The Must-Have Sneakers for Women Over 50 to Buy Now

From slim profiles to fuss-free slip-ons, find your cutest, comfiest pair

Lois Joy Johnson,

AARP

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Published February 11, 2026

a collage with sneakers in various styles and colors over colorful circles

(From left) Sneakers have evolved from strictly athletic wear to a fashionable alternative to flats. Explore styles like the Blowfish Women’s Malibu Martina Too Canvas Lace-Up Sneakers in Fawn Beige; Keds Women’s Double Decker Slip-On Sneaker in Cognac; Easy Works by Easy Street Nottingham Slip-On Sneaker in Natural; DV Dolce Vita Women’s Hype Lace-Up Sneaker in Off-White; Hoka Women’s Clifton 10 in Blush/Rose Latte; and Naturalizer Women’s Lorena Lace Up Sneaker in Leopard Print.

AARP (Kohl’s; Macy’s; DSW, 3; Famous Footwear)

Sneakers are not exactly subdued these days. Loaded with style and bounce, they’ve pushed their way to front-row status in our closets. For some women over 50, they’ve even nudged aside glam sole mates like ballet flats, polished loafers and low heels. Why sneakers? They give you and whatever you wear a cool bottom line … and let’s not forget that our bunions, hammertoes and sore feet love the comfort!

However, in true fashionista mode, all sneakers evolve each season, sparked by new trends. In addition to the usual sporty lace-ups, get ready for slimmed-down silhouettes, sophisticated neutrals and easy-wear slip-ons. Spring for sneakers that are:

a collage with four different styles of sneakers

(From left) DV Dolce Vita Women’s Hype Lace-Up Sneaker in Off-White; Quince Women Italian Leather & Suede Low Profile Sneaker in Cognac; Adidas Women’s Grand Court Lo Sneaker in Dark Brown.

AARP (Macy’s; Quince; DSW, 2)

1. Stylishly slim and raring to go

There’s a new category of slimmed-down style, cut low at the ankle and featuring a trimmed-down sole, kind of like ’70s track shoes. It’s a change that appeals to women looking for an alternative to chunky athletic styles. Get the look with lace-up sneakers labeled “low-profile,” “runners” or “retro.” Sites and brands may or may not spell it out for you, but these sneakers look more like a low-slung vintage sports car than a big SUV. They’re available in basic black or white but look best in elevated neutrals like camel, brown or beige. These earthy tones are the big color story in sneakers now, turning these refined styles into an elegant tonal partner for neutral clothes. Don’t let their minimalist shape fool you — they all have cushioned footbeds, rounded toes and grippy rubber soles.

Try Old Navy Women’s Low-Profile Sneakers in Sand or Black Jack ($40, oldnavy.gap.com), DV Dolce Vita Women’s Hype Lace-Up Sneaker in Camel or Off-White ($69, macys.com), Sam Edelman Isella Sneakers in New Ecru/Wheat Whisper ($120, zappos.com) or the Adidas Women’s Grand Court Lo Sneaker in Dark Brown ($75, dsw.com).

a collage with three different styles of sneakers and casual shoes

(From left) Skechers Women’s Hands-Free Slip-Ins Summits Brilliant Shine Slip-On Sneaker in Black; Easy Works by Easy Street Nottingham Slip-On Sneaker in Natural; Skechers Women’s Hands Free Slip-Ins Breathe Easy Slip-On Sneaker in Taupe.

AARP (DSW, 3)

2. Comfy, fuss-free slip-ons

Slip-on sneakers that require no effort to put on or take off are surging in popularity among women who prefer no-fuss dressing. They’re perfect for fans of easy-wear pull-on pants and dresses, or tops that have no buttons or zippers to get in the way of comfort and speed. The soft knit upper of these sneakers enhances their ease and breathability, distinguishing them from the more structured leather and canvas slip-ons you may have worn before.

There are basically two style choices — a sleek, no-frills look and a sportier faux lace-up — and both feature well-cushioned footbeds and a cozy feel. The degree of elevation at the sole varies from wedge to flat. For example, minimalist styles include Easy Works by Easy Street Nottingham Slip-On Sneaker in Natural or Black ($65, dsw.com), a wedge; and Old Navy Women’s Slip-On Sneakers in Black Jack or A Stone’s Throw ($35, oldnavy.gap.com), with a flat sole.

