If you are looking for running shoes for seniors, it’s a fantastic thing that you want to continue keeping yourself physically active and mentally in a good state. The US Department of Health and Human Services estimates that more than 80% of adults do not achieve the recommended daily level of muscle-strengthening exercises.
If you want the best shoes to run with more ease, look no further. We have compiled a list on some of the best running shoes for older runners based on reviews from other runners.
Best Running Shoes for Older Runners and Seniors Compared and Reviewed
Best Overall
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V10
Trail Suitable
ASICS Gel-Venture 8
Support & Cushion
Brooks Ghost 14
Best Cushioning
Brooks Glycerin 19
Best Value
Sketchers Afterburn Lace-Up Sneakers
1. New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V10
Key Features
- 50% Synthetic/50% Mesh
- Rubber outsole
- Ultra Heel Design
- Ortholite Sockliner
Reasons to buy
- It’s breathable and lightweight for seniors
- It provides snug and supportive feet
- It’s well-built and durable
- Offers good value for money
Reasons to avoid
- It’s relatively heavier but unnoticeable due to its impressive energy return
If you like to run or walk for exercise, the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V10 is the versatile shoe you need. It’s supportive and comfortable and especially useful for the elders who need good stability.
The first thing that captures the eyes is the aggressive rocker shape and an upturned heel and toe that make the shoe aesthetically pleasing. Besides, the shape enhances the heel-toe transition.
The fresh foam midsole is noticeably softer and bouncer which means more cushioned rides. If you love the cold morning runs, you will appreciate the Fresh Foam that’s impervious to cold.
The upper looks simple, but it’s the fit it provides that stands out according to users. It can stretch comfortably with the foot, and it should accommodate most feet shapes. Besides, the ortholite sockliner will help to keep your feet feeling fresh.
Beneath the midsole is a brown rubber that offers excellent traction and is durable without adding extra weight. You can find this shoe in a range of colors from Black/steel, Lead/Black, Aluminum white and more.
2. ASICS Gel-Venture 8 Running Shoes
Key Features
- 100% Synthetic
- Rearfoot Gel Cushioning system
- Removable sockliner
- Trail-specific outsole
- New outsole lug pattern enhances grip
Reasons to buy
- It provides good value for money
- It’s all-weather for the versatile runners
- They offer superb breathability
- Has a more accommodating forefoot fit
Reasons to avoid
- Some say the toe box should be wider
If you are much into running on rugged terrain, this shoe can be a great choice for you. It also works well for people with feet that bend outwards when running. Precisely, it’s meant for under and neutral pronation. The pair is designed to correct the feet’ posture so you can take any terrain without issues and can work with most feet.
The shoe features a powerful gel cushioning system that helps to attenuates shocks leading to a smooth transition to midstance. Many users love the transitioning the Asics shoes provide during high impact phases.
The upper section is made using synthetic mesh is highly flexible, allowing your feet to bend naturally. The durable mesh is also breathable enough to ensure a cool and healthy environment inside.
Plus, the insole is removable sockliner that allows you to insert your own customized orthotics. The toe box and plush collars offer the extra needed comfort and fit.
The AHAR outsole is made with durable abrasive rubber combined with reversed lugs to enhance traction, whether running uphill or downhill. Besides, the reversed lugs come in handy on slippery surfaces and when taking sharp corners.
3. Brooks Ghost 14 Running Shoe
Key Features
- Segmented Crash Pad
- BioMoGo DNA and DNA Loft cushioning
- 3D print Fit
- Mesh upper
- Rubber sole
Reasons to buy
- Numerous choices for colors, sizes, and widths
- It has a flexible outsole
- Offers impressive impact resistance
Reasons to avoid
- The toe box is narrower
Brooks is a famous brand that’s been trading for over a century and Ghost 14 is one of their latest running shoe, available for men and women in a range of sizes and colors.
The Brooks Ghost 14 ranks high due to its roomier toe box and simplified midsole construction that makes rides more fun. This shoes has been certified by PDAC A5500 Diabetic and granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
The cushioning features Patented BioMoGo DNA and DNA Loft, which combine to create a soft cushioning on the underfoot with every stride. Because the foam is used throughout the entire foot, you get superb impact absorption just when you need it.
