Shoes for Stroke Patients: What to Look For After a Stroke

After a stroke, putting on shoes can turn from a few seconds into the hardest part of getting ready. Weakness on one side (hemiplegia), foot drop, an AFO brace, swelling and reduced balance all change what a shoe needs to do. This guide covers what to look for in shoes for stroke patients, whether you are choosing for yourself or for someone you care for.

This guide is general shopping advice, not medical advice. The physical therapist, occupational therapist or orthotist working with you knows your recovery best, so check with them before changing footwear.

How a stroke changes what a shoe needs to do

• One-handed dressing. With one weaker hand, laces and small zips are hard or impossible.
• Foot drop and AFOs. Many people wear an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) on the affected side, which needs a wider, deeper shoe.
• Swelling. The affected foot can swell, sometimes more than the other.
• Balance. A stable, grippy shoe gives steadier footing while walking is relearned.
• Reduced feeling. Rubbing or pressure on the affected foot may go unnoticed.

What to look for in shoes for stroke patients

1) An opening you can manage with one hand. A wide zip opening or hook and loop (velcro) straps make it possible to put shoes on without help. Friendly Shoes use Easy Shoe Access, a zip opening built into the shoe that opens it wide, so the foot, and a brace, can go in without forcing.

2) Room for an AFO. Look for extra width and depth and a removable insole. See our guide to shoes that fit over AFOs and SMOs.

3) A secure heel. A firm heel counter holds the foot and brace in place. Backless slip-ons and slippers can slide off or catch.

4) An anti-slip sole and a low, stable heel. A flat-ish, wide base with a grippy rubber outsole gives the most stable footing.

5) Light weight. A lighter shoe is easier to lift, which helps with foot drop and tiredness.

6) Smooth linings. If feeling is reduced on the affected side, smooth, padded linings help avoid unnoticed rubbing.

Shoes for stroke patients: where to start

• Hook and Loop Black Mesh Wide Men’s Shoe and Women’s Shoe: adjustable straps, AFO friendly for most
• Excursion Onyx Wide Men’s Shoe and Excursion Black Silver Wide Women’s Shoe: zip opening, removable footbed

See all men’s and women’s adaptive shoes.

Practical tips

• Put the affected foot in first, often while seated, and use a long handled shoehorn if bending is hard.
• Two feet, two sizes: a brace or swelling can make one foot bigger. Our single or split size shoe program lets you order a different size for each foot.
• Measure with the brace on: our foot sizing guide shows how.
• Check the affected foot daily for red marks after wearing new shoes.
• Buy where you can return: Friendly Shoes can be returned within 30 days if lightly worn indoors (returns policy).

For older adults with other needs too, see our guide to adaptive shoes for seniors.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best shoes for stroke patients?

Shoes that open wide and close with one hand (zip or hook and loop), fit over an AFO, hold the heel securely, and have a light, anti-slip sole with a low heel.

What shoes are best for someone with hemiplegia?

The same features matter most: a one-handed closure, room for a brace on the affected side, and a stable sole. Many people also need different sizes for each foot.

Are slip-on shoes good after a stroke?

They are easy to put on, but most have a loose heel that can slide or catch. A supportive shoe with a wide zip opening gives the same ease with a secure fit.

Can stroke patients wear slippers?

Loose slippers can be a trip hazard. If you want a house shoe, choose one with a closed, secure heel and a grippy sole, and ask your therapist what they recommend.