Best Shoes For Elderly With Balance Problems
Old age comes with lots of physiological changes on our bodies, which is why the elderly are more vulnerable to various foot issues including balance problems. In fact, about one in every four elderly Americans falls each year and more than 800,000 elderly hospitalizations are caused by fall injuries.
There are many factors that contribute to falling for the elderly including shuffling feet while walking, wearing poor footwear, foot pain, and other foot-related ailments. However, choosing the right footwear can help improve balance and stability and reduce the risk of dangerous falls and slips among older adults.
The best shoes for elderly with balance problems are specially designed and enhanced to provide excellent traction, comfort, support, and to comfortably accommodate your feet even when swollen. However, with so many shoes available on the market, choosing the right balance shoe can be overwhelming for you.
Luckily for you, we’ve come up with a detailed review of some of the best shoes for the elderly with balance problems that can help minimize their risk of falling while walking:
Best Shoes For Elderly With Balance Problems
1. Propét Men's LifeWalker Strap Walking Shoe
The propet men’s LifeWalker Walking Shoe tops our list due to its rocker profile and adaptive design that makes it both an outstanding balance shoe and a remarkable feet protector.
This amazing balance shoe features a soft and supple full grain leather upper that’s not only comfortable but also stylish, so you can wear with almost any of your outfits.
The upper comes equipped with a dual-strap Velcro closure that makes getting on and off the shoe incredibly easy while also allowing you to adjust for the best fit. The shoe also features a flexible padded tongue and collar for added support. There is also a built-in heel stabilizer and an extended heel counter that ensures your feet get the much needed support and balance while walking.
On the inside, this shoe boasts a removable cushioned orthotic with plush memory foam that provides exceptional comfort and arch support, which helps control pronation. The EVA midsole conform to the shape of your feet for added support and comfort. The brushed nylon lining provides a great in-shoe feel while allowing proper circulation of air.
Besides that, this balance shoe features a synthetic outsole that ensures your feet get maximum protection from impact while walking and excellent traction and stability on different surfaces.
Pros
- Long-lasting shoe made of 100 percent leather
- Features a versatile design for wearing to any event
- Offers excellent traction and stability on many surfaces
- Provides great heel and arch support
- Velcro closure provides a snug fit
- Super-easy to keep clean
- Features an orthotile insole
- Lightweight design feels comfortable throughout the day
Cons
- Not that warm for cold weather
2. Propet Women's Cronus Comfort Sneaker
Another excellent shoe from Propet for elderly with balance problems is the Women's Cronus Comfort Sneaker that stands out for offering unrivalled levels of comfort and adjustability.
To begin with, this shoe features a soft upper made of neoprene material, which stretches as you walk to relieve pressure on your feet. The upper is also breathable, so your feet can stay cool and comfy throughout the day.
Another highlight feature of this shoe is the adjustable hook-and-loop straps at the heel and upper part. This makes putting on the shoe hassle-free while also comfortably accommodating your feet even when swollen. With a breathable insole, you can rest assured your feet will remain dry and comfortable all day.
The rubber outsole ensures maximum flexibility and cushioning against shock while also providing excellent traction and grip to keep you from slipping or falling. The shoe is available in different widths, so you can choose one that will give your feet the perfect fit.
Pros
- Available in a range of widths for best fit even with swollen feet
- Stretchable upper helps alleviate pressure
- Durable outsole allows for outdoor wearing
- Super comfortable and exceptional cushioning
- Opens widely at the opening for easy on and off
- Designed to alleviate various foot injuries and problems
- Features a breathable insole that helps keep feet moisture free
Cons
- Runs small consider getting a size up
3. Skechers Performance Go Walk Joy
With over 10,000 reviews on Amazon, the Skechers Performance Go Walk Joy is inarguably one of the most popular and best-selling walking shoes for elderly women with balance problems.
First off, this slip-on walking shoe stands out for its 5GEN midsole that delivers remarkable cushioning and shock absorption. Besides that, this shoe features a springy insole with a Goga Max footbed for the most comfortable ride.
