Tying shoelaces gets harder for many seniors. Arthritis can make the fingers stiff and painful, and tremors or trouble with fine movements make laces fiddly.[1][2] Hook-and-loop closures, sold under the Velcro name, fasten with one hand and adjust in seconds.
This guide covers what to look for and seven pairs for men and women with hook-and-loop closures that are in stock on the web US.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have foot pain, swelling or balance problems, talk to a doctor or podiatrist before choosing footwear.
Hook-and-loop shoe basics
- Arthritis UK suggests choosing shoes with Velcro fastenings if you struggle to tie laces. It also suggests a sturdy sole, a roomy toe box and a removable insole if you wear orthotics.[1]
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation says tying laces takes fine hand coordination, and that Velcro shoes are one alternative for people with tremors. It adds that elastic laces can also reduce the risk of tripping on laces, which can lead to falls.[2]
- The National Institute on Aging says unsafe footwear such as backless shoes or high heels can raise the risk of falling. It advises nonskid, rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes, and says not to walk on floors in socks or in slippers with smooth soles.[3]
- Hook-and-loop closures let you loosen the fit when your feet swell during the day.
Reasons to Choose Hook-and-Loop Shoes
Hook-and-loop shoes close with one or more straps that press onto a patch of fabric instead of lacing through eyelets. You can still loosen or tighten the fit, just as you can with laces.
- Easier to Fasten – Arthritis UK says Velcro and zip fastenings can be done up with one hand and are less fiddly than buckles.[1]
- Fewer Trip Hazards – The Michael J. Fox Foundation notes that elastic laces can reduce the risk of tripping on laces, and a strap has no loose ends to catch.[2]
- Less Bending – Wide-opening straps and a fold-down tongue make it easier to put shoes on if reaching your feet is hard. A long-handled shoehorn helps too.[1]
- Adjustable Fit – You can loosen the straps when your feet swell and tighten them for a secure hold when you walk.
Choosing the Right Pair
Closure is only part of the choice. The shoe still has to fit and grip.
Look for extra depth and a roomy toe box, especially if you have bunions or hammertoes. Arthritis UK recommends a sturdy sole and a roomy toe box, and a removable insole if you wear orthotics.[1] For grip, the National Institute on Aging says to wear nonskid, rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes.[3]
Features of a Good Hook-and-Loop Shoe for Seniors
- Upper – Leather or mesh with a soft lining and a padded collar.
- Comfort and Support – A cushioned footbed, a stable sole and, if you use orthotics, a removable insole.[1]
- Outsole – Durable rubber with tread for grip.[3]
- Sizes and Widths – Most of these come in wide widths, and several in extra-wide.
How We Chose These Shoes
We do not test shoes ourselves. We compared each model’s cushioning, closure, width options and fit using the makers’ descriptions and The web product pages, and we kept only pairs that are in stock on the web US. Brands do not pay to be included, but we may earn a commission from purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Hook-and-Loop Shoes for Seniors
- Are hook-and-loop shoes good for seniors?
They can be. Arthritis UK suggests Velcro fastenings for people who struggle to tie laces, and says they can be done up with one hand.[1] The fit still matters most, so check for room in the toe box and a sturdy sole. - Are slippers safe for older adults?
The National Institute on Aging says not to walk on stairs or floors in socks or in shoes and slippers with smooth soles. Choose a slipper with a nonskid sole, such as the rubber sole on the LongBay pair below.[3] - Which shoes raise the risk of falls?
The National Institute on Aging names backless shoes and high heels, and advises nonskid, rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes.[3]
Key Specs
| No. | Shoe | Type | Closure | Width options | Drop / Cushion | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Propet LifeWalker / Stability Walker (women's) | Walking | Hook-and-loop | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | EVA | – |
| 2 | Orthofeet Alamo | Walking | Hook-and-loop | – | – | – |
| 3 | New Balance 577V1 | Shoe | Hook-and-loop | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | Abzorb | 13.6 oz |
| 4 | New Balance 928V3 | Walking | Hook-and-loop | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – | – |
| 5 | Reebok Rapid Strike KC | Walking | Hook-and-loop | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | EVA | – |
| 6 | Dr. Comfort Fisherman / Breeze (women's) | Sandal | Strap | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – | – |
| 7 | LongBay Memory Foam Slippers | Slipper | Hook-and-loop | Medium | Memory Foam | – |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.
Reviews: Hook-and-Loop Shoes for Seniors
Here are our picks. Each pair is in stock on the web US. We may earn a commission if you buy through the links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Hook-and-Loop Walking Shoes for Seniors
1Strap Walking Shoe, Wide Widths
Propet LifeWalker - Men
Currently unavailable
Propet Stability Walker - Women
Currently unavailable
The Propét LifeWalker Strap (men) and Stability Walker Strap (women) are leather walking shoes with two adjustable straps.
