Shoe Recommendations Shuffling

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.

harshedbuzz

@SPD0925

Is there a PT working in the facility that could consult on this?

The shuffling is going to make any "grippy" sole problematic I would think, but especially the thicker ones found on athletic shoes. If he needs a proper outdoor shoe, perhaps a loafer or boat shoe would be safer. A hybrid slipper-shoe might work as well. Something like this.

https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/503380?itemId=212164&attrValue_0=Acorn&pla1=0&qs=3163223&gclid=9578bba6107e1b4728dcd19b304a5d47&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=9578bba6107e1b4728dcd19b304a5d47&originalProduct=35379

pamu

Sneaker soles may be too bulky or grippy. My mom took a tumble in the carpeted hall at her doctor's office a couple years ago because she was beginning to shuffle and she was starting to lose coordination. She blamed the sneakers and got a new pair. Not sure those were any better even though they supported her feet well (New Balance/Nike). Maybe some sort of structured/orthopedic slipper or loafer type shoe while he is indoors?

April23

I would Google “best shoes for Parkinson’s” as alot of good suggestions and brands come up. A shuffling gait is very common in Lewy Body Dementia which is what my dad has and Parkinson’s/LBD are under the same umbrella. So even if that doesn’t apply, good suggestions are still to be found.

If he is eligible for physical therapy, I highly recommend they be brought in.