Barefoot versus wearing shoes: Shoes provide better grip and support when moving across different types of floors. Wearing shoes can lower our risk of falling, even at home. Swap your slippers or socks for a pair of sturdy, supportive house shoes with good traction.

Heels: Choose footwear that provides a wide, stable base. The higher the heel, the greater the chance of losing our balance. Heels higher than 1.75 inches can be especially risky. Narrow heels can also make it harder to stay steady.

Keep your shoes on: Choose shoes with laces, straps, or buckles to help keep your feet secure. Avoid loose shoes or footwear that can easily slip off.  

Check your shoe tread: Think of your shoes like car ties, they need good tread to provide traction! As shoes wear out, the tread becomes smooth and may make it easier to slip. Check your shoes often and replace them when the tread is worn down.

Choose soles that help you feel the ground: Shoes with thin, firm soles can make it easier to feel changes in the surface beneath our feet. This can help us notice uneven floors or changes in the ground as we walk.

Take care of your feet: As we age, our feet change! The skin may become thinner and drier, and we may lose strength in our feet and toes. Our ankles may also become less flexible, and we may develop fallen arches or flat feet. These changes can affect how we walk and our balance. If you have foot pain or notice changes in your feet, talk with your healthcare provider.

Feet and Footwear for Older Adults