How to choose shoes for Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s can bring tremor, stiffness, a shuffling walk and freezing, and each of these changes what a shoe needs to do. Look for:
- An opening that does not need fine finger work. A large zip pull or hook and loop straps instead of laces, so shoes go on even on days with tremor.
- A shoe you can put on sitting down without bending far. A wide zip opening lets the foot slide straight in.
- A slip resistant sole that does not grab. Good grip on smooth floors, but not so sticky that it catches when steps get short and shuffling.
- Light weight and a low, wide heel for a stable base and less effort with each step.
- A secure heel. No backless slippers or mules, which slip off and raise the risk of falls.
- A roomy toe box and a removable insole, for swelling, orthotics or a textured insole your therapist suggests.
For the full picture, including freezing of gait, what to avoid and tips for caregivers, read our complete guide to shoes for Parkinson’s disease.
This is general shopping advice, not medical advice. A physiotherapist can assess your walking and balance and suggest the right footwear and supports.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best shoes for Parkinson’s patients?
Light shoes with an easy closure (a zip or hook and loop straps), a slip resistant but not sticky sole, a low, wide heel, a secure heel counter and a roomy toe box. Avoid laces, slippers and backless styles.
What are the best walking shoes for Parkinson’s?
A light, supportive sneaker with a flat, stable sole and good grip. Our Excursion and Voyage sneakers have Easy Shoe Access zips that open the shoe wide.
What are the best tennis shoes for Parkinson’s?
Look for a light tennis shoe or sneaker with a flat, wide sole that grips without being sticky, since very grippy rubber can catch when steps get short. Skip laces: a zip or hook and loop straps go on even with tremor, and a firm heel counter keeps the foot steady. Our Excursion and Voyage sneakers open wide with a front zip. If hook and loop straps suit you better, see our guide to velcro shoes for adults.
Are slip-on shoes good for Parkinson’s?
Yes, if the shoe holds the heel. A slip-on with a closed back and a wide opening is easy to put on sitting down, but backless mules and loose slip-ons can slide off and cause trips. A zip opening gives the same easy entry with a secure fit, see our guide to zipper shoes.
What shoes are good for men with Parkinson’s?
The same features help: a wide fit, an easy zip or strap closure and a light, stable sole. See our adaptive shoes for men, including the hook and loop mesh shoe in black and gray.
Are velcro shoes good for Parkinson’s?
Yes, for many people. Hook and loop straps close with one motion and need no fine finger movements, which helps with tremor and stiffness. See our guide to velcro shoes for adults.
Should people with Parkinson’s wear slippers?
Backless or loose slippers can slip off and catch, so a closed heel shoe that fastens securely is safer, indoors too. Choose a light shoe you are happy to wear around the house.
