Choosing the right shoes for Parkinson’s

A good fitting shoe should have:

• around 1cm space between the end of your longest toe and the top of the shoe
• enough depth and width so that you can move your toes easily, without touching the lining

Shoes that don’t fit correctly can damage your feet and increase your risk of tripping over or falling. Wearing shoes that are too narrow can lead to your toes becoming cramped and may overlap. This can prevent your foot from staying balanced and moving around effectively.

Remember that if a shoe needs ‘breaking in’, it might not fit you or be comfortable day to day.

A well fitting shoe should not move at your heel when you move, so choose a good fastening that stops your foot from sliding forward.

Shoes with laces, velcro or a strap and buckle will have a better hold on your foot than a slip-on shoe.

Try to avoid wearing slippers, as these don’t give the same support as shoes.

If you wear heels that are too high, too much pressure is put on the balls of your feet and knee joints. This can cause pain and affect movement.

Try to choose shoes that have a low, wide heel, and that fasten over the top of your foot, close to the ankle.

Trainers made from natural or breathable fibres can often provide a good fit and strong support.

Avoid wearing leather-soled shoes, as they could increase the risk of trips and falls.

If you experience oedema (a buildup of fluid in your feet, ankles, and lower legs) or other foot problems such as dystonia, try to shop for shoes when your symptoms are at their worst. This will help you find shoes that always fit well.

If you’re not able to go out shopping, you could order shoes online and return any that aren’t suitable.

If a podiatrist has prescribed inserts or arch supports to wear in your shoes, make sure you have these with you when trying on new shoes.