Stay on Your Feet: Preventing Slips and Falls This Winter Starts with Your Shoes

By Dr. Jesse Ropat – Doctor of Pharmacy & Foot Health Specialist

Winter can be tough on your feet. Between icy sidewalks, slushy parking lots, and wet floors at the door, even a quick errand can feel risky. Each year, thousands of people end up with injuries from slips and falls that could have been prevented with a few smart choices.

While most people focus on being careful when walking outside, the truth is that your shoes are your first line of defense. The right pair can mean the difference between steady footing and a painful tumble.

Let’s break down why slips happen, what kind of shoes help prevent them, and how to keep your balance strong all winter long.

Why Slips and Falls Happen in Winter

Snow and ice are obvious culprits, but it’s not just what’s under your feet that matters. Many people wear shoes that aren’t made for cold, slick conditions. Smooth soles, worn-out tread, and thin materials can all make things worse.

When traction fails, your body has to react quickly to keep you upright. That sudden movement can twist ankles, strain muscles, or even cause fractures if you lose balance completely.

But it’s not just outdoors. Slips also happen inside. Melted snow and slush at entrances create invisible puddles that turn floors into hazards. Rubber soles designed for indoor wear often struggle on these wet surfaces.

The result is a perfect storm of risk, and most of it can be avoided by choosing the right footwear.

What Makes a Shoe Slip-Resistant

Not all shoes are built to handle winter. Slip-resistant shoes have specific features that help you grip the ground, even when it’s icy or wet.

Here’s what to look for:

1. Tread pattern: Look for deep, multi-directional grooves. These help channel away water and create more contact with the ground.
   

2. Rubber outsoles: Soft, flexible rubber provides better traction in cold temperatures than hard plastic-like soles.
   

3. Wide, stable base: A wider sole gives your foot more surface area for balance.
   

4. Cushioned midsoles: These absorb shock and keep your feet steady on uneven terrain.
   

5. Supportive heel cups: Help keep your alignment stable and reduce the risk of twisting an ankle.

A good winter shoe should also fit securely. If your shoes are too loose, your foot can slide inside, making you less stable. Too tight, and you’ll restrict circulation, which can make your feet cold and stiff.

The Hidden Role of Insoles in Stability

Even the best winter shoes need solid support inside. Insoles help stabilize your foot’s alignment, especially if you have flat feet or high arches. When your arch collapses slightly under pressure, it throws off your balance.

Supportive insoles help keep your body upright and balanced, reducing your risk of slips caused by unstable footing.

Replacing your insoles every six to twelve months is a small step that can make a big difference in comfort and control during cold weather.

Everyday Habits That Keep You Safe

While footwear plays a big role, a few small habits can make winter walking safer and easier.

1. Take shorter steps

Short, careful steps keep your center of gravity balanced. Imagine you’re walking like a penguin, feet flat, weight slightly forward.

2. Keep entrances dry

Use mats at home and at work to absorb melted snow. Wipe your shoes before stepping onto smooth floors.

3. Warm up your muscles

Cold muscles react slower. Do a quick stretch or a few heel raises before heading outside to improve circulation.

4. Replace worn-out shoes

If the tread looks flat or shiny, it’s time for a new pair. Old soles can’t grip properly, no matter how careful you are.

5. Light it up

Poor lighting is a common factor in winter falls. Make sure outdoor walkways and steps are well-lit.

Why Supportive Footwear Matters

When your shoes support you correctly, your balance improves naturally. Your muscles don’t have to work as hard to keep you upright, and you are less likely to overreact when your foot slips.

Shoes with arch support, shock absorption, and slip-resistant soles don’t just keep you from falling. They also reduce fatigue, keep your joints aligned, and protect your feet from the cold.

Comfort Wear’s line of supportive footwear is designed with this in mind. Their Stormshell Ortho Winter Boots, for example, have flexible rubber soles with deep traction grooves and contoured footbeds for improved grip and posture.

They’re not just for comfort. They’re designed to help you stay active, confident, and safe, even when sidewalks are slick.

Strengthening Your Balance Year-Round

Footwear is key, but your balance also depends on strength and flexibility. Try adding these quick exercises to your routine:

• Heel-to-toe walk: Practice walking in a straight line, placing your heel directly in front of your toe each step.
  

• Single-leg balance: Stand on one foot for 20 seconds at a time.
  

• Calf raises: Strengthen your ankles by lifting your heels and slowly lowering them.
  

• Ankle circles: Improve mobility by rotating your ankles in both directions.
  

Just a few minutes a day can make a big difference in your stability and confidence on slippery surfaces.

Final Thoughts

Winter weather brings enough challenges. Slipping and falling shouldn’t be one of them.

With the right footwear, a good insole, and mindful walking habits, you can stay on your feet safely no matter how snowy or wet it gets.

Remember, prevention starts from the ground up. Take care of your foundation, and the rest of your body will thank you for it.