The shoe’s upper is made of a breathable mesh fabric that hugs your feet comfortably without constricting them while also ensuring your feet stay cool and dry throughout the day. The upper is also nicely padded, providing a decent amount of cushioning without adding unnecessary weight.
You may also love that this shoe is available in a vast range of colors and different widths so you can choose a size that provides plenty of room for your feet to relax. The synthetic outsole ensures you remain stable without slipping while the low-top design delivers good arch support.
Pros
- Great fashionable design for any casual event
- Responsive midsole offers maximum comfort
- Lightweight design that doesn’t weigh you down
- Great shoe for women with swollen feet, tired feet, and wide feet
- Designed incredibly flexible great for long-distance walking
- Rubber Sole provides superior traction on surfaces
- Breathable uppers keep feet cool even during the hottest days
- Available in different colors and widths to choose from
Cons
- Provides limited arch support
4. Skechers Performance Go Walk 4
The Skechers Performance Women’s Go Walk 4 Kindle is another amazing option from Skechers’ outstanding footwear collection for the elderly that’s both stylish and amazingly comfy and supportive.
One of the features that make this shoe a great option for the elderly with balance problems is the 5GEN midsole that’s highly responsive to provide maximum shock absorption and cushioning support. This works alongside the high rebound Goga Max footbed to provide the right amount of flex and support with every stride.
Apart from the responsive midsole, this shoe features an engineered mesh upper with a seamless construction, which adapts to your foot’s shape for added support while promoting proper ventilation. This allows your feet to breathe efficiently, making this shoe comfortable to walk in even during the hottest days.
The heel stabilizer helps keep your footing stable preventing you from accidental slips and falls. The antibacterial footbed lining eliminates accumulation of sweat and odor, so your feet can stay fresh and dry.
Pros
- Designed breathable and comfortable
- They have an attractive design
- It’s a lightweight walking shoe
- rubber outsole offers excellent traction
- Midsole cushioning made is made of an innovative technology
- The outsole is flexible yet durable
- It boasts an antibacterial odor control that prevents odor buildup
Cons
- Offers little ankle support
5. Hush Puppies Men's Gil
Last but not least is the Men’s Gil slip-on from Hush Puppies that features an attractive stylish design, making it a great choice for everyday wear. This shoe comes equipped with everything you may need in a balance shoe to tackle longer periods on your feet.
First, this shoe features smooth leather upper that provides enhanced durability without compromising on the quality. The upper boasts a hook-and-loop closure that makes wearing and removing the shoe hassle-free for you. You can adjust the closure for a customized fit, making this shoe an ideal option for elderly men with swollen feet. The padded collar provides instant comfort while also reducing pressure on your tender feet.
Another highlight feature of this balance shoe is the removable contoured footbed that conforms perfectly to the shape of your foot to give you maximum support and extra under-foot cushioning. The molded ZeroG outsole is super-lightweight and provides maximum flexibility and traction. The outsole provides excellent grip on surfaces so you can enjoy maximum stability even when walking on slippery floors.
Pros
- Offers good arch support
- The shoe looks classy and stylish for every day wear
- Made of high-quality genuine leather
- Designed incredibly lightweight
- Ensures excellent shock absorption
- Hook and loop closure makes entry super easy
- A great wide shoe for the wide-footed elderly
- It has a removable footbed
- Amazingly comfortable
Cons
- The insole can feel a bit thin but you can replace it with a high density orthotic
Choosing the right walking shoe for the elderly is the best way to help combat the various foot issues that come with old age and prevent unnecessary falls and slips while walking. All the shoes on our list are exceptionally supportive, comfortable, stable, lightweight, and fits perfectly to prevent accidental slips and falls.
If you suffer from foot pain or other foot conditions, be sure to choose a shoe that can help alleviate any discomfort or pain you may be experiencing. It’s also important that you pick the right shoe size and one that meets your budget.