The Outdoor Shoes That Hikers Over 50 Swear By

My colleague Marquaysa Battle is *all* about these sneakers:

"I own a black pair of these and they're seriously one of the comfiest friggin' sneakers I've ever worn (the other is a pair of New Balance) in my 29 years of life. The 'Cloudfoam' insole really does make it feel like your feet are walking on clouds. I thought that feeling might go away after several months of wear, but the sneakers remain fluffy and relaxing. The sneakers were so comfortable that I started wearing them to the gym, to work, and even matching them with cute dresses for going-out looks. You'll probably want to order two pairs of these babies so you don't wear out a single pair after you fall in love. I bought my mom a pair as well."

Get them from Amazon for $39.20+ (available in sizes 5–11 and in 46 colors/styles — not every color is available in every size).

Psst: this item is included in Prime Wardrobe so you can give it a trial run if you're a member!

Promising review: "I have feet that are always in pain: bunions, hammer toe, and arthritis from prior breaks. These shoes are so comfortable, I bought them in three colors. When I am walking around in these shoes, the pain is hardly noticeable. I highly recommend them." —Jeanine

Get them from Amazon for $34.16+ (available in sizes 5–13 in regular and wide widths and 28 colors — not every color is available in every size).

Promising review: "To sum it up: get them! I love them.. people love them. I’m stopped every time I’m out from people asking me where did I get these... they are awesome-looking shoes. I wear them to the gym. I cycle! They're comfortable, have great support, and are lightweight! I originally purchased a half size too big (because I’m lazy and don’t like breaking in shoes 😬), HOWEVER, with these, I sent them back and purchased my actual size, as they run a little big. So, I would suggest just getting your size! Love these sneakers — I’m getting all my favorite colors. Oh, even my boyfriend — who is the hardest critic when it comes to my choice in fashion 🙄 — loved these sneakers!! 👍🏾" —Hannah

Get them from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in sizes 5.5–10.5 and 22 colors — not every color is available in every size).

Promising review: "I needed a waterproof boot that would also be good for lots of walking. I did a lot of walking in Ireland and Scotland, mostly in rainy weather, and these boots were true to their description. My feet were dry and comfortable." —Louise M.

Get them from Amazon for $69.99+ (available in sizes 5–12 in regular and wide widths, and 17 colors — not every color is available in every size).

Promising review: "These are great shoes for work or going out. They look more expensive than they are and are very comfortable. I work in a city, so I do quite a bit of walking every day, and they’ve been fine, no blisters." —Megan D

Get them from Amazon for $26.39+ (available in sizes 5-12 and five colors — not every color is available in every size).

Promising review: "My second pair of this style. I wore my last pair in several countries, over many years, with lots of walking/light-mod hiking, and they held up great. But it was definitely time to replace them. They fit me perfectly, and when worn with no-show socks, I can walk for miles in them. Cute with shorts, jeans, or casual skirts/dresses." —cheddo

Get them from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in sizes 5–12 in regular and wide widths and five colors — not every color is available in every size).

Promising review: "If you'd like to add three inches to your height without the dangers of toppling over, you've got to try these platform sandals! They're absurdly comfortable, soft, lightweight, and breathable. I've walked miles in these. The open strap design visually elongates the length of the leg. Also, there are lots of colors to choose from! I've got three and counting." —CC Mac

Get them from Amazon for $85.45+ (available in sizes 5–12 in regular and wide widths and three colors — not every color is available in every size).

Promising review: "I cannot emphasize how much I love these shoes. Would I wear these shoes to work out? No. But I can walk for miles in these things — it is like walking on air. They are so light and so comfortable, and they look interesting, and people comment on them often. I have worn them very frequently since I got them three months ago, and there is almost no wear to be seen. So, they are pretty hardy for the price they're at. Considering I've owned expensive Nikes, I'd go with these over my previous shoes. They are so similar in make and feel to the Nikes I've owned, but a much better price — and as a minimalist, I enjoy that there is no visible branding!" —Samantha M.

Get them from Amazon for $18.89+ (available in sizes 5–11 and in 33 colors — not every color is available in every size).

