Footwear Characteristics and Their Impact on Gait and Balance in Older Adults: A Systematic Review of Recent Evidence

Nathan Hinkle — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 21:39:21 +0000

Date Added:

July 21, 2026

Journal/Publication:

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society

Publisher:

American Geriatrics Society

Publication Date:

July 17, 2026

URL:

Footwear Characteristics and Their Impact on Gait and Balance in Older Adults: A Systematic Review of Recent Evidence

Type:

Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines

DOI (1):

https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.70577

Keywords

MeSH

Accidental Falls* / prevention & control

RPR Commentary: A review of modifications in footwear design shoen to improve gait and balance in seniors. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

Free full text

View

Background
Improper footwear has been identified as a modifiable risk factor for falls in older adults. Studies suggest that certain footwear characteristics can impair gait and balance, thereby increasing the risk of falls. However, the impact of footwear on gait and balance control may vary across research protocols. A systematic review focusing on these relationships is currently unavailable to date. This study aims to investigate the impact of footwear on gait and balance control in older adults, as well as the research protocols employed and the study outcomes.

Method
A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, IEEE Xplore, Scopus, Web of Science, and Clinical Trials to identify relevant studies published between 2017 and 2024. Keywords were systematically searched, and data were manually extracted. Thirteen studies were included. The review synthesized findings on the influence of various footwear designs on gait and balance control in older adults.

Result
Footwear featuring a minimal outsole, a textured insole design, and a high collar design was generally associated with improved balance outcomes. The evidence for toe-beveled footwear designs was mixed. Studies incorporated both walking and balance assessments, with some including perception-based questionnaires. A combination of walking, balance, and perceptual assessments provides a more comprehensive understanding of how footwear affects balance in older adults.

Conclusion
Among the included studies, featuring a minimal outsole, a textured insole design, and a high collar design showed consistency to benefit older adults that provides textured feedback while offering foot protection, which may enhance balance control. However, some studies also implied that certain designs may have potential negative effects, including toe-beveled, minimal outsole, less-fixation, and barefoot condition. The lack of comprehensive descriptions of experimental footwear affects scientific transparency and reproducibility.

Author/s:

Chi-Hsien Chen, Jinfeng Li, Yoshiro Okubo