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What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Adaptive Shoes?

Posted by:

Johannes Sauer

Updated at: July 21, 2025

Table of Contents

  1. What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Adaptive Shoes?

  2. Why Shouldn’t You Assume All Adaptive Shoes Work for Every Condition?

  3. Are You Overlooking the Importance of Ease of Entry?

  4. Do You Know If the Shoes Fit Orthotics or Braces?

  5. Are You Forgetting About Traction and Stability?

  6. Are You Picking Based on Style Over Function?

  7. Where Can You Find Adaptive Shoes That Avoid All These Pitfalls?

  8. Ready to Avoid the Wrong Fit and Find the Right One?

What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Adaptive Shoes?

When you live with mobility challenges like multiple sclerosis, foot drop, stroke recovery, or age-related changes, finding the right adaptive shoes is more than a matter of style—it’s about comfort, independence, and safety. But not all adaptive shoes are created equal.

If you’re in the market for a pair that actually supports your needs, here are the biggest mistakes to avoid—before you take that first step.

Why Shouldn’t You Assume All Adaptive Shoes Work for Every Condition?

Adaptive doesn’t mean one-size-fits-all. Some shoes are made specifically for foot drop, offering features like toe lifts or AFO compatibility. Others are better for seniors who struggle with balance or swelling. And someone recovering from a stroke may need stability features and easy-entry designs.

Mistake to avoid: Buying generic adaptive shoes without confirming they address your specific mobility need.

Pro tip: Look for brands that clearly call out who the shoe is designed for—like “ideal for stroke recovery” or “compatible with AFO braces.”

Are You Overlooking the Importance of Ease of Entry?

If putting on your shoes feels like a workout, something’s wrong. A huge benefit of adaptive footwear is the ability to get them on and off without pain or assistance. But some so-called “adaptive” designs still rely on stiff materials or tricky straps.

Mistake to avoid: Choosing shoes without wide openings, flexible uppers, or hands-free entry.

Look for features like:

  • Zippered or Velcro openings
  • Slip-on designs with pull tabs
  • Magnetic or hook-and-loop closures

These features are especially helpful for people with MS-related fatigue or limited range of motion post-stroke.

Do You Know If the Shoes Fit Orthotics or Braces?

Many people with foot drop, neuropathy, or stroke-related foot weakness rely on orthotic inserts or AFO braces. But a lot of shoes—even ones marketed as adaptive—don’t have the depth or width to accommodate them comfortably.

Mistake to avoid: Buying adaptive shoes that aren’t orthotic-friendly or wide enough for AFOs.

Check for:

  • Removable insoles
  • Extra-deep toe boxes
  • Wide or expandable widths

You should never have to force a brace into a shoe—it defeats the purpose of adaptive design.

What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Adaptive Shoes? - Cadense

Jul 21, 2025

Are You Forgetting About Traction and Stability?

Shoes with poor traction are a fall risk—especially for seniors or people with gait issues caused by neurological conditions. Even indoors, slick soles or unstable builds can be dangerous.

Mistake to avoid: Prioritizing appearance over grip and balance support.

Look for:

  • Non-slip rubber soles
  • Lightweight, yet stable construction
  • Low-profile heels
  • Rocker-bottom soles (for smoother walking motion)

Are You Picking Based on Style Over Function?

We get it—nobody wants to wear something that looks like a medical device. But prioritizing fashion without function can lead to discomfort, instability, or even injury.

Mistake to avoid: Buying stylish shoes that lack the features you genuinely need for safe mobility.

The good news? Brands like Cadense have found the balance between supportive, medical-grade function and sleek, modern style.

Where Can You Find Adaptive Shoes That Avoid All These Pitfalls?

Cadense adaptive shoes are made specifically for people with foot drop, MS, stroke-related mobility issues, neuropathy, or aging-related walking difficulties. Each pair is designed to eliminate common barriers:

  • Easy to put on
  • AFO and orthotic friendly
  • Slip-resistant
  • Supportive, not stiff
  • Actually stylish

Ready to Avoid the Wrong Fit and Find the Right One?

Don’t let another pair of shoes slow you down. Shop adaptive shoes that were made for the way you move.

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Posted by: Johannes Sauer

Johannes is the CEO and Co-Founder of Cadense and passionate about helping people with walking difficulties. He was immediately drawn to the mission of the company because his cousin lost his lower leg in a tragic motorcycle accident a few years ago and is experiencing walking difficulties ever since. Johannes brings over a decade of experience in working for consumer product companies to Cadense. He holds an MBA from the University of Graz in Austria. Johannes lives with his family in Santa Barbara, CA.

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Medical Disclaimer: This website is not intended for the purpose of providing medical advice. This website’s information, content, and material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Cadense Inc. may not be held liable for any damages whether incidental, ordinary or consequential. Cadense does not make any guarantee of any particular end result. Cadense makes no claims or guarantees of payment/reimbursement by any insurance companies. Cadense adaptive shoes are intended to provide greater mobility to those with walking difficulties.

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