Finding the right house shoes for someone with Parkinson’s disease is not just about comfort—it’s about safety, ease, and supporting independence. Since Parkinson’s disease affects balance, mobility, and fine motor skills, choosing the best footwear can significantly improve a patient’s daily life.
Here, we break down what features to look for and recommend a few good options available on Amazon.
1. Slip-resistance
Why it matters: Parkinson’s patients face a higher risk of falls due to balance issues, shuffling feet, and difficulty walking on smooth surfaces like tiles or hardwood floors. Wearing shoes with a good grip is essential to reduce the risk of slipping and to make movement safer and more stable.
How it helps: Slip-resistant shoes are a great help for patients worried about slipping on smooth or wet surfaces. These shoes have soles with strong treads designed to keep the feet steady. Each shoe features textured rubber soles that grab onto the floor, making sure each step feels stable and secure. This extra traction provides peace of mind for those Parkinson’s patients who feel anxious about walking on potentially slippery surfaces.
Shoes to try:
- Skechers Performance Go Walk Max: Lightweight with excellent grip on the soles, perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Orthofeet Proven Pain Relief Shoes: Highly praised for their ergonomic, non-slip soles, offering both comfort and safety.
- Foamtreads Physician Slippers: Durable with a non-slip rubber sole, these slippers are great for keeping feet steady indoors.
- RockDove Original Two-Tone Memory Foam Slippers: Featuring a solid, slip-resistant sole, these are ideal for use around the house.
2. Easy to Put On/Take Off
Why it matters: Parkinson’s disease makes it difficult for patients to perform tasks like tying shoelaces or dealing with buckles. These tasks are especially extremely challenging for those with hand tremors or stiffness. Shoes that are easy to slip on and off, or have Velcro straps, allow for more independence without the need for assistance from caregivers.
How it helps: Shoes that can be slipped on easily or secured with Velcro save time and energy, making life easier for patients. Such shoes remove the frustration of fumbling with laces. Velcro closures, zippers, or stretchy materials can also accommodate fluctuating foot sizes due to swelling, making the shoes adaptable and comfortable. This feature is especially helpful for those patients who experience frequent freezing of gait or who find it difficult to bend down.
Shoes to try:
- Kizik Madrid Hands-Free Sneakers: Designed for convenience, these shoes allow users to slip them on without bending or using their hands.
- Billy Footwear Zipper Shoes: Features a side zipper that makes it easy to get the shoes on and off quickly.
- Skechers Go Walk Evolution Ultra: A slip-on style with a soft, stretchy upper, making them super easy to wear.
- Hook and Loop Orthopedic Sneakers: Velcro straps make these shoes a simple, adjustable option.
3. Support and Stability
Why it matters: Many Parkinson’s patients suffer from foot deformities, dystonia (muscle spasms), or toe-curling, which makes it important to have shoes that provide good arch support and stability. This helps reduce pain, improve posture, and prevent injuries.
How it helps: Shoes that offer strong support and stability can make walking more comfortable for Parkinson’s patients and prevent them from falling. Proper arch support ensures the foot is aligned correctly, reducing pressure on the joints and preventing foot pain. Shoes with firm soles and heel counters provide added stability. Wearing such shoes can prevent the foot from rolling inward or outward and help with balance.
Shoes to try:
- OrthoFeet Asheville Slippers: Designed with orthotic insoles, these slippers offer excellent arch support and reduce joint pressure.
- Skecher On-The-go Flip Flops: Comfortable flip-flops with built-in arch support for improved stability and posture.
- Propet Stability Walker: A solid option for those who need extra ankle and arch support for all-day wear.
- Vionic Tide Sandal: Offers strong arch support and a stabilizing footbed, perfect for wearing indoors.
4. Comfort
Why it matters: Parkinson’s disease often brings muscle stiffness, cramping, and foot swelling. These problems make comfort a top priority for Parkinson’s patients. Shoes with extra cushioning can make a huge difference in daily comfort, especially during long periods of wear.
How it helps: Shoes that prioritize comfort often feature memory foam or padded insoles that conform to the shape of the foot. Wearing such shoes relieves pressure points and offers all-day comfort. Soft, breathable materials help prevent skin irritation and reduce discomfort for those patients who experience swelling or sensitivity. Cushioned shoes also provide shock absorption, which helps reduce the impact on joints. This makes walking less painful. A wide toe box can be crucial for Parkinson’s patients with foot deformities or bunions, giving their toes enough space to move comfortably.
Shoes to try:
- RockDove Memory Foam Slippers: Lightweight and cushioned with memory foam, these slippers mold to the foot for ultimate comfort.
- Dearfoams Microfiber Suede Slippers: Multi-density foam provides soft, cushioned comfort that’s perfect for lounging at home.
- ULTRAIDEAS Cozy Memory Foam Slippers: High-density memory foam offers great support, ideal for long periods of wear.
- LongBay Memory Foam Diabetic Slippers: These slippers are plush and soft, providing exceptional comfort for sensitive feet.
5. Lightweight
Why it matters: Heavy shoes can cause fatigue and make walking more difficult for Parkinson’s patients. Lightweight shoes reduce the effort needed to lift the feet, making movement easier and less tiring. This is especially important for those patients who experience gait freezing or dragging.
How it helps: Lightweight shoes take the strain off the legs, making walking more natural and less exhausting. These shoes are often designed with breathable materials like mesh or synthetics, which offer both support and flexibility without the added weight. Shoes with lightweight builds are easier to move in. This design feature helps those patients who experience muscle stiffness or weakness. It also helps reduce the risk of tripping, as lighter shoes are less likely to cause foot dragging, a common issue among Parkinson’s patients.
Shoes to try:
Skechers Go Walk Max: These shoes are lightweight and flexible, making walking much easier and less tiring.
Crocs LiteRide Clog: Ultra-light and breathable, these are perfect for slipping on and moving around the house effortlessly.
Propet Travel Walker Evo Sneaker: Breathable and incredibly lightweight, ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
TIOSEBON Lightweight Walking Sneakers: Feather-light with a flexible build, these are great for reducing foot fatigue.
