Here at My Chic Obsession, we always say that great fashion has no age limit – and that goes for your shoes, too! As Carrie Bradshaw once said, “So many shoes, and only two feet!” Your shoe choices are nearly endless, but if you’re looking to narrow it down to the list of the best shoe styles for women over 50, I have a list of 9 that will have you stepping out in style, without sacrificing comfort.
1. Loafers
Loafers are a great choice for style over 50 because they offer a balance of comfort, style, and practicality. The slip-on design means that you don’t have to worry about bending down to tie laces, and if you’re in a rush, they’re a no-fuss choice to get out the door quickly. Plus, many styles offer arch support with a comfortable sole. Whether you prefer a sleeker design or a lug sole version, there’s a loafer design out there that’s sure to fit your personal style.
How to Style Them: The great thing about loafers is that they’re perfect for elevating your casual looks, or offering a more lowkey alternative to heels. Pair them with jeans, a t-shirt and trench for an easy weekend look. Or, dress them up with a sweater, tights, and a long coat or jacket if you’re going for a more elegant outfit. They’re an extremely versatile shoe that you can wear for date night, work, errands, and nearly anything in between.
trench coat | bag | jeans | shirt | loafers | sunglasses
2. White Sneakers
Who doesn’t love a crisp pair of white sneakers? They’re comfortable, casual, and a no-brainer if you’re traveling or planning to walk a lot. They offer great support for your foot, which extends to the rest of your body as well. And besides the health benefits, there are plenty of ways to make sneakers look cool. The fashionistas above are perfect examples!
How to Style Them: White sneakers are the perfect choice for a busy day of errands, a full day of exploring a new city while traveling, or if you’re going for a cool street style look. If you want to create a memorable outfit, use them to try out the “wrong shoe theory.”
The wrong shoe theory is essentially what it sounds like: reach for a pair of sneakers to include in a more elevated look to create a fresh outfit that somehow still works. Pair sneakers with your favorite slip dress layered over a t-shirt, or with a sweater, scarf, satin pants and a wool coat.
If you want to lean toward a trendier vibe, mix and match colors and patterns for a fun aesthetic. Choose a pair of sneakers with a highlight of color to play off of the other shades in your look. Then, add in a totally new pattern and set of tones – like a leopard print pair of jeans.
All this to say, white sneakers aren’t just for the gym!
Related: The Shoes That Go With Everything (Yes, Everything!)
3. Strappy Sandals
When it comes to warm weather fashion, strappy sandals are a great choice. There are plenty of styles to choose from, so you can decide how much support you’re looking for, and the ideal strap placement. If you want a pair that’s easy to walk in, look for at least two straps! A pair with a strap close to your ankle and one closer to your toes will ensure you don’t walk right out of them.
How to Style Them: Style a pair of strappy sandals for spring with a skirt, a white blouse, oversized sunglasses and your favorite tote bag. Or, get inspired by French Riviera style and reach for a matching striped set. Pair a blue and white striped button-down with linen or cotton shorts, a structured handbag and your favorite pair of sunglasses for a summer-ready ensemble.
shirt | shorts | sandals | bag | sunglasses | earrings
4. Quality Flip Flops
Ready for a surprise pair on the list of shoe styles for women over 50? Flip flops! And no, I’m not talking about Old Navy’s famous $1 pair (my back may never be the same after wearing them for so many years, but who can resist such a good deal?). The key to wearing flip flops, especially after 50, is finding a pair with proper support. Also, pay attention to the materials used. A slim rubber strap isn’t going to do the job, or do your foot health any favors!
Also, don’t wear them if you plan to spend the whole day on your feet. A day spent exploring a new town or city is not the day to reach for this type of shoe! If you’re running a quick errand or meeting a friend for lunch, this could be better fit.
How to Style Them: Flip flops are another no-fuss style to add a fun, casual vibe to your outfit in spring and summer. Get ready to pick out spring blooms at your local garden center with a market tote, cuffed jeans, a pullover poplin blouse and hat. Or, enjoy a patio lunch with culottes, a tote bag, sunglasses and a tank top.
5. Slingback Heels
All heels are not created equally. If you’re going for a sleek, elegant look over 50, slingbacks are the perfect pair you’ve been searching for. The pointed toe immediately creates a vertical line going up and down your legs, making you appear slimmer and taller. Also, the strap at your ankle provides flexible support that moves with your foot as you walk.
