Best Snow Boots for Elderly Seniors

Best for Women

DADAWEN Women's Waterproof Frosty Snow Boot Black US Size 4.5

Dadawen Women's Snow Boot

Velcro-closure, waterproof snow boot for women at a price that won't break the bank

Most Fashionable

Easy Spirit Ember Grey 6.5

Easy Spirit Ember Women’s Boot

Fashionable, ultra-lightweight weatherproof boot with a wide toe box and zipper closure

Best for Men

YIRUIYA Mens Insulated Snow Winter Cold Weather Boots

YIRUIYA Mens Winter Snow Boots

Lightweight velcro-closure boots with faux-fur lining

Ice and snow can be easy to slip on for individuals of any age, but seniors – who are already at higher risk of falling – are especially vulnerable in wintery conditions. In fact, one study of 109 seniors tracked 719 outdoor slips and 62 outdoor falls in a single winter! 

When a younger person slips in the snow they may be able to get up and move on without too much trouble, however seniors are at a much greater risk for injuries when they fall. 

senior fall risk

As bones, blood vessels and other body parts age, they tend to weaken and are less able to withstand the force of a fall. They are at greater risk for serious injuries, such as spinal cord damage, for example.

When a senior does get hurt, it can take a long time to heal, and complications from falls can seriously impact a seniors health, independence and quality of life.

Fear of falling can keep seniors from being active, but keeping active is an important aspect of mental and physical wellbeing. Avoiding falls safely, while keeping active, means being aware and  taking some precautions to prevent an accident. 

One of the ways in which seniors can reduce their risk of falling in the winter is by wearing proper winter footwear.

Proper footwear includes several key factors, such as good grip, adequate support, and proper sizing. Because adults’ feet change in size and shape with age, and various medical conditions, many seniors wear ill-fitting footwear without even realizing it. 

However, ill-fitting footwear can increase the risk of slipping and falling, because even slight slips inside the shoe can affect a senior’s balance. Ill-fitting footwear can also cause pain, worsen foot conditions, and affect a senior’s quality of life in many ways.

There are lots of things to consider when looking for the best winter boots for the elderly. 

Let’s take a look at them together. We’ll start by highlighting several of the best snow boots for seniors in multiple categories, and then get more in depth into features to look for and other considerations.

1. Gracosy Women’s Winter Ankle Booties

Best Slipper-Style Snow Boots
gracosy Women's Winter Snow Boots Fur Lined Warm Ankle Booties Outdoor Waterproof Slip on Sneakers Shoes Coffee 10 M US

Gracosy Women’s Winter Ankle Booties

Stylish slipper-like booties ideal for mud and shallow snow

About: Available in several stylish colors, the Gracosy Women’s Winter Ankle Booties are basically super-warm slippers suitable to wear in the rain, mud, or shallow snow. They are lightweight and comfortable, and feature flexible, durable rubber outsoles and a warm faux-fur interior lining. 

Features:

  • Elastic band design makes them easy to slip on
  • Waterproof
  • Cozy slipper-style design with faux-fur lining
  • Non-slip rubber soles

These Gracosy boots are widely regarded as very comfortable. Although their insoles are somewhat lacking in support, they are removable to accommodate orthotic insole inserts for seniors who need arch support due to painful foot conditions like arthritis or plantar fasciitis.

A stretchy elastic band allows a little give when slipping a foot into this snow slipper, however it won’t be enough to accommodate severely swollen feet. 

Because they are ankle-high, these Gracosy boots wouldn’t be the best option for deep snow. 

Materials:

  • Sole:  Non-slip flexible polyurethane rubber
  • Insole:  Faux fur
  • Upper:  Waterproof oxford cloth
  • Liner:  Faux fur

Pros

  • Machine washable
  • Economical price point

Cons

  • Sizes run a little small – you may need to order up a size
  • Slight insole support may be inadequate for seniors with foot pain without adding an orthotic insert
  • Flexible soles not ideal for seniors with poor balance
  • Not suitable for deep snow 

2. Totes Women’s Snow Boot

Lightweight Calf Snow Boots
totes Women's Snow Boots Carmela Built for Comfort Available in Medium and Wide Width and Calf, Black, 9

Totes Women’s Snow Boot

Lightweight and durable calf-high boots with thermolite insulation to keep feet warm

About: These calf high Totes Women’s Snow Boots can handle even deep snow with ease, yet they feel lightweight and comfortable. A front zipper makes slipping these boots on and off easy for most seniors. 

