:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-skechers-slipins-go-walk-7-springtime-cathy-bixby-09-6e865fc612224679bd14445e9a4b3531.jpeg "The 8 Greatest Strolling Sneakers for Seniors of 2024, Examined")
Choosing the proper strolling footwear is at all times essential, however the determination is particularly essential for seniors who want additional help, consolation, and lodging for particular foot situations. As we age, we are inclined to expertise extra foot points, like bunions, hammertoes, arthritis, and plantar fasciitis, says podiatrist Damian Roussel, DPM. These situations can impede every day bodily exercise, which is important to prolonging their wholesome years.
To search out one of the best strolling footwear for seniors, we spoke with consultants—together with two podiatrists and an orthopedic surgeon—for enter on what key options to search for. Then, we examined over 60 expert-approved strolling footwear from 14 trusted manufacturers within the Verywell Testing Lab and at residence throughout our every day routines and common walks. The footwear that made our closing listing of suggestions excelled in cushioning, consolation, match, help, blister safety, and total worth.
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Key Specs:
Weight: 10.7 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Supplies: Mesh higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Reasonable | Care and Washability: Hand wash, air-dry | Our Total Ranking: 5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for health walkers or these with plantar fasciitis who need a snug, cushioned shoe for lengthy walks or all-day put on.
Why We Love Them
Brooks’ Ariel GTS 23 Sneakers earned our prime spot for older adults due to their stability, cushioning, and help—notably for seniors with foot situations like plantar fasciitis and Achilles accidents. Throughout testing, these footwear supplied distinctive consolation throughout high-impact actions, due to the sturdy shock absorption and safe match. We additionally appreciated the shoe’s means to alleviate knee ache and assist us keep steadiness.
The footwear supplied constant help, permitting us to put on them comfortably all day, throughout lengthy intervals of standing and strolling. Our toes felt aligned and steady when strolling on varied surfaces, together with grass, concrete, and an indoor observe, in addition to when going up or down hills. We have been additionally impressed with the shoe’s responsive really feel, which helped us keep a pure strolling stride and stored us mild on our toes.
Additionally out there in males’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and Fleet Ft.
Potential Flaws
- Once we first tried on this pair, they felt a bit tight, however we have been in a position to alter the laces for a cushty match.
Most Beneficial Perception
“These supplied me sufficient cushioning to help me for high-impact actions like stairs and strolling lengthy intervals of time. I really feel like my posture is healthier whereas sporting these due to the help and alignment they supply.” —Christine Kennedy, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester walks for train on an indoor observe and sidewalks at the very least 4 occasions per week. She has a historical past of plantar fasciitis and an Achilles harm, so she wants a supportive strolling shoe.
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Key Specs:
Weight: 8.3 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Supplies: Mesh higher, foam and gel midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Reasonable | Care and Washability: Hand wash, air dry | Our Total Ranking: 5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for energetic individuals who want a cushty and supportive shoe for health strolling and different actions, like pickleball.
Why We Love Them
Once we examined Asics’ Gel-Contend 9 Sneakers, we discovered them to be remarkably snug and high-performing, particularly contemplating their budget-friendly worth. As quickly as we tried this pair on, we seen that they conformed to the form of our toes and felt extraordinarily supportive. Plus, the grippy rubber outsole stored us regular and secure throughout check walks and when enjoying pickleball.
The shoe’s foam midsole and gel cushioning within the rear foot mixed to supply gentle, versatile landings and wonderful shock absorption. Our toes, joints, and decrease again felt well-supported and stayed pain-free throughout actions and when standing for lengthy intervals. We additionally just like the shoe’s low-profile, smooth fashion, which—mixed with its stellar help and luxury—make it a pleasant alternative for all-day informal put on.
Additionally out there in males’s sizes at Zappos and Asics.
Potential Flaws
- We discovered the white footwear tough to maintain clear, so we want that this pair was machine-washable.
Most Beneficial Perception
“The cushion in these footwear is one of the best I’ve skilled. It helps with absorbing shock when strolling, however extra importantly for me, it aids whereas simply standing.” —Connie Pudenz, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester has fallen arches, so she wants a supportive, snug shoe for strolling and enjoying pickleball. She discovered that sporting these footwear helped forestall the decrease again ache that she generally experiences when standing or strolling on exhausting surfaces for lengthy intervals.
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Comfy match
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Very sturdy and steady
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APMA accepted
Key Specs:
Weight: 8.7 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Supplies: Knit higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Smooth and responsive | Care and Washability: Hand-wash, air-dry | Our Total Ranking: 5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for walkers who need an ultra-cushioned, steady, and supportive shoe that delivers nice shock absorption and dependable traction.