The shoe also integrates the Segmented Crash Pad, a system of shock absorbers that ensure a smooth transition from heel to toe with each footstrike. Moreover, it has carbonized rubber tread that’s durable and offers unmatched traction on slippery surfaces.
Since the shoes are recommended for neutral support, they are a great choice for runners over 50 who might be experiencing joint pain and looking for more support.
Brooks designed these kicks with a 3D Fit Print on the uppers to ensure enough stretch and structure, as well as a breathable mesh that hugs the feet comfortably.
4. Brooks Glycerin 19
Key Features
- DNA Loft cushioning
- DNA Loft transition zone
- The ortholite sock liners enhance step-in comfort
- 3D Fit and mesh upper enhance fit and breathability
- Synthetic sole
Reasons to buy
- Offers excellent comfort
- It has excellent traction
- It has a plush glove-like fit
- It offers a snug fit
Reasons to avoid
- A few users say it lacks much energy return
One of the best picks for older runners in the Brooks Glycerine 19, perhaps due to its impressive cushioning – it has plenty of it. The shoe has been designed with tons of DNA Loft cushioning that offers unparalleled plushness underfoot while keeping it responsive.
The midsole cushioning is further enhanced by a full-length rubber outsole that’s flexible and improves traction.
It also features an Ortholite sock liber that provides more comfort and a DNA Loft transition zone that makes the heel-to-toe transition amazingly smooth. The interior liner of the shoe feels plush and can expand with your stride. The brand’s 3D Fit Print combines with the mesh upper for fit with the double jacquard stretch mesh enhancing the structure and breathability.
If you need a shoe that performs well in many terrains, offers superb cushioning, and provides great support, the Brooks Glycerin 19 ticks all the boxes.
5. Sketchers Men’s Afterburn Lace-Up Sneaker
Key Features
- Mesh upper with leather and synthetic fabric that’s easy to clean.
- Memory foam insole for added comfort
- Slip-resistant rubber soles
- Lace-up sporty design
Reasons to buy
- Provides excellent traction in all weather conditions
- They are designed to provide maximum comfort while working out
- The mesh upper offers optimal breathability
- Cushioned comfort insole allowing you to wear them all day long
Reasons to avoid
- The midsole stability shank doesn’t provide as much flexibility as top-notch running shoes.
Whether you are looking for a pair of sneakers for hitting the gym or jogging, the Sketchers afterburn sneaker is your best option at this price point. These flexible training sneakers are cushioned for added comfort no matter how intense your workout is.
The padded heel provides extra shock absorption, which comes in handy when running on treacherous terrain.
Sketchers men’s afterburn sneakers have a non-slip rubber outsole that increases traction across all surfaces. You can wear these sneakers all day long, thanks to the cushioned midsole that makes them comfortable.
Sketchers rely on their in-house developed Articu-Lyte shock-absorbing system to support a flexible midsole for added comfort. These sneakers have a 1.5-inch heel drop which provides the right amount of support and balance.
6. Under Armour Assert 8 Running Shoes
Key Features
- Durable leather overlays that provide increased stability.
- Lightweight mesh upper provides easy breathability.
- The shaft measures low-top from the arch to deliver the optimal balance
- Compression-molded synthetic sole.
Reasons to buy
- They are custom-designed for runners who are after flexibility and additional cushioning.
- They provide an excellent value for money at the current price.
- They provide maximum balance without any compromises on breathability.
- They provide the best arch support for running or working out.
Reasons to avoid
- Some complained about the innersole being too light.
Under Armour offers their latest charged Assert 8 running shoes equipped with additional cushioning while still providing the required flexibility. These sneakers feature a lightweight mesh upper design with three optional colors and a digital print that increases breathability.
Under Armour relies on leather overlays to increase stability while locking in your midfoot for added balance when going either up or downhill.
These running shoes have EVA sock liners that provide a soft step-in comfort while working out. They also have custom-made midsole cushioning that relies on compression molding to shape the foam, improving durability and responsiveness while running.
The solid rubber outsole weighs less while covering high-impact zones for increased durability. These shoes are designed to provide a neutral balance between cushioning and flexibility, making them the perfect pair for senior runners. The charged cushioning midsole also provides energy return with every step for even greater responsiveness.
