I think we can all agree that there’s some truth to the stereotype that women love shoes. For some of us, “obsessed” would be a more appropriate word. Throughout our lives, shoes have been a part of our identity. Now, as we get a little older, we have to learn to adapt to our changing feet.

Where to Find Comfortable Shoes for Older Women

Style is still an important consideration. But, as we reach our 60s, comfort and safety become increasingly important. I found this out the hard way on a trip to Paris a few years back.

Wearing completely the wrong shoes for cobble-stones, I tripped and ended up spending some time in a local hospital. A few days later, I invested in a pair of comfy, yet stylish, travel shoes with plenty of grip. I haven’t fallen since.

Just because we’re over 60, it doesn’t mean that we have to give up on being stylish. But, it may be time to reconsider wearing stilettos. Here are a few tips for finding stylish, comfortable shoes for older women:

Know Your Feet

When it comes to shoes, size matters. As women get older, our feet change size and sometimes get wider. This makes it especially important to measure your feet every time you buy a new pair. Don’t order shoes online without an unconditional return policy. Most of all, when it comes to fit, don’t compromise. As fashion expert Melanie Payge said, during our fashion video series filming in Milan:

Don’t believe a shop assistant when they say that a pair of shoes will “wear in.” They won’t. If they don’t fit perfectly in the store, don’t buy them.

Next, make sure that you buy each pair of shoes with a purpose in mind. I still have the pair of shoes that I wore when I tripped in Paris, but, I don’t wear them on rough roads. Instead, I keep them for special occasions. Don’t be afraid to get a pair of heels for special occasions, but don’t fool yourself into thinking that they can be your everyday shoes.

One final tip for getting a great fit is to try shoes on at the end of the day. If you try on a pair of shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are slightly swollen, you will be more likely to get a perfect fit.

Know Your Lifestyle

Many people buy shoes because they have a “feeling” about them. Others just like the way that a pair of shoes looks. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look stylish, but, by the time we reach our 60s, we hopefully know enough about ourselves to choose shoes that match our lifestyle.

It’s better to invest in a few high-quality pairs of shoes that will add value to your day-to-day routine than to buy numerous pairs of colorful, but, ultimately useless shoes that grab your attention in the store.

If you do a lot of walking, invest in good pair of walking shoes. If you have mobility issues or any health challenges or physical limitations, think of stability and safety. If you travel a lot, look at options that are good for walking on uneven sidewalks and perhaps suited for some spontaneous dancing (I’m speaking from experience here). Shoes are not just a fashion statement; they are your connection to the world, literally.

Know Where to Shop

If you’re looking for comfy, fashionable shoes, here are some ideas…

Easy Spirit has an entire line of comfortable women’s shoes, with styles ranging from flats to sandals and wedges to clogs.

Aerosoles is a unique shoe company because they create comfortable shoes in a variety of styles – not just flats. Using the same types of fabric and construction allows them to create shoes with maximum comfort.

Clarks is a well-respected brand of British shoemakers that has been around since 1825, and is known for quality and classic styles.

Zappos is an online shoe and clothing retailer that is renowned for its customer service and free shipping – if your shoes don’t fit, just send them back!

Finding comfortable shoes for older women doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience! There are more options than ever for women our age to find shoes that our feet actually love – while enjoying some fashionable fun.

What do you think? Have you found a good source for stylish-yet-comfortable shoes for older women? Leave a comment below and let us know.