Experts Warn! Shoes That People Over 60 Should Stop Wearing to Prevent Falls and Protect Foot Health

As people enter their 60s and beyond, health must always come first, and one important body part often overlooked isthe feet,which bear the body's weight throughout life. Choosing shoes is no longer just about fashion but about safety.

Recently, the websiteParade.comreported that foot specialists have given advice on types of shoes elderly people should avoid, as these can increase the risk of losing balance and cause long-term damage to foot structure. Let’s see which shoes should be discarded and what styles are safest and most suitable.

Shoes that people over 60 should avoid

1. Backless shoes

Although easy to slip on and off, shoes without heel straps or a heel cup force the wearer to grip with their toes to hold the shoe in place, leading to unnatural walking patterns and greatly increasing the risk of tripping and falling.

2. Flip-flops

This style offers almost no arch support and can easily slip off the foot, making balance harder to maintain as one ages.

3. Flat-soled shoes

Shoes with overly flat soles and no arch support can cause heel pain and increase the risk of Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis.

4. High heels

These change the body's center of gravity, increasing pressure on the forefoot and raising the risk of ankle sprains and knee pain.

How to choose appropriate and safe shoes for people over 60

• Select shoes with heel straps or heel cups to ensure a secure fit and prevent shoes from slipping off while walking.
• Focus on soles made from materials with good grip to prevent slipping on various surfaces.
• Look for shoes with arch support to help distribute weight, reduce impact, and alleviate foot fatigue.
• Toe boxes should be wide enough to avoid squeezing toes and causing blisters or corns.
• It is recommended to choose lace-up or Velcro sneakers that can be adjusted for a snug fit tailored to each foot.

Foot health should never be overlooked. Changing from fashionable shoes to health-supportive footwear that aids walking will reduce the risk of slips and falls, allowing people over 60 to live daily life with greater confidence and safety. Take a look at your shoe collection at home—maybe it’s time to update to a new pair for better foot health.