How Feet Change With Age & What You Can Do About It
This post is sponsored by Easy Spirit. I only highlight and share products that I use and truly love. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Empty Nest Blessed!
Y’all, a crazy thing happened to me this year! For the first time, I noticed my feet change with age. (I’m 58.) Like, they grew a ½ size, and they got a little wider! Not only that, but I went to the doctor and told him I was a little concerned about my big toe joints getting bigger. He looked me right in the eyes and unceremoniously said, “Arthritis.” (The nerve!🙄😆)
Truth be told, I had noticed some changes. Have you noticed your feet change with age? I decided it would be a good topic for a blog post and reached out to my friends at Easy Spirit to see if they’d like to partner with me! Because they’re, um, awesome—and ALL about caring for aging feet—of course, they generously said yes and sent me a couple of fabulous shoes along with an exclusive discount code just for you! Let’s dive in, shall we?
How Feet Change With Age
It’s true! Feet undergo changes with age, just like the rest of our bodies. These changes can be the result of natural wear and tear, genetics, lifestyle (Too many stilettos, anyone?👠), and overall health. Here are some common ways in which feet change as we age:
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Reduced Flexibility
With age, the tendons and ligaments in the feet lose elasticity, leading to decreased flexibility in the foot’s joints. This can make it more difficult to bend the toes and ankles, which may affect balance and mobility.
Decreased Muscle Mass
Muscles in the feet and lower legs lose strength over time. This leads to weakened arches, making the feet flatter and more prone to conditions like fallen arches or flat feet. This can alter the overall shape of the foot. Have you noticed this? I have! I can only wear shoes with arch support now!
Thinning Fat Pads
The fat pads on the soles of our feet thin out as we age. This results in less cushioning and protection for the bones and joints, leading to discomfort when you have to stand for extended periods of time or even general pain when walking.
All of that walking around barefoot doesn’t help! After years of walking around the house barefoot, both Bob and I noticed an increase in foot pain. After doing some research, we both decided to incorporate a pair of “indoor sneakers” into our daily lives. (Lemme tell ya, the sneakers with a nightgown is a high fashion look, my friends! 😆) THESE are the cute ones I got! They feature a memory foam layer, arch support, and Easy Spirit’s EMOVE technology, which means they’re lightweight and shock-absorbing, and they offer maximum support.
Easy Spirit Denise Austin Mel EMOVE Walking Shoes (Use code ENB20 for 20% off!)
Arthritis
Arthritis in the joints in the feet is common and can cause pain, stiffness, enlarged joints, and reduced range of motion in the foot joints.
Toe Alignment
Conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and claw toes can become more prevalent as people age. This can cause discomfort and affect the alignment of the toes.
Easy Spirit Emila Ankle Strap Pumps (Use code ENB20 for 20% off!)
This beautiful ankle strap pump comes in extended widths and features Easy Spirit’s eFlex technology: a padded footbed, arch support, and flex grooves.
What You Can Do When Your Feet Change With Age
To minimize the negative effects of aging on your feet, there are a couple of things you can do. Your physician should be your first point of reference if you’re struggling with aging feet. Physical therapy-prescribed exercises and stretches may be really helpful.
Exercise
To maintain flexibility and strengthen the muscles in my feet, I incorporate things like these into my normal exercise routine.
- Heel raises
- Point & flex
- Toe curls
- Ankle circles
- Calf stretches
See a Physician if Necessary
Be sure to consult your healthcare professional if you’re experiencing persistent foot pain or other concerning changes. One of my friends had persistent pain, went to the doctor, and found out she had a stress fracture. (She had no idea how it happened!) After 3 weeks in a boot, she was fine! Don’t ignore ongoing foot pain. You never know what could be going on in there!
Wear Supportive, Comfortable Footwear
But make it cute. 😄
Easy Spirit is the first place I go to shop for shoes. Many of their styles come in extended widths, so whether your feet are narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide width, you should be able to find cute (!) shoes that work for you. After all, the brand has been thinking innovatively about women’s footwear for over 35 years, and their goal continues to be making life easy for women. They believe if you’re comfortable, anything is possible! (I couldn’t agree more!🙌)
Easy Spirit Mirror Lug Sole Dress Pumps (Use code ENB20 for 20% off!)
These chic loafer pumps feature a breathable design, flexible sole, arch support, and a memory foam removable footbed.
There are six core values that Easy Spirit embodies:
- Comfort – No break-in needed!
- Value – I think their shoes are so well-priced.
- Versatility – From your neighborhood errands or lunch with the girls to that cold weather vacation or your nephew’s wedding, they’ve got the shoes!
- Truthfulness – There’s no pretense. (How refreshing!)
- Connections – They value their customers and the connections they make with them.
- Ingenuity – They’re all about smart solutions for a woman’s real life.
You all know how selective I am when it comes to partnering with a brand. If you’ve been hanging around here for a while, you’ve heard me talk about Easy Spirit over and over again. They are my tried-and-true go-to brand of shoes. I even scored two fabulous pairs in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this year!
Easy Spirit Libie Dress Pumps | Easy Spirit Watkins Ankle Booties (Black leather sold out. Some sizes in gorgeous suede are on sale.) For similar black leather booties, check out the Juna Bootie.
(Use code ENB20 for 20% off!)
