Being able to walk well and safely is important for maintaining your independence. For example, at home, outdoors, whilst doing the shopping or when visiting family.

Footwear plays an important role in fall prevention. Shoes provide support, grip and stability whilst standing and walking. Unsuitable or ill-fitting shoes, on the other hand, can actually lead to greater instability, slipping, tripping or poorer balance.

That is why the podiatrist will examine your shoes together with you. For example, we look at the fit, sturdiness, sole, heel height, fastening and grip. In this way, we assess whether your shoes provide sufficient safety whilst walking.

Choosing the right shoes isn’t always easy. There’s a wide range available, and it can sometimes be difficult to know which shoes are safe and a good fit. That’s why we provide clear advice, to help you choose shoes that will make walking more stable and confident.

In summary, a good shoe meets the following requirements:

The correct heel height;
A lace or Velcro fastening;
A sturdy, grooved sole;
A good fit;
A firm heel wrap;

It is best to try on and buy new shoes at the end of the day. Your feet may swell slightly during the course of the day. By trying them on at the end of the day, you’ll have a better idea of whether the shoes fit properly.

When buying shoes, also bear in mind:

That you always try on both shoes;
That your feet may be different sizes;
The shoes fit perfectly straight away. There’s no need to break them in.

If you’re unsure, don’t buy the shoes.

Good shoes aren’t just important when you’re out and about. It’s also important to walk safely at home.

It is best not to walk around the house barefoot, in socks or in slip-ons. Bare feet and socks can be slippery. Slip-ons often provide little support. This makes you more likely to trip or slip.

So, when choosing shoes for home use, opt for ones with:

a good fit
sufficient support
a non-slip sole

Choose a shoe with a small, wide heel. The heel must not be higher than 2.5 centimetres.

A narrow heel makes you less stable. A heel that is too high puts extra pressure on the forefoot.

Choose a shoe with a secure fastening, such as laces or Velcro. Make sure the laces aren’t too slippery. Slippery laces come undone more easily.

With laces or Velcro, you can ensure the shoe fits your foot properly. It is important that the shoe fits your foot properly. That way, the shoe will never be too tight or too loose.

A secure fastening prevents your foot from sliding around inside the shoe. The fastening also prevents your foot from slipping out of the shoe.

When choosing a good pair of shoes, there are two important things to consider regarding the sole:

The thickness of the sole;
The presence of a profile under the sole.

Thickness of the sole

Choose a sole that is sturdy, but not too thick.

A soft, thick sole can sometimes feel comfortable. However, when walking for longer periods, a thick sole requires more energy. This can make walking more tiring.

A sole that is too thick can also make it harder for you to feel the ground beneath your feet. This can affect your balance. You may then feel less confident whilst walking.

Profile of the sole

The sole must not be too slippery.

Choose a sole with sufficient tread. Tread provides better grip, even when the surface is wet, for example due to rain.

A treaded sole gives you grip and control whilst walking. This helps to prevent falls. A sole that is too slippery can cause you to slip.

Please note: a sole that is too stiff is also not ideal. This can still cause you to trip and fall easily.

Closed-toe shoes are usually the best choice. When buying closed-toe shoes, make sure the shoes aren’t too heavy. Heavy shoes make you more likely to fall.

Closed-toe shoes provide more support and stability. This helps you stand more firmly. If you stand firmly, you are less likely to fall. With closed-toe shoes, there is also less chance of something getting into your shoe or of your shoe catching on something.

Leather shoes are often a good choice because:

Leather moulds itself to your foot;
Leather absorbs moisture;
Leather often lasts longer.

The shoe must fit properly. This means there must be enough room for the toes. A well-fitting shoe is important, as too little room puts pressure on the toes. The big toe should have about 1 to 1.5 cm of space in the shoe. This ensures the rest of your toes also have enough room.

However: a shoe that is too big is not good either. Because too much space means your foot will slide around inside the shoe. Sliding around inside the shoe can affect your balance. This increases the risk of tripping and falling.

The heel of the shoe must be sturdy. This helps to keep your foot firmly in place whilst walking.

You can test the sturdiness of the heel yourself. You can do this by squeezing the back of the shoe. Can you easily press the back of the shoe in? If so, the shoe offers little support. Does the back feel firm? And can you not press it in easily? If so, the shoe offers more stability.

Also pay attention to the seams inside the shoe. The seams must not be too thick. Thick seams can cause irritation. This may lead to discomfort whilst walking.

The shoe must bend in the right place. The correct bending point is at the ball of the foot. That is also where your foot bends when walking. When the bending point is correct, your foot can roll forward naturally.

Does the shoe bend in the middle? If so, the shoe is too flimsy and does not provide enough support. Can you roll the shoe up completely? If so, the sole is not sturdy enough.

A good bending point helps you to walk more steadily and with less fatigue. This helps to prevent falls.

When buying shoes, you may wish to bear the following in mind:

Buy shoes in the afternoon;
Always try on both shoes;
Buy shoes to fit your largest foot;
Try on shoes whilst standing;
Have a look round the shop;
Take your time and don’t rush into a decision. If in doubt, don’t buy it;
Make sure the shoe fits properly when trying it on;
A shoe does not get bigger with use. A shoe never needs to be broken in;
Pay attention not only to the size, but also to the fit.

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Footwear advice for fall prevention

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