Experts Recommend These 7 Running Shoes for Women Over 50
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If you are a runner over 50 years old, you likely already know the shoes that worked for you years ago may not be the right choice anymore. The best running shoes for women over 50 should offer the right balance of cushioning , support , and stability to help you keep logging miles comfortably. It's not that your feet are fundamentally different, but rather that your shoe priorities have to change to take into account your aging body and joints.
"As we age, the ligaments and tendons that support the foot naturally lose some elasticity," explains Priya Parthasarathy, D.P.M ., a podiatrist at Foot and Ankle Specialists of Mid-Atlantic. "For many people, that means the arch lowers slightly and the foot becomes a bit longer and wider."
These changes can affect not only the size of shoe you need but can also cause potential injuries and ailments without the proper shoe. Anne Sharkey, D.P.M. , podiatrist and founder of Solely Podiatry in Austin, warns that plantar fasciitis , Achilles tendon pain, forefoot pain, and bunions are all potential problems to look out for. "Women over 50 should be finding a shoe that fits well, matches their individual biomechanics and, most importantly, is comfortable to wear," she advises.
So, where to start? We've compiled a list of running shoes our experts recommend for women over 50, along with specific criteria to take into consideration when shopping for your particular body and foot needs.
The Best Running Shoes for Women Over 50
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Best Overall: New Balance Fresh Foam x 880v15
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Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Kuru Atom 2
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Best for Stability: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
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Best for Wide Feet: Altra FWD VIA 2
How we chose the best running shoes for women over 50
Prevention editors of all ages and fitness levels have been testing sneakers for years and provided their favorite fits for women over 50. We have included top picks from Senior Commerce Editor Charlotte Finigan , Associate Commerce Editor Hannah Jeon , Assistant Editor Jenn Gonick , contributing Senior Shopping Editor Samantha Jones , and former Deputy Digital Director Emily Goldman . We also spoke with Priya Parthasarathy , D.P.M., podiatrist and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA); and Anne Sharkey , D.P.M., podiatrist, owner, and founder of Solely Podiatry in Austin, to help bring you the best running shoe models for women over 50.
1) New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15
For an everyday running shoe that checks all the boxes, Parthasarathy recommends the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15. Its soft midsole provides plenty of cushioning, while the neutral design makes it a versatile option for runners who don't need additional stability features. It also comes in a range of widths, which can be particularly helpful—as feet can become wider with age. "It fits multiple foot types and provides great shock absorption," Parthasarathy says.
New Balance's Fresh Foam line is also beloved by our editors for its lightweight, responsive cushion. Senior Shopping Editor Samantha Jones called it "a best-in-class sneaker that delivers shock absorption, bounce, and a lightweight ride for nearly every age and activity level." Plus, the wide variety of color options to help keep you stylish on-the-go certainly don't hurt. Her only con: they're not super well-ventilated so not ideal for summer running.
- Supportive cushioning
- Also great for walking
- Variety of widths
- Not very ventilated
2) Kuru Atom 2
Plantar fasciitis and the heel pain that comes along with it is a common complaint among women over 50, Sharkey says. "Choose a shoe that has adequate cushioning, arch support, and a secure heel counter to help reduce excessive strain on the plantar fascia," she explains.
Her pick? The Kuru Atom 2, which combines ample cushioning and a structured heel designed to securely cradle the foot. It also has a 10 mm heel-to-toe drop, meaning the heel sits slightly higher than the front of your foot. This number falls securely within the range Sharkey recommends for those dealing with plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendon pain. But at 11.4 oz, this pair does run heavier than most other running shoes, which might not be ideal for long distances.
- Designed for heel pain relief
- Versatile for everyday wear
- Great arch support
- Heavier than other running shoes
3) Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
If your ankles tend to roll inward as you run, a stability shoe like the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 may help. "For flatter feet that pronate, [look] for a stability shoe or motion control shoe," Sharkey says. The Adrenaline uses Brooks's GuideRails support system, which is designed to limit excess movement and increase stability, while still remaining lightweight.
Prevention Senior Commerce Editor Charlotte Lewis Finigan also recommended this particular pair of shoes, calling it a "true standout in Brooks's lineup," for how well it performed in her cardio classes and alleviated joint pain before it started. "As someone with weak ankles (I sprained both of them a few years back at the same time and they have yet to reach full strength again), I love the extra assist in keeping my knee and ankle aligned to prevent injury."
