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Graying With Grace

Graying With Grace

Guides for Seniors, the Elderly, and the People Who Love Them

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Just Posted:
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HomeShoes and Foot Care

Shoes and Foot Care

Having a good fitting pair of shoes can help to prevent falls in senior citizens. This is extremely important because there are over 27,000 reported deaths each year due to falls in the US alone. When you’re shopping for shoes for seniors, there are several helpful things to keep in mind. You want your loved one to stay safe, and these simple guidelines can help achieve this goal.
Shoe Safety Considerations
There are dozens of shoes designed for seniors available, and you want to make sure your choice has a good back. A good back will help with stability issues. It’s also important to purchase a shoe with a grooved or scored sole. This sole will give the shoe grip on a variety of surfaces and make seniors less likely to slip and fall.

The shoe’s heel is also another important consideration. You can buy a flat shoe with no heel, or choose a low, wide heel for added stability. It should also have cushioning for additional comfort while you walk. Laces or Velcro can ensure that your shoes fit snugly, and Velcro is good for people with arthritis.
Shoe Buying Tips
Go shopping for your new shoes in the afternoon. This is when feet tend to swell, so your new shoes won’t be too tight. You’ll want to bring your own socks and any orthotics you wear, so you’re sure the shoes are comfortable. Also, one foot is slightly bigger, so always try on both shoes.

If you’re worried about the shoes molding to your feet, try a leather shoe. Leather stretches and conforms to your foot. A wider shoe is another good choice because it won’t pinch your toes when you wear it. Finally, you want a small amount of space between the end of the shoe and your toes. It shouldn’t be large enough to trip you, but you want enough room, so your feet don’t rub against it.

Your new shoes should have a larger opening, so it’s easier for you to slip them on and off. Some shoes even slide straight on, and this makes it easy to get up and go.
Things to Avoid
Now that you have a good idea what to look for in your new shoe, you have to know what to avoid. Generally, you don’t want to buy shoes with narrow or high heels. They can contribute to balance issues and make you more prone to falling.

It’s also important that your shoes don’t stretch out too much. If they do, this will take away from the support they give you. You want to avoid backless shoes as well because they won’t give you the support you need. The soles shouldn’t be flat, and they should provide a good grip when you walk.
Senior Shoe Buying Guides
For more details on how to buy the right pair of shoes for elderly people and seniors, check out these buying guides:

shoes-for-elderly-with-balance-problems-1
Shoes and Foot Care

The Best Shoes For Elderly With Balance Problems

January 11, 2021 Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

A common reason for falls among the elderly is a sudden loss of balance. Wearing the right shoes can help them with balance problems. Here are my recommendations.

adult daughter tying her elderly parents shoe
Shoes and Foot Care

The 6 Best No Tie Shoelaces for Seniors

December 8, 2020 Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

No tie shoelaces are an important part of a senior’s fall prevention program. Untied laces cause tripping and bending over to tie shoes can cause many elderly people to lose their balance. Here are the best no tie shoelaces for seniors to make their lives just a little easier.

how to keep slip on shoes from falling off
Shoes and Foot Care

7 Useful Tips On How To Keep Slip On Shoes From Slipping Off

December 5, 2020 Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

Many seniors use slip-on shoes because of difficulty tying shoelaces. But, how do you make sure their shoes stay on securely? Here are some effective ways to keep slip on shoes from falling off.

using shower shoes for elderly to reduce falls
Bathroom Safety

The Best Non-Slip Shower Shoes for the Elderly (Comfortably Improve Your Shower Safety!)

November 26, 2020 Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

Look for shower shoes that have lightweight materials, non-slip but flexible soles, fit snugly, and drain easily. Stay away from items that are made of fabric or foam, fit loosely, or are overly expensive.

feet in warms socks for senior beside the fire
Shoes and Foot Care

The Top 6 Warm Socks For Seniors for Comfort and Safety

November 24, 2020 Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

When shopping for warm socks for seniors, of course, you should consider the material they are made from, the thickness, and overall comfort. But, for seniors and the elderly, there are a few more considerations. Keep reading to learn more and to see our top recommendations.

slippers for severe edema
Shoes and Foot Care

The Best Slippers For Severe Edema [Reduce Shoe Pain]

November 20, 2020 Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

The best slippers for edema are stretchy to allow for swelling, have adjustable openings for a custom fit, and are made of soft comforting materials. They should be easy to take on and off without being painful too. Here are my top recommendations.

heated slippers for the elderly
Shoes and Foot Care

The Best Heated Slippers For The Elderly [For Warm & Cozy Feet]

November 20, 2020 Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

One quick way to warm up a senior is to warm their feet and these heated slippers for the elderly do just that. Keep reading to learn which are the best heated slippers for seniors to use and what features are important too.

caregiver helping senior woman put on safe slippers
Shoes and Foot Care

Choosing the Best Non-Slip Slippers for Elderly Seniors (That Are Safe AND Comfortable!)

November 8, 2020 Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

For slippers to be safe for elderly people, they should fit right, accommodate swelling, and slip-resistant. The best slippers for elderly women are the Acorn Spa Slippers. The best slippers for elderly men are the Men’s Acorn Rambler Slippers.

senior man choosing proper footwear for him to prevent falls
Safer Homes

How To Choose The Proper Footwear To Prevent Falls

November 4, 2020 Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

Choosing the right footwear is a key way to reduce the chance of a fall. Learn what features are important, what types of shoes are best, and what shoes you should avoid.

man rubbing his feet to relieve arthritic foot pain
Daily Life

13 Expert Approved Ways To Relieve Arthritic Foot Pain

June 11, 2020 Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

Osteoarthritis in the foot usually causes significant pain in the joint between the big toe and the foot. Learn several ways to relieve arthritic foot pain in the guide below.

senior couple wearing walking shoes on a walk through the park
Shoes and Foot Care

10 Well-Designed Walking Shoes That Every Senior Will Love

March 16, 2020 Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

The best walking shoes for seniors are comfortable, supportive, have slip-resistant soles, and are easy to take on and off. Oh yeah, they should be stylish too, right? Here are some of the best designed sneakers and walking shoes for seniors.

senior man with shuffling gait for shopping for shoes
Shoes and Foot Care

The Best Shoes For Shuffling Gait (& Reduce the Chance of a Fall)

March 10, 2020 Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

Walking with a shuffling gait increases fall chances dramatically. To reduce the chance of a fall, look for shoes with a little to no heel, thin soles with slip-resistant tread, and that also support the ankles.

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About me

Avatar for Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®
Assistive Technology Professional, Custom Wheelchair Specialist, Medical Equipment Guru, Dad and Grandfather
I am a lucky dad to four awesome daughters and grandfather to three pretty terrific grandkids. When not working as a custom wheelchair specialist at a regional home medical equipment company, I enjoy early morning runs and occasional kayak trips. I am also a self-admitted nerd who loves anything from the 1980's. Learn More
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© Copyright text 2017-2020 by Graying With Grace, LLC. All rights reserved. Nothing on this site should be construed as medical advice. I am not a medical professional and no information on Graying With Grace should be taken over the advice of a medical professional. This blog is for informational purposes only and posts are based on my personal opinions. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices listed are for comparison only and are not guaranteed.

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