Footwear Audit: What's Actually in Your Loved One's Closet
Footwear is one of the most overlooked fall-risk factors, largely because it's private and easy to overlook during a normal visit. A quick, direct audit of what's actually being worn day to day often reveals more risk than any other single check.
Worn-out soles are a hidden hazard
Shoes with smooth, worn treads lose the grip they were designed to provide, and the wear is often invisible unless someone actually flips the shoe over to check the sole.
Slippers are riskier than they look
Soft slip-on slippers offer little ankle support and can slide on hard flooring, making them a common fall contributor despite feeling "safe and comfortable" in the moment.
The wrong size compounds every other risk
Shoes that have loosened with foot swelling changes, or were never quite the right fit, increase tripping risk regardless of tread quality or ankle support.
Backless shoes remove a stabilizing feature
Any backless or slide-style shoe requires the toes to grip to stay on, subtly changing gait and balance in a way that increases fall risk during normal walking, not just on stairs.
What to actually check during a visit
Flip over the soles for wear, check that shoes still fit snugly, confirm there's a secure heel strap or full back, and notice what's actually being worn around the house — often different from what's presented for visits.
A five-minute footwear audit is one of the simplest, most concrete fall-prevention steps available, and one of the easiest to overlook entirely.