The risk of falling increases with age. Individuals wearing unadapted shoes present an
aggravating risk factor. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of specifically
designed balance shoes on balance and postural stability in healthy elderly people compared to that
of their usual shoes. In total, 21 healthy individuals aged 65–84 years (76.0 ± 8.0 years) performed
balance tests (bipedal with open or closed eyes, unipedal with open eyes, limits of stability, and step
cadence) while wearing their (i) personal shoes or (ii) balance shoes (Axis Comfort Development©).
Three test sessions were conducted with personal and balance shoes. The first served as the baseline,
and the other two were performed after a familiarization period of several days with the personal
or balance shoes. The perception of balance shoe efficiency was documented using a questionnaire.
The balance shoes significantly improved bipedal balance with closed eyes. Moreover, the familiar-
ization period significantly improved unipedal balance with open eyes. Most subjects felt safer and
stabler using balance shoes. The investigated specifically designed balance shoes were effective in
elderly individuals in improving postural balance compared to personal shoes. The balance shoes
could, therefore, reduce the falling risk in healthy elderly people.