Promising review: "First let me say that I DO NOT wear heels!!! I needed a nice shoe for my Mom's memorial service. These were cute, so I figured I would give them a try. They are great!! I ordered it in a wide because of the narrow toe. They were really comfortable! Of course at the service, there was a lot of standing, which usually is painful in heels for me. But I have to tell you that I didn't have any pain! If you're looking for a cute, comfortable low/medium heel, you won't be disappointed!" —Dawn

Get them from Amazon for $33.29+ (available in sizes 5–12 in regular and wide widths and 10 colors — not every color is available in every size).

Promising review: "I love these sandals! Steve Madden is always a guarantee, which is why I have been a loyal customer for the past 15 years! I recently bought these sandals for my honeymoon in the Riviera Maya. Didn't even bother to break them in beforehand. I can honestly say they are very COMFORTABLE! I walked around everywhere, and, although they have no arch support, my feet didn't hurt at all. No blisters either. Highly recommend! Will continue to be a loyal customer of Steve Madden." —Vania

Get them from Amazon for $44.95+ (available in sizes 5–11 and 15 colors — not every color is available in every size).

Promising review: "I never (NEVER) buy shoes online because I am extremely finicky about fit and comfort. The few times I have done it, I have been disappointed and either returned the shoes, or taken my lumps by keeping a pair I only wear once. After reading the reviews, I gave these a try and THEY ARE AWESOME. They were comfortable and wearable immediately with socks, and with just a little break-in period (one day), they are also comfortable without socks, which is good, because they look way more hip that way.

The mesh upper is cool and breathable, the footbed is snuggly, but not wobbly, and my arches are happy. The big test for me is whether I can wear them all day and then hop out of bed the next morning without plantar fasciitis pain. I typically use Superfeet insoles in my other shoes to manage this. These shoes passed the test, which makes me very happy! Time will tell how long the insoles will hold up, but for now I am a very happy customer." —Stacey Burzumato

Get them from Amazon for $69.99+ (available in sizes 5–12 and 12 styles — not every color is available in every size).

Promising review: "I am not a big heels person — I work a professional job and attend a lot of meetings and do a lot of walking. I typically stick to flats or shorter heels when absolutely necessary. I love the way heels look, but never seem to find them comfortable enough to endure all day. I ordered these LifeStride Parigi pumps and several other heels at the same time, but these were the CLEAR winner. They are so comfortable!!! I only really intended to wear them for one occasion, but they are so comfortable and stylish that I've worn them several days already." —Erin D.

Get them from Amazon for $39.95+ (available in sizes 5–12, in narrow, regular, wide, and extra wide widths, and 39 colors — not every color is available in every size ).

Promising review: "Very comfortable shoe. I wear them at work where I do a lot of walking, and these are very comfortable for me. I can literally wear them all day." —Knowledge

Get them from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in sizes 5–12 and 13 colors — not every color is available in every size).

Macarena Collection is a Buena Park, California-based small business with all sorts of leather sandals, embroidered Huipil shirts, and home goods.

Promising review: "I LOVE these shoes! I was greeted by the smell of sweet leather. I immediately put them on, and couldn’t believe how cute they were in person! I’m normally a size 6.5 and have a wider foot across the toes. I ordered the size 6 and they fit perfectly. I wore them all day and had no issues, no blisters, and no 'new shoe' uncomfortableness. I would highly recommend!" —Memphis Market Co. David and Grace

Get them from Macarena Collection on Etsy for $48.72 (originally $50.90; available in sizes 5–10).

Promising review: "I normally don't like wearing tennis shoes all day because my feet tend to sweat in them, then swell when I take them off. These are the best brand of tennis shoes I have ever owned. They feel wonderful on my arthritic feet, and my feet breathe in them all day, so they never sweat, and don't swell up when I take them off. I bought a second pair in white. Well worth the money. All my other tennis shoes are going to Goodwill." —SBoo

Get them from Amazon for $70+ (available in sizes 5–12 and 22 styles — not every color is available in every size).

Promising review: "These are so comfortable, so stylish and so quiet for clog-type shoes! I have tried other more expensive clog-type nursing shoes, and they do not come close to the comfort of Dansko shoes! I love them!!!" —Kate

Get them from Amazon for $85+ (available in sizes 5.5–12 and two colors — not every color is available in every size).

Domo Ink is Black woman-owned small business based in Jurupa Valley, California!

Promising review: "These shoes are well-made and comfortable. The colors are just like the picture. These are perfect warm-weather shoes!" —Kathryn Lindrose

Get them from Domo Ink for $85 (available in sizes 5–14).