Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that primarily affects motor skills. It occurs when nerve cells in the brain begin to die, causing tremors, rigidity and other physical symptoms.

Parkinson’s patients often experience difficulty walking and speaking as a result of their condition. These difficulties can be made worse by wearing ill-fitting shoes that don’t provide enough support for the feet.

The following are some of the best shoes for Parkinson patients:

Oxfords . Oxfords are ideal for people with Parkinson’s because they offer support but also allow for flexibility. They’re also comfortable enough to wear throughout the day without causing any discomfort or pain.

Boots . Boots are another good choice for people with Parkinson’s because they provide a lot of support for your ankles and feet. This makes them great if you have trouble standing up straight or walking properly due to your condition. The only downside is that they can be hard to get on and off, which may be problematic if you struggle with mobility issues caused by Parkinson’s.

Slip-on shoes . Slip-on shoes are an excellent choice if you have issues getting your shoes on and off due to weak hands or limited dexterity caused by Parkinson’s disease

Best Shoes For Parkinson Patients

BEST SHOES FOR
PARKINSON’S DISEASE

EASY ON, EASY OFF FOR OPTIMAL ADAPTABILITY

Living with Parkinson’s disease can mean becoming a master of adapting. Every day, you or your family member may face the possibility of new physical challenges that you didn’t face the day before.

Normal daily activities that many people take for granted often involve additional pain and effort that can be exhausting emotionally and physically. Finding ways to stay engaged in your favorite activities can present unique challenges.

When it comes to footwear, shoes with support and cushion can help ease pain and maximize movement. The best shoes for Parkinson’s disease provide targeted cushioning and wide, non-slip soles that help you move naturally, decrease pain and minimize your risk of falling—all without sacrificing style.

EXPERTS GUIDE TO THE BEST SHOES FOR PARKINSON’S DISEASE

WHAT IS PARKINSON’S DISEASE?

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a disorder of the central nervous system that affects your body’s movements.

This condition often begins gradually, usually with a small muscle tremor in one hand, then progressively causes your muscles to become rigid and your movement to get slower. Over time, your speech might get softer, faster, slurred or hesitant, without normal voice inflections, and your posture and balance can become impaired.

While the physical effects of Parkinson’s disease can be extremely challenging, another difficulty can be the loss of independence that often comes with it, along with the way other people interact with you because your body behaves in new ways.

Parkinson’s can impair your ability to make facial expressions, which can make it more difficult for people to connect and respond to you and increase your risk of feeling isolated.

One of the major worries for people with Parkinson’s disease is the potential for a fall. In fact, some estimates say that between 45% and 68% of people with PD will fall every year. While several factors are involved—such as impaired balance, rigid strides, and “freezing” of muscles—wearing supportive shoes with a rubber sole can be a big help.between 45% and 68% of people with PD will fall every year

TOP SELLING SHOES FOR PARKINSON’S DISEASE

OUR CUSTOMER FAVORITES

“BEST SHOE EVER!

My husband bought a pair of these first and liked them so much, I bought a pair. Best decision ever! These are the most comfortable walking shoes I’ve ever had. I have Parkinson’s and walking can sometimes be difficult. These shoes are both comfortable and sturdy. Lightweight, too. Love them!”

-DIBS55

ATOM

“I AM IN AWE!

My husband has Parkinson’s, flat feet, and over pronates. The stability of the shoes have been way beyond excellent for him. He is walking much better and loves them. We have tried every show imaginable, and this is the one he wants to wear. They are very easy for him to get on, too.”

-SWEDE

CHICANE

THE #1 SHOE TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERED FOR FOOT PAIN RELIEF

KURUCLOUD

KURUCLOUD features a uniquely engineered blend of lightweight, performance EVA foam that absorbs the increased impact of a shorter, stiffer stride, easing the shock and pressure that contribute to pain.

PARKINSON’S DISEASE CAUSES & SYMPTOMS

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE, AS WELL AS TAKEAWAYS TO HELP DETERMINE THE BEST TREATMENT OPTION.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease tend to develop slowly and unpredictably and they are often different for every person. There are two main categories of symptoms: those that affect motor control, causing tremors and rigid muscles, and those that affect non-motor symptoms, including pain and dementia.

