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My 61-Year-Old Mom Struggles With Shoes, But She Approves of My 17 Spring Recommendations

Including finds from Sam Edelman, Adidas, Rothys and more

PARIS, FRANCE - JANUARY 12: Maria Rosaria Rizzo wears black Balmain tailored pants with a straight leg, black leather Salvatore Ferragamo ballerina flats with a rounded toe, golden detail and low profile sole, during a street style fashion photo session, on January 12, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)
Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

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If there’s one thing I can count on with the change of the season, it’s my mom complaining that her shoe game isn’t up to par. To ensure she’s prepared for every spring event, I gathered a range of shoe types that she’ll happily wear throughout the season (and beyond). The criteria? Comfortable yet stylish shoes that are easy to put on and take off.

My 61-year-old mom loves easy-going sneakers, but she’s looking to add more sleek loafers, mules and flats to her collection. I also sprinkled in some secure heel options — hello, block heel and low height (!) — for special occasions on her calendar. With any luck, these chic picks will last her through summer, too! Browse my recommendations from Amazon Essentials, Rothy’s, Sam Edelman, Crocs, Adidas and more.

17 Spring Shoes Every Woman Ages 40+ Should Own

1. Our Favorite: These Amazon Essentials loafers are just $23, but their quality says otherwise. Available in different materials and colors (even metallic), the shoes are an everyday option that’ll take her from the office to errands.

2. Hearty Hardware: For a little more pizzazz, these Walmart faux-suede loafers feature a chunky buckle on the upper. The gold-tone accent isn’t too shiny, either, which gives it an upscale look.

3. A Little Lift: It doesn’t take a lot to feel dressed up, and these low espadrille wedges do so with ease. The soft, stretchy straps are secure on the ankle for all-day walking.

4. Nice Knit: Thanks to the 100% knit fabric, there will be no sweaty feet here! These breathable ballet flats have 100% thermoplastic rubber outsoles for a slip-free design.

5. Simple Sneakers: Kizik just released these Camden slip-on sneakers, which means you never have to tie laces. Just slip your foot in and push down for a secure fit!

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 12: Reese Witherspoon, attends Apple TV's "The Last Thing He Told Me" Season Two Special Event at The West Hollywood EDITION on February 12, 2026 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/WireImage)

Related: Love Reese Witherspoon‘s Designer Sneakers? Recreate the Look for $37

6. Sweet Slingbacks: Rothy’s is known for its extremely comfortable, washable shoes, but don’t sleep on its style. These cushioned slingback flats will go with most things in your closet, and don’t require any break-in period.

7. Metallic Mama: Sandals can be as casual or as dressed up as you’d like, and this Jessica Simpson pair features a stand-out metallic snake-print design. The contoured footbed gets a thumbs up on the comfort scale.

8. Fun Florals: The famous slip-on clogs from Crocs come in a spring-ready design. The colorful floral detailing is just the pop the season calls for!

9. Ballet Beauties: These Sam Edelman flats aren’t your average shoes — they offer a trendy textured woven design. The heeled flats also have small cutouts for a breezy feel you’ll experience once you slip them on.

10. Old Faithful: When in doubt, the Adidas Samba sneakers continue to be a favorite. They pair just as well with jeans as they do with trousers and dresses, making them a versatile pick.

11. Must-Have Mules: We found your new go-to work shoe in these backless slip-on loafers. The thin gold embellishments make the $37 price tag look like it’s missing a zero.

12. Sporty Spice: Sneakers don’t have to be — and shouldn’t be — boring. These affordable Walmart shoes come in fun colors to get you out of that winter funk.

13. Wonderful Wedges: With a 2.75-inch heel, you’ll be able to wear these all day, thanks to the wedge design. These slingback espadrille heels have an adjustable ankle strap for a custom fit.

14. Designer Inspired: These $20 block slingbacks look like a popular designer’s creation. Plus, the 0.5-inch block heel gives just enough lift to feel more special.

15. Sharp Slip-Ons: Vince Camuto knew what it was doing with the raffia Graysin sandals. The dark tan and gold combination seamlessly works with the rest of your spring wardrobe.

16. Bowed Babe: Keep things simple with these pleated ballet flats. They have a small bow on the front and come in four spring-ready colors.

17. Worthy Woven: Your typical boat shoes just got an upgrade with the Sam Edelman Bria. The woven detail goes nearly all the way around, so you’ll catch that spring breeze.

HAMBURG, GERMANY - OCTOBER 16: Laura Noltemeyer is seen wearing an oversized beige alpaca wool sweater with tie-back detailing by Aylin König; a long alpaca wool knit skirt in a straight cut by Aylin König; an alpaca knit scarf draped and knotted around the neck by Aylin König; beige suede Boston clogs by Birkenstock; a white intrecciato leather handbag called „Arco Bag“ by Bottega Veneta; slim black cat-eye sunglasses by Yves Saint Laurent; gold statement earrings with a green stone detail by Mango; her brown and straight hair is tied in a low ponytail on October 16, 2025 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Moritz Scholz/Getty Images)

Related: This Unexpected Spring Shoe Trend Is Everywhere — And It‘s So Comfy

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