The Best, Most Comfortable Flats for Women Over 50: Ballet Flats, Mary Janes and More With Arch Support
We got insights and recommendations from a top podiatrist
Remember the days of wanting to wear your mother’s heels? Nothing made us feel more grown up than the click, click, click as we traipsed around the house, purse in hand while playing dress up. And now that we are all grown up, we can’t wait to take our heels off and give our poor, aching feet a break. So when we heard that flats were making a comeback, we were overjoyed! The one caveat: thanks to the bunions, calluses and plantar fasciitis we’ve picked up over the years, flats can actually be just as uncomfortable as heels. That’s why we spoke to a top podiatrist and tried on a multitude of shoes to find the most comfortable flats for women over 50 so you can put your best foot forward—in style.
Common causes of foot pain for women over 50
“As we age, we lose elasticity and flexibility. Our soft tissues weaken which can lead to limited range of motion and increased susceptibility to pressures,” explains Dr. Suzanne Levine, DPM, RPT, PC, podiatrist at Millenium Podiatry in New York City. “Hormonal changes affect bone loss and the integrity and structure of the foot.” These changes can lead to pain from:
- Plantar Fasciitis: Many factors can contribute to plantar fasciitis, explains Dr. Levine, including weight gain, circulatory issues, trauma over the many years we spend on our feet. It’s one of the most common foot conditions, especially in women.
- Metatarsalgia: This can occur if you lose cushioning under the balls of your feet. Dr. Levine says that there are injections that can help add extra cushioning, as well as special shoe inserts.
- Bunions and bony bumps: Due to tight and uncomfortable shoes, bunions and bumps can grow and worsen over the years, explains Dr. Levine. “Treatments may include wearing wider shoes, padding, orthotics, local injections, anti-inflammatories and even surgery to correct the bunion, known as a bunionectomy,” she says.
- Edema of the foot: Edema occurs when there is excess fluid under tissue, leading to swelling, according to the Mayo Clinic. This swelling can lead to painful aches and trouble finding comfortable, well-fitting shoes.
- Arthritis and stiffness: Arthritis can occur in various parts of the body, including your feet, “Especially the big toe,” says Dr. Levine. ” This makes walking very difficult,”
- Ulcers: “Ulcers, due to a breakdown in the skin, may be due to diabetes, biomechanical problems and/or weight gain over a short period,” she adds.
The 21 most comfortable flats for women over 50
Although flats of all types have been around for years, they are making a big comeback this season, and even our favorite celebs have been rocking them. Best of all they require no tying, so you can slip them on without bending over and straining your back.
But, as much as you love the idea of a shoe you can walk more easily in, flats do come with their own set of issues that can exacerbate foot pain, including little arch support, thin cushioning (if any) and tight and narrow toe space to name a few.
What to look for in a flat, according to Dr. Levine: Arch support, wide toe or wide fit, soft cushioning like memory foam insoles and thick padding.
The good news: Comfortable flats do exist! From ballet flats and mules to loafers and Mary Janes, so you can still wear the trend without the suffering. Here, our favorites designed to tackle common foot conditions in style.
1. Comfortable flats for women: Ballet flats
Ballet flats are all the rage right now and have been seen on celebrities like Rosanna Arquette, Katie Holmes (above) and Jennifer Lopez. Since they do have a closed toe and closed heel, it’s important to have enough wiggle room and width. The best bet? Choose one with a wider fit.
Aerosoles Pia Ballet Flat
This style, Aerosoles Pia Ballet Flat, not only runs wide, but it also comes in 8 colorways and patterns. We think a simple black ballet flat like this one is a staple—they can be worn with just about any color, and you can slip them on for the office, dinner and more. They offer a “wide” size subsection (in addition to “medium”) for extra room, and even more, feature a mini “hidden” wedge for extra support.
Dream Pairs Almond Toe Arch Support Flats
These ballet flats, Dream Pairs Almond Toe Arch Support Flats, feature a wide toe style, which is a plus, especially for those of us who struggle with bunions. We love the light color (but it comes in a multitude of other colors, as well), and best of all? They offer a flexible, arch-support EVA foam insole and padded heel collar.
