Are Minimalist Barefoot Shoes Good For Elderly Adults? (Probably Not!)

You see a pair of minimalist barefoot shoes in a store window and wonder if they would help your balance or just make your feet hurt.

This article asks whether minimalist barefoot shoes are good for elderly adults, and the short answer is probably not for everyone.

Below you will find the pros and cons, whether Birkenstocks are orthopedic, whether Crocs are safe for seniors, and what to look for if you try a minimalist pair.

Are Minimalist Barefoot Shoes Good For Elderly

Are minimalist barefoot shoes comfortable and stable enough for you as an elderly adult with balance issues or foot pain?

The short answer is: it depends. These very minimal shoes can potentially improve balance and strength if you have relatively healthy feet and an active lifestyle.
However, they provide little cushioning and support, so may exacerbate foot pain issues or mobility challenges for some seniors.

But for active seniors with generally healthy feet looking to enhance posture, balance and lower body strength, gradually transitioning to well-fitted minimalist shoes under doctor supervision may be beneficial. Do not stop wearing supportive shoes or orthotics your doctor or podiatrist prescribed without asking them first.

Proceed with caution and consult your physician on whether barefoot shoes are right for your individual needs.

Older man in socks steadying himself against a hallway wall, looking down at flat thin-soled shoes on the floor — Thin, flat soles put you close to the ground, which may help balance, but if your feet ache after switching, slow down and ask your doctor.

Pros of Barefoot Shoes

If you think about it, our bodies are load-bearing structures designed to carry our natural weight through our bare feet.

That’s why some experts argue that over-cushioning or feet may be more dangerous than walking around barefoot or with minimal shoe material.

Some researchers think thick cushioning may dull your feel for the ground. The evidence is still limited, so ask your doctor or podiatrist.

With that in mind, here are a few pros for seniors or elderly folks wearing minimalist shoes:

Enhances postural stability, balance, and strength
Keeps the feet closer to the ground, improving sensory communication between the environment and the body
Increases lower extremity (legs) strength
Improves balance during walking

minimalist barefoot shoes good for elderly cons — Barefoot shoes may compromise the overall structure of the feet.

Cons/Dangers of Barefoot Shoes

Unfortunately, after many years of wearing orthotics or cushioned shoes, switching to barefoot shoes is a dramatic change for seniors or elderly folks.

The joints of the feet and legs may not be ready for such an immediate switch. Here are a few cons or possible dangers for elderly folks wearing minimalist shoes:

Sore tendons, joints, and muscles of the feet and legs
Compromising the overall structure of the feet
Adjustments to barefoot shoes after many years of cushioned shoes can increase your risk for falls just because you’re not used to the new shoe.
Seniors with already compromised feet (osteoporosis, neuropathy, foot ulcers, etc.) may do more harm than good using barefoot shoes.

Worn cork-footbed sandals with buckled straps sitting on a wooden porch step beside a doormat — A comfy footbed is not the same as medical footwear. If your feet have health problems, ask a podiatrist before you pick a pair.

Are Birkenstocks Orthopedic Shoes?

If you are weighing a cushioned shoe against a barefoot style, you will likely run into Birkenstocks. Their footbeds are advertised as “orthopedic,” and that word can lead people to expect more than the shoe delivers.

Birkenstocks are not officially considered orthopedic shoes. They are fashion designer shoes with orthopedic-like qualities.

True orthopedic footwear has to meet three requirements. It must be prefabricated and custom-fit, and an actual orthopedic specialist must approve it.

A Birkenstock may still feel good on your feet. The moldable footbed can bring real comfort, and that is the point in its favor.

The footbed is not a substitute for a shoe chosen with a specialist, though. If you have a medical condition of the feet, that difference matters more.

If you want something with no ties or straps, I also wrote about easy slip-on shoes.

Think of a Birkenstock as a comfortable fashion shoe rather than a medical one. If you need real orthopedic footwear, your physician or podiatrist can tell you whether a custom-fit pair would serve you better.

Older man with a walker walking across a kitchen floor in loose foam clogs, one heel slipping off — Loose slip-ons can slide off at the heel and catch on rugs. Watch for a sloppy fit, especially if you use a walker.

Are Crocs Safe for Seniors?

Crocs look like an easy answer when you want a shoe that feels loose and soft. For most older adults, they cause more trouble than they solve.

The loose fit and the side soles make a tripping hazard. The heel is held by a single strap, which is loose and not reliable, so your foot can slip and you can fall.

The foam does not give much arch support or shock absorption. That makes walking uncomfortable, and it may add joint pain in your feet, legs, hips, and back. Podiatrists often caution against Crocs for foot support, balance, and coordination.

They do have a few things going for them. They slip on with no bending to tie or buckle, they are lightweight, and they are airy. Those same traits can turn into dangers for seniors, though.

There are a few situations where Crocs can make sense:

Recovering from foot surgery: if you are cleared to put weight on the foot but can only walk a few feet at a time, Crocs fit over medical bandages and give temporary support.
Foot lymphedema: with fluid in your feet and legs, regular shoes usually will not fit. Crocs slide right over the feet for short walks.
Limited mobility: you can keep your feet covered when you visit loved ones out in the community.

