Specialist shoes for the elderly

Shoes for older adults

Older people are more susceptible to foot problems and pain, so it is important for people in this age group to have specialist shoes that make walking not only more comfortable, but also safer to avoid falls. Here, we are looking at why specialist shoes are so crucial for older adults, common foot problems they could help with, what features older people should look for in their shoes, the benefits of specialist shoes, how to choose the right pair for your feet, and how to take a proactive approach to foot health.

At Home Instead, our aim is to help people age positively and in place by bringing expert care to their home. For nearly 20 years, we have been providing the highest standard of care, and creating industry-leading training programmes for our Care Professionals that are accredited by nursing and medical professionals. Today, we are the world’s largest global domiciliary care network, supporting over 100,000 older adults with personalised, tailored care at home. So whatever questions you have about foot care and shoes for older people, we can help.

What are some of the most common foot problems older people face? 

Some of the most common foot problems found in older adults include: 

Bunions

Bunions, otherwise known as hallux valgus, are a common issue, and become more common with age – a 2025 study found bunions affect 1 in 5 people to some degree, and become more common in people over the age of 40. The risk may increase to 35% for those over the age of 65, according to Orthopaedic Research UK. 

Bunions develop around points of pressure on feet, and can cause pain and discomfort when walking or wearing restrictive shoes. They are caused by things like genetics, abnormal foot mechanics, and joint hypermobility, and can cause stiffness, pain and/or swelling in the big toe. 

Your GP or podiatrist can help to treat bunions, but orthotic devices and specialist shoes may be recommended to ensure your feet have adequate room, and that you can still move around without pain or discomfort. Footwear should always fit well, and lace-up footwear can provide extra room if feet become wider due to bunions. 

Corns and Calluses 

Corns and calluses are hardened, thicker areas of skin on the foot that are created by constant pressure or rubbing of the skin on a particular area. Studies find that corns and calluses are some of the most commonly reported foot conditions in older adults.

Although they are not always visible, corns and calluses can appear as discoloured or darkened skin patches, and can sometimes be painful when in contact with shoes, so specialist shoes can make this more comfortable. Your GP or podiatrist may also recommend insoles or pads applied to the affected area to provide cushioning. 

Particularly painful or uncomfortable corns or calluses can be cut out by a podiatrist, or the skin can be treated to soften them. It helps to begin wearing cushioned socks and wide, specialist shoes as early as you can to avoid corns or calluses, and if you already have them, specialist shoes can help to relieve the pressure. 

Toenail Issues 

Although seemingly insignificant, toenail problems can actually have a major impact on comfort and mobility of older people, and one study even found nail discolouration, thickness and dryness are some of the most commonly reported foot disorders by older adults. 

Studies suggest nails can become thicker, more brittle, misshapen, and discoloured over time, and they require regular nail care to stay healthy. In around 50% of cases, onychomycosis is the problem, which is a fungal nail condition. Older people could also have onychorrhexis (when nails split and become brittle, flakey or soft), or ingrown toenails (when the toenail grows in an irregular way and causes pain). 

Your GP or podiatrist can recommend treatments for any of the above, but you can avoid them by taking proactive care of your nails. If you cannot do this alone, you can ask a loved one or a caregiver to help you manage them, such as our Home Instead Care Professionals who provide regular visits for nail maintenance at home. Specialist shoes could also stop restricting toes and make toenail issues less painful. 

You can read more about this in our guide to hand, foot and nail care for the elderly.

Arthritis 

61% of those aged 65 and olderlive with a musculoskeletal condition such as arthritis, and osteoarthritis is also one of the most common causes of foot issues for older people. It affects around 10% of men and 13% of women over the age of 60, and the ankle joint and big toe tend to be the first areas to be affected by this degenerative condition. 

Osteoarthritis can affect many areas of the body, but in the feet older people may experience pain, stiffness, loss of mobility, tenderness, restricted movement or weakness. These symptoms can be signs of osteoarthritis. You should speak to your GP about any symptoms you have, and discuss medications and treatments that could help. Your doctor may also recommend specialist shoes to make walking and balancing safer for you in everyday life. 

