Walking Essentials for Women Over 50 That Make Every Step More Comfortable

Walking sounds like the simplest exercise in the world. Put on your shoes, head out the door, and go. Easy, right?

Except then your feet start hurting, your phone is bouncing around in your pocket, the sun is beating down on you, and you realize you should have brought some water. Lol!

Other Posts You Might Enjoy
* The Best Shoes to Wear With Straight-Leg Jeans
* The Trick To Wearing Neutrals After 50 Without Looking Boring

I love walking because you don’t need a gym membership or a collection of complicated equipment to get started. You can walk around your neighborhood, through a local park, on a treadmill, or even through the mall when the weather refuses to cooperate.

However, a few practical walking essentials can make the experience much more comfortable, especially when you’re walking longer distances or spending time outside in warm weather.

From supportive shoes to hands-free bags and sun-protective layers, these are some useful finds that may make getting those daily steps a little easier.

A Walk in the Park With Ashleigh and Beckham

Ashleigh and I recently took my grandson Beckham for a walk in the park, literally.

There is a nice park in town, but we had to walk quite a distance before reaching the picnic tables, swings, and slides. We dressed comfortably and warmly, and Beckham brought a snack because boys always seem to need extra fuel. Lol!

That outing reminded me that walking can be simple, but being prepared makes it much more enjoyable. Comfortable shoes matter, but so do the little things, such as having a place for your phone and remembering to bring something to drink.

Start With Comfortable, Supportive Walking Shoes

If you’re going to invest in one part of your walking routine, start with your feet. Shoes that rub, pinch, slip, or don’t provide enough cushioning can make a pleasant walk feel much longer than it actually is.

Everyone’s feet and support needs are different, so I can’t tell you that one shoe will be perfect for every woman. Think about the shoes you already own. Do you prefer soft cushioning, firmer support, a roomy toe area, or a lightweight shoe that doesn’t feel bulky?

Those details will help you narrow down your choices.

HOKA Clifton 10 Sneakers

The Hoka Clifton 10 is a neutral running shoe that can also be worn for walking. It has HOKA’s familiar cushioned sole, a breathable upper, and a slightly higher heel-to-toe drop than the previous Clifton model. It is designed to provide plenty of cushioning without feeling as substantial as some of HOKA’s maximum-cushion shoes.

This could be a good option for women who like a soft, cushioned feeling underfoot for neighborhood walks, travel, or days that involve a lot of standing. The thick sole does give it a more athletic appearance, but comfort usually wins that argument once my feet start complaining.

The Clifton is a neutral shoe, so women who need specialized stability or motion-control support may require a different style. It is also available in regular and wide widths, which is helpful since squeezing your toes into a narrow shoe is no one’s idea of a relaxing walk.

ASICS GEL-Contend 9

The ASICS GEL-Contend 9 is technically a running shoe, but you certainly don’t have to run in it. Its design includes rearfoot GEL cushioning, foam through the midsole, and additional structure around the middle of the foot.

This may be a good choice for someone who wants an athletic shoe with cushioning and support without moving into the higher price range of some performance sneakers.

I also like the idea of having a dedicated pair of shoes for exercise instead of putting extra miles on the sneakers I wear for errands and everyday outfits.

Ryka Invoke 2 Walking Sneaker

The Ryka Invoke 2 Walking Sneaker was designed specifically for walking. Ryka designs its shoes around the general shape of a woman’s foot, with a narrower heel, more room through the forefoot, and softer cushioning underfoot. The Invoke 2 also has a breathable mesh upper, leather overlays, and padding around the collar.

A roomier forefoot can be helpful for women who don’t like their toes feeling crowded, while a narrower heel may help reduce slipping.

If daily walks have become a regular part of your routine, a shoe created specifically for walking might be worth considering.

Ryka Devotion Fuse Walking Sneaker

The Devotion Fuse Walking Sneaker is another option for neighborhood walks, errands, and travel days that involve plenty of time on your feet.

This is the kind of shoe I would consider when cushioning is the priority, but I still want something that looks cute with leggings, joggers, or casual walking clothes.

Comfortable feet make almost everything more enjoyable. That includes exercise, sightseeing, shopping, and waiting for everyone else to finish looking at something you were ready to leave 20 minutes ago. Lol!

How to Choose the Right Walking Shoes

Don’t choose walking shoes based only on the color, although I’ll admit that a cute color can certainly get my attention.

Try them on with the type of socks you normally wear for walking. Your heel should feel secure, your toes shouldn’t touch the end, and nothing should rub or pinch when you take several laps around the room.

Feet can swell as the day goes on, so shopping for shoes later in the day may give you a better idea of how they will feel during a longer walk.

Also, check the retailer’s return policy before wearing the shoes outside. A sneaker can feel wonderful for five minutes in the house and very different after several miles. Isn’t that always the way? Shoes can behave beautifully during the audition and then show their true personality once they get the job.

Women who use orthotics or have ongoing foot, knee, hip, or back pain may need more individualized guidance from a podiatrist, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare professional. A popular shoe isn’t automatically the right shoe for every foot.

Go Hands-Free With a Small Walking Bag

I don’t want to carry my regular handbag on a walk, but I also don’t love stuffing my phone, keys, cards, and everything else into my pockets.

A small crossbody or belt bag keeps the necessities close without weighing you down.

