When and How to Wear Sneakers Over 50 

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Written by Penny Cooper

I’m not fascinated by the lives of celebrities and don’t dwell on their every move. That’s what I believe. However, they are in your face a lot of the time and I have noticed the more mature ladies and gentlemen “stars” of the stage, screen, or just stars, look pretty cool in their sneakers.

In this article, we’ll discuss when and how to wear sneakers over 50.

There is a big element of comfort in choosing the look of the sneakers for over 50s men and women when we still want to look cool. The old-fashioned chunky, clunky velcro affixing orthopedic shoes that look like a nurse from One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest would be wearing should be thing of the past.

There is no doubt that as we age our feet take on a different shape and we may have to be more picky about the shoes we choose to wear.

Feet become wider, misshapen and often afflict us with one or more foot-related ailments like bunions, heel spurs, Morton’s neuroma – well you get the picture.

For those with foot problems please get advice from your medical professional. Orthofeet claims to design its shoes for those suffering from foot issues whilst still being fashionable. (As I write this I realize that my use of fashionable is not very chic, trendy, en pointe.) Anyway, we’ve written a review of Orthofeet shoes.

When to Wear Sneakers Over 50 

Sneakers, despite their origins as sports shoes, are truly versatile footwear. Wearing sneakers is appropriate for both informal and formal settings. There is a whole load of different sneaker styles. They can be suitable for casual wear like family picnics. A dressier pair can be suitable for more formal occasions like weddings. 

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So the many types of sneakers can be worn for different situations. Low-top sneakers, for instance, are ideal for casual and fast-paced occasions. Are you running late for brunch with your friends? Simply slip on a pair of low-top slip-on casual sneakers and you’re ready to go. 

Canvas sneakers are also a crowd favorite because of how comfortable and chic they are. Converse All-Stars is one of the most well-known brands of canvas sneakers. They offer a wide variety of shoes in many colors that will make you look fashionable although white canvas sneakers are so popular.

How to Wear Sneakers Over 50 

Now that you’re confident in wearing sneakers at any age, you may be wondering how you should go about styling them. Here are some helpful tips on how to wear your shoes fashionably.

Don’t Show Socks  

Sadly, socks detract from the appearance of stylish sneakers, so it’s better to ditch them. You might be thinking, “Won’t that make the sneakers uncomfortable?” 

Yes, wearing sneakers without socks can cause some friction that might lead to blisters and it can result in unpleasant odors. However, there’s a solution to this problem!

Consider using sticky moleskin or patches on your foot to prevent blisters. Make sure to cover the rear of your ankle and the bottoms of your feet. This will provide a cushioning layer that will reduce friction and prevent blisters. 

You can also put deodorizing insoles in your shoe. These are odor-absorbing insoles that won’t make your feet smelly if you wear sneakers without socks. 

Make sure you choose comfy sneakers but if you don’t like the sockless approach or if your new sneakers aren’t worn in, ankle socks should do the trick.

Jeans and Basic Tees

A pair of jeans and a basic t-shirt are always a good choice with casual sneakers. That look is suitable for both men and women of any age. 

And cuffed jeans look great with slip-ons or a lace-up sneaker or leather ones.

You can wear your sneakers with that ensemble, and you can add more if you would like. If it’s a little chilly, for example, you can layer it with a jacket. If you’d like a more smart casual look, you can put on a blazer instead

Don’t forget to accessorize as well. Depending on the weather, you can wear a cozy scarf. If it’s sunny, bring out a nice pair of sunglasses to match.

Don’t Shy Away From Dresses

For women, you can pair a fun pair of your favorite sneakers with a nice casual dress. It will make for a great summer look.

Wearing a dress with sneakers is a new trend that is gaining popularity. Keep in mind, however, that not all dresses will work. 

Sundresses are perfect for this style. Wear your favorite sundress with a pair of sneakers and a cross-body bag on your shoulder. 

To complete the outfit, put on simple jewelry such as a medium-sized earring and a lovely necklace. You can either put your hair up in a bun or let it down, depending on your preference.

Wear a Suit For a Professional Look

You can pair your suit with sneakers for a more professional look. It would be best if you chose white sneakers, black, or grey sneakers with minimal colors. Also, low-cut sneakers are preferable to high-top ones.

You just have to take a little care with a white sneaker as they lose something as soon as they become a bit grubby.

The length of your pants is also important to consider. Low-top sneakers tend to look better with slim, flat pants. You could cuff the bottom of the pants if they aren’t tapered.

