Injuries due to falls can be life changing events, especially for adults 65 and older. The long-lasting impacts of these injuries, combined with anxiety around future accidents can have a serious impact on an individual’s ability to continue safely living independently.

The reality is that while preventable, household falls are tragically common. The Centers for Disease Control estimate that nearly 3 million Americans 65 and older were hospitalized due to serious injuries related to a fall in 2021, with 38,000 losing their lives. 

While the risk of a fall can never be fully removed, the frequency of these incidents has led to extensive research on fall prevention that we have previously covered, including alterations to living spaces and bedrooms, as well as fall risk assessments and post-fall evaluations.

In this article, we will look at how proper shoe selection and replacement can contribute to a safer living situation more conducive to long-term health and independence.

When to buy new shoes

You may be surprised to learn that your feet are slowly but constantly changing size due to the tendons and ligaments in your feet continuing to lengthen, as well as changes in your weight. As a result, most experts recommend replacing everyday shoes every eight to twelve months in order to ensure a secure fit.

While a new pair of shoes every eight to twelve months is a good standard, shoes showing increased signs of wear should be replaced immediately. Signs a shoe has seen the end of their service life include:

• Cracks or wrinkles in the midsole (the thick, middle portion of a sneaker)

• Smooth or unevenly worn outer sole (the bottom of the shoe that contacts the ground), particularly around the heel or ball of the foot
• Wear on the interior of the shoe, typically near the toes or heel, which can cause discomfort and result in an uneven gait
• Curling of the sole, allowing the shoe to rock or tip over easily when not worn
• Discomfort when worn, even for short periods of time
• Broken or damaged closures that prevent a secure fit

Considerations for new shoes

When choosing a shoe to reduce the risk of falls, look for closed-heel, closed-toe shoes with a snug fit. If looking for a shoe with a heel, aim to keep the heel less than an inch tall, and ensure that the heel point is on the thicker side, ideally never less than 20 percent the width of the heel of the foot.

When replacing an old set of shoes, consider the following elements:

• Fit: Always take the time to check your current shoe size before making a purchase, remembering that a model and size combination that fit a year ago may no longer fit. Since our feet tend to swell over the course of the day, consider saving shoe shopping for the afternoon, when feet are usually largest.
• Tread: New shoes should have a grippy, well-defined tread to provide reliable traction.
• Weight: Overbuilt shoes might prove too heavy for some wearers, resulting in a shuffling gait that is more likely to catch uneven surfaces and cause falls. Consider thinner, low or no-heeled shoes to minimize this hazard.
• Support: Shoes with cushioned insoles, sturdy arches, and a firm heel cup all work to reduce stress on joints when walking and contribute to a consistent, secure fit.
• Easy closure: Pick a closure system based on the individual’s manual dexterity and comfort, but avoid slip-on shoes, as they lack adjustability and may come loose at inopportune times. If the wearer wants a tight fit but has difficulty with laces, elastic or Velcro closures can provide comparable adjustability.
• Comfort and airflow: An uncomfortable pair of shoes can cause the wearer to alter their natural gait to avoid hot spots, or lead to small abrasions that present an infection risk. To reduce these hazards, look for shoes with padded heel collars and tongues, and prioritize shoes with good breathability to minimize bacteria-friendly moisture.

SelectCare has helped New Yorkers remain independent in their longtime homes for nearly 40 years, working with doctors, social workers, occupational therapists, and more to ensure that our clients live happier, healthier lives.

To learn how SelectCare can help, call us today, request a free in-home care guide, or read firsthand client experiences on our testimonial page.