Falls can be dangerous and are the leading cause for injury for over 65s, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Also, shoes have been confirmed to be safer than bare feet, socks and slippers in preventing falls.

Due to their weak bones and muscles, most elderly people (seniors) find it hard to keep themselves stable while walking. And that’s why they are prone to falls, which can result in various fatal consequences. A smart way to protect them from falls is to get them shoes that help to achieve that.

The ideal shoes for seniors are those with a non-slip under surface to provide enough friction while walking and a well-padded orthopaedic sole to provide ergonomic comfort to the feet even if the shoe is worn for several hours. It must also be made of breathable material, so the legs won’t get uncomfortable due to heat when the shoe is worn for long

Why do elderly seniors need anti-fall shoes?

Fall-proof shoes can help senior men and women to improve their confidence while walking and also maintain the much needed stability that prevents falls. Such shoes also help to prevent sprains and stress fractures due to their ergonomic and orthopedic builds.

Statistics have shown that a large percentage of seniors end up in hospitals due to falls. With the right shoes, elderly individuals can be protected adequately from such falls and their nasty consequences.

Best shoes for elderly men & women (to prevent falls): What to look out for when buying

Chances are you already know what to look out for when shopping for a standard shoe, but you might be clueless when it comes to shoes for the elderly.

When browsing the stores (online and offline) for the right shoes, there are some features you need to look out for, and here are some of them.

• Comfort: For the elderly with tender feet, standard shoes can be hard and harsh. A shoe made for the elderly therefore must be ergonomically comfortable. There must be no incidence of blisters or foot ache, even if worn for a long period.
• Waterproof or splash-proof: Seniors are not always very careful with water, and this makes it important to get a shoe that is water resistant or at most splash proof. You certainly will not cherish having to get a new shoe every time granny spills some juice.
• Non-slip: While being aesthetically appealing, the shoe must meet safety standards. Usually, a rough sole will take care of this.
• Ease of maintenance: Why burden yourself with cleaning the shoe every blessed hour? Simply get one that is stain proof, not white, and easy to maintain.
• Easy fastening: Who wants to spend several minutes on trying to fasten a simple shoe? Save precious time by going for shoes that are easy to fasten, either with expandable side elastic gores or hook and loop Velcro fasteners.

Best shoes for elderly men & women (to prevent falls) reviews

We all know the shoe industry is a mammoth one. If you march in unprepared, you’re more likely to come out with a bad option. Amidst all the countless choices available, most of which are not appropriate for the elderly, how do you decide on one that is safe?

We have taken the pains to go through most of these choices and come up with the best — based on buyer opinions, product features, and other factors that matter. And we came up with the following picks — for both men and women.

Best shoes for elderly seniors to prevent falls: Men’s shoes

Here are our top picks for elderly men.

OUR TOP PICK

Skechers for Work Men’s Flex Advantage

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The Skechers for Work Men’s shoe is up to standards in more ways than one. As a slip on, it can be easily worn within seconds. Expandable elastic gores at the side make it adjustable to different feet widths.

The shoe is very much suitable for work purposes, and the sole is of minimum height. It is made from synthetic materials, especially the sole. And it’s cushioned for ergonomic comfort with memory foam.

What we like

• It’s a slip on, and can be worn easily without need of assistance.
• Can be worn in seconds, as there are no shoelaces to contend with.
• Slip-proof.
• Blends with office attires.
• Its black color makes it easy to maintain.

What we dislike

• Soft mesh at the top will not protect toes from falling heavy object.
• Black is the only color available.

EDITORS CHOICE

Anlarach Men’s Mesh Lightweight Slip On Walking Elastic Flats Breathable Loafers Athletic Casual Shoes

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This Anlarach Lightweight Slip-on Loafer for men is a breathable casual wear. It’s elastic, and so can adjust to several feet width. Its body structure is made of mesh and textile materials while the soles are made of rubber (the reasons why it’s flexible). It blends with all kinds of casual wear.

What we like

• Its mesh body makes the flats breathable.
• Its lightweight so won’t be adding strain to your ankles.

What we dislike

• Black color is the only option available.

Best shoes for elderly seniors to prevent falls: Women’s shoes

And here are our top picks for elderly women.

OUR TOP PICK

New Balance Women’s Walking Shoe

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The New Balance Women’s Walking Shoe is another high quality option. This shoe is breathable, thanks to the several perforated holes at the top. It is ergonomically comfortable and shock absorbing due to the paddings and cushions. Body is made of leather and sole is made of rubber material which explains its flexibility.

What we like

• Velcro feature for holding shoe in place is easier than shoelaces.
• Shock absorbing.

What we dislike

• Available color is white which requires more time and resources to maintain.

EDITORS CHOICE

Skechers Relaxed Women’s Fit Work Shoe

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The Skechers Relaxed Fit Work Shoe is another great option for seniors. Its body is made of leather while the sole is wholly synthetic. It features ergonomic comfort due to the memory foam.

What we like

• Non-slip feature eliminates risk of falling that could result in fatal consequences.
• Slip-on can be worn without any need for extra hands
• Lack of shoelaces that could go wrong for an elderly.
• Appropriate for office settings.

What we dislike

• Available only in one color — black

BEST VALUE

Grasshoppers Women’s Stretch Plus Sneaker

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Walking or running is made much easier for senior women with the Grasshopper’s Women Stretch Plus Sneaker. The hook-and-loop fastener means it’s easy to wear in few seconds.

The shoe’s body is made of mesh and suede, while its sole comprises rubber material, which makes it flexible. The double-foam foot bed and rounded outsoles protect the ankle from damage. The shoe is sporty and will thus go with casual wears.

What we like

• Hook-and-loop with Velcro makes for easy wearing and putting off of the shoe.

What we dislike

• Only a single color available (black).

RUNNER UP

Fangsto Women’s Fashion Leather Shoes

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The Fangsto Women’s Fashion Loafers is a slip-on made of leather. It’s lightweight and flat, and is quite compatible with casual wears. The upper part of the shoe is made from leather, while the sole is made of rubber for flexibility.

The outsole is slip-proof, thanks to the rubber component. And the extra cushions and padding make the shoe ergonomically comfortable.

What we like

• Comes in a beautiful Burgundy color.
• Slip-proof.
• Fitted with cushions and extra padding to protect the ankle from damage.

What we dislike

• Only one color option available.

Last update on 2023-12-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API