H ow to choose shoes for elderly feet

Looking for a new pair of shoes? With the many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the pair that best suits your feet.

The types of shoes you wear play a vital role in not only providing comfort but also stability and preventing falls. Unfortunately, the risk of falling gets higher as we age and wearing appropriate footwear can be one of many ways to reduce that risk.

When choosing new shoes, these are some important things to look for: x Sizing: A well-fitting shoe provides comfort and stability. Avoid shoes that are too big to stop your foot from moving within the shoe. Also avoid shoes that are too small to prevent pain that can impact your walking. When buying shoes, it is always best to try both shoes on and walk around the store for a few minutes and take note of the feel and comfort around your entire foot and ankle. x Heel height: A low heel provides more support and stability while walking and also allows appropriate pressure through your feet, thereby creating more comfort. A high heel reduces stability and can cause pain due to poor weight distribution, and this can increase the risk of falls. x Wide heel size: Provides more surface area to the ground, providing further stability.

By Sam Simson | BlueCross Physiotherapist

x Wide front of shoe (toe box): Provides comfort for your foot and toes as well as increasing the surface area, giving you more stability. Shoes that compress your toes can cause pain and also impact the way you walk.

x Firm and high collar: Supports and stabilises your ankle joint while walking.

x Fastening: Laces, velcro or adjustable buckles allow the shoe to be tightened or loosened to an appropriate fit to support the foot. Velcro may be more suitable if you are beginning to struggle with fine motor tasks such as doing up laces.

Other considerations: x Avoid slip-on slippers or inhome footwear that do not have heel and ankle support. If you enjoy wearing slippers in the home, consider slippers that close around the entire foot and have a fastening mechanism such as velcro or adjustable buckles. x Avoid wearing just socks around the home. If you enjoy wearing socks, consider nonslip socks to prevent slipping on surfaces such as tiles. x Shoes that are wearing thin or are losing support need to be replaced.

To discuss appropriate shoes and specific brands, you can talk to: x Your pharmacist or visit any pharmacy that sells shoes. x A podiatrist or physiotherapist will be able to help and provide advice on appropriate footwear. x Your GP can also refer you to the appropriate allied health professional if you have any specific foot conditions.