Best Shoes for Elderly with Balance Problems 2026 | DPM

Updated October 2026 for the current models below, each checked on the brand’s own website on 19 October 2026. Every shoe spec is the brand’s own published figure or wording, labelled with where it comes from. We have not measured or worn these shoes ourselves.

At a glance: our picks for 2026

Prices and widths are each brand’s own US figures. Not every color comes in every width, and prices change often.

Shoe	Type	Fastening	Widths (brand’s site)	US price (brand’s site)
Brooks Addiction Walker 2	Leather walking shoe	Laces	Men’s and women’s Narrow, Medium, Wide, Extra Wide	$140
New Balance 928v3	Leather walking shoe	Laces	Women’s 2A, B, D, 2E, 4E	From $159.99
New Balance Hook and Loop Leather 928v3	Leather walking shoe	Hook-and-loop	Women’s 2A, B, D, 2E, 4E	From $159.99
Brooks Addiction Walker V-Strap 2	Leather walking shoe	Strap	Men’s and women’s Medium, Wide, Extra Wide	$140
Orthofeet Lorin (women’s) / Vito (men’s) Hands-Free	Suede slipper-shoe	Step-in “hands-free” design	Medium, Wide, X-Wide	$119 (some Lorin colors $109.99)
Orthofeet Julie (women’s)	Leather Mary Jane	Hook-and-loop strap	Medium, Wide, X-Wide	$120
Skechers Slip-ins: GO WALK Flex – Grand Entry (women’s)	Hands-free sneaker	Stretch laces and step-in heel	Medium and Wide listed (see below)	$85

What to look for: what the research and guidelines say

Most of the evidence comes from balance tests in the lab and from studies of what people wore when they fell. No trial has shown that one particular shoe prevents falls. With that caveat, the guidance agrees on these features:

• Shoes indoors, not socks or bare feet. In a study of 176 retirement-village residents (mean age 80), people who fell indoors were much more likely to go barefoot or wear socks at home (odds ratio 13.74) (Menz 2006). In a Washington state study comparing 327 older adults who fell with 327 who didn’t, going barefoot or in stocking feet carried sharply higher risk (adjusted odds ratio 11.2), and athletic or canvas shoes the lowest (Koepsell 2004).
• A closed back and a firm heel. CDC lists a “firm collar heel for stability” and says to avoid shoes “with no back (such as a mule or clog) or strappy back (such as a slingback).” APMA’s in-store check starts by pressing both sides of the heel: it should be stiff and not collapse.
• Laces or straps. CDC recommends “laces or straps to ensure shoes ‘hold’ onto foot when walking.” AAOS says to tie your shoelaces, or to choose slip-on shoes or shoes with Velcro closures.
• A low heel. In a lab study of 29 older adults, a heel just 4.5 cm high was the most harmful shoe feature for balance (Menant 2008). CDC advises avoiding heels over one inch.
• A firm sole that isn’t too thick or floppy. CDC lists a “thin, firm midsole to ‘feel’ ground underneath.” In a small study of men, thin, hard soles gave better stability than thick, soft midsoles (Robbins 1997). A review by Menant and colleagues concluded that older people should wear shoes with low heels and firm, slip-resistant soles inside and outside the home. APMA adds that a shoe shouldn’t twist in the middle.
• A textured tread. CDC lists a “textured sole to prevent slipping” and warns that slippery or worn soles are a hazard, especially in wet weather. AAOS recommends nonskid soles.
• The right size. CDC and APMA both say to have your feet measured and shop later in the day. APMA adds: “If you don’t feel comfortable or steady in the store, don’t buy the shoes.”

One honest caveat: in the 2006 retirement-village study, measured features such as heel height, sole hardness and tread did not differ significantly between people who fell and people who didn’t. The clearest signal was simply wearing shoes. Treat the features above as sensible guidance, not a guarantee.

Shoes are one part of preventing falls

A shoe can make walking steadier, but it can’t replace stronger legs or better balance. The evidence is stronger for other steps:

• Strength and balance exercise. A Cochrane review of 108 trials found exercise reduces the rate of falls in older people living at home by 23% (high-certainty evidence), with balance and functional exercises showing the clearest effect. The NHS recommends strength and balance activities at least twice a week.
• Medications, eyesight and hearing. The NHS advises regular eye tests and hearing checks, and asking a GP or pharmacist if your medicines could affect your balance. AAOS lists vision loss and medication side effects as fall risk factors.
• The home. The NHS lists clutter and trip hazards such as loose wires or rugs; AAOS adds poor lighting and slippery or wet surfaces.
• A full falls assessment. The World Falls Guidelines (2022) recommend that older people at high risk get an assessment covering gait and balance, muscle strength, medications, heart and blood pressure problems, vision and hearing, neurological problems, and foot problems and footwear, followed by a plan that targets what is found.

