Effects of Footwear on Balance and Gait Performance and Falls Risk in Older Adults

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality in older adults in the United States. Given the high costs of falls to individuals, families, and society, reduction of risk factors associated with falling is an important objective in geriatric health care. Inappropriate, non-supportive footwear is a potential risk factor for falls in older adults that has received limited research attention to date. The purposes of this narrative review are to (1) describe footwear characteristics associated with balance and gait performance in older adults, (2) summarize research evidence concerning footwear and older adult falls, and (3) provide evidence-based recommendations for footwear for older adults as a whole and for specific sub-groups.