The Best Shoes for Someone with Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that presents unique challenges concerning movement and mobility, directly impacting a person’s ability to perform daily tasks. 

Finding the right shoe can’t entirely resolve ongoing mobility concerns, but it can help mitigate these challenges, and maintain independence while providing ongoing comfort and support.

When shopping for new shoes, consider the following features: 

• Supportive shoes for stability

• Non-slip soles for safety

• Easy on-and-off designs 

How Parkinson’s Affects Mobility

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive movement disorder that primarily affects the central nervous system, which develops when dopamine-producing neurons in the brain deteriorate. 

Dopamine serves as a neurotransmitter that facilitates smooth and coordinated muscle movements. As dopamine levels decline, people with this condition experience a range of symptoms that disrupt normal motor functions.

Parkinson’s develops gradually, with symptoms appearing slowly over time. Early signs may include a slight tremor in one hand or changes in handwriting. 

As the disease advances, these symptoms become more pronounced, affecting balance, which significantly affects a person’s ability to move and perform everyday tasks, and increases the risk of falls and other injuries. 

The symptoms of Parkinson’s can vary significantly from person to person but typically include: 

• Tremors: One of its hallmark symptoms, tremors usually appear in one hand causing involuntary shaking. This makes tasks requiring fine motor skills increasingly challenging. 
• Muscle rigidity: Referring to stiff muscles, this makes movements feel tight, and strained, and limits the range of motion. This affects one’s ability to coordinate muscle movements, making tasks that require fine motor skills, like buttoning a shirt, more difficult.
• Postural instability: People with Parkinson’s experience difficulty maintaining an upright posture, increasing their risk of falls. 
• Bradykinesia: This refers to slowness of movement, making it challenging to initiate and complete movements like walking at your usual palace. People may notice shuffling steps, less arm swinging while walking, and requiring more support from sitting to standing. 
• Freezing of gait: This is characterized by a temporary inability to move the feet forward despite the intention to walk, often when approaching obstacles.
• Dystonia: This condition involves involuntary muscle contractions, leading to twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures, significantly affecting walking and mobility.
• Fatigue: People with Parkinson’s frequently experience fatigue, which may impact overall mobility, as reduced energy levels make it harder to maintain movement throughout the day. 

As Parkinson’s disease progresses, mobility symptoms often worsen, leading to significant challenges in everyday movement. 

Gait changes become more noticeable, with people exhibiting a shuffling walk, shorter strides, and reduced arm swing. Freezing episodes occur more frequently. This can be particularly dangerous when walking outside or navigating stairs.

The Best Shoes for Parkinson’s Support 

Comfortable and supportive shoes can reduce feelings of anxiety associated with falling, allowing people with Parkinson’s to engage more freely in social spaces.

It’s important to recognize that supportive footwear alone cannot entirely resolve mobility challenges associated with this disease. Much like mobility aids such as canes and walkers serve as valuable tools in managing and navigating the complexities of balance and comfort in daily life, so does footwear. 

Stability & Support

A stable shoe provides the necessary support to keep people steady. 

Look for shoes with a firm heel and midsole. A stiff heel cup and good ankle collar can reduce the risk of falls by maintaining proper foot alignment and providing additional support using a solid base to counteract balance concerns. 

This structural element helps stabilize the heel during movements, aiding in smoother transitions from heel to toe while walking, which is often challenging for those with Parkinson’s.

Ample cushioning helps absorb impact and reduces stress on joints. Look for shoes with supportive insoles and padding around the ankle, or gel interests that absorb shock and provide comfort with every step.

Orthotic insoles are also a great option and give a personalized touch to comfort. These may include adding extra arch support and cushioning to meet the comfort and stability requirements of your loved one. 

Shoes with a wide base and good arch disperse weight evenly, reducing the risk of falls. Look for footwear designed with a contoured footbed that cradles the foot. Plus, the extra room for toes helps accommodate changes in foot shape and prevents cramped toes.

This wide toe box allows for better balance and reduces the likelihood of pressure sores or blisters, which are common issues due to changes in gait and posture.

Non-Slip Soles for Safety

Falls and slips are common concerns for people with Parkinson’s, which is why slip-resistant soles are a must.

Shoes with rubber outsoles offer good traction, whether indoors or outdoors to prevent slips on surfaces. 

The tread pattern of the shoe matters as well. 

Look for shapes like circles, hexagons, or squares, that increase surface area and provide grip and friction against surfaces. Avoid shoes that are smooth and have no tread pattern altogether. The smaller and tighter the pattern, the better the grip. 

Opt for lightweight and flexible materials that make it easier to lift the feet, reducing drag and the risk of tripping. Shoes that are too heavy can exacerbate bradykinesia and fatigue and can cause unnecessary strain. 

Easy On & Off Designs

Another key feature to look for in supportive footwear is shoes with an easy on-and-off design, such as velcro straps, elastic laces, or slip-on styles.

Avoid shoes that require tying laces, as symptoms like tremors and muscle stiffness can make it difficult to fasten. 

An easy on-and-off design allows those with limited hand mobility and coordination to wear and remove their shoes independently with minimal effort. 

When to Consider Memory Care

Living with Parkinson’s disease presents itself with unique challenges that can significantly affect a person’s ability to complete daily tasks and continue to safely live independently.

As the condition progresses, transitioning to a memory care community can provide your loved one with the ongoing specialized care and support they need. 

Connect with our team at Mira Vie Senior Living to schedule a tour of your local memory care community.