Shoes for Dementia Patients: A Guide for Families and Carers
Shoes matter more than they seem for someone living with dementia. Laces and fiddly buckles can become confusing, a loose slipper can make walking less steady, and a person who no longer says when something hurts may not tell you a shoe is rubbing. This guide is for families and carers choosing shoes for dementia patients.
This guide is general shopping advice, not medical advice. Ask the person’s doctor, nurse or occupational therapist about walking, balance and foot care.
What makes shoes hard for people with dementia
- Too many steps. Laces, buckles and tight collars turn dressing into a sequence that can be hard to follow.
- Familiar habits. People often prefer to keep wearing the same comfortable pair, even when it is worn out or loose.
- Not reporting pain. Blisters or pressure may only show up as restlessness or refusing to walk.
- Balance changes. A loose or slippery shoe can make walking less steady.
What to look for in shoes for dementia patients
1) Simple, one-step closures. A single zip or hook and loop (velcro) strap is easier to understand than laces. Friendly Shoes use Easy Shoe Access, a zip opening built into the shoe that opens it wide, so the foot slides in and one zip closes it.
2) A closed, secure heel. Backless slippers and mules are easy, but they slide off and catch. A shoe that holds the heel keeps walking steadier.
3) A grippy, low sole. An anti-slip rubber outsole and a low, stable heel suit indoor floors and outdoor walks.
4) Wide and roomy. Many older feet are wider or swell during the day. A wide toe box and adjustable fit avoid pressure the person might not mention.
5) Light and comfortable from day one. A shoe that needs breaking in is more likely to be refused. Soft, smooth linings and a cushioned footbed help.
6) Familiar looking. A shoe that looks like an ordinary sneaker is often accepted more easily than something that looks medical.
Where to start
- Women: Excursion Black Silver Wide, Excursion Peach Wide, Hook and Loop Black Mesh Wide
- Men: Excursion Onyx Wide, Hook and Loop Black Mesh Wide
See all women’s and men’s adaptive shoes.
Tips for carers
- Introduce new shoes gradually, for short periods at home, alongside the old pair.
- Check feet regularly for red marks, blisters or swelling, since the person may not tell you.
- Keep it simple: put out one pair at a time, in the same place.
- Measure feet, do not guess: sizes often change with age. Our foot sizing guide shows how.
- Buy where you can return: Friendly Shoes can be returned within 30 days if lightly worn indoors (returns policy).
Caring for an older parent without a dementia diagnosis? See our guide to adaptive shoes for seniors.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best shoes for dementia patients?
Shoes with a single zip or hook and loop closure, a closed heel, a grippy low sole, a wide comfortable fit and a familiar, everyday look.
Are slippers safe for people with dementia?
Loose, backless slippers can slide off and cause trips. If the person prefers house shoes, choose ones with a closed heel and an anti-slip sole.
What shoes are best for elderly people to prevent falls?
No shoe can prevent falls on its own, but a secure heel, a low stable heel, a grippy sole and a good fit all help with steadier walking. Talk to their doctor about other ways to reduce fall risk.
How do I get someone with dementia to wear new shoes?
Choose a pair that looks familiar, introduce it for short spells at home, and keep the old pair nearby at first. Comfort from the first wear makes a big difference.