Footwear helps most as part of a wider plan. In an Australian trial of 305 older people with disabling foot pain, a podiatry program of foot orthoses, footwear advice, a footwear subsidy, foot and ankle exercises and education led to 36% fewer falls than routine podiatry care (Spink 2011). A larger trial of a similar program (REFORM) found a smaller drop in the rate of falls that was not statistically significant, though slightly fewer people in the program had a fall (49.7% vs 54.9%) (Cockayne 2017).

Our picks, one by one

1. Brooks Addiction Walker 2: everyday walking, laces

Brooks’ leather walking shoe, the current version on Brooks’ US site as of October 2026. Brooks lists a classic leather upper (also sold in suede), its “Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar” for support and “soft, responsive cushioning.” It costs $140, in Narrow, Medium, Wide and Extra Wide for men and women (Brooks US).

It may suit you if you want a traditional laced walking shoe with a firm leather upper, your feet roll inward, or you need a narrow or extra-wide fit.

Skip it if you can’t manage laces (see the V-Strap 2 below) or you want a light, flexible shoe. Brooks makes no slip-resistance claim for it on its US Addiction page.

2. New Balance 928v3: everyday walking, the widest width range

Version 3 is the one New Balance’s US site sells as of October 2026. New Balance lists a leather upper, an ABZORB midsole, a “ROLLBAR stability post system” that “helps control rear-foot movement,” a removable PU foam footbed and a rubber outsole. It weighs 10.9 oz (New Balance’s figure, size not stated). Women’s widths run 2A, B, D, 2E and 4E, from $159.99 (New Balance US). The default size and width showed as sold out when we checked.

It may suit you if you need an unusual width, wear custom orthotics (the footbed lifts out) or want extra rearfoot control.

Skip it if a leather shoe feels too stiff or warm. New Balance doesn’t claim it is slip resistant.

3. New Balance Hook and Loop Leather 928v3: no laces to tie

The same 928v3 with straps instead of laces. New Balance says its hook-and-loop closure is easily adjustable for a secure fit, and lists the same ABZORB midsole, ROLLBAR post, removable footbed and rubber outsole. Women’s widths 2A to 4E, from $159.99 (New Balance US).

It may suit you if arthritis, a stroke or stiff fingers make laces hard, or swelling changes your fit during the day. Straps still hold the shoe on, which is what CDC and AAOS advise.

Skip it if you can tie laces comfortably and prefer the laced version.

Alternative: the Brooks Addiction Walker V-Strap 2 ($140, Medium, Wide and Extra Wide, Brooks US) has the same rollbar support as the laced Addiction Walker 2 and what Brooks calls “easy on-off flexibility.”

4. Sandals: choose one with a back strap

If someone will only wear sandals in summer, choose one that straps around the heel and covers the toes. The closed-toe, heel-strap sandals we looked at on Orthofeet’s site (Verona for women, Clearwater for men) are marked discontinued in Orthofeet’s own product listing as of October 2026, so we have not named a sandal pick.

A sandal may suit you if you want one that stays on and protects the toes, rather than the backless styles CDC warns against.

Skip sandals if your feet are numb or you have diabetes: ask your podiatrist before wearing any sandal.

5. Orthofeet Lorin (women’s) and Vito (men’s) Hands-Free: a slipper that covers the heel

Backless slippers are one of the easiest things to change. In a Boston study of 765 older adults, 51.9% of falls at home happened while people were barefoot, in socks or in slippers, though only 10.1% of participants said that was their usual footwear, and falls without shoes or in slippers were more likely to cause a serious injury (Kelsey 2010). Lorin and Vito are faux-fur-lined suede “slipper-shoes” made to go on without bending down (Orthofeet). Orthofeet says Vito offers “full foot protection indoors and out,” and its site tags Lorin as slip resistant. Both are $119 (some Lorin colors $109.99), in Medium, Wide and X-Wide (Orthofeet US).

They may suit you if you want to replace open-back slippers with something that covers the whole foot, or bending to put on shoes is hard.

Skip them if your heel lifts out when you walk. A hands-free shoe relies on the shape of its heel to stay on, so if you can manage laces or a strap, those are closer to CDC’s advice. A fur lining may also feel warm.

6. Orthofeet Julie (women’s): a dress or work shoe

For church, the office or a family event, a low Mary Jane with a strap is a safer swap than pumps or slingbacks. Orthofeet lists a smooth leather upper, an “adjustable strap with hidden hook-and-loop closure” and a “slip-resistant outsole.” $120, in Medium, Wide and X-Wide (Orthofeet US). Orthofeet’s description doesn’t give a heel height.