Naturalizer Kelly Ballet Flat
Red is this season’s hottest color and a red ballet flat is makes a statement to a neutral outfit. They’re a great option for lunch with friends or even a date night with your spouse. These Naturalizer Kelly Ballet Flats are made with contour padding, a foam insole and padded heel collar, providing peak comfort for all day wear.
LifeStride Cameo 3 Flat
Despite the small heel, LifeStride Cameo 3 Flats are some of the most comfortable ballet flats you will ever own. The footbed is made with two layers of lightweight foam for comfy cushioning and great shock absorption. They look polished and classic with the nude and black colorway, and are perfect for the office. Plus, they’re offered in both medium and wide sizing.
LifeStride Impact Slip-On
These ballet flats, LifeStride Impact Slip-Ons, are a stand-out pick when it comes to support, thanks to its slight wedge heel, and an insole with extra cushioning, pressure distribution and shock absorption. First for Women Health Director Rachel Cosma gave this pair to her mother-in-law, who works as a teacher on her feet all day. Her review? “These are one of the most comfortable pairs of ballet flats I’ve ever put on my feet. My feet didn’t feel sore and tired, even when I got home and took them off!”
2. Comfortable flats for women: Mary Janes
Mary Jane shoes are all the rage right now, and give ballet flats a run for their money on the best shoe for fall. They look similar to ballet flats, but what makes them perhaps even better is their extra security due to the strap across the top of the foot. This will ensure little to no slipping out of your shoe, and best yet, they look so chic and polished while doing so!
Dr. Scholl’s Wexley Mary Jane Ballet Flat
These Mary Jane shoes, Dr. Scholl’s Wexley Mary Jane Ballet Flat, were made with comfort top of mind, due to their foam insole, arch support and cushioning. Even more, they have anti-microbial and anti-odor technology, so there’s no worries about them developing an unpleasant smell overtime.
Dansko Leeza Ballerina Flats
Dansko Leeza Ballerina Flats are one of the pricier options on this list, but they truly are worth the price. They feature a removable molded EVA foam footbed, so feet will feel like their walking on clouds, as well as arch support and memory foam cushioning. Plus, their double straps add even more security to feet.
Naturalizer Kelly Mary Jane Flat
As mentioned above, red is the color of fall, and this deeper red pair of Mary Jane flats are extra eye-catching. Naturalizer Kelly Mary Jane Flat comes in the most gorgeous red faux leather, which looks sleek, polished and luxe. They also feature Contour+ Comfort technology, so they’ll fit perfectly to your feet.
3. Comfortable flats for women: Mules
Mules like the ones on Lisa Rinna above are a great option for comfort because of their open back. Instead of squeezing your heel into a closed, confining flat, you just slip into these breathable and flexible options. Plus, they are a great transition shoe when it’s too chilly for sandals but too warm for boots.
Naturalizer Kayden Mule
Talk about a versatile shoe, Naturalizer Kayden Mule is such a classic style. We love this camel-brown shade with the chic horse bit ornamentation that instantly elevates the shoe. Better yet, it feature Contour+ technology, meaning it molds to the shape of your foot giving you all day comfort.
Dolce Vita Havan Loafer Mule
Want the look of loafers but the comfort and breathability of a mule? Look no further than Dolce Vita Havan Loafer Mule. They look oh-so-stylish, but more importantly, are comfortable. Reviewers say they run slightly wide, which is great for those of us with bunions or wide feet.
Vivaia Yaffa Pro Mules
The mustard-yellow hue of these Vivaia Yaffa Pro mules are the perfect shade for fall, and their knit material makes them look even cozier. But not to fear, they’re offered in 19 different colorways, so if you prefer a more neutral hue, they’ve got you covered. And they don’t mess around when it comes to comfort: with arch support, a moisture-wicking insole and anti-slip outsole, feet are sure to be happy all day.
