Footwear features to reduce your risk of falls
Most slips, trips, and falls occur due to a loss of traction, in other words, there isn’t enough friction between the sole of your shoe and the surface you’re walking on. While this might sound simple, the consequences can be significant.
In fact, over 20% of all workplace accidents fall into the slips, trips, and falls category. Across the wider population, these incidents account for around 39% of all ACC claims, equating to approximately 700,000 claims every year.
The hidden role of footwear in injuries
Between 2018 and 2022, ACC data recorded:
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140 new claims related to Crocs, costing around $180,000
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2,580 claims linked to high-heeled shoes
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4,270 claims associated with jandals
These figures are widely considered minimum estimates, as ACC claim forms limit how much detail can be recorded. In many cases, footwear may have contributed to the injury but wasn’t identified as a key factor.
When asked “What makes Crocs dangerous?”, an ACC Case Prevention Manager gave an answer almost identical to insights previously shared by Andrew in his Crocs article (March 21, 2023): poor heel security, unstable soles, and reduced control.
Wear shoes for the occasion
We routinely service our cars, wheel alignments are recommended at least once a year, yet how often do we check the condition of our footwear?
We instinctively inspect tyre tread when seasons change, but rarely flip our shoes over to check the “tread” on the sole. Just like tyres, worn shoes lose traction and stability.
However, tread is only part of the story.
What Podiatrists look for in footwear
Podiatrists are specialists in 
footwear assessment. We don’t just look at how old a shoe is, we assess how it functions. This includes:
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Heel counter firmness – does the heel still provide stability?
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Midfoot integrity – is there a supportive shank, or has it collapsed?
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Flexibility point – does the shoe bend in the correct place?
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Overall structure – has the shoe stretched, softened, or lost support?
It’s common for a shoe to look fine but function poorly, and that’s when injury risk rises.
If you’re unsure, bring your footwear to one of our clinics. It’s not unusual to see patients arrive with a bag full of shoes, and that’s exactly what we recommend.
Footwear and falls risk as we age
As we age, both the risk and fear of falling increase significantly. Around 30–40% of older adults fall each year, with 5–15% resulting in serious injury.
There are many factors that influence falls risk, but footwear is one of the most modifiable.
While wearing shoes all the time may feel inconvenient, the right footwear; indoors and outdoors, can significantly improve balance, confidence, and safety. Socks and slippers alone don’t provide enough grip or stability and are often surprisingly slippery.
Features of inappropriate footwear
Shoes that increase fall risk commonly have:
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Poor fit – Excess room allows the foot to slide, reducing stability
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Inadequate fastenings – Slip-on shoes without laces, buckles, or Velcro don’t secure the foot
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Narrow heels – Reduced contact with the ground decreases balance
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Soft or stretched uppers – Lead to poor control of the foot
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Worn or slippery soles – Particularly dangerous on tiles or wet surfaces
Features of appropriate footwear
Safer footwear typically includes:
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Soles – Thin, firm soles with good tread improve ground feel and stability
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Heels – Low and square to increase surface contact
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Enclosed heel – Improves support and reduces tripping risk
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Uppers:
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Laces or Velcro fastened firmly
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Firm, supportive materials
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Weight – Supportive but not overly heavy, to avoid fatigue and tripping
When to seek podiatry advice
If you, or someone you care for, has had a fall, feels unsteady, or is concerned about footwear or balance, a full assessment is recommended. This includes:
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Footwear review
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Gait and balance assessment
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Personalised footwear recommendations
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Referral to appropriate footwear retailers
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Collaboration with physiotherapists and community programmes such as Strong & Stable
In some cases, strengthening and balance exercises may also be recommended to further reduce falls risk.
Footwear isn’t just about comfort or style, it plays a critical role in safety, balance, and injury prevention. Taking the time to assess and update your footwear can significantly reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls.
📞 If you’re unsure about your footwear or balance, contact our clinic and book an appointment today. A small check now can prevent a serious injury later.