Features:

  • Waterproof and capable of handling deep snow
  • Front zipper to slip on easily
  • Rugged tread for excellent non-slip grip
  • Able to withstand cold temperatures comfortably

These Totes are entirely waterproof, with sealed seams to repel rain and snow and keep feet dry and toasty, whatever the weather. The thermolite insulation provides excellent protection against cold – down to -20ºF! 

The waterproof synthetic rubber soles offer rugged tread for outstanding traction on slippery, icy surfaces. The rounded toe provides a roomy toe box, and the flat heel serves to enhance stability. 

These Totes Women’s Snow Boots in two elegant choices: black or white. 

Materials:

  • Sole:  Waterproof synthetic rubber
  • Insole: Thermolite
  • Upper: Waterproof synthetic
  • Liner: Faux fur

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Excellent traction

Cons

  • These tend to run small and narrow; measure feet and check sizing chart carefully and consider ordering a half to full size larger than usual

3. Columbia Women’s Ice Maiden Shorty Boots

Best Traction on Ice
Columbia Women's Ice Maiden Shorty, Black/Columbia Grey, 6

Columbia Women’s Ice Maiden Shorty Boots

Ankle-high winter-weather boots that can withstand up to -25ºF

About: These Columbia Women’s Ice Maiden Shorty Boots feature innovative technologies both inside and out. The Techlite foam midsole is designed to offer the cushioning, impact absorption and support of a sneaker, while the outsoles feature tread specially designed for extra grip and traction, even on ice. 

Features:

  • Waterproof leather and textile
  • Techlite foam midsole for impact absorption and support
  • Extra grip and traction tread
  • Warm enough even for ultra-low temperatures

These Ice Maidens are ankle-high winter weather boots, designed by Columbia, a company with a reputation for high-quality footwear. They feature a faux fur collar around the top to keep snow out.

The midsoles are fashioned from Techlite foam for lightweight support and impact absorption. 

Most seniors found these boots to be comfortable to wear at length as is, but some found that the sole was a bit hard for their liking. An insertable insole pad made a big difference for these seniors who needed a little extra support.

The Ice Maidens are rated for temperatures down to -25ºF, and feature reinforced toes, heels and lacing. 

The laces allow for a tighter fit, a feature important to reduce slipping. However, laces can be tricky for seniors with arthritis or difficulty getting down to tie them.

Materials:

  • Sole: Rubber
  • Insole: Techlite foam midsole
  • Upper: Waterproof leather and textile
  • Liner: Soft faux fur (around the collar only)

Pros

  • Extra traction for icy surfaces
  • Quality construction
  • Techlite foam midsole for support

Cons

  • Higher price point
  • Laces may be difficult for those with arthritis

4. Easy Spirit Ember Women’s Boot

Most Fashionable Design
Easy Spirit Ember Grey 6.5

Easy Spirit Ember Women’s Boot

Fashionable and ultra-lightweight ankle boots with zipper closure and a spacious toe box

About: These Easy Spirit Ember Women’s Boots are stylish, supportive, lightweight, and comfortable. They feature a cute decorative buckle, EVA foam midsole arch support, and a zipper which makes slipping feet in and out a cinch.

Features:

  • Stylish design with leather materials
  • Midsole with arch support
  • Ultra-lightweight
  • Zipper for easy on and off

The Easy Spirit Embers feature an EVA foam midsole that offers shock absorption and arch support. The removable contoured footbed allows for custom orthotics, so seniors with particular foot support needs will find the Ember to be very accomodating. 

The spacious, rounded toe box offers plenty of room for painful feet, and the low heel contributes to added stability for seniors with balance challenges.

These fashionable mid-height boots go up just above the ankles, where they are lined with a faux fur collar to keep snow out and warmth in. 

Zippers along the inner ankles make it easy to slip in and out of these Easy Spirit Embers. Cute decorative buckles on the outer ankles adds to their stylish appeal.

These leather Easy Spirits are water resistant, so seniors who need a fully waterproof boot for parading through puddles, deeper snow and driving rain may find something else more suitable. 

