8 Best Shoes For The Elderly With Balance Problems
When it comes to elderly people with balance issues, it is often recommended that they wear shoes with rubber soles; however, that advice may not always be the best one for them. You should wear a shoe that is appropriate for the surface you're walking on. It would be better for your feet if you wore rubber-soled shoes when walking on a slippery floor like tile or hardwood.
When someone has trouble standing up after sitting down due to balance problems, rubber-soled shoes may not provide enough support. It is because of this reason that older adults prefer to wear clogs to avoid falling and tripping because they provide both ankle and foot support and excellent traction.
Some elderly people, however, cannot wear clogs because they can easily get caught on doorknobs and drawers, leading to falls and injuries that may have been avoided with rubber-soled shoes, which offer additional support. In addition, these types of footwear are easy to slip on and off, so your body or brain doesn't need to exert any effort.
In this article, we have discussed some of the best walking shoes for seniors with balance problems as well as a buying guide that will assist you in selecting the right bag.
8 Best Shoes For the Elderly With Balance Problems
If you're looking for the best shoes for elderly fall prevention, then you've come to the right place. The options on our list are some of the most suitable options currently available on the market.
Best Shoes For Elderly Women With Balance Problems
Below are our top picks for shoes for the elderly with balance problems specifically designed for women:
With a lightweight mesh fabric upper to conform to your foot naturally, Skechers Women's Walking Shoe offers Parametric Cushioning 5Gen midsoles and Air Cooled Goga Mat Technology for exceptional comfort. These sneakers are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable, making them perfect for women who are having balance issues. Overall. Go Joy Shoes are both stylish and comfortable, exceeding the expectations of wearers. Also, it is highly recommended for those who spend a lot of time on their feet.
Pros
- Provides excellent support
- Easy to put on and off
- Lightweight and flexible
- Pleasing design
- Soft cushioning
- Responsive 5Gen cushioning
- Breathable
- Comfortable
- Well-made
Cons
- Some users have complaints about the size being large
Women's Propet Sneakers are completely leather with a Nylex lining and two straps for added durability. This shoe has a cushioned EVA midsole and a rubber outsole that's great for grip and traction. Furthermore, it comes in five different widths, so you can find the perfect fit for you. This shoe provides total breathability thanks to its perforated upper, and it has an easy Velcro strap system that will keep it on your feet. With its cushioned lining and footbed, you will feel comfortable while power walking or going about your normal daily activities.
Pros
- Provides good support
- Easy to put on and off
- Twin-strap closure system
- Cushioned EVA midsole
- Breathable
- Comfortable
- Well-made
Cons
- They might be tight around the toes
This comfortable Propet Slip-On Shoe has adjustable options, allowing you to get the perfect fit. In addition to having plenty of space for feet to relax and spread out, the neon vamp also provides plenty of stretches. A neoprene lining and a full-grain leather upper make this a very comfortable shoe. Furthermore, it features a one-strap closure, rigid heel counter, and dual removable footbeds so that you can adapt it to your custom orthotics. Overall, with its stylish design and comfy design, the PedWalker 3 is the perfect choice for keeping your feet happy all day long.
Pros
- Provides good support
- Easy to put on and off
- Single hook-and-loop strap closure
- Stretchable neoprene uppers
- Soft cushioning
- Breathable
- Comfortable
- Well-made
Cons
- It does not provide a better grip on the floor
- Might be bulky for some
Best Shoes For Elderly Men With Balance Problems
We recommend the following best shoes for seniors with balance problems specifically designed older for men:
Skechers Go Walk Shoes are the best choice if you're looking for walking shoes that can also help your senior parent with balance issues. In terms of comfort, they are unmatched, giving you all-day wear that you won't find in other sneakers. Its midsole is made of Ultra Go cushioning, while its insole is made of Goga Mat. Moreover, the midsole is equipped with Ultra Pillars positioned strategically to improve the already good level of comfort. Your feet will thank you at the end of the day if you choose these sneakers whether you are standing all day or just being lazy at home.
Pros
- Provides excellent arch support
- Easy to put on and off
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Stylish
- Machine washable
- Lightweight
- Breathable upper
Cons
- The soles might pick up small pebbles
With the New Balance 577V1 Hook and Loop walking shoe, you'll enjoy versatile comfort and style whether you're walking for fitness or are having problems with balance. The heel cushioning and Abzorb support of this shoe ensure superior shock absorption. In addition to a leather upper, polyurethane midsole for sturdy cushioning, and solid rubber outsole, this shoe features a hook and loop closure for a secure fit. Moreover, healthcare providers and daily fitness walkers who need comfort during long days on their feet will find the New Balance 577V1 a great fit. The versatile design is neutral enough to wear to work but stylish enough to wear on a walk with friends.