- Excellent for flat feet
- Lightweight and breathable
- Guiderails help with stability
- Not suitable for high arches
- Not available in wide widths
4) Altra FWD Via 2
As feet can become wider as you age, a roomy toe box can help prevent your toes from feeling cramped while you run. Parthasarathy particularly likes Altra shoes for their shape and fit. "I love recommending these shoes for patients with neuromas and bunions because they are wide but the heel is not too wide," she says.
The Altra FWD Via 2—Parthasarathy's favorite from the brand—features Altra's roomiest toe box, even while maintaining a more secure fit through the midfoot and heel. It also offers plenty of cushioning to absorb impact, along with a rocker shape designed to promote a smooth stride and engineered mesh to help keep everything breathable. However, its low heel-to-toe drop means it might put additional strain on your calves and might not be best for those with plantar fasciitis.
- Roomy toe box
- Secure, stable fit
- Great shock absorption for joint pain
- Low heel-to-toe drop not good for those with plantar fasciitis
5) Hoka Clifton 11
We frequently recommend Hoka's Clifton shoes at Prevention —and for good reason. For women over 50, Parthasarathy specifically suggests the Clifton 11, which, she notes, "offer[s] lightweight cushion and a rocker bottom, which can be helpful with arthritic changes, but can take some getting used to."
It's lightweight and cushioned, making it ideal for both walking and running. And our editors swear by it for the comfort, style, and versatility. "With its lightweight feel and pillowy-soft cushioning, I'm not surprised that these sneakers have the APMA Seal of Acceptance," writes Associate Commerce Editor Hannah Jeon . "They are well-fitting, roomy but still secure, breathable, lightweight, and impact-absorbing for an easy stride."
- Lightweight cushioning good for all day wear
- Roomy toe box
- Neutral support good for most foot types
- Rocker outsole takes getting used to
6) Brooks Glycerin 23
For runners who prioritize comfort, Parthasarathy recommends the Brooks Glycerin 23, which she says "offers a roomy toe box with a secure heel." That combination gives your toes room to move without allowing your foot to slide around inside the shoe.
The Glycerin 23 also offers plenty of cushioning to absorb impact while you run, keeping joints comfy even for long distances. Our Assistant Editor Jenn Gonick took a pair for an extensive walking trip to London and was impressed by how little she ached at the end of her 20,000-step days. "I could feel the cushioned soles literally propelling me forward with each step, making it easier to walk faster," she wrote . "They also absorbed shock with every landing, so I was ready to take right off again, which I particularly appreciated (especially while ascending countless flights of stairs during a cathedral climb!)."
- Extremely secure fit
- Absorbs impact
- Roomy toe box
- Rocker sole can require an adjustment period
How to choose the best running shoes for women over 50
âś“ Fit."This is arguably the most important thing to look for," says Sharkey. "There should be a thumb's width of space between the longest toe and the front of the shoe."She adds that your toes should have enough room to spread without being compressed, while your heel should feel snug and secure without slipping.
âś“ Cushioning.As the natural cushioning on the bottom of the foot thins with age, additional shock absorption from your shoes can become particularly important. But more isn't necessarily better. "You want a stable base but increased shock absorption," says Parthasarathy. "Max cushion isn't always better."
âś“ Your foot type.Not every runner needs the same type of shoe. Parthasarathy recommends you choose "the right type of running shoe for your foot type (neutral, supinated, pronated) and activity."If you're unsure what that means for you, she recommends visiting a podiatrist for personalized guidance.
âś“ Heel-to-toe drop. Pay attention to the difference in height between the heel and front of the shoe, particularly if you're switching to a dramatically different style. "Any transition into low- or zero-drop shoes should be done gradually over a period of two to three months," Sharkey says. She notes that a higher drop may be helpful for those with plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendon pain, while a lower drop may help alleviate pressure on the knees.
âś“ Orthotic-friendly.If you wear orthotics, or if you think you may need additional support down the road, Parthasarathy recommends you look for "a shoe with a removable insert so you can add more customized support as needed, such as custom orthotics."
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