- Two hook-and-loop straps make the shoes easy to put on and let you adjust the fit as your feet change during the day.
- A rocker profile and a built-in heel stabilizer add stability, and the padded collar and tongue cushion the ankle.
- The removable cushioned insole makes room for an orthotic, and the shoes carry the Medicare A5500 diabetic shoe code.
2
Orthofeet® Men's Alamo Dual-Strap Orthopedic Sneaker
Currently unavailable
The Orthofeet Alamo is a leather walking sneaker with two adjustable hook-and-loop straps.
- Two wide-opening straps and a fold-down tongue open the shoe wide, which makes it easy to get on with swollen feet or limited mobility.
- The easy-clean leather upper has a wide toe box and extra depth, which leaves room for swelling or an orthotic.
- An orthotic insole with anatomical arch support and layered cushioning comes with every pair, and the shoe is true to size.
3
Hook-and-Loop Walking Shoe
New Balance 577V1 - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance 577V1 - Women
Currently unavailable
The New Balance 577 v1 is a leather lace-up walking shoe. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The full-grain leather upper keeps its shape.
- Abzorb cushioning in the midsole absorbs impact, and the Walking Strike Path outsole guides a natural heel-to-toe stride.
- It comes in several widths.
4
Leather Hook-and-Loop Walker
New Balance 928V3 - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance 928V3 - Women
Currently unavailable
The New Balance 928 v3 is a motion control walking shoe with a leather upper. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- Motion control design and a Rollbar stability post reinforce the inside and outside of the midsole to limit rear-foot movement.
- Abzorb cushioning absorbs impact at the heel and forefoot.
- The leather upper holds its shape, and the shoe comes in medium, wide and extra-wide widths.
5
Reebok® Men's Rapid Strike KC Light Hook-and-Loop Trainer
Currently unavailable
The Reebok Rapid Strike KC is a light walking and cross-training shoe with a hook-and-loop closure.
- A breathable mesh tongue keeps air moving, and the synthetic upper holds its structure.
- The EVA midsole is light and absorbs impact, and the TPR outsole grips and lasts.
- The open-cell sockliner is removable, and the shoe comes in medium, wide and extra-wide widths.
Hook-and-Loop Sandals for Seniors
6Adjustable Fisherman Sandal
Dr. Comfort Fisherman - Men
Currently unavailable
Dr. Comfort Breeze - Women
Currently unavailable
The Dr. Comfort Fisherman (men) and Breeze (women) are fisherman-style sandals sold as diabetic sandals.
- The men’s Fisherman has a full-grain leather upper, a roomy, protective toe box and an adjustable strap on top.
- A removable footbed with a gel insert cushions the foot, and you can swap it for your own insert or orthotic.
- The Fisherman comes in sizes 6 to 15 and in medium, wide and extra-wide widths.
Hook-and-Loop Slippers for Seniors
7Memory Foam House Slipper
LongBay Memory Foam Slippers - Men
Currently unavailable
LongBay Memory Foam Slippers - Women
Currently unavailable
The LongBay slipper is a plush memory foam slipper for home use. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- High-density memory foam and EVA cushion each step, and the insole supports the arch.
- A non-skid rubber sole works indoors and for a quick trip outside.
- The men’s pair has a flap closure and the women’s pair has a hook-and-loop strap, so you can adjust the fit. Order one size up if you are between sizes.
Index Table: Top Rated Hook-and-Loop Shoes for Seniors
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Propet® - Strap Walking Shoe, Wide Widths |  |  |
| Propet |
| 3 | New Balance® - Hook-and-Loop Walking Shoe |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 4 | New Balance® - Leather Hook-and-Loop Walker |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 6 | Dr. Comfort® - Adjustable Fisherman Sandal |  |  |
| Dr. Comfort |
| 7 | LongBay® - Memory Foam House Slipper |  |  |
| LongBay |
Importance of Easy-Fastening Shoes
A shoe you can put on and fasten yourself keeps you independent and removes loose laces as a trip hazard. Choose a pair that fits well, has grip and suits how your hands work.[1][2][3]
Sources
- Arthritis UK. Getting dressed with arthritis: Tips to make it easier. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation. Getting Dressed More Easily with Parkinson’s Disease. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- National Institute on Aging (NIH). Falls and Fractures in Older Adults: Causes and Prevention. Accessed October 26, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Rewrote the article around Arthritis UK, Michael J. Fox Foundation and National Institute on Aging guidance, added a disclaimer, takeaways, How We Chose section and FAQ, replaced the lace-up Vionic 23Walk 2.0 with the Orthofeet Alamo and the lace-up Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 with the Reebok Rapid Strike KC (both have hook-and-loop closures), and regrouped the shoes under correct headings
- Oct 2026: Replaced Vionic Albert Walking with Vionic 23Walk 2.0; replaced Vionic Kiwi with Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs table and a Sources section; checked availability of every product
- Jun 2022: Published