Factors We Considered For the Best Running Shoes for Older Runners and Seniors
Cushioning
It’s common for older runners to experience stiffer and less flexible joints. Our list includes well-padded shoes that remove the stress on feet, knees and hips, preventing injuries. A good pair with cushioned midsole should be ideal for absorbing impact and keeping your joints healthy.
Since running is associated with high impacts, the best shoes for seniors need to have a gel or foam for cushioning. Having additional padding can reduce the risk of conditions that result from excessive supination.
Size and Weight
Every runner, including seniors, needs to wear the best fitting shoes that offer a comfortable, snug fit. Having oversized or too tight shoes can add unnecessary pressure on the already weakened joints and muscles.
As a result, your ideal shoe needs to be secure, and all the toes need to get enough space at the front. This is especially important if you have issues with the metatarsal bone, a common problem with seniors. Older runners also need shoes that are lightweight to avoid muscle fatigue during running.
Breathability
Running shoes for older runners should allow col air inside to ensure comfort. Many models use an upper mesh construction that is breathable and flexible to enable smooth blood flow into the feet while running. Avoid shoe models whose laces are too tight, compromising the movement and blood flow while running.
Easy to Wear
Many seniors might be experiencing issues with mobility, and bending down can be too much work. As such, your shoes need to be easy to put on and off. While at it, ensure you check the lacing as some may be challenging to lace up. Some models these days are easy to lace up by pulling the lace instead of tying it up.
Traction
The conditions you’ll be running in should determine the type of shoe to choose. Many of the models included in this guide can be worn in different weather and serve as walking shoes.
The shoe should offer better grip and keep you stable if you run uphill, downhill, or in muddy terrain. A long-lasting outsole is necessary for older runners to ensure they don’t slip when running on slippery surfaces. Luckily, the shoes we’ve included in this guide should work for your needs.
Stability
Older runners are likely to lose balance, which can make the movement challenging. The foot positioning can become worse with age and tilt towards the inner or outer side of the foot. The shoes in this guide are designed to correct poor feet posture, including supination, neutral, or overpronation.
For seniors with severe foot issues, ensure to use a removable insole to customize your insert instead. Another feature we considered for the seniors is the rigidness around the heel collar, which is usually the padding on the top upper, the back, and sides. You want a model that offers a rigid heel counter to provide enough support and lock the foot in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance an older runner should run depends on their basic physiology. Runners continue to run their favorite distances sticking to either short or long distances. However, nothing is preventing a healthy jogger from running marathon distances.
The 10% rule is the major rule of the thumb, which states that if a runner is planning to increase his/her running distance, intensity, and time, they should add at most 10% in the distance, intensity, or time from week to week.
The most crucial features to be concerned with whenever shopping for older runners’ shoes are support and cushioning. Proper support will enhance the correct stride plus the running posture. This limits the chance of injury.
Besides, sufficient cushioning helps make up for a decrease in elasticity resulting from individuals getting older. This will also prevent wear and tear on the ankles, knees, and other joints, thus preventing injury.
Older runners should change their shoes between three to four hundred miles though it depends on the terrain they run. If the terrain is tough, they would have to change their shoes on or before three hundred miles.
To determine whether your shoes need a replacement, you only need to look at the sole’s tread. If worn down, your shoes need a replacement due to wearing out of cushioning and shock absorbency.
There is no rule for this since many runners continue running into their seventies and even eighties, which is reasonably high. Running possess tremendous benefits, including extending your lifespan.
However, older runners should take a break after long hours of exercise. One should increase their running distance by over ten percent every week to avoid overdoing the jogging.
Conclusion
Old age should not stop you from enjoying your daily runs. However, the shoes you choose will determine how your joints, ankles, and hip respond.
With so many brands making shoes, picking the suitable one for your needs can be difficult. Luckily, any of our picks will meet your needs as an old runner. Pay attention to cushioning because you need comfort more than anything else.
We hope you enjoyed reading our reviews and would love to hear about your experiences.
Marko Rakic is a trail runner and fitness enthusiast from Sydney, Australia. He is the lead writer for The Ultimate Primate and believes the best way to live a happy life is through constantly challenging yourself.