Cole Haan Stassi Penny Mule
Another mule option that looks like loafers, Cole Haan Stassi Penny Mule is the most chic, comfortable, classic black mule out there. They make a great office shoe, but can also dress up a pair of jeans. They have a foam footbed for comfort and rubber outsole for traction.
4. Comfortable flats for women: Loafers
A good, classic loafer is a staple to have in your closet. The style has been around for decades, but has recently risen in popularity. We’ve seen the flat shoes on celebrities like Jennifer Garner above, and the versatile style can be dressed up or down, whether you need to head into the office and run errands around town.
“Loafers are so on-trend right now for women of any age. I’ve already gotten a pair of penny loafers for the Fall/Winter and I’m starting to wear them instead of my ‘trendy’ sneakers,” says stylist, host and author Melissa Rivers. “They look fresh and elevated with pants, jeans, skirts and even dresses.”
Franco Sarto Edith 2 Penny Loafer
Add a pop of color into your shoe collection with Franco Sarto Edith 2 Penny Loafer. They take chic to a whole new level, but don’t worry, they don’t ditch comfort. If pink isn’t for you, they also come in neutrals like tan and black, as well as other stylish colorways.
Bandolino Lindio Loafer
For padding that will make you want to leave them on all day, Bandolino Lindio Loafers are it. They have a padded footbed for peak cushioning and comfort, and we can’t get over the stylish bow detail as well.
Sam Edelman Laura Loafer
Looking for a chunky platform loafer that is still comfortable? Sam Edelman Laura Loafer has you covered. We can’t get over the chicness of the black and brown color palette, making them easy to pair with any outfit. Plus, the gold accent chain creates a perfectly polished look. Their padded footbed will make them easy on your feet all day long.
5. Slingbacks
Flats can be an excellent transition shoe from summer to fall, or fall to winter. A slingback flat, such as the pair on Natalie Portman, will offer peak breathability and coolness, and will prevent blisters on the heels. Plus, many feature a tiny heel, which can help to elongate legs and add extra height without the discomfort.
Rockport Total Motion Adelyn Sling Ballet Flat
Rockport is another favorite brand of Dr. Levine. What they are especially great for? Shock absorption, she says. These slingback flats, Rockport Total Motion Adelyn Sling Ballet Flat, come in a beautiful neutral color that will pair with anything, and chic straps across the foot to make them interesting to the eye.
Aerosoles Donna Flat
Perfect for any semi-dressy to formal event, or even for the office, a colorblock slingback is so versatile. The strap on Aerosoles Donna Flats won’t dig into heels or slide off, and the pointed toe makes for a more elevated look.
Cole Haan Menlo Skimmer
Dr. Levine loves Cole Haan flats. The reason? On top of their comfort, they feature “good quality and style,” she says. These Cole Haan Menlo Skimmer flats have an adjustable strap to help them stay on all day long and the front of the insole towards the toe is super soft.
6. Comfortable flats for women: Clogs
You may remember the chunky clogs of the ’80s… well, they’re making a comeback, and we’re all for it. However, today’s clogs are a bit more modern-looking, and offer more styles and versatility. While the leather platform clogs are still around—like on ones Sarah Jessica Parker has on above— we also are seeing flat clogs and comfy-cozy slip-ons.
Cushionaire Hana Corduroy Cork Footbed Clogs
The claim is in the name: Cushionaire Hana Corduroy Cork Footbed Clogs do have comfortable cushioning, hence their name of “Cushionaire”. These are so easy to run errands in, and won’t uncomfortable rub against your heel. Best yet, they cost just $25 at TJ Maxx.
Skechers Arch Fit Granola Too Late
We love the unique pattern and design of Skechers Arch Fit Granola Too Late clogs. They have an arch support contoured footbed and lush cushioning, and again, are so easy to slip on and run errands in. Think of it as your “fall sandal” — feet will stay warm while being easy to throw on and go.
Michael Kors Easton Leather Clog
If you’re on the hunt for a dressier clog, look no further than Michael Kors Easton Leather Clog. The leather material looks luxe and expensive, but they cost just $69. They have a molded footbed meaning they will fit your feet perfectly, and aside from this brown shade, they’re available in black and cream.
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