About Us

Who We Are

Cadense helps people walk more safely, confidently, and naturally — especially when walking feels difficult or uncertain.

We design adaptive footwear for people who experience challenges like toe drag, instability, hesitation, or fatigue while walking. Our shoes are built to reduce trips and falls and help each step feel smoother and more controlled.

Our mission is simple: help people walk without limits — at home, outside, and everywhere in between.

From the lab to everyday life

Cadense began with research at MIT where founder of Cadense, Dr. Tyler Susko, worked on the MIT Skywalker, a robotic gait rehabilitation system designed to help people walk more rhythmically after neurological injury.

That work revealed a powerful insight: reducing friction during part of the step can make walking feel easier and more natural.

At UCSB, this insight evolved into Variable Friction Technology—the foundation of every Cadense product today.

Built on over a decade of research

Cadense footwear is grounded in more than 12 years of research across MIT, UCSB, and clinical partners.

Our Variable Friction Technology helps: reduce toe catch during the swing phase, support smoother, more natural steps, and improve walking comfort and confidence.

In testing, participants with conditions such as foot drop, stroke recovery, and Multiple Sclerosis reported improvements in walking ease, comfort, and rhythm.

About Dr. Susko

Dr. Susko holds a PhD from MIT in mechanical engineering and a Master of Engineering degree in mechanical engineering from Lehigh University.

He was the creator of the MIT-Skywalker Gamma prototype, a rehabilitation robot specifically designed for people with gait impairment due to neurological injury.

Currently, Professor Susko teaches 9 courses in engineering design at UCSB and is the Founder and CTO of Cadense.

Guided by Clinicians & Researchers

Our work has been informed by collaborations with leading institutions, including the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, where ongoing NIH-funded research is evaluating Cadense footwear alongside traditional AFOs.

Physical therapists, clinicians, and researchers continue to guide the evolution of our designs.

Research Summary