While symptoms develop differently for each person, they tend to follow a broad pattern. Very often, Parkinson’s disease starts with a slight tremor in one hand. Sometimes it starts with persistent stiffness that doesn’t go away as you move. As the disease progresses, you may experience:

• Bradykinesia: This literally means “slowness of movement.” Your voluntary motor control is impaired and can lead to “freezing,” where you can’t move for a period of time. This can be a major challenge for walking and increase the risk of falling.
• Masked face: The inability to make facial expressions. It’s caused by a combination of bradykinesia and muscle rigidity.
• Festination: This is the scientific name for short, rapid steps. Footwear designed to help cushion the high impact of these steps can help ease the foot pain they often cause.
• Cramping: This can affect your toes, making shoes with a wide toe box very important.
• Cognitive changes: Increasing problems with memory, attention and planning.
• Mood disorders: These might include depression, anxiety, apathy and irritability.

Like many medical conditions, Parkinson’s disease doesn’t have a single cause. Scientists have determined that in patients with Parkinson’s, there is a breakdown of the neurons in the brain that produce dopamine. They have also identified a variety of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors that appear to increase the chance a person will develop PD, including:

• Certain genetic mutations, although these seem to have only a small effect on risk
• Exposure to herbicides or pesticides
• Traumatic brain injury that results in alteration of consciousness
• Living in the northeast or midwestern US
• Age—people over 60 are most likely to develop PD
• Gender—men are more likely than women to develop PD

If you live with Parkinson’s disease, you need to take extra special care of your feet to keep them in the best condition possible. Look for a pair of shoes that provides a non-slip rubber outsole, plenty of space, laces or straps that keep the shoe firmly on your foot.

PARKINSON’S DISEASE FACTS AND STATS

WE TAKE A LOOK AT SOME FACTS AND STATS YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE KNOWN ABOUT PARKINSON’S DISEASE. READ ON TO FIND OUT MORE!

• Parkinson’s disease affects about 1 million people in the US and 10 million worldwide.
• About one in 37 people will develop Parkinson’s disease.
• The Parkinson’s Outcome Project found benefits for people with PD who start exercising soon after diagnosis for at least 2.5 hours per week.
• PD causes some people to walk flat-footed, and others to walk on their toes, depending on which part of the foot is affected by rigidity.
• The prevalence of Parkinson’s is higher in the northeastern and midwestern US.
• Parkinson’s disease is the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world.

PARKINSON’S DISEASE TREATMENT

FIND OUT HOW TO TREAT PARKINSON’S DISEASE. WE BREAKDOWN EXERCISES AND STRETCHES AND SHOES THAT CAN PROVIDE RELIEF.

With quality care, people with Parkinson’s disease can enjoy a high quality of life for many years. While there’s no cure, there are treatments and lifestyle changes that can help relieve the progression of symptoms.

Many doctors recommend an interdisciplinary team approach to manage symptoms and make life better for people with Parkinson’s, involving specialists in disciplines such as neurology, nursing, speech therapy, psychiatry, occupational therapy and dietetics.

Since Parkinson’s involves both motor and non-motor functions, the team consists of specialists who can keep an eye on all potential developments. There are three main approaches for treating PD:

• Medication: Many people with Parkinson’s find medication helpful. When a doctor is considering whether a medication should be used, they consider several factors involved in your health. Parkinson’s affects each individual differently, so the best medical plan will vary person to person.
• Surgery: Sometimes, people with Parkinson’s have the option to elect various types of surgery to alleviate their symptoms. Your doctor will be the best person to help guide you through your options based on your unique situation.
• Lifestyle changes: People with Parkinson’s can help manage their symptoms with healthy choices about diet, rest, and exercise. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and other nutrient-dense choices help promote optimal body function. Getting enough sleep is crucial to minimizing symptoms, and staying active promotes flexibility and strength. It also helps ease stiffness.

As you follow the course of treatment your doctors have arranged for treating your Parkinson’s disease, footwear is an important consideration. The best shoes for Parkinson’s patients feature arch support and cushion, a wide toe box for easy movement, and broad, anti-slip soles that give you a solid, supportive foundation for stability and maximum comfort.