The Best Slip-on Shoes for Women Over 50, According to Podiatrists—They Start at Just $44!
Find out if the popular—and stylish—Skechers slip-on shoes make the list
Key Takeaways
- Slip-on shoes without proper support can worsen foot, knee and back pain
- Doctors recommend slip-ons with arch support, deep toe box and cushioning
- Budget-friendly slip-ons from Skechers and Allbirds get podiatrist approval
If you’re often in a rush to get out the door or simply too achy to bend down and tie laces, a pair of slip-on shoes can feel like, well… your sole mate. Yet sometimes the low-effort kicks seem to cause or worsen foot pain, knee pain or back pain—especially for those of us over age 50.
“The issue is that without laces, it’s harder to fine-tune the fit,” says Bobby Pourziaee, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and surgeon fondly known as “the High Heel Doctor.” Soft or flimsy slip-ons lack support, and they can make you prone to tripping and serious injuries, adds Samantha Landau, DPM, professor at New York College of Podiatric Medicine. The good news: There are walking shoe options that balance slip-on convenience with great construction—and the docs have agreed to share their favorites, starting with three winners that won’t break the bank.
Affordable slip-on shoes recommended by foot doctors
These are the budget-friendly styles the docs recommend most often (pricing and availability may change):
Woman's World Answers
Skechers GO WALK Flex Slip-On Shoes
These shoes are “lightweight, breathable and use cushioned foam midsoles and supportive insoles designed for all-day walking comfort,” says Dr. Pourziaee. They’re great for errands and even travel. Price: As low as $44 on Amazon.
ALLSWIFTIT Slip-Ons
This comfy and affordable brand “provides good cushioning, although I often recommend pairing the shoes with a more supportive insole for improved stability,” says Dr. Landau. Price: About $51 on Amazon.
Allbirds Tree Dasher Relay
With a cushioned running-style midsole, this one “feels closer to a performance shoe than most casual slip-ons,” says Dr. Pourziaee. “The stretchy knit also accommodates mild bunions or wider forefeet well.” It’s a great choice for women who struggle to find comfortable shoes that fit properly. Price: As low as $70 on Amazon.
Splurge slip-on shoes for women worth the price
If you have extra pennies to spare, these slip-on sneakers offer features that experts love:
Nike Go FlyEase
This unique sneaker is designed “so you can step in and out without using your hands at all, which can be helpful for people with mobility or balance issues,” says Dr. Pourziaee. Despite the easy-on design, “it still provides athletic cushioning and structure similar to a training shoe.” Yes, this one’s a bit pricier. But the innovative design may make it worth the extra cost for women with arthritis, limited flexibility or anyone who wants maximum convenience without sacrificing support. Price: On sale for $90 at Nike.com.
Orthofeet Naya Hands-free Walking Sneaker
This brand “is designed with foot health in mind and provides a deep toe box and therapeutic-level comfort, making them especially appropriate for arthritis or plantar heel pain,” says Dr. Landau. Price: About $109 on Amazon.
Hoka Skyward Laceless
“For patients who need more cushioning, this option provides a wide base and significant shock absorption, which can be very helpful for individuals with back or knee arthritis,” says Dr. Landau. Price: About $175 at Zappos.com.
Want more options? Use this checklist to find great slip-on shoes
When assessing any slip-on shoe, here’s what experts suggest focusing on to find ones that’ll keep your tootsies and whole body happy:
Check the arch support
Good arch support helps distribute pressure evenly and prevents your foot from rolling inward too much, which can lead to plantar fasciitis and knee pain. When you put a shoe on, you should feel even, gentle support under the arch—not an aggressive “bump.” And when you stand on one leg, the shoe shouldn’t let your arch collapse noticeably (and your big toe shouldn’t feel forced to grip).
Check the toe
“A deep and wide toe box is essential.” says Dr. Landau. “This allows the toes to splay naturally and helps prevent and reduce pressure on bunions, hammertoes and arthritic joints.”
Check the heel
You want a shoe that keeps your heel centered and prevents it from rolling inward or outward with each step. Try the shoe on and make sure it doesn’t feel loose in the heel area. The heel should also be at least a smidge higher than the toe, from 5 mm to 12 mm (which is equal to the height of two to three stacked nickels). “An overly flat design can increase strain on the Achilles tendon and calf,” notes Dr. Landau.
Check for just enough stretch
Dr. Landau says you want the “upper” or top part of the shoe to have enough give to accommodate a little swelling in your feet while still holding your foot in place over the center of the shoe.
Check for adequate cushioning
Adequate cushioning absorbs shock and reduces impact on your joints, especially important for concrete sidewalks and hard floors. “Cushioning should be ample but there shouldn’t be so much of it you feel unstable,” notes Dr. Landau.
Check the bottom
It’s not just about how good a shoe feels. The bottom of the shoe, says Dr. Landau, “should provide reliable traction to reduce slip risk.”
A nice bonus: “Many well-designed slip-ons also feature removable insoles, which allows patients to insert a custom orthotic or supportive over-the-counter insole, significantly improving biomechanics and comfort,” says Dr. Landau.
The right pair of slip-on shoes is out there waiting for you
Use this guide to find slip-ons that look good, feel good and protect your health. Happy shoe hunting!
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