More athletic-looking slip-ons, such as Kizik Women’s Athens 2 Hands-Free in Oatmeal Pristine or Black ($140, zappos.com), with a “rocker wedge” elevated sole; and Skechers Women’s Hands-Free Slip-Ins Summits Brilliant Shine Slip-On Sneaker in Black ($86, dsw.com); plus Skechers Women’s Hands Free Slip-Ins Breathe Easy Slip-On Sneaker in Taupe ($86, dsw.com), with laces and a more outdoorsy vibe. The laces are there pretty much for show (you can’t adjust them), but they do provide a secure “hug” and a little structure for the front of the foot. Slip-on sneaker styles are great for travel (especially in airport situations), commuting and long car rides, and they also shave minutes off your routine.

Most Popular

a collage with two different styles of canvas sneakers

(From left) Blowfish Women’s Malibu Martina Too Canvas Lace-Up Sneakers in Fawn Beige; Sperry Women’s Crest Vibe Slip-On Sneaker in Navy Blue.

AARP (Kohl’s, Nordstrom)

3. Classics with updates

Some women prefer the good old days of low-tech canvas sneakers that did the comfort, mobility and style job without all the bells and whistles of trendier kicks. If this is you, don’t worry — you’re not missing out.

Just think of classic sneakers as you do classic clothes: with a twist. For example, your perfect white tee may now be a boatneck, your straight-leg jeans may have a higher rise and your tailored blazer may be a soft knit. Look for sneaker twists and tweaks too, like the Keds Women’s Champion Canvas Lace-Up in Full Black ($55, zappos.com), reimagined in all black (including black laces!) with a memory-foam footbed that cuddles feet and a more flexible sole; Blowfish Women’s Malibu Martina Too Canvas Lace-Up Sneakers in Fawn Beige, Desert Khaki or Tan ($51, kohls.com), a slip-on with a cushy footbed in posh, warm neutrals; the tried-and-true Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Women’s Shoreline Embroidered Stars Slip-On in Dried Earth/New Found Bloom ($70, zappos.com), now with a scrunch top line for improved fit in a this-season color; and the Sperry Women’s Crest Vibe Slip-On Sneaker in Navy Blue ($60, zappos.com), a cross between a boat shoe and sneaker, with preppy brown rawhide laces.

a collage with three different styles of sneakers

(From left) New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi v4 Tiralux Running Sneakers From Finish Line in Brown; Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Feel Nice Plantar Fasciitis Sneaker in Toasted Taupe; Hoka Women’s Clifton 10 in Blush/Rose Latte.

AARP (Macy’s, Famous Footwear, Nordstrom)

4. Healthy feet-helpers

There are many reasons to wear sneakers. It could be due to painful plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes or other tootsie woes. There’s still a fashion component to them, but what’s most important is serious arch support, deep heel cups for stability and a roomy toe box.

Despite the souped-up look, the best health-focused sneakers are now ultralight on the foot (heavy, block-like designs were a past complaint) and kind of cute. Though the emphasis is on fitness walking and running, you can wear them for everyday use and still get the comfort, balance and support that athletes do. White and black are always available, but try a mood-enhancing pastel or trendy neutral to put a spring in your step.

Check out Hoka Women’s Clifton 10 in Blush/Rose Latte ($155, nordstrom.com); Brooks Women’s Ghost Max 3 in Skyway/Coconut/Sand or Apricot/Apricot/Super Pink ($160, zappos.com); the Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Feel Nice Plantar Fasciitis Sneaker in Toasted Taupe ($130, famousfootwear.com); and New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi v4 Tiralux Running Sneakers From Finish Line in Brown ($52, macys.com) to get the idea.

a collage with three different styles of casual loafer shoes

(From left) Ash Women’s Kriss Loafer Slip-On Sneaker in Vapor; Keds Women’s Double Decker Slip-On Sneaker in Cognac; Easy Spirit Women’s Ryla eFlex Slip-On Penny Loafers in Cognac Leather.

AARP (Nordstrom, DSW, Macy’s)

5. Shoe-sneaker hybrids

There are sneakers that look so much like shoes that you never notice their treads, traction or cushioned insoles. Sites even cheekily refer to these blends of shoes and sneakers as “slip-ons,” “flats” or “shoes” rather than “sneakers.” I call them “sh-neakers.” While the shoe may appear to be a flat or loafer, look for the sneaker tip-offs: a white or beige band at the base of the sneaker running the length of the shoe, and a bouncy rubber sole.

