Finding a good pair of shoes is priceless. During my teen years I was one of those sneaker fanatics. I admit to spending hours at the local shoe store combing through aisles and aisles of footwear in search of the perfect sneaker.

Perhaps I was hoping to jump as high, run as fast, and play ball like my favorite athletes. Looking back, the closest I got to the pros were the upper deck seats.

But I wasn’t so far off, good shoes make a huge difference. For instance, older adults who wear a good pair of shoes will help minimize their risk of falling. Allow me to guide you through some of the key features to look for in a safe shoe:

Traction

• Look for soles that can provide adequate traction on a variety of walking surfaces
• It’s time to look for a new pair if the traction is starts to wear out

Closed back

• Shoes with a closed back provide additional support and are less likely to slip off which is a major cause of tripping
• Some examples of backless footwear to avoid are slippers and clogs

Comfort

• Wearing comfortable shoes will help prevent foot injuries
• Be mindful of not only the length but also the width of the shoe
• Take a look at my post with tips on choosing a comfortable shoe

Is it easy to keep on?

• Consider wearing a shoe with Velcro straps if you have difficulty using laces

If you have had a history of foot problems consult your doctor prior to purchasing a new pair of shoes.

It’s amazing how your choice of footwear can help prevent tripping and slipping while allowing you to stay active. Doesn’t that sound like a win win situation?

Photo by Suat Eman