Materials:

  • Sole: Synthetic rubber sole
  • Insole: EVA midsole
  • Upper: Leather
  • Liner: Textile with faux fur around the collar

Pros

  • Fashionable design
  • Lightweight
  • Zipper for easy access
  • EVA foam midsole support

Cons

  • Water resistant, but not fully waterproof

5. Dadawen Women’s Waterproof Snow Boot

Most Vibrant Color Options
DADAWEN Women's Waterproof Frosty Snow Boot Black US Size 4.5

Dadawen Women’s Waterproof Snow Boot

Hearty waterproof snow boot with velcro fasteners and a synthetic wool liner

About: These Dadawen Women’s Waterproof Snow Boots come in an array of bright, beautiful colors! Lined with plush artificial wool, they will keep toes toasty all winter. 

The velcro fasteners allow seniors to step in and out of these mid-calf high boots with ease, and to adjust the fit as needed, if ankles swell from time to time.

Features:

  • Available in a variety of vibrant color choices
  • Waterproof and snowproof
  • Velcro fasteners

Velcro fasteners ensure it’s easy for a senior to get their feet in and out of these boots, without sacrificing a snug, cozy, proper fit – regardless of fluctuations in ankle swelling.

The synthetic wool liner keeps feet extra warm and cozy. These Dadawen boots lack good arch support, but will nicely accommodate an insole insert.

Materials:

  • Sole: Synthetic rubber
  • Insole: Synthetic wool
  • Upper: Waterproof textile
  • Liner: Plush synthetic wool

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • Fun, bright colors
  • Velcro fasteners

Cons

  • Not much arch support (although adding an insert seems to work well)

6. Columbia Minx Slip III Women’s Boots

Best Traction
Columbia Minx Slip III Women

Columbia Minx Slip III Women’s Boots

Fashionable slip-on boot with faux-fur lining for warmth, along with top-notch traction

About: The Columbia Minx Slip III is a waterproof slip on boot with an outdoor-fashionable style reminiscent of the Pacific Northwest, where it was made. 

Columbia has developed several proprietary technologies to keep feet warm, dry and securely planted on the ground, regardless of the terrain or weather, and the soles of this Minx slip-on boot is as non-slip as they come!

Features:

  • Side zipper closure and cute pattern design
  • Moderate arch support and good-sized toe box
  • Removable insole accommodates custom orthotics
  • Excellent traction technology

The high-traction Omni-Grip™ rubber provides a very stable grip on rugged or snowy terrain. It features widely-spaced nubs, which offers much better protection against side-to-side sliding than wavy, grooved tread. 

The Minx’s rounded toe offers plenty of wiggle room in the toe box, and the contoured polyurethane insole offers decent arch support. The insole can easily be removed and replaced with a custom orthotic, for seniors with higher or specific support needs.  

Proprietary Omni-Heat™ lining reflects body heat for extra warmth, while remaining breathable. The Minx is rated for temperatures down to -25ºF! 

The side zipper closure allows this mid-calf boot to slip on and off with ease, and the entire boot utilizes Omni-Tech™ seam-sealed membrane to ensure the Minx is completely waterproof, yet breathable.

Materials:

  • Sole: High-traction rubber
  • Insole: Contoured polyurethane
  • Upper: Waterproof woven synthetic textile
  • Liner: Plush faux-fur

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Great for rain or snow
  • Removable insole allows for custom orthotic insert

Cons

  • Tends to run on the small and narrow side – size up!
  • Higher price point

7. CIOR Merence Waterproof Drawstring Boots for Men or Women

Best Drawstring Boot
Men and Women's Waterproof Snow Boot Drawstring Cold Weather Boot, T.grey-44

CIOR Merence Waterproof Drawstring Boots

Cold-weather mid-calf waterproof boot with adjustable drawstring for a comfy fit

About: The CIOR Merence Waterproof Drawstring Boots are simple mid-calf waterproof boots, designed for men and women alike. Their soft, faux-fur-lined leg features a drawstring around the top for an adjustable fit, which also keeps out the cold and snow. 

Features:

  • Drawstring closure at topline
  • Shock absorbing and low heel
  • Warm, cozy lining

The elastic drawstring closure keeps snow and wetness out, and comfy, dry warmth in all winter. The drawstring also enhances fit, striking a nice balance between ease of slipping on and off, and a snug, proper fit. 

Some hand strength and dexterity is required to squeeze the drawstring’s stopper, so this boot may not be the best fit for seniors with severe hand pain or weakness.

