Shoe Recommendations for Shuffling/Gait problems

SPD0925

My father recently began shuffling more when he walks which is making him more of a fall risk. I recently bought him a new pair of Sketchers slip in sneakers but with the shuffling he keeps catching the front of his foot when he walks and it is tripping him up. His SNF just recently introduced a walker to him, which he is starting to use. They have asked me to get rid of the Sketchers because they are afraid he is going to fall. Does anyone have any recommendations? Something that is a slip in shoe as he is not able to tie his shoes anymore.

H1235

I found a pair of shoes for diabetes on Amazon. They were light weight, plenty wide (mom has edema), and had a Velcro strap across the top that made getting them on and off very easy. I would think you could find something similar for men.

Cranddi

I'll share a story about my DW that might help. We still like to walk a little, so last winter we started to go to our local recreation center to walk on the indoor track. My wife has started to shuffle a little and was having a terrible problem with her Skecher's sneakers catching on the rubberized track and making her stumble. Skecher's sneakers typically have a very soft rubbery bottom. We were about to give up walking when I noticed her Skecher's house slippers have a very hard rubber bottom. Now we change into her slippers to walk on the track and she doesn't have an issue anymore (it does draw a few sideways glances😁). The hard bottom doesn't catch on the track. I would think this may apply to other surface like carpet. Looking at Skecher's website it looks like their Slip-in "dress shoes" have a similar hard bottom. You can really feel the difference just rubbing your hand across the bottoms.

blacksparky

Good to know. I’ll have to check into this.

White Crane

I bought some hard soled slip on sneakers that have a Velcro closing. They are made for older people and those with dementia. When opened, the entire top of the shoe folds back so they’re very easy to get on and off.

kzwilliams

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/275861#Comment_275861

hi, do you have a link? These look like just what I need for my mom!

H1235

Limited-time deal: LeIsfIt Wide Toe Box Diabetic Shoes for Women Zero Drop Barefoot Sneakers Breathable Adjustable for Edema Swollen Feet & Seniors https://a.co/d/0a9wVqbt

I think I got it.

MsLadybug

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/76394/shoe-recommendations-for-shuffling-gait-problems

SAS Shoes are pricey, but very durable and high quality. They have a wide range of sizes that accommodate most everyone's unique needs. My DH has slow gait, doesn't lift his feet up much when walking, and scuffs his heels with every step. At home, he wears their "Navigator" non-slip loafer, and if he goes out, he wears their "VTO walking shoe" with velcro fasteners. He's been exclusively wearing SAS Shoes for years and finds them comfortable.