The Steps to Stay Upright Start with Wearing the Right Shoes
When most people think of fall prevention, they picture grab bars, sturdy handrails, or brighter lighting. Rarely does anyone glance down at their feet. Yet footwear plays a surprisingly large role in keeping older adults steady and safe.
The wrong pair of shoes — or none at all — can turn an ordinary moment into a serious fall. And sometimes, the most dangerous culprits are the ones we assume are safest: slippers and socks.
The Slippery Truth About Slippers
Slippers are the go-to indoor shoe for many older adults. They’re comfortable, easy to slip on, and feel cozy around the house. Unfortunately, those simple slippers are designed for comfort, not safety.
Loose fit = instability. Open-backed or oversized slippers can slide off mid-step, making a stumble more likely.
Thin soles = poor grip. Many slippers have smooth bottoms that provide little traction on hardwood or tile floors.
No support = more fatigue. Lack of arch and ankle support can worsen balance problems, especially when moving around for longer periods.
What Sucks About Socks
Unfortunately, wearing socks without shoes is even riskier. We’ve all known that kid — or been that kid — who smacked into a wall after slipping on a hardwood floor (in my case, it was a metal cabinet delivering a black eye, ouch!). But it’s not just children at risk. Smooth fabric against hardwood, tile, or linoleum is a recipe for slipping. Even socks with small “grippy dots” on the bottom wear out quickly and may not provide enough traction for confident walking.
Additionally, socks also provide no structural support. Without a firm sole, the foot and ankle muscles have to work harder, which can make balance less reliable.
In fact, a study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found that older adults who were barefoot, wearing socks without shoes, or wearing slippers had a significantly increased risk of in-home falls compared with those wearing secure, supportive shoes.
What Good Footwear Looks Like
The good news: footwear fixes are simple and inexpensive. The right pair of shoes can make a dramatic difference in stability.
Look for:
Closed backs: Shoes that stay firmly on the foot.
Non-skid soles: Rubber or textured bottoms that grip surfaces.
Low heels: Flat shoes provide the best stability.
Support: Firm midsoles and cushioning for comfort during longer wear.
Easy fasteners: Velcro or elastic laces that keep shoes snug without difficulty.
Everyday supportive shoes can double as “indoor shoes.” For those who don’t like the idea of wearing outdoor shoes inside, consider keeping one pair set aside just for indoor use.
A Real-Life Example
One of my clients swore by her fuzzy slippers. They made her feel secure, like she wasn’t “clomping around in sneakers” at home. But she had fallen twice in her kitchen — once when her slipper slipped sideways, and once when the sole didn’t grip on the linoleum. After we swapped them for supportive slip-resistant shoes she kept only for indoors, she was shocked at the difference: she said she felt “taller, stronger, like my feet are really under me.” Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference.
Falls don’t always come from big hazards like icy sidewalks or loose rugs. Sometimes, they’re hiding in plain sight — in the shoes we wear every day. Choosing the right footwear isn’t just about comfort; it’s a key part of aging safely and confidently at home.
A good pair of shoes may cost more than a pair of slippers, but the investment is small compared with the cost — physical, emotional, and financial — of a serious fall.