You can read more in our guide to living with arthritis.

Plantar Fasciitis 

Plantar fasciitis is another common foot problem found in older people, typically between ages 40 and 60. This causes inflammation in the band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes, causing symptoms like heel pain, or stiffness and pain in the arch of the foot, particularly during the first few steps you take each morning or after a long period of sitting. 

Plantar fasciitis is usually caused by general wear and tear over the years, but there are treatments available. Your GP or a podiatrist may recommend specific stretches, physical therapy, applying ice to the area, medication, resting, or orthotic devices. They may also recommend specialist shoes with adequate arch support. Worn preemptively, these shoes can also help to avoid plantar fasciitis developing in future.  

Diabetes 

Older adults are more likely to develop diabetes, which is a chronic condition characterised by high levels of glucose in the blood that affects around 4.4 million adults in the UK. Diabetes can cause symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, dizziness or fainting, headaches, and an increased appetite. 

Involving the feet, one side effect of diabetes is that often wounds will take longer to heal, or there may be tingling in the feet due to nerve damage. Nerve damage, or neuropathy, can also lead to foot ulcers, so as well as other diabetes treatments and methods of management recommended by your doctor, you may also be advised to wear specialist shoes that will help to maintain balance and mobility if you experience loss of feeling in your feet. Older adults with diabetes should have their feet checked daily to resolve any issues earlier and keep an eye on any injuries. Even the smallest cut can lead to deteration of limb health, so this is very important.

You can read more about this in our guide to diabetes in the elderly.

Foot Deformities

Foot deformities such as hammertoe (one of the most common) can cause abnormal foot structures or bends in joints that can lead to further issues like corns or calluses, and can make walking difficult and uncomfortable for older people who suffer from these. One study found toe deformities are one of the most common causes of foot pain, particularly in older adults in their 70s and 80s, and these usually occur due to an imbalance in the muscles within the foot and the leg. 

Although sometimes these can be treated with surgery to realign joints, your doctor may recommend stretches, toe pads, splints and specialist shoes to relieve some of the discomfort of foot deformities.

Ill-fitting shoes are thought to be one of the causes of foot deformities like hammertoe, so starting to wear specialist shoes early can help you to avoid these forming in the first place. Well-fitting shoes with a wide toe box can give feet plenty of room and comfort. 

Older people may also suffer from swelling in their legs or feet, which requires a larger shoe to provide extra room, so if this is a regular occurrence, having a larger size shoe or slippers for wearing around the home can help.

You can read more in our guide to common foot problems in the elderly.

What are the benefits of specialist shoes for older people? 

Older people can get many benefits from opting for specialist shoes that are well-fitting and accommodate any issues they have. Choosing the right footwear can:

• Enhance their mobility and balance, making movement and walking easier 
• Enhance their independence by making walking easier and more enjoyable
• Boost their health and fitness by maintaining their ability to move around easily
• Reduce their risk of tripping or falling, which enhances their safety 
• Provide additional comfort throughout the day
• Support long-term foot and joint health 
• Prevent serious complications of conditions such as diabetes, by preventing complications like ulcers or infections 

How to choose specialist shoes

If you or an older loved one would like a pair of specialist shoes, it is usually best to get measured and fitted by a professional so they can advise you on foot size, the best shape for your shoes based on what you need them for, and likely age-related changes. They should be able to arrange for custom made insoles or orthotics if needed. 

When choosing shoes, make sure they are made with durable, high-quality materials for long lasting support, and try to test the shoes indoors to feel how comfortable they are before you commit to them. If you know what activity you need them for, try to choose appropriate shoes for this. For example, if you want to do a lot more outdoor walking, choose shoes made for this purpose. Or if you simply want specialist slippers for wearing around the house, look for these instead of outdoor shoes. 

If your older relative is looking for specialist shoes, it may help to accompany them to fittings and shops to give them a second opinion on style and fit. You should also keep an eye on the condition of their shoes over time and suggest they purchase new ones if they become worn and unsupportive over time. 

