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Testimonials from Our Stroke Community

We understand how overwhelming it can feel to face mobility challenges after a stroke. That’s why we’ve designed our footwear to help you take confident steps toward independence. But don’t just take our word for it—hear from stroke survivors who’ve experienced the difference:

I was hesitant to try specialized footwear, but I’m so glad I did. My foot drop made walking exhausting and scary, but these shoes have made every step easier. I feel like I’m finally moving forward."

— Mark D., Customer

"After my stroke, I struggled to walk without feeling unsteady and frustrated. These shoes have been a game-changer—they’re comfortable, supportive, and make me feel secure when I walk. I’ve regained confidence I never thought I’d have again!"

— Sarah L., Stroke Survivor

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is disrupted, either due to a blockage or bleeding. This interruption prevents brain tissue from receiving oxygen and nutrients, leading to cell death. Strokes are medical emergencies that require immediate attention.

Link to Stroke Foundation Australia

Understanding the Walking Challenges After a Stroke

Walking challenges are common after a stroke, with conditions like foot drop, spasticity, and hemiparesis affecting mobility. Let’s explore these issues and how the right footwear can help.

Walking difficulties are a common challenge for individuals recovering from a stroke. According to a 2022 observational study, nearly half of those experiencing their first stroke struggled with walking immediately afterward.

While 65% to 85% of stroke survivors regain the ability to walk independently within six months, for some, these challenges persist. In fact, over 15% of individuals may continue to experience mobility issues beyond the six-month recovery period.

Common Walking Impairments After a Stroke Include:

Changes in Walking Pattern

After a stroke, many individuals develop altered walking patterns, such as limping, shuffling, or favoring one side of the body. These changes occur due to muscle weakness, coordination issues, or difficulty with balance, often leading to fatigue and discomfort.

Foot Drop

Foot drop occurs when a person is unable to lift the front part of their foot, causing it to drag along the ground while walking. This can lead to an uneven gait, difficulty navigating steps or uneven surfaces, and an increased risk of tripping. Foot drop affects 20–30% of stroke survivors and can significantly hinder independence.

Reduced Coordination (Ataxia)

Ataxia is a lack of coordination and control over voluntary muscle movements. Stroke survivors with ataxia may have trouble maintaining balance, resulting in an unsteady or staggered gait. This condition can make walking feel unpredictable and risky.

Muscle Tightness (Spasticity)

Spasticity is a condition where muscles involuntarily contract and become stiff, making movement difficult. After a stroke, spasticity often affects the ankle, making walking feel rigid and uncomfortable. Studies show that 25–43% of stroke survivors experience spasticity within the first year.

1 Sided Weakness/Paralysis (Hemiparesis)

Hemiparesis refers to weakness on one side of the body, making it difficult to maintain balance or walk evenly. This condition affects approximately 65% of stroke survivors and can make walking feel slow, unstable, and exhausting.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy focuses on restoring strength, mobility, and coordination. It is essential for helping stroke survivors regain independence in daily activities.

What it involves: Exercises to improve muscle strength, balance, and flexibility; gait training to restore walking ability; and techniques to address specific impairments such as foot drop or hemiparesis.

Why it’s relevant: Movement is often affected after a stroke, and physiotherapy helps patients rebuild physical function and prevent further complications like joint stiffness or muscle atrophy.

Treatment Options for Stroke Recovery

5. Assistive Devices

Specialized tools and devices make everyday tasks and mobility easier for stroke survivors.

What it involves: Items like walking aids, braces for foot drop, adaptive utensils for eating, and medical-grade footwear.
Why it’s relevant: These tools provide support and improve safety, enabling stroke survivors to navigate their environment with greater confidence and independence.

Treatment Options for Stroke Recovery

Features of shoes ideal for stroke patients

Choosing the right footwear after a stroke is essential for improving mobility, safety, and overall comfort. The right shoes can help you walk more confidently, supporting greater independence and allowing you to stay active.

For stroke recovery, footwear should offer a comfortable fit, be lightweight for easier movement, provide flexibility for natural motion, and include slip-resistant soles to enhance stability and prevent falls.

Heel Counter

What it is: A firm, structured component at the back of the shoe that supports the heel and maintains foot alignment.
Why it’s important: Stroke survivors often experience balance issues or muscle weakness. A sturdy heel counter helps stabilize the foot, preventing excessive movement and promoting proper gait mechanics.

Flat, Slip-Resistant Sole

What it is: A sole with a wider, flat design to provide a larger surface area for contact with the ground, combined with a textured, non-slip material for optimal grip.
Why it’s important: A wider sole increases the base of support, which enhances stability by distributing weight more evenly across the surface area. This added contact with the ground improves balance and reduces the likelihood of falls, which is especially important for stroke survivors who may experience spasticity or difficulty maintaining equilibrium. Additionally, the anti-slip material ensures a secure grip on various surfaces, further minimizing the risk of slipping and promoting safe mobility.

Sole Rocker

What it is: A curved sole with an upward tilt at the toe, designed to facilitate a smoother transition from heel strike to toe-off during walking.
Why it’s important: The upward tilt at the toe helps prevent the front of the shoe from catching on uneven surfaces, reducing the risk of tripping—a significant concern for stroke survivors who may experience foot drop, muscle weakness, or spasticity. By guiding the foot through a natural rolling motion, the sole rocker minimizes the effort needed for each step, enabling a more fluid and stable gait. This design is particularly beneficial for individuals with limited range of motion, making walking safer and more efficient.

Sole Rocker

What it is: A curved sole with an upward tilt at the toe, designed to facilitate a smoother transition from heel strike to toe-off during walking.
Why it’s important: The upward tilt at the toe helps prevent the front of the shoe from catching on uneven surfaces, reducing the risk of tripping—a significant concern for stroke survivors who may experience foot drop, muscle weakness, or spasticity. By guiding the foot through a natural rolling motion, the sole rocker minimizes the effort needed for each step, enabling a more fluid and stable gait. This design is particularly beneficial for individuals with limited range of motion, making walking safer and more efficient.

Wide Shoe Design

What it is: A shoe available in multiple width options to accommodate swelling, spasticity, or orthotic devices.
Why it’s important: A wider shoe enhances stability and supports a more natural gait by providing a secure fit and reducing pressure points, ensuring comfort and better mobility