SynthesisJournal of the American Geriatrics Society2026
Footwear Characteristics and Their Impact on Gait and Balance in Older Adults: A Systematic Review of Recent Evidence.
Synthesis in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Authors and funding
3 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundImproper 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.
methodA 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.
resultFootwear 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.
conclusionAmong 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.
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