Why We Love Them
Should you favor a well-cushioned sneaker, we advocate Hoka’s Clifton 9 Sneakers. Throughout testing, we discovered they supplied nice cushioning and help, permitting us to stroll longer distances with out knee or hip ache. We discovered the shoe’s match to be extraordinarily supportive and cozy, making this pair a wonderful alternative for prolonged put on.
Regardless of its ample cushioning, the shoe’s mesh higher nonetheless presents nice breathability and blister prevention. In the meantime, the sturdy rubber outsole supplied grippy traction, serving to us really feel balanced and sure-footed when strolling. Plus, this pair has earned the American Podiatric Medical Affiliation’s (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, which means a panel of podiatrists has decided that they assist promote wholesome toes.
Additionally out there in girls’s sizes at Hoka, Zappos, and Dick’s Sporting Items.
Potential Flaws
- Once we first tried on this pair, the arch appeared just a little excessive at first, however we discovered it turned very snug over time.
Most Beneficial Perception
“The footwear carry out nicely it doesn’t matter what I’m doing. I discover that I’m extra snug strolling longer distances.” —Mark Pudenz, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester normally wears sneakers for outside walks on concrete sidewalks. He discovered that the Clifton 9 footwear had rather more cushioning than sneakers he’d beforehand worn, permitting him to stroll pain-free for longer distances.
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Good for prolonged put on
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Very supportive match
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Enticing fashion
Key Specs:
Weight: 10.9 ounces | Closure: Lace-up or hook and loop | Supplies: Leather-based higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Reasonable | Care and Washability: Hand wash, air dry | Our Total Ranking: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for older adults with steadiness points or unstable toes, ankles, and knees who need a stability shoe that received’t weigh you down.
Why We Love Them
Geared up with built-in applied sciences to ship movement management and stability, New Steadiness’s 928v3 Sneakers are the only option for seniors who want some additional help. Throughout check walks, we seen that they helped stabilize our gait, whereas additionally enhancing our steadiness and coordination. Our toes and ankles felt well-supported and regular, even when strolling up inclines and on various terrain.
The shoe’s enticing leather-based higher and sporty fashion make this pair ideally suited for both health strolling or informal put on. Plus, they carried out nicely on each indoor and outside surfaces, in order that they’re a nice possibility for journey or all-day put on. We additionally love that they arrive in 5 totally different widths, permitting you to get a extra personalized match.
Additionally out there in males’s sizes at Amazon, New Steadiness, and Zappos.
Potential Flaws
- Though we love this pair’s help, we discovered the cushioning to be a bit missing, in order that they wouldn’t be the only option for high-impact actions.
- Throughout testing, the footwear’ stiff help made them just a little tough to placed on and take off. Nonetheless, they felt extra snug and simpler to get on with continued put on.
Most Beneficial Perception
“The footwear really feel extremely steady and make me really feel assured in my steps. I’d undoubtedly advocate these footwear to others if they’re in search of a lovely, steady strolling sneaker.” —Jennifer Bullard Broggini, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester is a really energetic senior who enjoys strolling, power coaching, and Pilates. She has earlier foot and knee accidents, however she discovered that these footwear stored her pain-free whereas strolling and standing for lengthy intervals.
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Key Specs:
Weight: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Supplies: Recycled textile higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Reasonable | Care and Washability: Shoe: Hand-wash, air-dry; Insole: Machine wash, air-dry | Our Total Ranking: 5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for older adults who’ve problem tying laces or bending down, in addition to these in search of a snug, supportive slip-on shoe for journey or on a regular basis put on.
Why We Love Them
In case you have problem tying laces or bending right down to get your footwear on or off, Kizik’s Lima Sneakers will help. They characteristic a bendable heel design that we discovered permits you to simply and effortlessly slip them on and off. Past the hands-free comfort, we have been additionally impressed with the pair’s distinctive consolation and efficiency whereas we have been strolling, dancing, or standing for lengthy intervals.
Throughout testing, our toes felt steady and safe on uneven surfaces and various terrain, together with concrete sidewalks, pavement, and sand. Though the footwear are light-weight and versatile, the cushioning felt very responsive. Plus, the shoe’s wonderful shock absorption prevented ache in our joints, together with a beforehand injured knee.
Additionally out there in males’s sizes at Amazon, Kizik, and Nordstrom.
Potential Flaws
- The white shade will get soiled very simply, so we want these footwear have been machine-washable.