Take a look at the leather Keds Women’s Double Decker Slip-On Sneaker in Cognac ($65, dsw.com) and the Naturalizer Women’s Carla-Sport Slip-On Flats in Warm Silver Leather, Soft Mink Gray Leather or Black Leather ($66-120, zappos.com); or loafer look-alikes, such as the Ash Women’s Kriss Loafer Slip-On Sneaker in Desert and Vapor ($198, nordstrom.com) and Easy Spirit Women’s Ryla eFlex Slip-On Penny Loafers in Cognac Leather or Black Leather ($73, macys.com). Sneaker hybrids are perfect when you want to wear a sneaker but feel they’d be too casual; these look equally great with tailored pants or jeans.

a collage with three different styles of colorful and animal print sneakers

(From left) Vans Women’s Asher Deluxe Slip-On Sneaker in Light Brown/Black Leopard Print; Guess Women’s Gabiey Low Profile Suede Lace-Up Sneakers in Red Suede; Naturalizer Women’s Lorena Lace Up Sneaker in Leopard Print.

AARP (DSW, Macy’s, Famous Footwear)

6. Walking on the wild side

For women over 50, leopard is the print that shakes up any outfit. More flattering than plaid and edgier than florals, stripes or geometrics, leopard turns everyday sneakers and whatever you pair them with into a roaring success. The brownish-black tones of leopard work equally well with cool neutrals like black or gray, warm neutrals like brown, beige and olive, and red, so it’s mistake-proof.

Try it in a classic lace-up, like the Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Be Bright Sneaker in Dark Brown ($75, dsw.com) or Steve Madden Women’s Verdict in Leopard ($80, zappos.com) and Naturalizer Women’s Lorena Lace Up Sneaker in Leopard Print ($150, famousfootwear.com); or slip-ons such as the Vans Women’s Asher Deluxe Slip-On Sneaker in Light Brown/Black Leopard Print ($65, dsw.com). Not a leopard fan but still want to add a bit of pizzazz to a basically neutral wardrobe? Opt for red, like the Guess Women’s Gabiey Low Profile Suede Lace-Up Sneakers in Red Suede ($59, macys.com), for a pop of color that’ll wake up your clothes the way red lipstick wakes up your face.

a collage with two different styles of sneakers and one pair of ballet flats in metallic tones

(From left) Ryka Skylift Walking Shoe in Yellow Gold and Quicksilver; Aldo Women’s Stepcount Lace-Up Jogger Sneakers in Silver Metallic; Puma Speedcat OG Ballet Sneakers in Puma Silver-Puma White.

AARP (DSW, Macy’s, Anthropologie)

7. Glow-makers

Chic taupe low-profiles, baby blue walking kicks and leopard lace-ups won’t go unnoticed, but imagine a sneaker that’s also a shimmery party shoe and an alternative to sparkly jewelry. That’s what a metallic sneaker is: an instant mood-changer that can work dawn to dusk to perk up any neutral outfit, or to wear on a stressful “blah” day, or after dark.

Choose gold or silver, depending on your jewelry preference, or feel free to mix tones up: gold sneakers with silver jewelry, for example, just as many women stack their bracelets and rings. Styles range from refined and trendy sneaker-flats, such as the Puma Speedcat OG Ballet Sneakers in Puma Silver-Puma White ($90, anthropologie.com), and slim, low-profile lace-ups, like the Dansko Women’s Milana Sneaker in Gold Metallic ($155, zappos.com), to sportier versions, like the Ryka Skylift Walking Shoe in Yellow Gold and Quicksilver ($75, dsw.com) and Aldo Women’s Stepcount Lace-Up Jogger Sneakers in Silver Metallic ($85, macys.com) with round toes, padded collars and lots of cushioning. Either way, you’ll sparkle.

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Lois Joy Johnson is a beauty and style editor who focuses on women 50 and older. She was the beauty and style editor at Ladies’ Home Journal and a founding editor of More magazine. She has written three books: The Makeup Wakeup, The Wardrobe Wakeup and The Woman's Wakeup.