If you want the short list, these are my top shoe picks for shuffling gait, and you’ll find the details on each one further down.
If your steps have become short and shuffling, your shoes can either help or work against you. This article helps you choose shoes that make tripping less likely.
About 1 in 3 adults over 65 falls each year, and the fear of falling can keep people from moving around at all. The right pair is one small, practical thing you can change.
What Is Shuffling Gait?
As so many in the country are getting older, more and more people are living into extended years of cognitive decline at various rates of speed. Parkinson’s and many forms of dementia have many symptoms, one of which is shuffling gait.
This video discusses the causes of shuffling gait (Parkinsonian gait) with a demonstration:
A shuffling gait is when someone looks like they might be dragging their feet while they walk, as steps might also be shorter strides then they used to be. Reduced arm movement is also common.
The risks here should be obvious, as anyone with a shuffling gait is at higher risk of falling down. Fortunately, you can shop for the best shoes for shuffling gait to help yourself or a loved one out.
What Shoe Features Are Important for a Shuffling Gait?
Buying the right proper footwear for seniors is crucial. Many seniors might think it’s better to switch to slippers or just go barefoot, but both are statistically almost twice as likely to lead to falls.
So, what should you look for in a great shoe for shuffling gait? The Vestibular Disorders Association offers this advice:
- Heel Height – An inch or less. Higher heels negatively impact gait.
- Sole Hardness – Thin, hard soles require less muscle activity to keep balance in check and positional awareness as compared to soft soles or thick hard soles.
- High VS Low Top – Research is inconclusive for seniors at the time of writing, although higher collars support ankle joints and stability in younger athletes.
- Slip-Resistance – Heel tread is ideal for the reduction of trips and slips. Rubber heels with bevels of 10 degrees are best. Having said that, some with gait might find too much friction/traction worsens their gait, as their feet seem to stick to the ground beneath them.
- Insoles – Some shoes have a technology known as BalancePro. These raised-edge insoles reduce fall rates by almost half.
Top 7 Shoes For The Elderly And Seniors With Shuffling Gait
Now that you know what to look for in the best shoes for shuffling gait, it’s time to cover 7 specific pairs that you should consider for yourself or someone that you love.
Scurtain Diabetic Orthopedic Walking Shoes
The Scurtain women’s walking shoe is a slip-on with a wide toe area. The idea is to let your toes sit in their natural shape instead of being squeezed, which matters if you deal with bunions, swollen feet, corns, or calluses.
Adjustable straps let you tighten or loosen the fit to suit your foot. The maker lists it for people with diabetes, neuropathy, arthritis, edema, and plantar fasciitis.
The upper is a stretchy knit that is meant to cut down on sweat and odor. The shoe is described as lightweight, which helps if lifting your feet takes effort.
The rubber sole has non-slip treads for grip on different surfaces. It is also a zero drop design, meaning the heel sits at the same level as the toes.
That last point is the trade-off. Zero drop feels different from a regular shoe with a raised heel, and some people need time to get used to it. If you have been told to wear a firm, built-up orthotic, ask your doctor or therapist first, since this shoe is not sold as a heavily structured one.
These are women’s shoes in black mesh, so they will not suit anyone shopping for a men’s style or a leather look.
Skechers Go Walk Flex Slip-On Sneakers
This Skechers Go Walk Flex is a slip-in sneaker for women. You step in without bending down or using your hands, thanks to a molded heel panel and stretch laces.
That matters if shuffling makes balancing on one foot to pull on a shoe feel risky. Fewer awkward moments at the edge of the bed means fewer chances to lose your footing.
Once your foot is in, a Heel Pillow and a bungee closure help hold the shoe in place. A shoe that stays put is one you are less likely to catch on the floor.
The cushioning is Skechers’ Ultra Go, paired with an Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole. The outsole is a flexible traction design made for walking and everyday activities.
It is also machine washable, which is handy for a shoe you will wear a lot.
One thing to know: the stretch laces and bungee closure are built for ease, not for a custom fit. If you need to adjust the fit around swollen feet or a brace, a shoe with traditional laces or straps may suit you better. It is also a women’s style, so it is not the one for men.
Skechers Summits Colsin Sr Slip-Resistant Work Shoes
The Skechers Summits Colsin is a walking shoe built for people who want to step in and go. It uses Skechers’ Hands Free Slip-Ins design with bungee lacing and a padded collar, so you can put it on without bending down to tie anything.
