Slip Resistance of Casual Footwear: Implications for Falls in Older Adults

Abstract

Background: A large proportion of falls in older people are caused by slipping. Previous occupational safety research suggests that inadequate footwear may contribute to slipping accidents; however, no studies have assessed the slip resistance of casual footwear. Objective: To evaluate the slip resistance of different types of casual footwear over a range of common household surfaces. Methods: The slip resistance of men’s Oxford shoes and women’s fashion shoes with different heel configurations was determined by measuring the dynamic coefficient of friction (DCoF) at heel contact (in both dry and wet conditions) on a bathroom tile, concrete, vinyl flooring and a terra cotta tile using a specially-designed piezoelectric force plate apparatus. Results: Analysis of variance revealed significant shoe, surface, and shoe-surface interaction effects. Men’s Oxford shoes exhibited higher average DCoF values than the women’s fashion shoes, however, none of the shoes could be considered safe on wet surfaces. Application of a textured sole material did not improve slip resistance of any of the shoes on wet surfaces. Conclusion: Heel geometry influences the slip resistance of casual footwear on common household surfaces. The suboptimal performance of all of the test shoes on wet surfaces suggests that a safety standard for casual footwear is required to assist in the development of safe footwear for older people.

Physical Activity: Wearing slippers, falls and injury in residential care

“…The physiological mechanisms are that foot position awareness is impaired by age 16,17 and shoe type can reduce slip friction. 18 We were unable to say whether the slippers were worn at the time of the fall, however the slippers question was asked about 'usual footwear' of the resident, reinforcing the validity of the result. Our study supports promoting the wearing of shoes at all times as currently recommended for falls prevention.…”

Protective Footwear And The Risk Of Slipping In Older Workers – Definitions, Achievements, Recommendations

“…A stable human heel position within footwear is another critical factor preventing slips [31]. A strong relationship between stability and footwear collar height in persons aged 60+ has also been reported [32]. Table 3: Laboratory methods for testing footwear using combination devices [10] Device Operating principle…”

Does Footwear Affect Balance?

“…22,23 However, the cautious gait style adopted by several participants when encountering slippery conditions represents an additional reallife behavioral response not captured in the laboratory setting. Clinical studies are needed to evaluate the impact of frictional conditions at the shoe-floor interface on behavioral response (physical and psychological) as a measure of reduced slipping and shoe safety.…”