Have you noticed your feet change with age? Have you found things that can help? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
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I thought it was 34 years of teaching and waitressing! Every morning I walk up and the first few steps! Ouch! Great article! I can walk 3 miles no problem! Last summer I did a 26 mile lake walk! I need to stop with the bare feet and need indoor sneakers! Great idea! I actually feel great in wedges! Now that would be a look with yoga sleepwear!!!!
Julie,
Your comment made me laugh so hard! Isn’t it funny that we tend to think that bare feet are the way to go, but as we age, that’s just not true anymore! I hope you’ll try Easy Spirit’s line of eMove walking shoes. (https://rstyle.me/+LBeOuaQAWgV-sD-GBLD2Pw) They have lots of great colors!
They also have lots of slip on styles you might really like! (https://rstyle.me/+IQ3FTnjoo4BQCVLjlprU6Q) Might be a better choice with the yoga pants! 😂
Thanks so much for your comment!
xoxo
Suzy
Today’s subject has really hit a sore spot with me! Thank you for covering it for us. I’m definitely going to look into some Easy Spirits!
Carol,
I’m so glad you found the post helpful! You are so kind to let me know! I highly recommend you look into Easy Spirit! If I can help you in any way, please let me know!
xoxo
Suzy
Oh Suzy! How long do you have to hear how my feet have changed! Ha ha! One of the best things I ever did was give up my Asic running shoes and splurge on Hoka Bondi Walking/running shoes! They are like walking on clouds and eliminated my foot pain when I exercised! Also something else I love in the summer are Croc Sanrah Ring sandals. Yes Crocs! I’ve worn the same kind for about 6-7 years! As always I recommend trying them on for comfort to make sure they are right for your feet. I’m always on a quest for comfy cushy house slippers. Some of them (like the expensive UGGs) feel like I’m walking on bricks with no flexibility at all. Let me know if you have any suggestions!
Wendy,
Thanks so much for your comment! I’ve heard the Hoka Bondi Walking/Running sneakers (https://rstyle.me/+hM78JTNfUp1HQ9PLR8FfpA) are fantastic! It’s funny you mentioned those, because we added a pair of them to our Fall Shoe Trends list. Guess why? “Grandpa” sneakers are a trending fall fashion look. (Read that: thick-soled, orthopedic-style sneakers!!!) So, not only will your feet feel great, but you’ll be on trend as well, Wendy! 👍
I’m so glad the Croc Sanrah sandals (https://amzn.to/3rmWhmR) work for you, too! Thanks for passing along those great recommendations!
For slippers, I would try Bombas Sunday Sandals. They’re expensive, so this (https://amzn.to/3t2KISo) dupe on Amazon may be just as good! They’re going to be on this month’s SO in the KNOW!
I need to ask my pals at Easy Spirit to make slippers!!!
Thanks again for your comment!
xoxo
Suzy
Thank you, for this article about feet. I never went barefoot as an adult. I am 73 and love waring Birkenstocks around the house. I feel supported and they keep me balanced too.
Christina,
So glad those work for you! Thanks for sharing!
xoxo
Suzy
I bought my first pair of Easy Spirit shoes in the 90’s, when I watched a TV ad that featured women playing basketball in Easy Spirit pumps! I’ve been a big fan ever since. Thanks for the reminder that it’s time to check out the latest styles.
Marla,
Oh, my goodness, I love that story! Thanks for sharing it with me! I’ll definitely share it with my pals at Easy Spirit!
Their styles are so cute now! I hope you find something that you love!
Thanks for your thoughtful comment!
xoxo
Suzy
Hi Suzy!
Thanks for this great and informative post! I finally got around to reading it and I really enjoyed it! I have loved Easy Spirit for years, as well. As a hint for anyone who is a European traveler, overseas is a great place to buy shoes because most Europeans do a lot of walking on the streets, often with unlevel cobblestone, so they sure know how to make a supportive and comfortable shoe! I have a few pairs that I have purchased over the years and they’re kind of like my practical souvenirs! 🙂
Blessings to you!
Betsie,
I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Also, great tip about buying shoes in Europe. I’d never thought of it that way, but of course, Europeans walk more and thus would know a lot about supportive, comfortable shoes! Fabulous!
Thanks for your comment!
xoxo
Suzy
I just turned 60 two weeks ago. I have noticed the change in feet as well. I have not had children which is what my mother and my sisters and sisters in law said changed their feet.
I do however wear a compression garment on one leg due to a prior health issue which seems to be chronic.
We also changed our flooring in part of our home to LVP and we are on a cement base. Therefore the “cushioning” that was on the floor due to the carpeting is no longer there. I need something on my feet–usually it is Vionic Slipper or Spenco slippers. Walking barefoot just does not interest me and to tell you the truth it really never has.
Thank you for your posting.
Hi Maureen,
Thank you for sharing that! I am glad you’ve found slippers that work for you! I will tell you that in all the research I did, the overwhelming advice was to wear supportive sneakers that provide cushioning, arch support and side support rather than slippers when walking around your house for long periods of time.
That’s why Bob and I opted for “inside” sneakers instead of wearing slippers all the time. (Although we do have slippers we wear in the evenings and mornings, like most people!)
Thanks for taking the time to read this post and leave a comment!
xoxo
Suzy