Older adults have decreased control of body balance with aging and are prone to fall. As the primary point of contact between human body and ground, footwear is critical for stability of older adults. The relationship between shoe characteristics and stability of older adults was systematically reviewed to determine the effect of footwear characteristics on stability of older adults. The results show that wearing shoes with shoelaces or velcro, low heels, wide outsole and appropriate soles， or using vibrating insoles and arch support insoles can help older adults improve their stability. Excessive sole spring and low sole hardness may have adverse effects on stability of older adults. This study can provide theoretical references for older adults to choose shoes reasonably and for the manufacturers to design and make shoes to prevent falls.