By Alan Miklofsky
Article #1 of our series on foot health for seniors.
As we move into retirement, many of us focus on issues like heart health, blood sugar, or eyesight. These are certainly important priorities, yet one area quietly determines whether we can continue to enjoy our daily life: our feet. Healthy, comfortable feet underpin mobility, and mobility underpins independence. When every step feels stable and relatively painless, we say yes more often. We might agree to a walk with a friend, a museum visit with grandkids, a volunteer shift, or a trip we’ve been meaning to take. When pain intrudes, we start saying no. This column exists to turn more of those no’s back into yeses.
Mobility Equals Independence
Mobility is not just about distance; it’s about confidence. A short walk to the mailbox, climbing a few stairs, or standing in the kitchen to prep dinner might sound routine, but each depends on a complex system of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles working as a team. Minor heel pain, a sore big toe, or a nagging ache on the ball of the foot can slowly chip away at that confidence. We may begin to compensate with shorter strides, fewer outings, and more time sitting. Over weeks and months, these small changes can reduce balance, leg strength, and energy levels. The good news: most foot discomfort can be improved with attention, simple routines, and better day‑to‑day choices.
What Changes with Age
Feet change as we age. Soft tissues lose some elasticity, fat pads under the heel and forefoot thin, and arches may flatten or become more rigid. Past injuries, arthritis, or weight changes can compound these shifts. None of this means comfort is out of reach. It does mean the old strategies may no longer work. We may not be able to wear the same sizes and styles we favored 20 years ago. It’s important to observe changes early, though. Has your shoe size crept up half a size? Do we need more depth in the toe box? Is there a difference between morning and evening swelling that affects fit? These details matter more than they did when we were younger.
Fit First, Always
Fit is priority number one. Fashion and features matter less if length, width, and depth are off by even a little. For many retirees, a well‑chosen last shape (the form a shoe is built on), adequate toe room, and secure heel fit can transform daily comfort. Small adjustments, such as choosing a style with more forefoot volume or a closure that locks the heel, often deliver bigger results than chasing new technologies. Think in terms of personalization: the best choice is the one that matches your foot, your activities, and your environment.
Daily Habits That Pay Off
Comfort isn’t only about footwear. Simple daily habits add up. Consider a short morning calf stretch to ease Achilles tension. Perform gentle toe curls or towel scrunches to wake up intrinsic foot muscles. Try rotating between two or three pairs of shoes during the week to vary pressures. Don’t forget to pay attention to your socks as a smooth, moisture‑managing sock can reduce friction and help regulate temperature. At home, consider surfaces. Prolonged standing on hard tile may call for a more cushioned in‑home shoe. These are small choices that compound into big gains in comfort and stamina.
Know When to Seek Help
Self‑care covers a lot, but not everything. Have you noticed persistent swelling, sudden color changes, numbness or burning, non‑healing sores, or pain that worsens despite rest and reasonable adjustments? If so, it’s time to consult a podiatrist or other medical professional. Scheduling a medical appointment is especially important if you have diabetes, peripheral artery disease, or neuropathy. Early attention can prevent bigger issues and keep you moving.
The Social Ripple Effect
Foot comfort affects more than our calendar; it affects our relationships. When walking feels easier, we say yes to invitations. That extra brunch, a community event, or time at the park with grandkids are not small wins; they are social vitamins. Regular, light activity boosts mood and sleep quality, and can even support cognitive health. In that sense, prioritizing foot health isn’t just physical maintenance. It’s an investment in the experiences that make retirement rewarding.
A Prevention Mindset
It’s common to accept discomfort as inevitable, but prevention works. Catching early hotspots, replacing worn‑out shoes, adding a gentle stretching routine, or using an appropriate insole can change the trajectory of your week. The goal is not perfection. It’s progress leading to a little less pain, a little more distance, a little more confidence.
What You’ll Find in This Series
Each column will translate decades of hands‑on experience into clear, practical guidance. The goal is to provide education that you can apply to fit your life, no matter where you live.
We’ll cover topics such as:
- Balance and fall prevention
- How socks, surfaces, and insoles influence comfort
- Ways common conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and neuropathy interact with the feet
- How to enjoy travel, hobbies, and holidays without letting foot pain dictate the plan.
The focus is on education, so you can apply the ideas that fit your life, regardless of where you live.
A Simple First Step
Start with a five‑minute routine. For example, perform a gentle calf stretch against the wall, a few toe spreads, and ankle circles. Check the insides of your shoes for worn linings or seams that rub. Notice whether one pair of shoes leaves your feet fresher at day’s end than another. These observations are feedback you can use. The better you listen to your feet, the better they’ll carry you: to the mailbox, the market, and beyond.
The Bottom Line
Foot health is more than comfort. It’s the foundation of independence, connection, and confidence in retirement. With attentive fit, simple daily routines, and timely medical guidance when needed, most people can walk more and worry less.
About the Author
Alan Miklofsky, a semi-retired, self-described “Professional Shoe Dog,” began working in the shoe business in 1977. He went on to run Alan’s Shoes, an award-winning comfort footwear business, for 40 years. He is also recognized as the original founder of Shoes.com. Alan dedicated 29 years to the National Shoe Retailers Association (NSRA) Board of Directors, serving as Chairperson from 2009 to 2011. Today, he channels his expertise into creating content on wellness, mobility, and lifestyle issues for retirees, emphasizing how foot health supports independence and quality of life. He also provides consulting services to independent retailers, specializing in financial oversight and strategic planning. Learn more at www.alanmiklofsky.com or https://www.linked.com/in/alanmiklofsky
Leslie Farin is the Publisher and Founder of 50PlusToday. She is an experienced communications and marketing professional passionate about working with older adults and their families. She works with a team of writers to provide essential and cutting-edge information related to the 50Plus community.