Most Beneficial Perception
“They’re very straightforward to stroll in and really snug. I might stroll longer distances comfortably with out having to cease typically for a break. On the finish of the day my toes weren’t hurting in contrast to the opposite footwear I’ve worn.” —Dorothea Simpson, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester has flat toes and a historical past of knee ache, so she wants a snug, supportive shoe for strolling on varied terrain, together with concrete sidewalks and sandy seashores. She discovered these sneakers tailored nicely to totally different surfaces and allowed her to stroll longer distances with out ache.
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Good affect safety
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Wonderful arch help
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Very breathable
Key Specs:
Weight: 8.6 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Supplies: Engineered mesh higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Most | Care and Washability: Machine wash, air dry | Our Total Ranking: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for older adults who stroll or stand for hours at a time and want a sturdy, snug shoe.
Why We Love Them
Should you spend hours at a time in your toes, you want a strolling shoe with additional help and cushioning—like New Steadiness’s Contemporary Foam X Extra v5. When testing this shoe, we have been impressed with its stable arch help and snug cushioning. The plush midsole supplied nice shock absorption, holding our toes and again pain-free whereas standing for hours at work.
Throughout check walks, our arches and ankles felt very steady and well-supported. Plus, the light-weight, breathable mesh higher stored our toes cool and dry throughout walks in scorching climate. We additionally like that this shoe is available in three totally different widths, so we have been in a position to get a measurement that accommodated a large foot.
Additionally out there in males’s sizes at Amazon, New Steadiness, and Dick’s Sporting Items.
Potential Flaws
- Throughout testing, the slight flare on the entrance of the shoe prompted the 2 footwear to generally catch one another throughout fast actions. Nonetheless, we discovered this pair to be tremendous supportive and cozy for strolling.
Most Beneficial Perception
“The shock absorption of this shoe is wonderful. I might stand all day the primary day sporting them at work doing surgical procedure.” —Donna Harris-Kober, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester works for lengthy intervals and desires a supportive, well-cushioned shoe to keep away from aggravating her again ache and former foot harm. She discovered that this pair’s arch help and shock absorption stored her snug at work, in addition to whereas strolling, mountain climbing, and enjoying pickleball.
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Light-weight however sturdy
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Straightforward to slide on and off
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Machine cleanable
Key Specs:
Weight: Not listed | Closure: Slip-on | Supplies: Knit higher, reminiscence foam midsole, ethylene vinyl acetate outsole | Cushioning: Light-weight and responsive | Care and Washability: Machine wash, air-dry | Our Total Ranking: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for a walker with sweaty toes, or for somebody who lives in hotter climates or prefers a light-weight, breathable sneaker.
Why We Love Them
With its slip-on design, Skechers’ GO WALK 7 Springtime Shoe is a sensible, snug possibility for seniors who’ve hassle with fantastic motor expertise (like tying footwear) or bending down. Throughout testing, we have been impressed with the shoe’s light-weight, breathable higher that stored our toes cool, dry, and comfortable on walks in the summertime warmth. And regardless of the low-profile design, we seen that the sneakers are tremendous sturdy, exhibiting no indicators of damage and tear after many miles.
The shoe’s cushioning felt very snug throughout lengthy walks on various terrain. Even after being on our toes all day on this pair, we didn’t discover any ache or fatigue. We have been additionally pleasantly shocked they supplied dependable ankle help, even once we have been making turns and fast actions.
Additionally out there in males’s model at Amazon, Zappos, and Skechers.
Potential Flaws
- Throughout testing, we seen that the cushioning beneath the balls of our toes was a bit missing. Our toes weren’t uncomfortable, however some additional cushioning may need enhanced the general consolation.
Most Beneficial Perception
“These footwear are snug for lengthy days of standing and strolling. The mesh on the surface permits my toes to do all forms of motion whereas remaining snug. The cooling cushioning prevents my toes from getting overheated and swelling.” —Cathy Bixby, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester is on her toes many of the day for childcare duties and likewise walks on the treadmill or outdoors on sidewalks and trails. Her toes get scorching simply, so she appreciated this pair’s light-weight really feel and breathability.
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Ample cushioning
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Sturdy and steady
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APMA accepted
Key Specs:
Weight: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Supplies: Leather-based and mesh higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Reasonable | Care and Washability: Hand wash, air dry | Our Total Ranking: 4.4/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for older adults who need a informal strolling shoe that gives stable arch help and good stability.