The outsole is tested for slip resistance. It is made to grip on wet, dry, oily and greasy surfaces, which matters if you shuffle your feet and a slick kitchen or garage floor worries you.
Inside, an Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole and Heel Pillow technology cushion each step. That helps when you are on your feet most of the day.
It is also machine washable, so a muddy afternoon or a spill is not a problem. It carries an Electrical Hazard rating tested to ASTM F2892 too, though most people will never need that part.
The trade-off: bungee lacing gives you less adjustment than laces. If you need to snug the shoe around a swollen foot or add a brace, a lace-up or strap style may fit you better.
Bruno Marc Arch Support Slip-On Loafers
This is a casual slip-on loafer with a knitted upper that lets your feet breathe. There are no laces or straps to deal with, so you step in and go.
The insole is perforated mesh and PU, which gives some targeted support and light cushioning. It is made for long stretches on your feet, and the aim is less tiredness by the end of the day.
Each shoe weighs 7.5 oz. A light shoe matters if you tend to shuffle, because there is less to lift with every step.
The sole is EVA with slip-resistant rubber patches and grooves. That adds traction on wet or smooth floors, which is where many falls start.
It is also easy to keep clean. You can wipe it down or put it in the washing machine.
One trade-off: a slip-on has no fastener to adjust, so it is not the best pick if swollen feet change from day to day. A knitted upper is also softer than a firm leather one, so it won’t give as much ankle support. If you need that, look at the more structured shoes in this list.
Hands Free Slip-Ins Arch Comfort Dress Shoes
This is a loafer with a hands free slip-in design, so you can step into it without bending down or pulling at the heel. For anyone who finds laces or tight openings a chore, that is a real plus. It also comes in a tan that goes with a lot of what’s already in your closet.
The arch support is podiatrist-certified, meant for comfort through a long day. Heel Pillow technology holds your foot firmly in place, which matters if your shoes tend to slip as you walk.
The outsole is flexible and made for reliable grip on the floor. A flexible sole that grips is useful when you tend to shuffle, since you want the shoe to stay put under you rather than slide.
The materials are 100% vegan, so there is no leather. The shoes are also machine washable, which makes spills and everyday dirt easy to deal with.
One thing to know: this is a dressy loafer, so it suits office wear and evening events better than long walks or heavy outdoor use. If you need a very cushioned athletic shoe or a lot of room for swollen feet or orthotics, look elsewhere.
KIFIWUI Platform Fisherman Sandals
Anyone who says you have to settle for clunky, unattractive shoes to stay steady on your feet just isn’t right.
Many shoemakers focus on style and forget about cushioning or grip. The KIFIWUI Women’s Platform Fisherman Sandal tries to give you both.
It has a closed round toe and two adjustable buckle straps, so you can set the fit snugly across your foot. The closed toe also gives the front of your foot some extra protection.
The outsole is anti-slip, which matters if you shuffle your feet or have trouble lifting them. The lining is breathable and the cushioning is soft, so it is made for longer walks.
The upper is PU leather, which is a synthetic material, not genuine leather. It won’t mold to your foot over time the way real leather can.
It has a platform sole that adds a little height. If you already catch your toes easily, a raised sole is worth trying on indoors first to see how steady it feels.
It looks right with a summer dress, jeans or wide-leg pants. That makes it an easy choice for church, brunch or a trip into town. Good foot care still matters whatever shoe you wear.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Running Shoe
If you still walk or run for exercise, steady footing matters, and a shoe that guides your foot through each step can help with that. The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is built for both runners and walkers who want reliable support.
Its GuideRails system (Brooks calls it “Go-To Support”) works with your body’s natural motion path while keeping excess movement in check. That can be useful if your foot tends to roll inward or wander as you step.
The cushioning is a nitrogen-infused foam called DNA LOFT v3, described as soft and lightweight. The upper is breathable engineered mesh with a flat-knit collar for a secure, comfortable fit.
This model is a certified PDAC A5500 diabetic shoe and has the APMA Seal of Acceptance. That is worth knowing if foot health is a concern for you.
The trade-off: it is a support shoe, so it may not suit someone who prefers a very minimal, flexible feel underfoot. If you have a specific gait problem, a quick word with your doctor or a physical therapist before buying is a good idea.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
You might not be as bouncy or spry as you were in your younger years. Even if you lose a step or shuffle while you walk, that doesn’t mean you have to be at risk of falling.
These 7 shoes restore your quality of life and safety, now that you know what to look for in the best shoes for shuffling gait.
