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Best Shoes for Cerebral Palsy

Seek Comfort for Your Cerebral Palsy

Gentle, adaptive footwear engineered to support balance, stability, and smoother steps—designed to help individuals with cerebral palsy feel more confident during everyday movement. Cadense shoes provide cushioning, traction, and mobility support for common CP-related gait challenges.

Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Obianuju Helen Okoye, MD

Watch Testimonials from our Cerebral Palsy Community Members

Katy G.

Founder of Cerebral Palsy Strong

“I really think this is going to help a lot of people worrying less about falling.”

Mason T.

Cadense Ambassador, Cerebral Palsy

“These shoes are very special to me, because they help you to walk.”

Jacob P.

Cadense Ambassador, Cerebral Palsy

“They are snug and comfy, easy to use, and built to last.”

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term that encompasses multiple movement disorders. It affects 1 out of 345 children in the U.S. alone.

The word “cerebral” in the name refers to the origin of these disorders being in the brain, while “palsy” describes their nature as muscle problems.

Although CP is lifelong, it is not progressive. The condition can be mild, moderate or severe. It can be managed and improved in many cases through appropriate treatment.

Because CP affects movement, muscle tone, and coordination, many individuals develop gait patterns such as toe drag, reduced stride length, difficulty lifting the feet, or instability during transitions between surfaces. Supportive footwear can help make these movements safer and more predictable.

Symptoms of cerebral palsy

The symptoms of cerebral palsy can vary from person to person, as well as over the course of a lifetime. There are several specific subtypes, including spastic cerebral palsy, dyskinetic cerebral palsy, ataxic cerebral palsy, and mixed cerebral palsy. The symptoms of cerebral palsy can affect walking, movement and posture.

Inhibited Movements

People with CP may have a difficult time coordinating their muscles, controlling their movements, or maintaining a natural gait. Muscle spasms and stiffness also characterize CP.
These irregular movement patterns can increase the risk of stumbling, making stability-focused footwear especially valuable.

Trouble Speaking

Many children with cerebral palsy experience difficulties with speech. CP can also be accompanied by challenges with chewing and swallowing.

Delays in Motor Skills

Children with CP may take longer to develop motor skills. A child with CP may not learn how to sit upright or crawl as soon as other children without CP.

Seizures

An estimated 15–55% of children and adults with CP have comorbid epilepsy.

Mental Health Conditions

Patients with CP are more likely than the general population to have co-occurring mental health conditions, including anxiety or mood disorders.

Explore Cadense Shoes for Cerebral Palsy

Supportive, adaptive footwear helps individuals with CP feel more stable on their feet, reduces toe-catching, and supports natural movement—important for navigating daily environments like school, work, and therapy sessions.

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Causes of cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the developing brain. This damage can have a number of possible causes.

Stroke

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains that if the mother’s blood pressure is high while pregnant, the risk for a stroke in the developing fetus increases. If a stroke occurs, it can cause brain damage that leads to cerebral palsy.

Maternal Infections

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, if the mother is infected with a pathogen during pregnancy, the inflammation caused by that infection can lead to fetal neurological damage that can produce CP. Examples of infections that may induce CP include rubella, Zika virus, toxoplasmosis, herpes and cytomegalovirus.

Traumatic Head Injuries

When a child develops CP due to a traumatic head injury, it is referred to as “acquired” CP. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke says that employing safety measures such as suitable car seats can help to reduce the chances of a young child receiving such an injury.

Genetic Changes

The development of the fetal brain is governed by genes. If those genes mutate, that can throw brain development off course, which may lead to cerebral palsy.

Treatments for cerebral palsy

Therapists often combine medical treatment with orthotic devices and supportive footwear to help individuals maintain alignment, improve balance, and reduce fall risk.

Medications

The muscle tightness that can accompany CP can be treated with muscle or nerve injections, or oral muscle relaxants. Doctors may also prescribe injections that help to reduce drooling.

Surgeries

Sometimes as children with cerebral palsy are growing, they experience a shortening of their muscles or tendons that is called “contractures.” A surgeon can restore correct limb and spine placement by lengthening the shortened tissue. Another type of surgery that is sometimes used to treat cerebral palsy is selective dorsal rhizotomy. This is a procedure in which a surgeon cuts certain nerve fibers to help combat painful spasms that are not being helped through more conservative treatments. Numbness can result, however.

Occupational Therapy

The focus of occupational therapy for patients with cerebral palsy is to help restore and maintain independence at home, at school and at work.

Physical Therapy

Patients with CP may also benefit from physical therapy, which is aimed at restoring and maintaining natural movements. According to a systematic review in Cureus, physical therapy interventions such as resistance exercises, stretching, and cycling can lead to improvements in cardiovascular endurance, coordination, balance and gait.

Rehabilitation

“Rehabilitation” refers to an umbrella of treatments, including physical therapy, speech therapy, recreational therapy and occupational therapy. It also incorporates the use of braces and assistive devices. A rehabilitation specialist can help you come up with a plan for the most effective combination of treatments.

Exercises for Cerebral Palsy

Wearing supportive shoes during exercise can increase stability and comfort during balance training, stretching, and functional movement work.