It may suit you if you want a dressier shoe that still fastens and has a closed back.

Skip it if the strap doesn’t hold your heel firmly. If you wear a custom orthotic, bring it when you try the shoe on.

7. What about Skechers? Slip-ins: GO WALK Flex – Grand Entry (women’s)

Many families look at Skechers because Slip-ins go on without bending down. This women’s model is current on Skechers’ site. Skechers lists a “Hands Free Slip-ins molded heel panel,” a “Heel Pillow” that it says “holds your foot securely in place,” a memory foam insole, “lightweight, responsive ULTRA GO cushioning,” a “super flexible traction outsole,” stretch laces, a 1 1/4-inch heel and machine-washable materials. $85 (Skechers US). The page lists Medium and Wide, but a note on the same page says wide isn’t offered, so check before you buy.

It may suit you if bending to put on shoes is the main problem and you walk steadily on level ground.

Skip it if your balance is poor. A soft, “super flexible” sole is the opposite of the firm sole that resists twisting that CDC and APMA describe. Skechers also lists a 1 1/4-inch heel height, which is above the one-inch limit in CDC’s advice. Twist the shoe in the store; if it twists easily, choose a firmer pick above.

Balance problems and neuropathy: see a podiatrist first

If your feet are numb or tingling, or you have diabetes, get your feet checked before you shop. With less feeling, you may not notice that a shoe is too tight or is rubbing. A firm sole that lets you “feel” the ground, as CDC puts it, matters more when your feet send less information. The World Falls Guidelines include both neurological problems and foot problems in a falls assessment.

• What to look for: the same features as above, plus enough room that nothing presses on the toes. Check your feet for red marks after the first short wear.
• Medicare may help. If you have diabetes and severe diabetes-related foot disease, Medicare Part B covers therapeutic shoes: each calendar year, either one pair of extra-depth shoes with 3 pairs of inserts, or, if a foot deformity means you can’t wear extra-depth shoes, one pair of custom-molded shoes (including inserts) with 2 more pairs of inserts. The doctor treating your diabetes must certify the need, and a podiatrist or other qualified doctor must order them. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible, if the supplier accepts assignment (Medicare.gov).

Read more about neuropathy in the feet and its treatment and diabetic foot pain.

Fit tips for older feet

• Have both feet measured each time you buy, late in the day, and fit the larger foot (APMA). Bring the socks you’ll wear.
• Choose a wide toe box if you have bunions or hammertoes (CDC). See our guides to shoes for bunions and shoes for flat feet.
• If you wear orthotics, try them in the shoes (APMA). A removable footbed makes room for them. See podiatrist-recommended orthotics.
• Replace shoes and slippers that have stretched out or have worn, smooth soles (AAOS, CDC). AAOS suggests a long-handled shoehorn if shoes are hard to put on.

How we chose

We started from the features CDC, APMA, AAOS and the falls-and-footwear research describe, then looked for current models in each category people search for: walking shoes, easy-on shoes, sandals, slippers and dress shoes. We read each brand’s own website on 19 October 2026. Every spec and claim above is the brand’s, not ours, and we have not measured or worn these shoes. If you buy through the Amazon links below, Balance Foot & Ankle may earn a commission.

Where to buy

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and colors change often; check the listing before you buy.

• Brooks Addiction Walker 2, men’s, on Amazon
• Brooks Addiction Walker 2, women’s, on Amazon
• New Balance 928v3, men’s, on Amazon
• New Balance 928v3, women’s, on Amazon
• New Balance Hook and Loop 928v3, men’s, on Amazon
• New Balance Hook and Loop 928v3, women’s, on Amazon
• Orthofeet Lorin Hands-Free slipper, women’s, on Amazon
• Orthofeet Vito Hands-Free slipper, men’s, on Amazon
• Orthofeet Julie Mary Jane, women’s, on Amazon
• Skechers Slip-ins: GO WALK Flex – Grand Entry, women’s, on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What are the best shoes for balance issues?

Shoes with a closed back, a firm heel, laces or a strap, a low heel, a firm sole and a textured tread, which is CDC’s checklist. Laced leather walking shoes such as the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 or New Balance 928v3 meet most of it. How steady you feel in the store matters more than the brand.

What are the best walking shoes for seniors with balance issues?

A walking shoe that fastens and has a firm heel and sole. The Brooks Addiction Walker 2 and New Balance 928v3 both have leather uppers, rearfoot support features and a wide range of widths. If laces are hard, the hook-and-loop 928v3 or Brooks V-Strap 2 hold the foot without tying.

Are sandals safe for elderly people with balance problems?

