Elderly people often struggle with certain mobility or motor issues which can make independence difficult. The correct footwear is a great way to enable the elderly to extend their freedom to be themselves and enjoy their lives with no limitations.
We are confident that Skechers Slip-ins, designed with the elderly in mind, are the key to unlocking a new lease of life for you as an elderly person, or your elderly relatives.
What to look for in footwear for the elderly
In footwear for the elderly, you should look for a shoe best suited for the needs of the specific person. Some elderly people will need more specialised footwear than others, and it is recommended that for any medical advice you speak to a podiatrist before making any major decisions.
However, the main things you should consider in general when looking for footwear for the elderly include:
- Size/fit and support: Shoes need to have adequate space in the toe box, as this prevents crowding issues, which can cause damage, especially in elderly people.
- The shoes you pick also need to be easy to put on and take off, as many elderly people have mobility issues which prevent them from bending down and pulling shoes on. Skechers Slip-ins eliminate this issue entirely. Not only are these shoes laceless, but they also contain trademarked shoehorn-esque technology, allowing the user to put the shoes on whilst standing up straight (even sat down) without needing to put any effort at all to pull them on!
- But let's not forget style… we all want to look and feel good in ourselves, and footwear is a huge part of this. Skechers Slip-ins provide the utmost in terms of convenience and utility, without trading out style. We find that customers are always able to find a Slip-in design they are comfortable with.
Why do elderly people need Slip-On shoes?
Elderly people need slip on shoes to expand their independence. Slip on options eliminate the need to tie laces or even fasten any straps, which benefits so many elderly people who would otherwise be unable to wear shoes.
No shoes of course limits a person’s ability to go outside, and nobody wants to be stuck inside all day. Another reason elderly people need slip on shoes is because they still offer a secure fit, despite the ease of use. If you compare slip on shoes to alternatives such as slippers, flip-flops and other easy-to-use footwear, you’ll notice that most slip on shoes provide a secure and stable fit while others don’t.
Common issues elderly people have with their feet
Common issues elderly people have with their feet include:
Diabetes can cause foot ulcers and nerve damage which affects feeling in the feet. Well padded/cushioned soles are vital for people with diabetes to relieve pressure and pain, as shoes with flat bottoms or a lack of cushioning can worsen or agitate ulcers. Also, due to the lack of sensation caused by nerve damage, it is important for elderly people to choose shoes with adequate support, to help with stability and balance.
Balance issues are common in elderly people. This can be down to a number of things. It could be due to motor issues, joint or muscle problems, and even due to neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. Wide-based shoes can be a good match for people who suffer with balance issues, and it is important any shoe chosen by or for somebody with balance issues has a good snug fit, without being excessively tight.
Arthritis affects the majority of older people in the UK. In fact, osteoarthritis impacts over 80% of over 50 year olds in the UK. Lots of cushioning from shock-absorbent materials is very important to include in an elderly person’s footwear, as this reduces the effects of arthritis. The shoes also need to be made from a flexible material to reduce pressure on the foot, alleviating pain.
5 reasons Skechers Slip-ins are good for the elderly
1. Hands free - Perhaps the most beneficial aspect of these shoes are the hands free design which allows elderly people with even very limited mobility to wear this shoe and add some normality and independence to their lives. The shoe is supportive and flexible as well as being easy to use, the perfect feature for anybody with movement issues.2. Arch support - Skechers slip-ins often come with midsole cushioning which aids arch support. This support is especially important for elderly people who need that extra support to combat foot fatigue or arthritis pains.
3. Reasonable pricing - Many elderly people living on pensions need to consider the financial implications of a purchase before making one. Skechers slip-ins are reasonably priced shoes built to last. Whilst there are cheaper alternatives out there, the durability of Skechers slip-ins gives them the edge on competitors.
4. Style - Lots of elderly-aimed footwear have been designed with the focus solely around wearability and comfort that there has been effort whatsoever towards making them look good. Skechers slip-ins have such a variety of options and styles that we’re sure there is something for everyone. Nobody should feel uncomfortable in what they wear on their feet, and Skechers slip-ins ensure that nobody does!
5. Shock absorption - Many Skechers slip-ins contain shock absorbing midsoles, reducing the risk of ligament injury and muscle strain whilst wearing them. This design helps lower the strain on hips, knees and lower back, which are of course often points of concern for older wearers. On top of this, the adaptive cushioning is designed to suit a variety of walking/movement patterns, so for elderly wearers who have altered walking patterns, these shoes will support them as well as possible.
Hopefully you now understand how beneficial Skechers slip-ins can be for elderly wearers, but we encourage everybody to do lots of research before making a decision around footwear for elderly users.