There are a number of specialist shoe shops in the UK that cater to older people with and without foot problems, such as:

• Chums – Chums is a clothing and homeware brand that has a specialist footwear range. Many of their shoes have touch fastening and elasticated inserts to make them comfortable and easy to put on, and they offer a range of both standard and wide fitting shoes. 
• Shuropody – Part shoe shop and part podiatry clinic, Shuropody has fully qualified, HCPC registered podiatrists in every store so older people can benefit from free foot health checks, foot baths, and biomechanical assessments to ensure you get the exact shoes that fit your feet. 
• Pavers – Pavers is known for their range of shoes that include wide fit, slip ons, lace up, memory foam, and walking and hiking shoes, so there are a lot of options for older people who want more roomy, comfortable footwear. 
• ShoeMed – The goal behind ShoeMed was to create a place for people to go who experienced foot problems and difficulty finding shoes. ShoeMed provides everything from specialist shoes to fitting aids and inserts, so whatever your foot health needs are, they may be able to help.
• Cosyfeet – The mission behind Cosyfeet is to make “attractive, extra roomy footwear for swollen feet”, and they now have a range of products that include comfortable socks and hosiery, mobility products, and more.
• Independence Ltd. – With clothing and home aids for people living with disabilities, Independence Ltd. has a range of footwear designed for people who need additional comfort and support from their shoes, particularly if they have swollen or painful feet.
• Vionic Shoes – Although their shoes are high-quality, it is the Vionic insoles that may be most beneficial to older adults. Their range includes orthotics designed by podiatrists so older people who order from them can rest assured they are getting insoles for their exact needs. 

When it comes to which shoes are best, Age UK suggests well-fitting footwear that reduces risk of falls and future conditions, with high sides, low heels, thin soles and good grip. It helps to prioritise brands that offer a home trial or online ordering with easy returns, so you can try them on at home where you feel comfortable, and send them back if need be. Try on any shoes later in the day when any arthritis swelling has had a chance to go down, and bring orthotics or insoles with you to see if they fit in your new potential shoes. 

Keep in mind that certain NHS services or healthcare providers will recommend specialist footwear to you, so if you are not sure how to pay for these yourself, reach out to your doctor to find out other ways to obtain these. 

If you are helping an older loved one with shoe selection, involve them in the process so they have a say in the level of comfort that shoes are providing, and their aesthetic appeal. While it is important to prioritise their health, it is also crucial to listen to their opinions and preferences. Encourage them to consult a podiatrist to get the most accurate advice on what the best shoes will be for their health needs. By ensuring they have the right shoes, older adults can feel safer, more comfortable, and can maintain their independence at home. 

How else can older people be proactive about foot health?

Older people can benefit from taking a proactive approach to their foot health by regularly maintaining foot hygiene, nail care, and managing dry or cracked skin on feet by buffing and moisturising as needed. If signs of fungal infections arise, these should be dealt with as soon as possible to prevent further issues, and older people should see a podiatrist regularly to ensure their feet remain in good health. 

For those with diabetes, this is especially important, along with regular checks from caregivers to ensure there are no cuts or injuries that could lead to infections, or diabetes-related neuropathy. 

When it comes to footwear, padded, breathable socks and appropriate shoes as described above can help to keep feet healthy and comfortable, while preventing falls. Our friendly, knowledgeable Care Professionals may be able to help in a number of ways, such as:

• Advising on foot health and shoe selection depending on medical and care needs
• Accompanying an older individual to shoe shops for fittings
• Helping to order specialist shoes online, try them on, and return any that do not fit
• Providing regular foot checks for signs of injuries or infections
• Providing nail care to avoid issues like ingrown toenails
• Providing personal care for foot hygiene 
• Assisting with putting on and removing shoes

Reach out to your local Home Instead office to discuss how we may be able to help you or your loved one. We’re an award-winning home care provider and part of a worldwide organisation devoted to providing the highest-quality relationship-led care for older people in their own homes. Arranging care for yourself or your loved one shouldn’t be stressful, so whatever questions you would like answered, feel free to reach out to the Home Instead team to discuss your needs.