From the Guidelines
Grip-enhancing socks are more beneficial for the elderly in preventing falls compared to slippers. This is because grippy socks provide consistent traction across the entire foot, reducing the risk of slips and falls which are a major concern for older adults 1. Unlike slippers that can slide off or become loose, grippy socks stay securely in place and conform to the foot's shape. They typically feature rubber or silicone treads on the bottom surface that maintain contact with the floor during walking or standing.
Key Benefits of Grippy Socks
- Provide consistent traction across the entire foot
- Stay securely in place and conform to the foot's shape
- Feature rubber or silicone treads for maintained contact with the floor
- Easier to wash regularly, maintaining hygiene and preventing bacterial growth Grippy socks are also easier to wash regularly, which helps maintain hygiene and prevents bacterial growth. For optimal safety, elderly individuals should choose grippy socks that aren't too tight around the ankles to avoid restricting circulation, yet snug enough to prevent bunching. While slippers may offer more cushioning and warmth, the fall prevention benefits of grippy socks generally outweigh these advantages, especially for seniors with mobility or balance issues, as supported by the USPSTF recommendation for exercise interventions to prevent falls in community-dwelling adults 65 years or older who are at increased risk for falls 1. For nighttime bathroom trips when falls are particularly common, keeping grippy socks by the bedside for immediate use is recommended.
From the Research
Comparison of Grip-Enhancing Socks and Slippers
- Grip-enhancing socks have been studied as a potential measure to prevent falls among the elderly, with some evidence suggesting their effectiveness 2, 3.
- A systematic literature review found that non-slip socks showed a preventive effect in reducing the recurrence of falls and the prevalence of falls related to urinary incontinence 2.
- An observational prospective study found that patients wearing non-slip socks had a significantly lower number of falls compared to those wearing adequate footwear 3.
- However, another study found that non-slip socks do not possess the properties of adequate footwear and have the potential to spread infection, suggesting that personal footwear from home may be the safest option 4.
- The use of grip-enhancing socks or slippers as a fall prevention measure is not explicitly recommended by the American Geriatrics Society and British Geriatrics Society, but multifactorial interventions including home environment modification and management of footwear are suggested 5, 6.
Effectiveness of Grip-Enhancing Socks
- Studies have shown that non-slip socks can be an effective measure in preventing falls among hospitalized elderly patients 2, 3.
- The use of non-slip socks has been found to reduce the recurrence of falls and the prevalence of falls related to urinary incontinence 2.
- However, more clinical studies are needed to support the findings and determine the long-term effectiveness of non-slip socks in preventing falls 2, 3.
Comparison to Slippers
- There is limited evidence directly comparing the effectiveness of grip-enhancing socks and slippers in preventing falls among the elderly.
- However, one study suggests that non-slip socks may be a suitable alternative to well-fitting rubber-soled footwear, which could include slippers 3.
- Further studies are needed to determine the relative effectiveness of grip-enhancing socks and slippers in preventing falls among the elderly 2, 3.