People with Parkinson’s who have difficulty with walking or balance or who experience falls can benefit from knowing which kinds of shoes they should or shouldn’t wear.

For more on footwear and Parkinson’s, I talked with physical therapists Chelsea Macpherson and Lori Quinn and occupational therapist Katrina Long. Along with me, they co-authored MJFF’s Make Your Move: Exercise for brain health and life with Parkinson’s.

Tips for Selecting Footwear

While there isn’t a single shoe or brand that works for everyone, a stable or neutral athletic shoe that provides flexibility without being too stiff is generally a good starting point. If a shoe is too rigid, it might not bend naturally. This can interfere with walking.

Here are some additional considerations when selecting shoes for a person with Parkinson’s.

Sole

The sole should not be too thick or too cushioned because these can increase risk of tripping. Same goes for rubber soles or anything too “sticky” that might contribute to falls.

Base

A wider sole or base — the foam or other material that flares out to the sides when you look down on the shoe — may keep you more stable.

Toes

Slightly raised toes — curving up and casting a small shadow when you look from the side — may decrease your chance of tripping.

Width                                                                                                                                                                         

Feet can widen with age. Get your feet professionally measured at least every few years, paying attention to your foot width measurement. Also look for flexible or forgiving material on the top of the shoe, like mesh. Shoes that have a wider toe box (the part of the shoe that holds your toes) or that come in wide width sizes might be preferable.

Weight

The lighter the shoe, the better. Heavy shoes could contribute to feet dragging or shuffling, which can increase the risk of trips and falls.

Laces

Look for shoes that have laces, as opposed to shoes that slide on and off as they may not provide enough stability. And loosening laces could increase tripping risk. Consider elastic or curly laces, which tighten without tying, or Velcro straps.

Ankle Support

Ankle support, as in high-top shoes, can be especially helpful for people with foot dystonia, which causes the muscles of the foot and sometimes the ankle to tighten unpredictably. This can lead to awkward postures or movements. In these cases, a more supportive shoe with a wide base and good ankle support may be beneficial.

If you can, work with a physical therapist who can make additional and specific recommendations tailored to your feet and your symptoms. Make sure to bring a pair of well-worn walking or exercise shoes to your appointment. That gives your therapist a chance to evaluate your pattern of wear and tear.

When it comes to picking shoes for Parkinson’s, it may feel like “function over fashion.” But nowadays, it may be possible to have both. Work with your team so you can feel as safe as possible while also enjoying your footwear.

Many thanks to Chelsea Macpherson, PT, DPT, NCS; Katrina Long, EdD, MS, OTR/L and Lori Quinn, PT, EdD, FAPTA for their expertise and to Chelsea Macpherson for creating illustrations.