The waterproof fabric repels water and can easily be wiped down for cleaning, and the insole is detachable for washing. The removable insole is also a plus for seniors who have specific insole support needs or custom orthotics, as they will work nicely in this boot. 

The EVA / rubber sole offers durable, non-slip traction that resists wear, extending the life of these boots. The low heel promotes good foot posture for comfort and balance support.

The synthetic insole is built to absorb impact which can enhance comfort when wearing all day. Many seniors describe these boots to be very warm and comfortable. 

Materials:

  • Sole: EVA / rubber composite
  • Insole: Synthetic
  • Upper: Waterproof synthetic textile and quilted nylon
  • Liner: Faux fur

Pros

  • Light weight
  • Low price point
  • Waterproof
  • Warm and comfortable

Cons

  • Drawstring design may be challenging for seniors with hand debilities

8. Yiruiya Men’s Winter Snow Boots

Best Variety of Closure Options
YIRUIYA Mens Insulated Snow Winter Cold Weather Boots

Yiruiya Men’s Winter Snow Boots

A budget-friendly snow boot with water-resistant materials and several closure options

About: These Yiruiya Men’s Winter Snow Boots come in a variety of options to meet the needs of most older men. Drawstring closure, velcro straps or laces – the Yiruiya has something special in a variety of smart-looking styles. Every style has some nice features in common:

Features:

  • Warm faux-fur lining throughout
  • Lightweight and water repellent
  • Shock absorbing ergonomically molded insole

The Yiruiyas with velcro tabs offer the utmost in easily adjustable sizing, while those with drawstring styles do a great job at keeping snow and blustery air out of the boot.

The lace up Yiruiyas require some finger dexterity to tie, and they run the risk of coming loose and becoming a tripping danger, so they should only be chosen with caution. However, laces can be an effective way to achieve a good fit regardless of fluctuating foot size due to mild to moderate swelling, so some seniors may ultimately decide on one of these lace-up styles.

Materials:

  • Sole: Anti-slip rubber
  • Insole: Soft rubber
  • Upper: Water-resistant PU Leather or waterproof cloth
  • Liner: Faux fur

Pros

  • Choose from a selection of styles and closure options
  • Affordable
  • Extra warm

Cons

  • Some seniors may find them to be too warm for prolonged indoor use
  • Certain styles are water resistant, but not fully waterproof

9. Baffin Tundra Men’s Snow Boots

Best Cold Protection
Baffin Tundra Men

Baffin Tundra Men’s Snow Boots

Ultra cold-proof winter boot with a cushioned midsole

About: These Baffin Tundra Men’s Snow Boots are rated to withstand wind, snow and freezing weather down to a blistering -40º F! These Baffin boots utilize several innovative technologies to achieve this feat, including a unique removable boot liner, designed for extra-quick drying.

Features:

  • Elastic drawstring along the top keeps out the cold
  • Unique velcro ankle strap adds support
  • Lightweight
  • Moderate arch support
  • Comfort rated to -40º F

These Baffin boots are built with EVA foam cushioned midsole that provides moderate arch support – which can be rather a rare find in snow boots.

The Baffin boots feature a unique velcro strap around the ankle, which serves to tighten the fit after it’s on. This tight fit ensures that the senior’s foot won’t slip within the boot, and is key in reducing slipping in a snow boot.

The Baffin boots are made with ultra lightweight materials, so they won’t weigh down a senior’s feet. This is an important feature for seniors with limited energy, as trudging around in heavy boots can be exhausting. 

Despite their light weight, these boots are a bit on the bulky side, so they may not be the best choice for seniors who have difficulty lifting their feet or walking smoothly. 

Materials:

  • Sole: Polar high-traction rubber
  • Insole: Proprietary cold-resistant EVA
  • Upper: 900D waterproof nylon
  • Liner: Unique removable quick drying liner

Pros

  • Designed to keep feet extra dry and warm
  • Ultra lightweight
  • Serious protection against the cold

Cons

  • Higher price point
  • Despite their low weight, some seniors may find them to be a little bulky

Foot Conditions That May Affect What Type of Shoe You Choose

Feet have 52 bones, 66 joints and over 200 muscles! They provide the foundation that carries the weight of the entire body. We need to treat them well! Wearing the wrong shoes over time can contribute to a number of problems in the feet, lower body and back

It’s a good idea to wear good fitting shoes at any age and stage of health, to prevent problems from forming in the first place. Once foot problems have been established, proper footwear becomes essential!