Pros
- Provides excellent support
- Easy to put on and off
- Dual hook-and-loop strap closure
- Pleasing design
- Soft cushioning
- Comfortable
- Well-made
Cons
- The straps are short
- Might be a little heavy for some
The Life Walker sneaker from Propet is perfect for those that walk a lot and need a shoe that offers perfect balance. A cushioned EVA midsole, a herring-bone tread rubber outsole, and a stable heel counter make up the Propet Men's Walking Shoe. Moreover, this shoe has a perforated upper for maximum breathability, as well as a fully cushioned liner and footbed that will keep you feeling comfortable all day long. Full shock absorption will enhance your stride and make your life easier.
Pros
- Provides durable arch support
- Easy to put on and off
- Dual adjustable hook-and-loop strap closure
- Removable cushioned orthotic
- Comfortable
- Well-made
Cons
- Not suitable for people with a high arch
These slip-on shoes for the elderly with balance problems are made from full-grain leather in a new color range that makes these sneakers more appealing to guys of any generation especially seniors. This pair features an adjustable contoured footbed so you can find the right level of comfort for you. Moreover, the leather sneakers feature a vintage-style hook-and-loop closure on the front and a durable ZeroG outsole, making them an excellent choice for long days on your feet.
Pros
- Provides excellent support
- Easy to put on and off
- Lightweight and flexible
- Removable footbed
- Soft cushioning
- Comfortable
- Well-made
Cons
- Some users have size issues
Propet's Scandia shoe features richly textured, full-grain leather for a dressy-casual look, but comfort is its main focus. With a round, extra-wide toe box and a Rocker profile that makes striding easy, there is plenty of room for your toes. Also, it is easy to wear and take off thanks to its wide hook-and-loop strap. The shoe is hand-stitched in classic style and has a roomy interior with PU unit sole cushion. A durable PU outsole provides traction and durability.
Pros
- Provides good arch support
- Easy to put on and off
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Well-made
Cons
- They might be tight around the toes
Buying Guide - Shoes For The Elderly With Balance Problems
It is important to keep certain aspects in mind when you are buying the best shoes for the elderly with balance problems. Purchasing shoes for seniors requires consideration of the following factors:
- Width: Putting on and taking off senior shoes should be easy, as well as making sure they are not too tight to restrict blood circulation, which may worsen existing foot conditions. A good collar cushion and padding are essential to keep the Achilles tendon in good shape.
- Lightweight: It's important to wear lightweight shoes for a comfortable fit and to reduce exertion on your ankles, calves, and knees. The confidence you gain from this will also make it easier for you to move around.
- Traction: It is essential to have good traction and grip on dry as well as wet surfaces. It is possible to achieve this by wearing senior shoes designed with slip-resistant flexible soles. Grip features like grooves and tread can prevent slipping and sliding by eliminating grass, mud, and water from the grip of the sole.
- Velcro Straps: With Velcro straps, you can put your shoes on and take them off conveniently without having to bend down to tie laces or worry about tripping over them. With these features, you can ensure that your shoes fit perfectly since they can be easily adjusted.
- Support: Nowadays, many shoes designed for seniors include special cushioning and beveled heels to prevent sliding, as this is a major cause of pain resulting in inflammation, because the heel is usually the first point on the ground to contact when one walks, so it usually takes a lot of pressure.
- Cushioning: Foot support should be provided all around the foot, particularly at the toes and arch. Your shoe-toe box should be wide enough to allow your toes to wiggle around comfortably in order to prevent corns and calluses. It is possible to replace the insoles of some shoes with removable biomechanically designed orthotics or proprioceptive insoles if additional arch support is required.
- Type of shoe: It is best for older people who have difficulty maintaining balance to wear shoes with toe support and slip-resistant soles. You should choose water-resistant shoes for the winter season in order to protect your feet from the cold. If you suffer from arthritis or other conditions associated with aging, look for velcro strap closures that are adjustable to provide extra foot room. Moreover, foot arch support will be better provided by metal shanks over plastic shanks.
- Durability: In older adults, toes will tend to be tucked under and this causes wrinkles in the shoes' front section. Make sure the shoe is flexible at the toe area. You can prevent slips and falls by checking whether the outsole has rough grips. Moreover, make sure you look for stitching along the outsoles to determine how durable it is. The soles of high-quality shoes are typically stitched multiple times around the perimeter to ensure greater durability, especially for the elderly.
- Appearance: Outsoles should not be too shiny since they can be slippery. Because old people have balance problems and fall more frequently on flat surfaces, they shouldn't wear high heels or platforms.
Final Thoughts
It is alarming to witness so many elderly people falling because of balance problems, as their chances of doing so again are relatively high, which could lead to serious injuries. As you can see in our article, we have provided you with information about the best brands of shoes that you can wear in order to fix your balance problems and give you the confidence to stay mobile and stable.
In conclusion, these are our best walking shoes for seniors with balance problems. You can find a pair of walking shoes for everyone in our collection, so take a look and see what you think. If you are making a purchase decision, we hope you will find our list of best options and buying guide helpful. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask them in the comments.