Factors associated with type of footwear worn inside the house: a cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Background In specific populations, including those at risk of falls or foot ulcers, indoor footwear is an important aspect of preventative care. This study aims to describe the indoor footwear worn most over the previous year in a sample representative of the Australian inpatient population, and to explore the sociodemographic, medical, foot condition and foot treatment history factors associated with the indoor footwear worn. Methods This was a secondary analysis of data collected from inpatients admitted to five hospitals across Queensland, Australia. Sociodemographic information, medical history, foot conditions and foot treatment history were collected as explanatory variables. Outcomes included the self-reported type of indoor footwear (from 16 standard footwear types) worn most in the year prior to hospitalisation, and the category in which the self-reported footwear type was defined according to its features: ‘protective’, ‘non-protective’ and ‘no footwear’. Multivariate analyses determined explanatory variables independently associated with each type and category. Results Protective footwear was worn by 11% of participants (including 4% walking shoes, 4% running shoes, 2% oxford shoes), and was independently associated with education above year 10 level (OR 1.78, p = 0.028) and having had foot treatment by a specialist physician (5.06, p = 0.003). Most participants (55%) wore non-protective footwear (including 21% slippers, 15% thongs/flip flops, 7% backless slippers), which was associated with older age (1.03, p < 0.001). No footwear was worn by 34% of participants (30% barefoot, 3% socks only). Those of older age (0.97, p < 0.001) and those in the most disadvantaged socioeconomic group (0.55, p = 0.019) were less likely to wear no footwear (socks or barefoot). Conclusions Only one in nine people in a large representative inpatient population wore a protective indoor footwear most of the time in the previous year. Whilst having education levels above year 10 and having received previous foot treatment by a specialist physician were associated with wearing protective footwear indoors, the presence of a range of other medical and foot conditions were not. These findings provide information to enable clinicians, researchers and policymakers to develop interventions aimed at improving indoor footwear habits that may help prevent significant health burdens such as falls and foot ulcers. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13047-019-0356-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Footwear characteristics and foot problems in community dwelling people with stroke: a cross-sectional observational study

“…However, access to this information on its own this is unlikely to resolve the problem. Shoe purchasing decisions are often based on comfort and convenience and low cost; most older people and people with stroke were unwilling or unable to buy more expensive shoes [ 18 , 30–32 ]. Better and more tailored support is needed for people with stroke, including better condition specific information on appropriate footwear [ 31 ] and encouragement and support that new shoe purchases should include measuring feet to ensure a good fit [ 34 ].…”

Guidelines on the prevention of foot ulcers in persons with diabetes (IWGDF 2023 update)

“…People with diabetes might prefer not to follow this recommendation, especially inside their house. [34][35][36] However, given the potential harm of walking without shoes for foot protection outweighs any benefit to be gained from choosing this preference, we strongly recommend educating at-risk people with diabetes not to walk barefoot, not to walk in socks without shoes, and not to walk in thin-soled standard slippers, whether at home or when outside. The education should be provided by a healthcare professional with disease-specific knowledge and skills in education.…”

Effects of Balance Shoes on Balance and Postural Stability in the Elderly: A Crossover, Controlled, Randomized Single-Blind Study

“…If inappropriately designed, they can decrease postural stability [10] and modify the walking pattern [11]. However, evidence demonstrated that 30% of the elderly are barefoot or only wear socks at home [12,13]. Although being barefoot appeared to enhance sensory feedback and thus decrease instability compared to inappropriate shoes, such as sandals [10], it also increased the subjective perception of instability while walking [1], and was demonstrated to be a risk factor of falling for elderly people [14].…”

“…In addition, more than 60% of old people wear unadapted shoes, with inappropriate length and width that may cause pain and injury to the feet [15]. Therefore, only 1 in 9 elderly people wear fitted shoes at home [12]. To limit the risks of falls, shoes should present characteristics such as low and bevel-edged heels, being ankle boots with optimal heel support, nonslip, and with soles designed to facilitate proprioceptive feedback.…”