Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.

Parkinson’s Disease and Foot Function — A Podiatrist’s Overview

Parkinson’s disease creates specific gait and foot challenges: shuffling gait with reduced step height increases trip and fall risk; freezing of gait (sudden inability to initiate or continue walking) is a major fall risk that shoe design can either help or worsen; festination (involuntary acceleration of steps) reduces foot clearance; and proprioceptive impairment reduces the ability to detect foot position and prevent ankle rolling. Falls are the most serious complication of Parkinson’s — 50–70% of PD patients fall annually, and fall-related hip fractures have high mortality in this population. The right shoe reduces fall risk by providing maximum ground grip, preventing ankle rolling, and not impeding the gait initiation strategies that PD patients use. As a podiatrist at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, here are the best shoes for Parkinson’s patients in 2026.

Key Features for Parkinson’s Footwear

Shoes for Parkinson’s patients must balance seemingly contradictory requirements: maximum grip outsole (prevents slipping) while also reducing the “sticky” friction that triggers freezing of gait (carpet, textured surfaces where the sole catches trigger freezing episodes); low or no heel-to-toe drop (reduces the shuffle height requirement for foot clearance); flexible forefoot that allows toe extension during steps; easy closure that can be managed with tremor (velcro, BOA dial, or wide lace loops); and a stable base wide enough to support the narrow-based shuffling gait. Paradoxically, thick-cushioned shoes are not ideal for PD — the decreased proprioceptive feedback from thick soles worsens the already-impaired positional awareness. A firm, thin midsole with a grippy outsole is optimal.

Best Shoe for Parkinson’s Disease 2026 — New Balance 928v3 Velcro

The New Balance 928v3 Velcro is the top recommendation for Parkinson’s patients. The ROLLBAR post prevents ankle rolling in the shuffling gait where full rearfoot control is not maintained; the wide stable base provides a large ground contact area; the velcro closure allows independent donning/doffing with tremor; and the relatively firm midsole maintains proprioceptive feedback through the sole. The rubber outsole provides excellent traction on most surfaces without the sticky catch that triggers freezing. Available in widths 2A through 6E.

Shoes to Avoid for Parkinson’s Patients

Several common footwear choices are specifically problematic for PD: thick-soled slippers or bedroom shoes (extremely high fall risk — low grip, unstable, no ankle support); shoes with thick rubber outsoles that catch on carpet (freezing trigger); flip-flops and open-back shoes requiring active toe gripping (disrupts already-impaired gait); high-top boots with complex lacing (impossible to don/doff with tremor); and shoes that are too tight (impaired sensation means the patient cannot feel excess pressure). The single most dangerous footwear choice for PD patients is walking in socked feet on hardwood or tile floors — no grip whatsoever.

Custom AFOs for Freezing and Foot Drop in Advanced Parkinson’s

In advanced Parkinson’s disease with significant shuffling, foot drop, or severe festination, a custom ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) may provide sufficient gait improvement to maintain ambulation and reduce fall risk. The floor-reaction AFO (FR-AFO) with a posterior trim line is specifically designed for Parkinson’s gait — it provides ankle stability and mild dorsiflexion assistance that increases foot clearance during the swing phase without restricting the forward progression needed to prevent falls from arrested gait. AFO prescription requires coordination with neurology and physical therapy for optimized gait outcomes.

Parkinson’s Foot Care at Balance Foot & Ankle

At Balance Foot & Ankle, we provide comprehensive foot care for Parkinson’s disease patients: appropriate footwear evaluation, AFO prescription when indicated, nail care for patients with impaired manual dexterity, and diabetic-style foot wound surveillance for patients with impaired sensation. We coordinate with neurology and physical therapy for comprehensive PD management. Book online or call (810) 206-1402 — Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

Foot Care & Balance Solutions for Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease creates unique foot care challenges including freezing gait, balance problems, and increased fall risk. Our podiatrists provide specialized footwear recommendations and custom orthotics designed to improve stability and reduce falls.

Learn About Our Specialized Foot Care Services → | Book Your Appointment | Call (810) 206-1402

Clinical References

1. Menz HB, et al. Foot and ankle risk factors for falls in older people: a prospective study. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2006;61(8):866-870.
2. Ashburn A, et al. A randomised controlled trial of a home-based exercise programme to reduce the risk of falling among people with Parkinson’s disease. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2007;78(7):678-684.
3. Menant JC, et al. Optimizing footwear for older people at risk of falls. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2008;45(8):1167-1181.

Your Board-Certified Podiatrists

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

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Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.