Looking for the Best Running Shoes For Older Runners?
Whether you are a regular runner or only hit the pavement occasionally, getting the right shoe for your foot structure and stride is paramount. However, buying the right shoe is even more important if you’re an older runner because your joints lose elasticity with age.
The perfect Running Shoes For Older Runners for old runners should have good support and cushioning to compensate for that elasticity loss. However, selecting the best running shoes for older runners is a challenge because most shoes, including the not so good ones, are labeled “the best.”
To help you address the challenge, we picked the leading options and reviewed them. Keep reading to discover the best pieces for you.
Top 5 Running Shoes For Older Runners
OUR TOP PICK
The ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe is our first choice of Running Shoes For Older Runners because it is designed with excellent features that provide good cushioning, help with posture correction., and make older runners enjoy running.
1. ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe — Best Overall Running Shoes For Older Runners
ASICS opens our list of the best running shoes for seniors with this ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 6, a premium pair designed to make running for seniors easy and fun. We found the shoe very effective, especially for seniors who need to correct their feet posture. In addition to the top-of-the-range features, the shoe is also priced affordably.
This shoe is designed with Rearfoot GEL technology cushioning system that helps to provide superior comfort. The gel technology attenuates the shock during the impact phase so that you can enjoy a smooth heel-to-toe transition when running. To make the shoe more comfortable, it comes with a removable sockliner that allows you to insert custom orthotics for a personalized fit.
The shoe’s outsole has a trail-specific and high-abrasion rubber that provides excellent traction to help you overcome even the most challenging trails. Even if age is catching up with you, this shoe will help you to run faster, and overcome every terrain.
Specs
- Weight: 317 grams
- Drop: 10mm
- Pronation: Supination
- Outsole: Rubber
What We Like
- Designed using high-abrasion rubber outsole
- Gel cushioning that helps to absorb shock on impact
- Made with a meshed top for better breathability
- Has a large toe box that helps for better support
- Multi-pattern treads and rubber outsole for better traction
- Durable
What We Don’t Like
- Heavy
2. Brooks Ghost 11 Running Shoes For Older Runners – Runner Up
Brooks has stood out time and again as one of the best go-to brands for elderly runners who want to enjoy their running or walking time. With its lightweight construction, super cushioning and advanced features, this shoe has everything that a senior person would want to enjoy running.
The most notable thing about the shoe is its balanced and soft cushioning. Brooks used BioMoGo DNA and DNA loft midsole that takes the shape of your foot to absorb the shock that you get on impact. Furthermore, the insole is made from biodegradable material, which is a departure from the EVA models that can take more than 1000 years to decompose.
The outsole of the shoe is made to make running smooth and stable. No matter how your foot lands when running, the Segmented Crash Pad will absorb the shock so that every step feels smooth and natural. With a well-cushioned midsole and stabilizing outsole, you will find the transition from the heel-to-toe easy and enjoyable.
Specs
- Weight: 309 grams
- Drop: 12mm
- Outsole: Rubber
- Support: Neutral
What We Like
- Uses a meshed upper for enhanced breathability
- Balanced and soft providing excellent cushioning
- Designed for runners having medium to high-arch
- Made with environmentally friendly materials
- Durable
What We Don’t Like
- Heavy
- Shoelaces are short
3. Salomon Women’s Sonic Ra 2 W Running Shoes For Older Runners
Are you a senior lady and want a great shoe to help you enjoy your runs all the time? This Salomon Women’s RA Max-2 Sonic might be all that you need. It is a great pick for ladies who want to get more from their runs because it alleviates fatigue caused by impact on muscles and joints. Even with its top-of-the-range features, you will like the fact that the shoe is sold affordably.
The most outstanding thing about this shoe is its advanced cushioning. Salomon used VIBE technology to deliver a three-in-one combination of cushioning, durability, and responsiveness in the midsole. The midsole makes you feel comfortable and heel-to-toe translation smooth, meaning that you will be able to run faster without strain.
The outsole of the shoe is designed using blown rubber that gives your feet a plush feeling when running. The rubber and Contagrip lugs’ stickiness guarantees a secure grip to help you run efficiently on different surfaces. The shoe is particularly good for running on concrete and asphalt surfaces.
Specs
- Weight: 209.7 grams
- Drop: 8mm
- Outsole: Blown rubber
What We Like
- Designed with a responsive midsole
- Blown rubber and Contagrip cogs give the shoe a firm grip on
- concrete surfaces
- Meshed top for effective breathability
- Large toe box
- Affordable
What We Don’t Like
- Not very effective for trail running
4. Puma Speed Fusefit-600 Men’s Running Shoes For Older Runners
The next on our list is this Speed Fusefit-600 sneaker from Puma, a shoe designed to help you blend style and top performance. Like most PUMA products, this shoe was designed after years of research, which explains its outstanding design, awesome features, and popularity. The price is also pocket-friendly.
The company combines two cushioning technologies, PROFOAM and IGNITE to create a highly cushioned midsole for better support. The midsole gives a floating sensation and absorbs all the shock when running. Furthermore, the midsole is very responsive, helping to provide energetic rides so that your runs become less strenuous.
