ABSTRACT
Falls can occur from slips (unexpected horizontal foot movement), trips (restriction of foot movement) and stepping-on-air (unexpected vertical foot movement).
Slips primarily occur during foot pushoff and heel strike. During pushoff, the person falls forward (less common and less dangerous). If a slip occurs during heel strike, the person falls backward. During a slip, there is normally a ‘lubricant’ (water, oil, grease, dust, ice) either on the surface or on the shoe heel.