Calf Strength

A simple exercise to increase calf strength is calf raises.

Stand upright with both feet planted flat on the floor.
Gradually rise up on your tiptoes.
Gradually lower yourself back down.
Do as many reps as are comfortable for you.

Joint Rotations

Practice rotating each of your joints in both directions, one at a time. Be careful when doing joint rotations not to overextend and dislodge a joint out of ideal alignment.

Hamstring Stretch

Seat yourself on the floor with both legs pointed out in front of you.
Lean forward, reaching toward your toes, until you feel a mild but not painful stretch.
Hold for a few seconds, and then release.
Repeat as desired.

Dancing

Dancing is a great way to get a cardiovascular workout while also increasing balance, strength, and muscle awareness. There are numerous styles of dance you can choose from.

Resistance Band Training

A resistance band is a tool that can help you do strength training in the comfort of your own home. There are a variety of exercises that can incorporate its use.

Water Exercises

The resistance provided by the water can make aquatic exercises a great option for a workout with cerebral palsy. You also do not have to worry about maintaining balance in the water, plus it may be gentler on your joints than high impact exercises.

Features of Cerebral Palsy footwear

Exercising with cerebral palsy is safer, easier and more comfortable when you have high-quality footwear that boasts the features you need for a natural gait. Research confirms the benefits of choosing the right footwear for CP.

upper knit of gray cadense adaptive shoe

Depth and width

Choose a shoe that is wide enough to provide stability, and deep enough that you can add inserts for extra cushioning and support.
This is especially helpful for CP, as muscle tightness or braces may require additional room.

White Adaptive Shoes by Cadense photographed from the top

Upward curvature (toe spring)

An upward curvature at the front of a shoe can reduce the amount of work muscles must perform during walking.

Reliable support

A shoe that fits snugly—but not too tightly—keeps the ankles aligned and helps prevent stumbles.
Shoes designed for CP can also support smoother stepping and reduce catching the toes on surfaces.

Why choose Cadense?

A shoe designed by experts who specialize in engineering footwear for patients with cerebral palsy and other health conditions can provide you with superior comfort and support compared to regular footwear.

The Cadense Original Adaptive Shoes for men and women features variable friction technology. This adaptive technology lets you “glide” over uneven surfaces, which can help if you have difficulty lifting your feet due to muscle weakness, spasms, or reduced range of motion.

Being able to walk comfortably and safely encourages more exercise, and promotes independent functioning in day to day life.

Cadense shoes offer stability, cushioning, controlled glide, and orthotic compatibility—features that support neurological mobility needs better than standard athletic footwear. These adaptive elements help individuals with CP move more confidently across various surfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cerebral palsy a progressive condition?

No — cerebral palsy is not progressive. The underlying brain injury does not worsen over time, though symptoms may change with growth, muscle development, or strain.

How does cerebral palsy affect daily life?

CP can influence balance, coordination, muscle tone, energy levels, and mobility — all of which may affect school, work, recreation, and independence.

Can people with cerebral palsy live a full and active life?

Yes. With therapy, treatment, assistive tools, and supportive environments, many individuals with CP live active, fulfilling lives.

How is cerebral palsy diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically includes physical exams, developmental screenings, and imaging such as MRI or CT scans.

What treatments are available for cerebral palsy?

Treatment may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, medications, orthotics, mobility aids, and sometimes surgical intervention.

Can cerebral palsy be prevented?

Most cases cannot be completely prevented, though prenatal care and reducing risk factors may help.

What types of shoes are best for people with cerebral palsy?

Shoes with wide bases, supportive cushioning, adjustable fit, and enough depth for orthotics are ideal for CP. Features that support smoother stepping — like toe spring, stability reinforcement, and controlled glide — can help improve balance and reduce tripping.

How does adaptive footwear support individuals with CP who have difficulty walking?

Adaptive shoes help stabilize the foot, reduce toe drag, and support more controlled steps. For people with CP, these features can compensate for uneven gait patterns, muscle tightness, or reduced dorsiflexion.

Do people with cerebral palsy need wide or orthotic-friendly shoes?

Many individuals do. Orthotics, AFOs, toe splay, or fluctuating muscle tone often require shoes with extra depth and width to maintain comfort and proper alignment.

What makes adaptive shoes different from regular athletic shoes for cerebral palsy?

Standard athletic shoes aren’t designed for neurological gait differences. Adaptive footwear offers stability, controlled motion, smoother transitions, and room for orthotics — all features that support safer, more predictable movement for individuals with CP.

Can supportive footwear help reduce falls in people with cerebral palsy?

Yes. Shoes with reliable traction, stable bases, and designs that assist forward motion can help reduce stumbling — especially for those who experience toe drag, spasticity, or balance challenges.

Are Cadense shoes compatible with AFOs, SMOs, or custom orthotics?

Most users find Cadense compatible due to their depth, adjustability, flexible uppers, and stable base. These features allow many brace types to fit comfortably without reducing mobility.

Can the right footwear improve confidence and independence for someone with cerebral palsy?

Absolutely. Supportive shoes that reduce slipping, improve balance, and create smoother step patterns can increase confidence and make everyday movement feel safer and more independent.

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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