Arthritis

Seniors who have arthritis will benefit from boots with a low heel with good arch support. Heels wear down arches and joints, worsening pain in the feet, knees, hips and back. Look for sturdy shoes that support the ankle.

  • Low or no heel
  • Good arch support
  • Good ankle support
  • Shock absorption
  • Roomy toe box
  • Good cushioning around the ball of the foot

Bunions

When footwear puts pressure on the outside of the big toe, it can start bending in sideways, towards the other toes. Bunions can be painful, and affect a senior’s balance.

  • Wide toe box is very important

Diabetes

Diabetics need lightweight shoes that allow feet to move naturally and breathe. Look for light and flexible materials, without tags or seams that can irritate the skin.

  • Wide toe box 
  • Shock absorption
  • Arch support
  • Low or no heels
  • Breathable so skin stays dry

Edema

Seniors commonly experience swelling in their feet, ankles and lower legs for a variety of reasons. Often the degree of swelling varies throughout the day. The fluctuating foot size can make finding a proper fit a challenge, because it can literally change while it’s being worn. 

A proper fit is one of the most important factors in shoe safety, so finding a boot with adjustable straps is important for seniors with edema. 

The conditions that cause swelling can also make skin more vulnerable to breakdown, as does moisture. It’s important to minimize sweating to reduce the risk of fungus and skin breakdown in elders with edema. Stretchy, flexible material can also help by reducing rubbing and skin irritation.

Laces can also offer an adjustable fit, but may be harder to manage for seniors with hand pain or weakness. Laces are also prone to coming untied, creating a tripping hazard. For that reason, velcro straps are generally recommended over laces for seniors. 

  • Adjustable velcro straps 
  • Uppers made from stretchy or flexible material
  • Breathable, so skin stays dry

Hammertoes

When a toe box is too tight, toes may bend upward. Eventually, the ligaments in the foot shorten and become unable to relax back into their original position. Hammertoes, mallet toes and claw toes can be treated and prevented with a toe box with ample room for the longest toe.

High heels also contribute to toe deformity, because feet slide forward, crunching the toes into the end of the shoe.

  • Roomy toe box
  • Low or no heel

Corns, Calluses and Blisters

When footwear rubs against the skin it can cause blisters, calluses and corns. Leave about a half inch of room between the longest toe and the end of the shoe and ensure that shoes and boots are plenty wide.

  • Roomy toe box
  • Plenty of width

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis feels like an intense stabbing pain in the heels, which is especially bad first thing in the morning when getting out of bed. Fortunately choosing the right footwear for plantar fasciitis can make a day-and-night difference in managing this sometimes debilitating condition.

  • Arch support
  • Back heel support
  • Rigid sole
  • Thick cushioned midsole or rocker bottom

Features to Look For in Snow Boots for Seniors

Consider the following features as you sift through the options to find the perfect snow boot for your favorite senior.

winter boot for seniors

For Comfort, Think Warm and Supportive

At the top of the list of must-haves in a good winter boot is comfort. 

There are a number of things that impact a winter boot’s comfort. Seniors often want warm, cozy boots that keep their toes toasty — especially considering that, as they age, seniors tend to feel cold more often, for a number of reasons.

Cold feet are common among seniors year round due to poor circulation. 

warm boots for seniors

Winter boots keep feet warm using a variety of approaches. Some use sofy, cozy linings made from faux fur or wool. Others use heat-reflection layers, which reflect the senior’s body heat right back. This increases warmth without adding bulk. 

Insulation technology can make the most of minimal heat in a very cold environment, and is often measured in grams. 200 gram insulation is light weight, and will keep feet warm for 1-2 hours in very cold weather. 400 or 600 gram insulation is heavier and can last much longer. 

Beyond warmth, adequate support and proper fit are extremely important for a comfortable boot. Exactly what constitutes adequate support or proper fit, will vary by individual, depending on their particular feet and any foot or health conditions. 

Wide, Supportive Insole

Adequate width is especially important for seniors with wide feet, and certain foot conditions, but truth be told, it is important for everyone. A nice, wide base provides extra area for traction on slick, icy surfaces. 

A wide insole allows room for feet that may swell by the end of the afternoon, and for thick socks – which some seniors really appreciate on a blustery winter day!

