What AARP offers for orthopedic shoes

AARP does not run a direct discount program on orthopedic shoes through a single national partner. Instead, AARP members may find shoe discounts through specific retailers and programs that AARP has partnered with, though the availability and depth of these discounts vary. The most reliable way to check what is currently available is to log into your AARP account online or call AARP Member Services at 1-888-687-2277 to ask what shoe retailers are offering member pricing right now.

Orthopedic shoes — shoes designed to support foot pain, arthritis, or structural issues — are often expensive, and many people assume a membership organization like AARP would have a standing deal. In reality, AARP's partnerships change, and shoe discounts are not a core benefit the way they are with some other membership groups. What matters is checking the current list rather than assuming a discount exists.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP does not have a single national orthopedic shoe discount program, but members should check the AARP website or call Member Services to see which retailers currently offer member pricing.
  • Some AARP partners in health and wellness categories may include shoe retailers, but these partnerships change and are not may provide.
  • If AARP does not offer a discount on the brand you need, your doctor or podiatrist may know of other programs, and some shoe companies offer their own senior discounts.
  • Medicare may cover custom orthopedic shoes in specific cases — ask your podiatrist whether your situation qualifies.
  • Comparing prices across online retailers, local orthopedic shops, and chain stores often saves more money than relying on a membership discount alone.

Where to look for AARP shoe discounts

Start by visiting the AARP website and looking for the "Discounts & Deals" or "Member Discounts" section. This section lists current partnerships by category — health, wellness, shopping, and so on. Shoe retailers appear here when AARP has an active agreement, but the list is not static. A retailer that offered a discount last year may not be listed this year, and new partners are added regularly.

If you do not find what you need online, call AARP Member Services. They can tell you whether any orthopedic shoe retailers are currently offering member discounts and what the discount amount is. They can also let you know if a retailer you have in mind has an AARP partnership. This phone call takes five minutes and gives you a definitive answer rather than guessing.

Medicare coverage for orthopedic shoes

In some cases, Medicare Part B covers custom orthopedic shoes — not as a discount, but as a covered medical item. Medicare covers shoes only when they are custom-made (not off-the-shelf) and prescribed by a doctor or podiatrist for a specific foot condition. Common may have access to conditions include severe arthritis, diabetes with foot complications, or structural deformities that cause pain or mobility loss.

To find out whether your situation qualifies, ask your podiatrist or primary care doctor. They can determine whether custom shoes are medically necessary and, if so, write a prescription. You will then need to go to a Medicare-approved orthopedic shoe supplier. The supplier will handle the paperwork with Medicare. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your deductible and whether you have supplemental coverage, but the shoe itself is not paid for out of pocket if Medicare approves it.

Other ways to find orthopedic shoe discounts

If AARP does not currently have a partnership with the brand or retailer you need, other routes often work. Many orthopedic shoe companies — brands like New Balance, Vionic, and Propét — offer their own senior discounts, usually 10 to 15 percent off. Call the company directly or check their website for a "senior discount" or "over 55" offer. You may need to show a driver's license or AARP card at checkout.

Local orthopedic shoe shops and medical supply stores often give senior discounts as a standard practice, even without a membership. Ask when you visit or call. Online retailers like Amazon, Zappos, and specialty sites like The Walking Company sometimes run sales on orthopedic brands, and comparing prices across three or four sites often reveals savings larger than any membership discount.

Your podiatrist or physical therapist may also know of programs or retailers in your area that offer discounts to their patients. They see many people with foot pain and often have relationships with local shops or know about manufacturer programs you would not find on your own.

What to ask AARP Member Services

When you call or visit the AARP website, ask these specific questions to get the most useful answer:

  • Are there any orthopedic shoe retailers currently offering AARP member discounts?
  • What is the discount percentage, and does it explore to all shoes or only certain brands?
  • Is there a code or membership number I need to use to get the discount?
  • Does the discount explore online, in-store, or both?

Write down the answers or take a screenshot so you have them when you shop. Discount programs sometimes require you to enter a code at checkout or show your card in person, and having the details in front of you prevents frustration at the register.

Comparing your options

Before you settle on any one route, spend 15 minutes comparing prices. Get a quote from an AARP partner if one exists, check the shoe company's own senior discount, look at a local orthopedic shop, and search online. Write down the final price you would pay from each source, including shipping if you are ordering online. The cheapest option is not always the one with the biggest-sounding discount — a 10 percent discount on a $200 shoe is $20 off, but a different retailer might sell the same shoe for $160 to begin with.

If you are buying custom orthopedic shoes through Medicare, the comparison is simpler: you use a Medicare-approved supplier, and your cost is determined by your coverage, not by shopping around. But if you are paying out of pocket, the 15 minutes spent comparing saves real money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to get orthopedic shoe discounts?

Yes, AARP discounts require membership. However, many orthopedic shoe companies and retailers offer senior discounts to anyone over a certain age (usually 55 or 62) without requiring membership. Ask directly when you shop.

What if I cannot find an AARP orthopedic shoe discount?

Call AARP Member Services to confirm whether a current partnership exists. If not, check whether the shoe brand itself offers a senior discount, ask your podiatrist about local discounts, or compare prices across online retailers. You may find a better deal outside of AARP anyway.

Can Medicare pay for orthopedic shoes instead of me buying them?

Medicare covers custom orthopedic shoes if a doctor prescribes them for a medical condition and you use a Medicare-approved supplier. Off-the-shelf orthopedic shoes are not covered. Ask your doctor or podiatrist whether your foot problem qualifies.

Are there AARP discounts on shoe inserts or orthotics instead of full shoes?

AARP partnerships vary, and some may include discounts on inserts or orthotics. Check the Member Discounts section of the AARP website or call Member Services to see what is currently available in the foot care category.

How much do orthopedic shoes usually cost?

Prices vary widely depending on the brand and whether the shoes are custom-made. Off-the-shelf orthopedic shoes typically range from $100 to $250. Custom shoes prescribed by a doctor can cost $300 to $800 or more, though Medicare may cover them if you may have access to.