It sounds almost too simple: could the shoes someone wears really change their odds of a serious fall? Turns out, yes — and by more than most people expect.
What actually makes a difference
One well-known study found that going barefoot or wearing just socks around the house was linked to a much higher fall risk than wearing proper shoes — even after accounting for someone’s general health. Athletic and canvas-style shoes came out as the safest option tested. More recent research has narrowed down exactly which features matter: a firm sole, good tread, a low heel, and a secure fit (laces or straps, not a loose slip-on) all genuinely help with stability.
It’s not just the shoe — it’s the foot too
Footwear is only half the story. Things like reduced feeling in the feet, foot pain, or structural changes can all raise fall risk on their own — which means an ill-fitting shoe on an already-vulnerable foot makes the problem worse, not just adds to it.
What to actually look for
- A secure fit — laces or straps, not a loose slip-on or backless slipper
- A firm sole with decent grip, not something soft and squishy
- A low, wide heel rather than anything elevated or narrow
- Enough room to properly fit your foot, especially important if diabetes has changed its shape or feeling
And yes — going barefoot or in socks around the house, however comfortable, is one of the easier risk factors to just fix.
Where a podiatry check fits in
A podiatry visit doesn’t stop at recommending a shoe style — it looks at how your specific foot shape and gait interact with what you’re wearing, and can pick up issues a shoe alone won’t solve.
The takeaway
Footwear is one of the easier fall-risk factors to act on once you know what to look for. If balance has become a concern, a podiatry check that looks at both your feet and your shoes is a good, practical place to start.
This article is general information, not individual clinical advice. Our podiatry team can talk you through what to look for in supportive footwear for your situation.
Want to read more?
This review in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society breaks down the specific shoe features that help most.