Don’t overlook the importance of a supportive insole or midsole with moderate arch support. Some boots are designed with support built in, but many seniors find that orthotic inserts purchased at the drugstore offer heel or arch support that better fits their feet

Some boots are designed with a removable insole to accommodate custom orthotics. If the insole isn’t removable, just slip the orthotic insert in on top – as long as there is adequate room to do so without squishing toes or creating too tight of a fit.

Shock-Absorbing Sole

A shock absorbing sole can protect the foot from stress fractures, and reduce impact that can exacerbate painful feet in seniors with arthritis, diabetes, plantar fasciitis, and other conditions. 

Spacious Toe Box

When the area surrounding the toes – the toe box – doesn’t fit, pain and injury can ensue. Bunions, hammertoes, blisters, calluses and ingrown toenails can result. Be sure the toe box allows plenty of length for the longest toe, and plenty of width to wiggle your toes.

Also, make sure the wearer is keeping their toenails appropriately trimmed with a reliable set of toenail clippers — you don’t want a pair of boots to not feel comfortable simply due to long toenails!

Low or No Heel

low heel boot

Boots with higher heels put excess pressure on the ball of the foot and ankle, and can force toes into a cramped toe box. This can cause or worsen pain from corns, bunions, hammertoes, Morton’s neuroma, plantar fasciitis, and other conditions – even knee or back pain!

Higher heels also affect posture, challenge balance, and are a leading contributor to falls in older adults. 

Look for a heel less than one inch tall in any good shoe for a senior, particularly snow boots, where they are highly likely to encounter slippery surfaces.

If a low heel is desired, be sure the boot or shoe has rubber soles, wedge heels and roomy toe boxes to counter some of the ill effects.

Easy to Put On and Take Off

Seniors often have trouble pulling their shoes on and off. For some, it’s due to difficulty leaning over and reaching their feet. Others have pain or weakness in their hands due to arthritis or other conditions which can make it hard to grip and pull shoes on, or to manage small buckles or laces. 

The best shoes for seniors are typically those that avoid laces, small buttons, buckles or clasps. 

Velcro straps are among the best choices in boot closures, because they make it easy to slip on and off, but also because they can be adjusted to accommodate swelling feet, and, unlike laces, they don’t run the risk of coming untied and causing a trip and fall.

A wide opening at the mouth of the boot also can make it easier to get on and off, even with potential ankle swelling.

slip on winter boots

A drawstring at the top of the boot is sometimes used to add a little adjustability, although it won’t be as easy as a velcro or zipper closure.

Zippers can be good solutions for some seniors, provided they don’t have hand conditions that make it hard to grab a hold of the zipper tab. (Adding a keychain ring to a zipper tab can make it easier to grasp.)

winter boot with zipper

Lightweight

The heavier the boots are, the more energy it takes to walk around in them. Heavy boots can quickly sap the energy stores of the elderly. The exhaustion can interfere in allowing them to participate in favorite activities. It can also cause them to drag their feet, which creates a concern for stumbling.

Sufficient Grip

Good grip is important to preventing falls no matter what the flooring. However, wet and icy surfaces are extremely slippery, and can greatly increase the chance of slipping and falling. A good outsole with non-slip grip is essential when it comes to finding a snow boot for seniors. 

Most snow boots have some sort of non-slip rubber sole – if possible, look for boots with specialty grip that is designed for ice and snow. Harder, plastic-like rubbers will slide more easily than high-friction, “stickier” rubber. 

Also important to grip is the tread design. Thick, chunky tread is much better than flat, smooth soles. 

boots with traction tread

It’s surprising how quickly tread can wear away, leaving a not-very-old boot with dangerously little grip. Look for durable rubber that is designed to resist wear over time, and check the soles of your boots routinely to ensure they are still safe to wear.

Wavy or grooved tread patterns offer traction to the front and back, but are prone to dangerous side-to-side sliding. 

The best tread patterns feature widely spaced “nubs” designed to prevent sliding in any direction. As long as the tread is positioned in multiple directions, including front, back and side to side, it should be able to provide good friction and stop sliding. 

Proper Fit

Shoes that are too small or narrow cause pain, while shoes that are too large can affect walking safety. Either way, wearing properly fitting shoes is one of the most important things seniors can do. 

In fact, research shows that when seniors wear properly fitting shoes they experience less pain, better foot function, better social function, and a higher quality of life related to foot health and health in general.

