Do the shoes you are wearing matter when you have a balance problem or a history of falling? The answer to this question is ABSOLUTELY!
I still remember the lady who came to see me for balance therapy in Sarasota, Florida with complaints of falling. She was wearing 5-inch stilettos that didn’t even have an ankle strap! Now I ask you, do you have to be a balance specialist to know that maybe this is not such a good idea?
So what is a good idea?
1. A FLAT shoe is the best, avoid shoes with a high heel if you can tolerate a flatter shoe.
2. A shoe with a flat WIDE HEEL is better than a small pointy heel. The wide heel provides a more stable foundation when shifting your weight.
3. NO FLIP FLOPS or SLIDE style shoes. These loose shoes can cause a trip and fall.
4. A shoe with a SNUG FIT around the HEEL is important.
5. STRAPS or LACES that tighten- Don’t just slide your feet in and out of your shoes. If they have Velcro straps or laces, use them to make your shoe secure. Ankle straps should fit snuggly.
6. For people with peripheral neuropathy, avoid shoes that are too cushioning as they decrease your already limited ability to feel the ground.
7. Make sure that your toes are comfortable in the shoe, as you use your toes to stabilize your balance.
“Woman Tying Her Shoe”, Painting by Pierre-August Renoir, 1918
