Are Your Shoes Putting You at Risk? The Importance of Proper Footwear in Preventing Home Falls

Fritzi Gros-Daillon
Sep 23, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Nov 5

Most of us never think twice about what we wear on our feet at home. We slip off our work shoes, toss on a pair of slippers, or go barefoot.

But here’s the surprising truth: what’s on your feet can be the difference between staying upright and suffering a serious fall.

Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults—and a major factor in loss of independence. And a surprising number of these falls happen not outside, but right at home.

When Comfort Becomes a Risk

It’s easy to assume comfort equals safety. Unfortunately, that’s not always true.

Slippers, for instance, seem like the perfect at-home choice—soft, easy, familiar. But many styles are too loose, too smooth, or too flimsy to provide real stability.That “shuffling walk” people often adopt while wearing them? It’s not just habit—it’s your brain compensating for instability.

On the other end of the spectrum, going barefoot can also be risky.Hard floors are slippery, especially for older adults with decreased sensation in their feet. A tiny spill or uneven surface can cause a fall before you even realize it.

Fall Risk by the Numbers

1 in 4 adults over 65 falls every year
60% of those falls happen inside the home
Proper footwear reduces fall risk by up to 40%
Footwear choices are one of the simplest, lowest-cost fall-prevention measures available

(Source: National Council on Aging, updated 2025)

The Anatomy of a Safe At-Home Shoe

Good footwear doesn’t mean bulky orthopedic shoes - it means thoughtful design that supports stability and comfort.

Here’s what to look for:

A Secure Fit

Closed heel—no flip-flops or backless slippers
Adjustable fastening like Velcro, elastic, or laces
The shoe should move with your foot, not against it

A Grippy (But Not Bulky) Sole

Flat, slip-resistant soles with light texture
Avoid deep treads that can catch on rugs
Lightweight, flexible material for easier movement

A Thin, Sensory-Friendly Base

A thin sole helps you feel the floor beneath you—improving balance awareness
Too much cushioning can actually increase instability

Proper Support

Good heel support and moderate arch structure distribute weight evenly
Look for cushioned collars that cradle the ankle without restricting movement

The best shoes are the ones you’ll wear. Safety doesn’t help if the shoes live in the closet.

The Design Principle: Usability Over Perfection

There’s a universal truth in safety design - the best solutions are the ones people actually use. Theoretical perfection means little if it’s too uncomfortable or inconvenient for daily wear.

That’s why the most effective fall-prevention footwear blends practicality with aesthetics. Stylish, easy-to-put-on shoes that don’t scream “medical equipment” are far more likely to be worn consistently.

This is the same principle Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS) use in home design: safety should feel natural, not clinical.

The Technology Step Forward: Smart Footwear in 2026

In 2026, the footwear industry is meeting fall prevention head-on. Smart insoles and adaptive shoes now include:

Pressure sensors that detect balance shifts and send alerts to caregivers
AI gait analysis that tracks changes in stride or posture over time
Slip-resistance feedback systems to warn of slippery floors

These innovations aren’t just for athletes - they’re helping older adults stay independent longer.

Technology may evolve, but the goal stays the same: to keep people on their feet, safely and confidently.

Why Small Details Matter

When it comes to aging, the margin for error gets smaller. A quarter-inch difference in heel height or a slightly looser fit can mean the difference between a near miss and a hospital visit.

These micro-adjustments - like replacing worn soles or choosing better-fitting shoes - might seem trivial, but they add up to major reductions in fall risk.

2026 Safe Footwear Checklist

✅ Closed-back design with adjustable fit

✅ Slip-resistant, lightly textured sole

✅ Low heel height (less than 1 inch)

✅ Thin, flexible sole for floor feedback

✅ Supportive heel and arch

✅ Breathable, comfortable materials

✅ Worn regularly—comfort is key

✅ Avoid going barefoot or wearing socks on hard floors

Beyond Footwear: The Bigger Picture of Fall Prevention

Proper footwear is one piece of the larger puzzle of aging safely at home. Lighting, flooring, handrails, and clutter-free walkways all play a role. That’s why a holistic approach - like a CAPS home safety assessment - is so effective.

A Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist can evaluate not just the home, but how the person moves through it—identifying risks and tailoring solutions that fit real life.

Falls are not inevitable. With the right footwear, awareness, and environment, they’re preventable.

Good at-home shoes don’t have to be clunky or clinical - they just need to fit well, support balance, and stay comfortable.

And if you’re not sure where to start, a quick conversation with a podiatrist, physical therapist, or CAPS professional can point you in the right direction.

Because sometimes, the key to staying upright isn’t about what’s ahead of you - it’s about what’s under you.

👉 Schedule a CAPS home safety consultation or training

Questions? Contact fritzi@householdguardians.com