13 Mar Best Shoes For Foot Drop: Podiatrist Reviews
Finding the best shoes for foot drop is a lot easier now than it used to be. As podiatrists, we’ve seen a vast evolution of suitable footwear for those living with foot drop. Even a decade ago, options were vastly limited – which was very disheartening given that having foot drop can be a daily struggle that makes walking, working and staying active challenging. With the exception of certain shoe modifications offered by forward-thinking podiatry clinics, you used to be limited to big, clunky shoes that were very notably “orthopaedic” in their appearance and came in just one style. They were very much a medical device, as opposed to a practical shoe that you could feel good in.
Now, thanks to advancements in orthotic technology, it is rare that you won’t be able to find multiple pairs of shoes that you love – and that help you address the problem of foot drop. This is because the devices we offer that help with foot drop now connect externally to your shoes – working in with what you love to wear, as long as they meet a select few criteria.
There are two such external devices that we use: the Xtern ankle-foot orthotic (AFO) and the EXO-L UP brace. The result? Not just a variety of footwear options that you feel great in, but also superior comfort, support and freedom of movement for those living with foot drop.
Understanding Foot Drop and Its Impact
Before delving into these AFO braces and which footwear options they work with, here’s a quick recap on foot drop and how it affects daily life. Foot drop is characterised by the inability to lift the front part of the foot due to weakness or paralysis of the muscles that control this upward foot movement. This can result in a variety of symptoms, including dragging the foot while walking, tripping or stumbling over uneven surfaces, and difficulty with activities such as climbing stairs or running.
For those living with foot drop, shoes (and foot drop braces) play an important role in maintaining their stability, preventing injuries, and promoting their mobility. Traditional footwear often falls short in providing the necessary support and functionality required for individuals with foot drop, leading many to search for alternative solutions that have historically come up short in the aesthetics department.
Why It’s So Hard To Find Shoes When You Have Foot Drop
Unfortunately, wearing only traditional shoes (without any bracing support) often exacerbates the symptoms of foot drop, rather than providing relief. The lack of support and stability in most footwear options can lead to discomfort, instability, and an increased risk of falls. The weight of some shoes (without the right support) can also weigh the forefoot down further, exacerbating the condition. Alongside this, having limited range of motion in the ankle and foot can make it difficult to find shoes that accommodate orthotic braces or AFOs, further complicating the search for suitable footwear.
The other side of the coin is the aesthetics – even when shoes come along that have the right supportive features, their limited and often bland or bulky aesthetics can take a toll on a person mentally and emotionally, affecting their quality of life. Simply put: choosing shoes when you have foot drop can be a stressful struggle.
Xtern Ankle-Foot Orthotic (AFO) For Foot Drop
All of these factors that we mentioned are why we were so excited when we came across the Xtern AFO for foot drop. It has an exoskeleton structure, which fits securely onto the outside of the shoe, eliminating skin contact with the foot or ankle. This means that it not only minimises discomfort and reduces the risk of skin breakdown or rubbing injuries, but it works with the shoes that you want to wear and feel good in. Simply put, it means that the best shoes for foot drop are the ones that you already love to wear.
We also love the Xtern because it does not restrict ankle movement, allowing for easy plantar flexion and maintaining maximal ankle range of motion and calf muscle strength. This enables users to walk, run, or engage in various activities like hiking, marathons, triathlons and endurance activities with confidence and stability, regardless of the terrain. The Xtern has been tested on hiking boots, winter boots, safety boots and a range of other footwear to ensure it does a great job of supporting foot drop regardless of what you’re doing – and it absolutely does. It works with:
- Running Shoes: For those looking to maintain an active lifestyle, the Xtern pairs seamlessly with runners and training shoes, providing the support and stability needed for jogging, walking, or participating in sports activities.
- Lace and Velcro-Fastening Shoes or Boots: Shoes with lace or velcro fastenings offer the benefits of adjustability and customisation, making them an ideal option for those with foot drop, especially if the foot drop is paired with other conditions or limitations.
- Walking Shoes and Hiking Boots: Walking shoes or boots are designed with comfort and support in mind, making them a popular choice for individuals with foot drop. The Xtern integrates simply and easily with most types, helping support an active lifestyle.
- Safety Work Boots: If you require extra protection and durability, safety work boots or shoes are essential. The Xtern can be used with these types of footwear, allowing individuals to perform their job duties safely and comfortably.
- Dress Shoes: The Xtern also integrates with dress shoes, so you don’t have to compromise the way you look for formal events or nights out.
- Sandals: Perhaps one of the most challenging types of footwear for individuals with foot drop is sandals. Xtern’s exoskeleton design fits onto the outside of the sandal, offering support and stability while allowing for maximum comfort and mobility.
EXO-L UP Brace For Foot Drop
As foot drop and the effects of neurological conditions is a big area of focus for our podiatrists here at Masterton Foot Clinic, particularly for our senior podiatrist, Adam Philps, we actually have a second ‘external’ brace option called the EXO-L UP brace.
This is a 100% custom-made and 3D scanned brace that is incredibly light, discreet and easy to use, attaching to the front of a closed-in shoe with the custom brace wrapping around the back of the ankle. It’s also adjustable to get the perfect fit, allowing you to change the level of control as your circumstances change. Learn more about the EXO-L UP brace here.