Why We Love Them
Vionic’s Stroll Max Sierra Sneaker is one other good alternative for seniors, particularly those that need a sturdy shoe with wonderful arch help. Throughout testing, the shoe’s full-length EVA foam midsole supplied good help, whereas the grippy rubber outsole supplied a steady base. With a mesh and leather-based higher, this pair additionally delivers the right mixture of sentimental consolation and elegance.
The shoe’s match felt good, with no rubbing or toe cramping. Plus, the broad width choices make them ideally suited for older adults with earlier points with blisters or bunions. We additionally like that this APMA-approved pair is handled with a water-repellent coating for cover in moist climate.
Potential Flaws
- Throughout testing, we discovered that the rubber tongue was a bit uncomfortable, because it was digging into our foot.
- Though we appreciated the shoe’s arch help, we discovered that our heel was slipping out of the shoe, so we might advocate a narrow-width possibility in case you have slender heels.
Most Beneficial Perception
“These footwear felt steady as I used to be strolling round, sweeping, and vacuuming. My toes felt supported, with no instability or wobbling.” —Peggy Schmitz, Verywell Match product tester
Meet Our Tester
Our tester is an avid health walker and generally wears customized orthotics for a heel difficulty. She didn’t use her orthotics on this pair and located that they’d ample arch help.
Strolling Sneakers for Seniors We Additionally Examined
We examined dozens of strolling footwear however solely included 8 in our closing listing of suggestions. These three sneakers had some noteworthy options however didn’t stack as much as the competitors.
- We appreciated that Dr. Consolation’s Grace Strolling Sneakers have two totally different insoles for extra personalized cushioning and help. Nonetheless, throughout check walks, the footwear rubbed towards our huge toes and our heels have been slipping out, so this pair wouldn’t meet the wants of older adults who want easy-to-wear, snug footwear for strolling and every day actions.
- Whereas they supplied good stability, SAS’s Tour Mesh Lace Up Sneakers didn’t present the cushioning and arch help wanted for seniors with arthritis, as we discovered that the soles turned painful after about 40 minutes of damage. Regardless of the benefit of lacing, their lack of shock absorption restricted their total effectiveness for seniors.
- Though OrthoFit’s Walkers Sneakers characteristic a non-slip rubber sole with wonderful traction, they didn’t have ample cushioning or help for extended strolling or high-impact actions. It is a main disadvantage for seniors, notably these with situations like plantar fasciitis, who need sturdy cushioning and help to keep away from joint ache and instability.
What We’ve Up to date
- Since we final revealed this roundup, we’ve examined new shoe fashions and up to date our suggestions primarily based on our new findings.
- In complete, we examined 12 new pairs, eight of which we’ve added to our listing.
- Primarily based on our most up-to-date testing, we reworked our superlatives to mirror essentially the most up-to-date insights.
What to Search for When Searching for Strolling Sneakers for Seniors
- Cushioning: Seniors could profit from extra-cushioned help, as we are inclined to lose the pure fats padding beneath the foot as we age, Roussel says. Search for footwear with a cushioned insole and a gentle, shock-absorbing, contoured midsole that may present consolation and scale back affect. And in case you put on customized orthotic inserts or insoles, select a pair with additional room.
- Stability: The best pair of footwear will help enhance stability for older adults who battle with mobility or steadiness points. Search for sneakers with a steady, agency heel and a good, supportive outsole. If the shoe’s sole bends simply and is simply too versatile on the underside, it could result in extra points and even harm, podiatrist Tyler Miranda, DPM says.
- Traction: Older adults additionally want footwear with sturdy and slip-resistant soles to assist forestall slips and falls. Search for a pair with rubber soles which have a multidirectional tread sample with good grip and traction.
- Supplies: It’s essential to search for footwear constituted of sturdy supplies, particularly for the outsole. Rubber outsoles present wonderful traction and help, whereas mesh and leather-based are nice choices for the higher since they’ll really feel gentle and mild towards the toes. Search for footwear with breathable and moisture-wicking supplies, which is able to assist forestall uncomfortable sweating, Roussel says.
How We Examined the Strolling Sneakers for Seniors
To develop our listing of one of the best strolling footwear for seniors, we spent over six weeks testing greater than 60 pairs of footwear from 14 high-quality, trusted manufacturers. We accomplished at the very least three walks of assorted distances and problem and likewise wore the footwear for on a regular basis actions. All through testing, we evaluated every shoe for the next standards:
- Match: After unboxing, we tried on every shoe to research the preliminary match: Was there a thumb’s width of house between our longest toe and the top of the shoe? Did the footwear really feel comfortable round our heels and midfoot? Was there room to wiggle our toes? Then, we walked across the room to find out whether or not or not our toes slid round within the shoe. We additionally famous if it felt true to measurement, slender, or broad.