Sneaker Types You Should Consider

There are many types of sneakers available, but we assure you that one of the three types we’re about to discuss is going to suit you perfectly.

Running Shoes

As people grow older, the bone density and fat cushions in the feet weaken. Therefore, it makes sense to wear the proper shoes to support the feet, and running shoes may be the perfect option.

Even though they’re running shoes, you can wear them in everyday life. These shoes’ designs keep your feet comfy and safe from injuries. Additionally, they’re durable and well-cushioned.

Brooks, Hoka and ASICS are just some of our favorite sports shoemakers. New Balance and Adidas are 2 more brands that you can trust for a super comfortable sneaker and apart from the job they are meant for, they are often designed to look good.

We have gone into more depth on running shoes for the more mature runner.

You may match your running shoes to your outfit in many ways. It could be as simple as putting on your favorite pair of jeans and a t-shirt. If you want a more professional look, you can pair the shoes with a blazer.

Mesh Sneakers

These shoes are ideal for the summer and warm weather in general. These sneakers boast remarkable breathability thanks to the mesh openings, leaving your feet cool. 

The breathable fabric transfers moisture away from your foot and onto the cloth. This process reduces friction and increases comfort.

Merrell Moab Walking Shoes men’s or women this is one of our personal favorites. These sneakers are of high-quality mesh fabric that allows the feet to breathe well.

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Yes, these are walking shoes that can look more formal than traditional running shoes. For an examination of athletic shoe differences, we have it covered.

You may pair the mesh shoes with skinny jeans for a stylish look. Wear a blouse, as you can wear them tucked outside or tucked inside your jeans with a black belt.

Slip-On Sneakers

Slip-ons are sneakers that have no laces. Hence, you can slip them on your foot easily. They’re ideal if you don’t want to waste time tying your shoes or worrying about tripping.

Slip-on shoes are a general term that includes ballet flats and loafers. These footwear types are quite stylish for both genders.

The best part is you can wear them over any outfit and in any weather. They’ll look great with a big sweater cardigan or a wool coat. You can also wear them with jogging pants!

Roxy Women’s Minnow Slip-On and Lugz Men’s Clipper are some of the best slip-on options in the market. They’re fashionable and offer a great deal of comfort.

What to Look For in a Sneaker

Wearing the right pair of sneakers can make you feel more at ease and help you avoid injuries. So, if you’re looking for that perfect pair, keep these points in mind:

Size

Sneaker sizes vary due to factors like measurement methods and production processes. The shoe’s design may also have an influence on the size. 

With that in mind, you need to make sure you have your measurements right so that you get sneakers that fit you well, especially if you’re buying them online. 

Your feet may slip if the shoes are overly big, which might lead to a loss of balance. It’s also possible that you’ll get problems with painful arches.

Talking of balance which can be an issue when you’re getting older and less confident with your footing, we have covered it in an article on shoes to improve balance.

Shoes that are overly tight, on the other hand, inflict foot pain and make walking difficult. Also, you risk getting blisters.

Arch Support

One of the most crucial things to consider is arch support. While you’re standing, your arches support your body weight. As a result, your foot may be under a lot of stress.

This is where arch support comes in. Arch supports are inserts inside the shoes that help support the arch and reduce pain.

If the shoe doesn’t feature arch support, you can purchase one. Because arch support comes in several shapes and sizes, be sure you choose one that is right for you.

Sole Design

The sole is the base of every shoe. Its main purpose is to protect the foot, but it also contributes to the shoe’s comfort and durability.

Avoid smooth soles as they’re slippery and may make you trip. However, a sole with too much traction will grip the ground too strongly and may cause you to fall.

The soles should ideally be of rubber material. Rubber soles are slip-resistant. They can provide good traction on slick areas so you won’t slip. They’re also water-resistant, which is a great benefit.

Wrapping Up

If you were wondering when and how to wear sneakers over 50, first of all, you should be assured that there is no reason why you shouldn’t.

It may start with choosing the right pair of sneakers but having an eye for the whole ensemble will demonstrate a confident but cool you whilst maintaining a high level of comfort. 

Some of the best sneakers are running shoes, mesh, and slip-ons. They’ll go with just about anything and be comfortable for your feet.

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Author
Penny is a Personal Trainer currently training as a wellness coach. She gained a BA in English at Edinburgh University. Redundancy from retail management hastened a move to helping people get fit and writing about all things fitness in middle age.

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