Even then, think short distances only. If you are active, Crocs are not the right shoe. Look for custom-fit sandals, sneakers, or tennis shoes that give more support and comfort. Many of those come in easy slip-on styles with no ties or straps, and I have a guide to sandals for seniors as well.

A better shoe has proper arch support and a snugger fit, with stability and slip resistance to help prevent falls. Adjustable closures also leave room for custom orthotics. If you have never worn Crocs, talk with your doctor or a podiatrist before buying a pair.

Are Birkenstocks a Good Choice for Older Adults With Foot Pain?

If you want a shoe with more cushion than a barefoot style, Birkenstock-type shoes are one option people ask about. They can help if you choose carefully.

The contoured footbed gives cushioning and support, which can ease arthritis and plantar fasciitis. The thick sole also adds stability if you have balance issues. The inserts are moldable, and the shoes absorb shock and support the arch.

The trouble is the sandal style. Sandals leave the heel and toes uncovered, which is dangerous if you have diabetic foot neuropathy or another condition where you need to protect your feet. They are also a tripping hazard, since part of the sole is not secured to your foot.

Your best bets are closed-toe styles with adjustable straps. Look for ones you can slide on without bending over, because some styles are tricky to get on if you have mobility challenges. Foot coverage also protects sensitive areas that are prone to sores. If you like easy-on shoes, my list of slip-on shoes with no ties or straps may help.

Whatever style you pick, here is what to look for:

Toe and heel protection.
No excessive heel, which can increase back and hip pain and raise your risk for bunions and falls.
Not too much arch and foot support. A shoe that locks your foot into one position may strain your back, legs, and hips.
A good fit in both width and length.

Birkenstocks advertise “orthopedic” insoles, but they are not officially orthopedic shoes. They are fashion shoes with orthopedic-like qualities. True orthopedic footwear is prefabricated, custom-fit, and approved by an orthopedic specialist.

Many Birkenstock shoes are not waterproof, so bathroom use may be out. Check the return policy before you buy, so you can send back a pair that does not feel right. Talk to your doctor first, then try them on in a store.

If you have osteoporosis, bunions, fractures, lymphedema, diabetic foot ulcers, or neuropathy, ask your physician or podiatrist whether these shoes suit you or whether a custom-fit orthopedic shoe is a better option. Too much arch support can also cause back and hip pain, so a cushioned shoe is not automatically the safer one.

Should Seniors/Elderly People Wear Minimalist or Barefoot Shoes?

Here’s the golden and most obvious answer: it depends. Minimalist shoes come with both possible benefits and real precautions for seniors or elderly folks.

However, minimalist shoes may only have their place for a certain group of older adults, including those who:

Are active
Who have relatively healthy feet (structurally and medically)
Who may have some postural or balance concerns but not severe mobility problems

Seniors or elderly men and women who want to make the switch from maximal (cushioned) shoes to minimalist or barefoot shoes should probably do so gradually so that their feet can get used to the new footwear without causing excessive soreness or discomfort.

Older woman seated on a shoe store bench checking the toe of a flat shoe while a fitter kneels beside her — A good fit in width and length matters most. Have a shoe fitter check your feet, and press at the toe to feel for room.

Features to Look for in Minimalist or Barefoot Shoes

When it comes to minimalist shoes for seniors or elderly adults, there is an underlying assumption that the potential users are relatively active (or the goal is to promote more physical activity).

If that’s the case, you are looking for a shoe that needs to be comfortable for wearing purposes throughout your chosen physical activities and for specific activity durations.

With that in mind, consider the following features when selecting your minimalist shoes:

Custom-fit to the unique structure of your foot (supinator, pronator, neutral foot, etc.)
Breathable fabric that minimizes sweat and odor
Material that won’t leave your feet blistered and rashy after activity
Shoes with enough traction to prevent slippage
Heel support that provides you with postural stability but doesn’t increase spinal pain

No “one size fits all” minimalist shoe exists for older adults. Consult with a professional shoe fitter and an orthopedic specialist for more options.

minimalist barefoot shoes good for elderly summary — Consult with your primary physician if minimalist or barefoot shoes are right for you.

Summary and Final Recommendations

Minimalist or barefoot shoes may have their place for some older adults.

Shoes with little cushion that keep the feet closer to the ground may increase lower extremity strength, improve postural stability, and enhance overall balance during walking and standing tasks.

Barefoot shoes custom-fit to an individual’s feet may complement their already physical lifestyle and improve their overall quality of life.

However, minimalist shoes are not for everyone. Individuals with osteoporosis or compromised structure or tissue of the feet may not be able to safely wear or benefit from barefoot shoes.

Consult with your primary physician or an orthopedic specialist to discuss your unique mobility situation and if minimalist or barefoot shoes are right for you.

References:

Tomasz Cudejko, James Gardiner, Asangaedem Akpan, & Kristiaan D’Août. (2020). Minimal footwear improves stability and physical function in middle-aged and older people compared to conventional shoes. Clinical Biomechanics, 71: 139-145, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2019.11.005
McMahan I. (2021). It’s time to rethink cushioned footwear for kids and seniors, this minimalist-shoe advocate says, Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/minimalist-shoe-barefoot-running-kids-seniors/2021/09/02/5c5c41c2-0b59-11ec-a6dd-296ba7fb2dce_story.html