoe for a European holiday is not necessarily the best shoe for gardening, and the perfect walking shoe may not suit a long lunch with friends.
Many active older Australians benefit from having different footwear for different activities rather than relying on a single pair for everything.
A supportive walking shoe for daily exercise, a comfortable casual shoe for social outings and a sturdy option for outdoor jobs around the house can all earn their place in the wardrobe.
Replace shoes before they wear out completely
One of the most common footwear mistakes is hanging onto favourite shoes long after they have stopped doing their job.
The cushioning inside a shoe often breaks down well before the outside starts looking tired. Soles lose grip, support structures weaken and shoes can become less stable without us noticing the gradual change.
If a pair is noticeably worn on one side, has lost its tread or no longer feels as supportive as it once did, it may be time to retire it.
The bottom line
The right shoes will not solve every ache or pain, but they can make a real difference to comfort, confidence and mobility.
When shopping for your next pair, focus less on the logo and more on the fundamentals: support, stability, grip and fit.
Your feet carry you through thousands of steps every day. They deserve a little attention in return.
Editor’s Tip: If this feature has inspired a footwear refresh, you can browse a range of supportive everyday shoes through our retail partner before your next shopping trip. Click here for more.
