Footwear Choice and Locomotor Health Throughout the Life Course: A Critical Review

D'Aout, Kristiaan ORCID: 0000-0002-6043-7744, Elnaggar, Omar, Mason, Lyndon ORCID: 0000-0002-0371-3183, Rowlatt, Adam and Willems, Catherine (2025) Footwear Choice and Locomotor Health Throughout the Life Course: A Critical Review HEALTHCARE, 13 (5). 527-. ISSN 2227-9032, 2227-9032

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Abstract

Background/objectives: In this paper, we review and discuss epidemiological and experimental evidence on the effects of daily footwear on gait and life-long health. We consider different types of footwear, including “minimal shoes”, and their design features, comparing them to barefoot walking, with a focus on overall gait and the function of the heel pad. Methods: Narrative review. Results: We find little evidence for health benefits of most typical shoe design features (e.g., cushioning, raised heels or arch support) for normal walking in healthy individuals, and in several cases (e.g., high heels), there is evidence of detrimental health effects. Conclusions: Based on currently available evidence, we recommend minimal footwear as the default for the general population to stimulate healthy biomechanical aging, with other types of footwear used infrequently or when there is an individual or clinical need.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	aging, biomechanics, foot, footwear, health, heel pad, shoes
Divisions:	Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Life Courses & Medical Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Life Courses & Medical Sciences > School of Medicine
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	03 Mar 2025 10:43
Last Modified:	16 Jun 2026 19:52
DOI:	10.3390/healthcare13050527
Open Access URL:	https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/13/5/527
Related Websites:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3190560
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