The Best Shoes for Elderly Fall Prevention

Choosing the right footwear is essential for meeting the changing needs of the elderly and minimizing the risk of dangerous falls. Falls are the leading cause of injuries to the elderly, causing over 800,000 hospitalizations each year — most of which involve injuries to the head or hip. Selecting the right shoe may be a challenge, but research and good advice can make the decision more manageable.

Elderly individuals tend to walk by shuffling their feet, which increases the risk of falling on its own, but the risk is even higher with improper shoes. High heels, floppy slippers, and slick-soled shoes are among the worst choices for the elderly. Shoes with laces may also pose a hazard if the laces become undone.

To reduce the risk of falls in the community, the CDC recommends wearing proper footwear.

Here are our top shoe recommendations in preventing slips and falls for seniors. And remember when it comes to laces, just say NO!

1. New Balance 577 – Men’s & Women’s

The New Balance 577 is one of our top picks in the elderly shoe category. This shoe features a comfortable Velcro closure and exceptional shock absorption., It is built to be durable and long-lasting.

2. Propet Stability X – Men’s & Women’s

The Propet Stability X is another top pick of ours. With a modern and stylish look, the shoe provides all-day comfort, and the added grip in the rubber outsole is a great help in preventing slips and falls.

3. Skechers Go Walk 2 Hypo – Women’s

With a large assortment of colors and sizes, this lightweight Skechers slip-on provides all-day comfort and style. Also features an Ortholite antimicrobial sock liner for women that prefer a sock-less walking experience.

4. Hush Puppies Gil – Men’s

The Hush Puppies Gil is a casual, lightweight shoe with adjustable straps and unique shock-absorbing technology. These leather sneakers are crafted with a durable ZeroG outsole, making it easier than ever to tackle long days on your feet.

5. Propet Olivia – Women’s

The Propet Olivia is a Medicare-approved diabetic shoe. A slip-on leather shoe with adjustable straps, the Olivia has an exclusive removable insole that can be replaced with custom orthotics.

Fall Prevention Shoes: Things to Look For

Aging individuals tend to shuffle their feet more, so we want supportive and well fitting footwear that minimizes this trip hazard. Avoid high heels, floppy slippers and slick soles – all these features increase the risk of slipping and losing balance. Laces can become undone, posing an obvious danger, and are simply NOT desirable.

Fit and Comfort

People of all ages commonly wear shoes that fit improperly for a variety of reasons, which can increase the risk of falling. Shoes that don’t fit properly may restrict the foot and impair both balance and walking. While it may be hard to let them go, older pairs of shoes may become worn out,ill-fitting, and no longer be sufficient for an elderly’s needs.

It is important to pick shoes that fit properly without being too loose or too tight. Laces or adjustable Velcro straps are options to ensure the right fit. If added insoles are used, make sure they don’t take up too much space in the shoe. A wide width shoe may provide more room and comfort, especially for those who experience swelling in their feet.

Resist buying shoes that don’t fit with the hopes that they will break in over time. If they aren’t comfortable right away, they aren’t the right pair to buy. Discomfort will cause the fluctuations in balance or gait that may lead to falls, and it can also cause unnecessary pain and blisters. Take the time to find a shoe that is comfortable to stand and walk in right away.

Sturdy and Supportive

The ideal pair of shoes for the elderly should have a low heel for maximum contact with the ground to ensure stability while walking. High heels, more than an inch off the ground, can increase the likelihood of twisting an ankle or falling.

The shoe material and design should offer some flexibility but without losing its shape. A high back shoe offers the necessary support for heel and ankle. Avoid narrow soles or heels that may not provide enough stability for safe walking. And look for shock absorption to reduce the impact to joints.

Nonskid Soles

Shoes for the elderly should have a quality grip on the soles to prevent slipping while moving around. An adequate sole should grip to the ground in wet or dry conditions. If the sole no longer does its job, it’s time to replace the shoes before a slip or fall occurs.

If wearing shoes inside the home isn’t preferable, consider a pair of no-slip socks with good grip to indoor flooring. Bombas is one of many types of no-slip socks. They’re made with PVC grips to prevent skidding and slipping on hard floors. Many other brands also offer no-slip features.

Custom Shoes

One option for finding the right shoe is to get professionally measured so you can buy according to proper sizing. Our foot changes size during our adult life – it’s not a sign of losing elegance if it gets larger as you age. Changes in health as well as age may cause foot sizes to change, so don’t rely on the size you’ve “always been” – get measured.

Those who have health problems may need to have shoes made per the instruction of their podiatrist. Some may be prescribed orthotics to be inserted in their shoes. These should be carried along when shopping for shoes to ensure a new pair will accommodate them.

Selecting the right pair of shoes for an elderly loved one may be a demanding task, but it’s worthwhile to enhance their safety and  reduce their risk of falls. Don’t forget to read about the best medical alert system for your loved one for added safety and peace of mind.