Research shows that adults’ feet widen and flatten over the years, and up to 72% of seniors wear shoes that are too small for their current foot size. It’s important to re-measure feet every year or so, to ensure footwear still fits properly.

The left and right feet often measure slightly differently, so experts recommend sizing the shoe based on the larger foot. Measure feet at the end of the afternoon, when they tend to be slightly swollen and at their largest.

If extra-thick socks are preferred by a senior, choose a half-size larger than usual!

When shoes or boots fit well, they should have at least 1-1.5 cm of space at the end of the shoe, and feel snug but not tight. Toes should have room to wiggle, and the shoes should not hurt, or require “breaking in” at all.

Finding the perfect fit for a senior can be difficult. Getting an appropriate fit is essential to prevent tripping or losing balance. However, many boots may run small, large, or be too narrow. This is why it’s essential to measure the user’s foot carefully and compare those numbers to the shoe measurements.

It’s also best to choose senior snow boots that offer a reasonable return policy in case the fitting does not work out.

Easy to Clean

Winter boots are likely to become wet, muddy and soiled when they’re out in the weather. Some winter boots are machine washable. Many snow boots are waterproof, and salt, slush or snow will usually brush right off without worrying about cleaning. 

easy to clean boots

Some winter boots are water resistant, rather than fully waterproof, and these may be more prone to staining. Keep in mind the elements you’ll be using them in when weighing how important easy-clean is on your list of considerations.

Other Cold Weather Aids for Seniors

In addition to snow boots, seniors should consider other cold-weather aids to reduce risk of slipping. These include cleats that can be slipped on over one’s shoes in case of ice and snow. These are small and lightweight, and are easy to keep in the car in case of emergency. 

Ice salt, or ice melt, is another cold weather aid that can reduce the amount of ice and snow to contend with on the sidewalk.  

Yaktrax Pro Traction Snow Cleats

Best Ice Cleat!
Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats for Walking, Jogging, or Hiking on Snow and Ice (1 Pair), Medium , Black

Yaktrax Pro Traction Snow Cleats

Heavy duty cleats that can help provide all-direction traction and reduce slips and falls

About: Yaktrax Pro Traction Snow Cleats are designed to slip over existing shoes or boots to provide excellent, all-direction traction for non-slip grip in ice or snow. Yaktrax has been shown to significantly reduce slips and falls in seniors.

Features:

  • Fits over various shoe and boot styles
  • Durable rubber design with stainless steel coils for long lasting heavy duty performance
  • Promotes natural walking motion
  • All-direction traction

Yaktrax are made to last; constructed from abrasion-resistant, high-strength stainless steel and heavy-duty rubber. They are shown to withstand breakage in temperatures down to -41º F.

The Yaktrax’s velcro strap and web design is easy to slip over any shoe for a secure fit, at least for most adults. Seniors with dexterity issues in their hands may find it to be challenging. 

Note that Yaktrax are only intended for use on ice or snow. Wearing them on concrete would wear them down quickly – and could actually decrease traction and increase slipping in those areas. They aren’t the right choice for seniors who just need extra traction for the occasional icy patch.

Materials:

Heavy Duty Rubber
Stainless Steel Coils

Pros

  • 360º all direction traction
  • Easy to slip over any shoe or boot
  • Lightweight
  • Durable

Cons

  • It may be hard to slip on for seniors with dexterity issues
  • For use on ice or snow only. Wearing them on bare concrete could damage them and may be dangerous. 

Ice Salt

Ice salt, or ice melt, is made from salt blends that can be effective in reducing the risk of ice. However, they can cause damage to the property. They can damage plants and seep into porous concrete, breaking it down quickly. Keep these ice melt basics in mind before laying it down.

  • Mix ice melt with sand to increase traction and minimize salt exposure to the land.
  • Use a thin layer of salt before a storm, and a second thin layer during the storm, to reduce snow build up in the first place, and make it easier to shovel after the storm.
  • Regular rock salt works in a pinch, down to about 15º F. 
  • Salt blends containing calcium chloride can melt ice down to around -25º F.
  • Remove excess salt when possible after the need has passed to reduce damage to concrete and surrounding plants. 
  • Salt melt can irritate dogs’ feet. Rinsing their feet after exposure to salt is a good idea. 

What are your thoughts on what makes a great winter boot for the elderly? We’d love to hear your thoughts and questions in the comments below.

Last update on 2022-01-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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