According to the Centers for Disease Control, every second of every day, an older adult (age 65+) suffers a Fall in the U.S.—making falls the leading cause of injury and injury death in this age group. For some people, dizziness and imbalance, better known in the medical community as vestibular disorders, have an impact on how often they fall. These disorders are often connected to a disorder in the inner ear which sometimes can be treated.

But even if a vestibular disorder is successfully treated, falling is still a significant Risk for older adults, and believe it or not, the shoes you wear can help reduce your risk of falling.

In fact, footwear has been identified as an environmental risk factor for both indoor and outdoor falls. One study found that older people typically wear slippers because they are comfortable, especially if they have foot deformities, like bunions.

Though that would seem to make sense to many people, in this study, those who wore slippers had more foot pain and a greater risk of falls compared to those who wore shoes that lace up. A number of studies have also shown that walking barefoot or wearing socks or slippers increased fall risk by up to 11%, as compared to wearing athletic or canvas shoes.

Shoes most often connected to falls in people over age 45 include:

• Slippers or slip-on shoes
• Sandals
• Medium to high heels and narrow shoes

Because slippers or socks can increase fall risk, it is recommended to wear shoes, even at home. These should preferably be well-fitting, athletic shoes that lace up or fasten (Velcro). If you must wear slippers, choose a well-fitting pair with a closed back and a non-skid sole.

Another study showed that when a person’s balance is challenged, they perform better wearing shoes than when they are barefoot.

So, what are the key features to look for when shopping for shoes to help you maintain your balance and reduce your risk of falling?

• Low or no heels
• Thinner, harder soles
• A sole and heel with tread to prevent slipping

As you grow older, your feet often change shape or size, or you may develop a condition, such as bunions, corns or calluses, that makes it difficult to wear certain types of shoes. If you have a medical condition, such as diabetes, you also may have developed neuropathy, making it difficult to feel your feet like you once did. This further complicates your ability to balance. And if you develop a vestibular condition, you also may have problems balancing as well as you once did.

When shopping for shoes, be sure to look for comfortable shoes that lace or fasten, have a nice wide sole and fit your foot well. Even though you may think you know your shoe size, have your feet measured by a footcare professional just to be sure, and try the shoes on to be sure you get the best-fitting, most comfortable shoe. Shoes that pinch or rub blisters on your feet aren’t good, nor are shoes that are too big and don’t provide adequate support.

When your shoes start to feel worn down or worn out, buy a new pair. Well-fitting shoes are just one important way to prevent a potentially devastating fall.

If you have a dizziness or balance problem, talk with your healthcare provider to determine a possible cause, or see an audiologist who specializes in vestibular disorders for a comprehensive evaluation.

Associated Audiologists offers a comprehensive dizziness and imbalance clinic for our patients. This clinic uses state-of-the-art technology to evaluate individuals suffering from dizziness, balance problems, and/or who have a history of falls related to inner-ear disorders. The program is staffed by Danielle Dorner, Au.D., Vestibular Audiologist. She sees patients at our Overland Park Clinic.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Dorner.

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