If you have any concerns about balance or comfort, look for a shorter heel. The heel height doesn’t have to be high to still give you a polished look and confidence boost!
How to Style Them: Slingbacks can make even your most casual outfits look chic and classic. Pair them with jeans or trousers, a t-shirt and blazer for an easy (yet elevated) weekend look. Or, use them to add pattern to your ensemble with a leopard pair. Wear them with tights, a matching jacket and skirt set and burgundy accessories for a show-stopping winter outfit for work.
jacket | skirt | turtleneck | shoes | bag | sunglasses
6. Ballet Flats
Flats are ideal if you’re looking for shoes to fit your laid-back, everyday style. Not every outfit calls for heels! When you’re looking for a more comfortable alternative, flats are there to save the day. These comfortable shoes give your look a softer, feminine touch. If you want a pair you can slip on without thinking, ballet flats are the way to go.
How to Style Them: The great thing about flats is that you would be hard-pressed to find an outfit, or occasion, that they wouldn’t fit. Dress them up with a blazer, strappy top and cuffed jeans. Or, go more low-key for an everyday aesthetic with straight-leg jeans, a button-down blouse, a thin belt and minimal jewelry. Both looks are the epitome of casual chic!
7. Wedge or Block Heel
If heels are indeed your love language (Carrie Bradshaw would agree), then you probably won’t ever be willing to give up your favorite pairs as you get older. However, there are slight tweaks you can make to ensure that your favorite shoe style remains wearable for as long as you love them!
A block or wedge heel is the perfect solution. The additional width and length of the heel will give you added support and stability as you’re standing and walking. They’re better for your posture and balance thanks to the added weight distribution.
How to Style Them: You can wear this style of shoe all year long. If you love a strappier style, use them to upgrade your summer look. Pair them with a striped shirtdress for a breezy warm-weather outfit idea. Or, style them with a black and white ensemble for a fun date night out.
dress | shoes | necklace | bag | sunglasses
8. Ankle Boots
Alright, ready for a shoe better fit for cold weather? Ankle boots are your best friend if you live in a colder climate. The trick is to reach for a square or pointed toe. These two variations will be more flattering, and also give you a more modern look over a rounded toe version.
Depending on your comfort level with heels, you can always choose a chunkier sole or flat version instead. This is another versatile style on our list of shoe styles for women over 50.
How to Style Them: Ankle boots will look best with your longer pants, skirts, and dresses. That’s because a flash of ankle interrupts the clean visual line of your body, and can make you appear shorter and wider than you are. Midi or maxi skirts, trousers, wide-leg jeans, a-line dresses, etc. will all look great with ankle boots.
9. Mary Janes
Our list of shoe styles for women over 50 wouldn’t be complete without a classic pair of Mary Janes. This style will give your outfit a youthful, classic touch no matter where you’re headed that day. Compared to ballet flats, this pair will give you added support thanks to the additional strap over the top of your foot. So if you plan on doing a lot of walking, these might be the way to go!
How to Style Them: It’s not hard to style Mary Janes. If you’re concerned about the shoe looking too “young”, don’t worry. You can still create elegant, mature looks with the right styling. Try wearing them with slim jeans, a button-down blouse and a belt for a casual day. Or, dress them up with a fun polka dot skirt, cardigan, jacket and structured bag for a trendier option.
sweater | skirt | mary janes | bag | coat
Your Cinderella Shoe
You may only have two feet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t fill your closet with shoes that you love – that also love you back! Comfort might take a higher priority as you age, but that doesn’t mean you must give up great shoe style. This list will help you find the perfect pair that makes you feel, and look, like a million bucks.
Are you ready for warmer weather? Or do you still need to do some shopping for spring and summer pieces? Up Next: The 9 Best Styles Of Shorts for Women Over 50
No matter your age or style chunky clunky and oversized shoes, boots, sandals are not flattering to anyone male or female. Ok I’ll give you army boots it you are military. To make women clunk around in lug soles and hugely strapped sandals is somewhat a joke on women who buy into it. Give women comfort and style ahead of exaggerated pop looks that make you walk like a horse and look like one. Clop clop clop.