A sandal with an adjustable heel strap is a safer choice than a slide or flip-flop, because CDC advises against shoes with no back. A closed-toe style also protects the toes. If your feet are numb or you have diabetes, ask your podiatrist first.

What slippers are best for elderly people with balance problems?

A slipper that covers the heel, stays on and grips, or proper shoes worn at home. Going barefoot or in socks indoors was linked to a much higher risk of falls in older people, and AAOS says to replace slippers that have stretched out. Closed slipper-shoes such as Orthofeet’s Lorin and Vito are one option.

What are the best shoes for balance and neuropathy?

See a podiatrist first, because numb feet can’t feel a poor fit. Look for the same features plus enough room that nothing presses on the toes. If you have diabetes and severe diabetes-related foot disease, Medicare Part B may cover extra-depth or custom shoes ordered by a podiatrist or other qualified doctor.

Are Skechers good for elderly people with balance problems?

Skechers Slip-ins are easy to put on, which helps if bending is hard. But models like the GO WALK Flex – Grand Entry use soft cushioning and what Skechers calls a “super flexible” sole, while the guidance favors a firmer sole that doesn’t twist, and Skechers lists a 1 1/4-inch heel height, above CDC’s one-inch limit. They may suit steady walkers who need easy entry more than support.

What dress shoes can older women with balance problems wear?

A low heel (CDC says avoid heels over one inch), a closed back and a strap. A leather Mary Jane with a hook-and-loop strap, such as the Orthofeet Julie, has the closed back and strap; Orthofeet doesn’t publish its heel height, so check it in the store. Skip slingbacks, mules and narrow heels.

What shoes do podiatrists recommend for seniors?

Our podiatrists focus on features and fit rather than one brand: a firm heel, a closed back, secure fastening, a low heel, a firm sole and good grip, in the right length and width. APMA’s quick in-store check is to press the heel, bend the toe and twist the middle.

When to see a podiatrist

Talk to a doctor if you have fallen, feel unsteady or are worried about falling. The NHS says a GP can check your balance, and the World Falls Guidelines recommend a full falls assessment for people at high risk. See a podiatrist if you have numbness, tingling or diabetes, foot pain that changes the way you walk, or bunions or other foot problems that make shoes hard to fit. APMA also advises talking to a podiatrist about footwear if you have specific foot problems.

Related guides

• Podiatrist-recommended shoes
• Peripheral neuropathy treatment
• Diabetic foot pain: neuropathy and PAD
• Best shoes for bunions
• Best shoes for flat feet
• Podiatrist-recommended orthotics

Sources

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, STEADI. Feet and Footwear for Older Adults (fact sheet, 2024).
2. Montero-Odasso M, et al. World guidelines for falls prevention and management for older adults: a global initiative. Age Ageing. 2022;51(9):afac205.
3. Menz HB, Morris ME, Lord SR. Footwear characteristics and risk of indoor and outdoor falls in older people. Gerontology. 2006;52(3):174-80.
4. Koepsell TD, et al. Footwear style and risk of falls in older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2004;52(9):1495-501.
5. Kelsey JL, et al. Footwear and falls in the home among older individuals in the MOBILIZE Boston Study. Footwear Sci. 2010;2(3):123-129.
6. Menant JC, et al. Optimizing footwear for older people at risk of falls. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2008;45(8):1167-81.
7. Menant JC, et al. Effects of footwear features on balance and stepping in older people. Gerontology. 2008;54(1):18-23.
8. Robbins S, et al. Foot position awareness in younger and older men: the influence of footwear sole properties. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1997;45(1):61-6.
9. Sherrington C, et al. Exercise for preventing falls in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019;1:CD012424.
10. Spink MJ, et al. Effectiveness of a multifaceted podiatry intervention to prevent falls in community dwelling older people with disabling foot pain: randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2011;342:d3411.
11. Cockayne S, et al. Cohort randomised controlled trial of a multifaceted podiatry intervention for the prevention of falls in older people (the REFORM trial). PLoS One. 2017;12(1):e0168712.
12. NHS. Falls (page last reviewed 6 March 2025).
13. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo). Guidelines for preventing falls.
14. American Podiatric Medical Association. Balance-boosting footwear tips for older people.
15. Medicare.gov. Therapeutic shoes & inserts.
16. Brooks US. Addiction collection: Addiction Walker 2 and Addiction Walker V-Strap 2.
17. New Balance US. 928v3 (women’s) and Hook and Loop Leather 928v3 (women’s).
18. Orthofeet US. Lorin Hands-Free, Vito Hands-Free and Julie.
19. Skechers US. Skechers Slip-ins: GO WALK Flex – Grand Entry.