BAGSMART Crossbody Bag

The BAGSMART Crossbody Bag provides a compact place for your phone, keys, cards, lip balm, and other small necessities while keeping your hands free.

A bag like this is useful for neighborhood walks, but it can also earn its keep during travel, festivals, sightseeing, and outdoor events when you don’t want to carry a full-size purse.

Pay attention to the strap and where the bag rests against your body. A wide, adjustable strap will usually be more comfortable than a thin one, especially if you’re carrying a larger phone.

Simptech Crossbody Bag

For something even more streamlined, the Simptech Crossbody Bag holds your essentials close to your body without adding much bulk.

A smaller bag can be especially useful when you’re walking at a faster pace because there is less room for your belongings to bounce and shift around.

You probably don’t need half the things currently living in your handbag for a 30-minute walk. I’m speaking to myself here because my regular purse contains enough supplies to survive a minor emergency and possibly open a small convenience store.

Protect Yourself From the Sun

Sunscreen is important, but sun-protective clothing can provide another layer of coverage when you’re spending extended time outdoors.

Look for lightweight, breathable fabrics rather than reaching for an ordinary heavy long-sleeve shirt. A sun shirt should allow you to move comfortably and help manage moisture while covering more of your skin.

ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie

The ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie is designed for active days in the sun. It provides lightweight coverage for your arms and includes a hood for added protection around your head and neck.

I know wearing long sleeves when it’s hot sounds completely backward. However, sun shirts are made from lighter technical fabrics rather than the heavier material found in many everyday tops.

This is the type of layer I would consider for longer walks, hiking, gardening, boating, or outdoor activities where I know I’ll be in direct sunlight for an extended period.

UPF 50+ Sun Protection Shirt

The UPF 50+ Sun Protection Shirt is another option for women who want additional coverage while they’re outdoors.

It has long sleeves, pockets, and moisture-wicking fabric. The pockets are convenient, although I would still use a small bag for heavier belongings since a phone bouncing around in a shirt pocket might drive me crazy before I reached the end of the driveway.

A lightweight sun shirt can also be useful for outdoor sporting events, yard work, and days spent near the water.

Mylitta Travel Shirt With UPF 50+ Protection

The Mylitta Travel Shirt UPF 50 + provides coverage for your arms and neck in a style that can work for walking, sightseeing, and travel.

I especially like the idea of a shirt like this on vacation because I tend to spend much more time walking outside than I do during a normal day at home.

Add sunglasses, broad-spectrum sunscreen, and a hat with a brim, and you will have more protection than a tank top alone can provide.

Don’t Forget Water

I am much more likely to drink water when I actually have it with me. Funny how that works! Lol!

How much you need will depend on the weather, the length and intensity of your walk, and your individual health needs. For a brief neighborhood walk, you may prefer to drink before leaving and again when you return. Longer walks and hot, humid days may call for bringing water with you.

TAL Stainless Steel Ranger 64-Ounce Water Bottle

The TAL Stainless Steel Ranger 64-Ounce Water Bottle is a BIG bottle, so it is probably more than I would want to carry in my hand for an entire walk.

It would be useful to fill and leave in the car so you have plenty of cold water waiting when you finish. It could also be handy for road trips, outdoor sporting events, hiking trips, or days when you’ll be away from home for several hours.

Before leaving a bottle in the car, make sure it is positioned securely so it doesn’t roll under a pedal. That would turn a healthy outing into a situation no one ordered.

32-Ounce Water Bottle

A 32-Ounce Water Bottle is a more manageable size for everyday use.
You could carry it on a longer walk, place it in a bottle sling, or use it to make sure you drink before and after heading outside.

Having a reusable bottle sitting where you can see it is one of the easiest ways to remind yourself to drink. Apparently, I need my water bottle to stare at me accusingly from across the room.

A Few More Things That Make Walking Easier

You don’t need to buy a pile of gear before you begin walking, but a few small habits can make your outing safer and more pleasant.

Wear light-colored or reflective clothing when walking early in the morning or near dusk. If you listen to music or a podcast, keep the volume low enough that you can still hear traffic, bicycles, dogs, and people approaching.

Carry identification and let someone know where you’re going when walking alone. Choose a familiar, well-traveled route, and pay attention to uneven pavement, loose gravel, wet leaves, and other tripping hazards.

On hot days, consider walking earlier in the morning, later in the evening, or indoors. There is no prize for marching around in the hottest part of the afternoon while the sun tries to roast you like a Thanksgiving turkey.

You Don’t Need to Buy Everything Before You Start

The beauty of walking is that you really can put on a pair of shoes and head out the door. You don’t need expensive equipment or a perfectly planned routine.

But if something repeatedly makes you dread your walk, address the issue.

If your feet hurt, reassess your shoes. If you’re tired of carrying your phone, use a small hands-free bag. If the sun makes you miserable, try a lightweight sun-protective shirt. And if you always return home thirsty, make a plan for bringing water or having it ready when you finish.

The easier and more comfortable we make a healthy habit, the more likely we are to continue doing it.

And I’m all for anything that makes exercise feel a little less like a chore.

What makes you enjoy walking more: comfortable shoes, beautiful scenery, good company, listening to music, or something else?

To GOD Goes The Glory!

Verse Of The Day

James 1:19 (NIV)
¹⁹ My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,