footwear for older adults

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Management

general recommendations to improve safety & function:
- properly fittimg comfortable shoes
- moderately firm insoles
- slip-resistant outsoles
- secure fastening mechanisms
balance & fall risk:
- shoes with wide soles, medium-firm materials, low heels & high collars improve stability & reduce postural sway
- cupped, rigid insoles enhance dynamic control
- treaded rubber outsoles minimize slipping
osteoarthritis of the knee
- flexible shoes with laterally wedged insoles & minimal heel lift reduce medial knee loads & pain
- supportive shoes & medially wedged insoles decrease lateral knee loads & pain
hallux rigidus/bunions:
- rocker-bottom shoes & stiffer soles accommodate deformities, improve function & comfort
plantar fasciitis:
- orthoses, supportive therapies, & stretching regimens
diabetic neuropathy:
- rigid rocker soles & custom insoles reduce plantar pressure & ulcer recurrence
limb length discrepancies:
- gradual shoe lift introduction alleviates low back pain

↑ Cheever CR, Sim H, Ahmidouch MY et al Evidence-Based Footwear Recommendations for Older Adults: Enhancing Mobility, Comfort, and Fall Prevention. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2025 Sep 30. PMID: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41024675 Review. https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jgs.70111