On the outsole, PUMA used Speedtraction technology, which has seen the shoe win global popularity. The outsole helps to provide additional cushioning to enhance comfort when running with the shoe and give you better traction when running out there.
The upper part is designed using FUSEFIT technology, a sock-like knitted mesh that provides a supportive wrap when running. Furthermore, it allows air to circulate easily and keep your feet feeling fresh when running out there.
Specs
- Weight: 311 grams
- Drop: 12mm
- Outsole: Rubber
What We Like
- Uses TPU heel counter to minimize overpronation
- Good cushioning from PROFOAM and IGNITE technologies
- Designed with a durable and comfortable mesh
- Excellent breathability
- Affordable
- Helps one to run faster
- Lightweight
What We Don’t Like
- The front is narrow
5. Saucony Men’s Cohesion 11 Running Shoes For Older Runners
Saucony is one of the respected footwear brands in the globe because it is driven by the focus to deliver quality and value to users. For seniors looking forward to enjoying better performance, the Cohesion 11 is designed with advanced technology to help them challenge themselves every day.
So, whether you are preparing for the next racing competition or simply want a jogging shoe for fitness, this is one great piece to consider. This shoe is designed to provide extra comfort and allow you to run for longer and faster. Using Saucony’s GRID (Ground Reaction Inertia Device) technology in the midsole, most vibrations will be absorbed to make the runs smooth and enjoyable.
Additionally, the midsole also contains foam to cushion your feet and make every stride stable. The shoe’s overall design is aimed at helping to keep the weight low so that you can feel natural and free. From the meshed top to thick midsole and rubber outsole, the materials used on the shoe makes it super light, and you can rely on it to continue running for hours without suffering from fatigue.
Specs
- Weight: 8 ounces
- Drop: 12mm
- Outsole: Carbon rubber outsole
What We Like
- Available in seven different colors
- Helps users to combines style and top performance
- Easy-to-use lace-up closure
- Cushioned footbed and padded collar for extra comfort
- A meshed top for enhanced breathability
- Lightweight and durable
- Affordable
What We Don’t Like
- Might not work for seniors with wide feet
Running Shoes For Older Runners Buying Guide
The musculoskeletal resilience of people reduces with age because of the progressive loss of elasticity in the ligaments and joints. This is why you should ensure to only pick the shoes with good cushioning and features to help reduce shock.
The shoes we have listed above are the best you can get In the market, and you might have already pinpointed the perfect piece for you. However, if you are still unsure about the piece to select, here are the things to look for.
Running Surface
To identify the right type of surface, make sure to focus on the terrain. For example, if you will be running out there in the trails, which can be slippery because of loose soil or wetness, it is advisable to select the shoe with strong cogs or treads.
The Weight Of The Shoes
When people set off running, some of the common objectives include finishing races faster or running for longer periods. If the shoes you select are heavy, they are likely to make you feel as if some weights have been attached to the feet, making you get tired fast or run at a slow speed.
The best running shoes for senior runners should be light and comfortable to use. The lovely thing about it is that advanced technologies, such as BioGoMo and Rearfoot GEL technology, make it easy to design lightweight shoes without compromising their effectiveness.
Shoe Size
When buying shoes for running, it is imperative to ensure that they are of the right size. If the shoes are small, they are likely to result in severe pain, deformed bones, and poor performance. To determine the shoe’s right size, start by measuring your foot and then add a small allowance because human feet expand during the day and when running.
If you are unsure of the allowance to include, consider measuring and buying the shoes in the evening when the feet have expanded significantly. You can also ask a local shoe stockist to measure your feet.
Support and Comfort
The best running shoes for seniors should be comfortable to wear and provide support to all foot parts. Look for the shoe model with good cushioning to help absorb shock when running and compensate for the lost muscle elasticity.
With good cushioning, you are sure that the shoe can help to reduce the wearing and tearing of key joints, including the hip and knees.
The shoe should also have a well designed and breathable top. Check closer to ensure that the top is well meshed to allow air to pass to the foot when running. The top should also be comfortable and hug the foot for a plush feel when running.
Durability
People consider running shoes important investments and look forward to picking models that can last over a long time. A durable shoe should have an outsole designed with tough material, such as rubber, to ensure it can survive the punishing running schedule on street pavements of trails in the wood.
Other things that can help your shoe to last longer include:
- Firmly designed top
- Properly done joints
- Long-lasting cushioning
- Well-cushioned collar and tongue
Final Thoughts Regarding Running Shoes For Older Runners
Running as a senior, whether for competition or fitness purposes, brings a lot of joy and satisfaction. However, unlike younger runners, older people’s joints and ligaments start losing elasticity, and the right shoe should be designed to compensate for the loss. T
he seven shoes we have reviewed in this post are the best in the market, and you can rely on them for three things – good foot protection, excellent cushioning, and improved performance.
Although we stand with the seven best running shoes for older runners in our reviews above, the ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe is our first pick. The shoe is designed with advanced features for better cushioning, posture correction, and durability. So, you can count on it for better performance.