- Cushioning: Throughout our check walks, we assessed every shoe’s degree of cushioning. We recorded whether or not the cushioning felt gentle or agency if it absorbed affect when our toes hit the bottom, and if the extent of cushioning felt even all through the shoe or extra concentrated in a single space (the heel, for instance). We additionally seen how our toes felt after every stroll: Any ache? Discomfort? Fatigue?
- Responsiveness: Subsequent up, we evaluated every shoe’s responsiveness, or how bouncy and springy it’s. We famous how efficient the shoe propelled us to the following stride and whether or not or not it bounced again to assist with speedy transitions. Strolling footwear carried out nicely on this class in the event that they left our legs feeling contemporary after check walks.
- Consolation: Consolation is without doubt one of the most essential issues when deciding on strolling footwear for seniors. Throughout check walks, we assessed how snug every shoe felt by paying particular consideration to the higher: Was the fabric gentle, versatile, and breathable? Was there sufficient room to simply wiggle and splay our toes? We additionally prioritized choices that supplied consolation all through the entire shoe and left our toes contemporary and blister-free after lengthy walks.
- Blister safety: For this essential class, we thought of match and breathability—two key components of blister safety. Sneakers that match appropriately didn’t trigger overheating or extra sweating and stored our toes blister-free carried out nicely on this class.
- Worth: To find out a worth rating, we seemed on the worth of every shoe after testing was full. We decided that strolling footwear for seniors that scored excessive on this class have been pretty priced, given the standard of the shoe. And we’d contemplate paying much more for a number of the footwear that earned an ideal rating for worth.
Our Consultants
To find out one of the best strolling footwear for seniors, we interviewed three consultants and requested for his or her recommendation on which key options older adults most profit from in a strolling shoe. In some instances, our consultants additionally advisable particular manufacturers of footwear that work nicely for older adults, and suggested us on which manufacturers and forms of footwear seniors ought to avoid. Learn on for extra details about our consultants:
- Damian Roussel, DPM, a podiatrist at The Facilities for Superior Orthopedics
- Tyler Miranda, DPM, a podiatrist at Superior Podiatry of Manhasset
- Pamela Mehta MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and founding father of Resilience Orthopedics
Regularly Requested Questions
What’s the distinction between a coaching shoe and a strolling shoe?
Strolling footwear are designed with the particular physique mechanics of strolling in thoughts, in order that they sometimes provide extra cushioning and help across the ball and heel of the foot to assist wearers keep correct foot alignment. Alternatively, coaching footwear are additionally normally extra versatile and responsive to permit for fast actions. The kind of train tools for seniors you utilize can decide your alternative of footwear.
How a lot do strolling footwear for seniors price?
Often, a great pair of strolling footwear for older adults price between $60 and $250. Cheaper pairs is probably not as sturdy or provide sufficient help, particularly for walkers who’re on their toes all day lengthy. Costlier pairs could also be extra fashionable and provide specialised help or cushioning that targets particular areas of the toes, just like the heel.
Why ought to seniors purchase senior-specific strolling footwear?
Seniors have quite a lot of particular shoe gear wants, as a result of impact of growing old on their toes and total well being, Miranda says. Carrying strolling footwear with a sturdy, steady base and cushioned help will help seniors enhance their steadiness and keep away from falls.
What are the well being advantages of normal strolling for seniors?
Strolling is a superb manner for older adults to remain energetic and get their advisable every day quantity of bodily exercise to scale back well being dangers. Common brisk strolling will help enhance coronary heart well being for older folks and may profit folks with hypertension, arthritis, and diabetes.
How lengthy do strolling footwear final earlier than they have to be changed?
Generally, strolling footwear will final about 350 to 500 miles earlier than the cushioning and help put on out, relying on how typically you put on them, your weight, the footwear’ sturdiness, and the surfaces you’re strolling on. Experiencing foot ache could also be an indication that the footwear want changing as they’re not offering the suitable help any longer, Mehta says.
Why Belief Verywell Match
An authorized private coach, operating coach, health club buff, and health author, Christine Luff spends numerous hours researching and testing the newest train gear and devices. She solely recommends merchandise that she will be able to genuinely stand behind and that she believes could be a great funding for her readers. Christine has examined dozens of strolling footwear herself, considered one of her favorites being Hoka’s Clifton 9.
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