Sliders: the foot-drop perspective

 

“Take a step in my shoes” is an all-too familiar quote.  And when you have multiple sclerosis & MS related foot-drop in particular, “taking a step in my shoes” can be difficult–if not darn near impossible.

That’s why with foot-drop, the proper shoes are a prerequisite.

In most cases, every MSer has a favorite pair of “sliders.”

We’re not talking hamburgers here—we’re talking shoes!

 

Sliders are generally a well-worn pair of shoes with barely a trace of sole that “slides” over thick carpeting, rough concrete, tall grass or any other surface scratchy enough to grab a draggy toe.

A good pair of sliders gives you a sliver of confidence you can make it from the chair to the powder room witout doing a faceplant.

Sliders provide a little hope when yo have very little!

 

 

 

My favorite pair of sliders are ridiculously worn.

Probably a dozen years old with an aroma that would make a Bloodhound whimper.

 

 

 

 

 

I had to revert back to my old shoes seen above when this pair just became too difficult to wear.

The wide sole grabbed everything & made walking exhausting.

 

It was like wearing a pair of track spikes…..

 

 

 

 

…..Speaking of which, track spikes & golf shoes are a poor choice of footwear when you have MS foot-drop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And cleats.

Cleats are a no-no unless you are Peyton Manning or Mia Hamm or something.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A good measure is the “slide-ability” of shoes over a surface.

If it is hard to slide shoes using your hand, there’s no way in hell your limp feet are gonna move it.

 

 

 

 

 

Here is a good pair of sliders for the ladies.

Flat, low-profile & easy to put on.

Excellent choice!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heels on the other hand (or foot in this case) are bad for foot-dragging females or drag-dressing males with MS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Running shoes are no better.

Nice, cushy walk but then again the tread grabs everything.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This pair of shoes excells on the slide-ability test.

Almost like a “boat-shoe” type sole. but they can stick on a wood surface so be careful.

I only wear them on my yacht.

 

 

 

 

Hiking boots.

I don’t wear hiking boots for a couple of reasons…

One…I no longer hike.

And

Two….Hiking boots are so dang heavy I can’t lift my legs!

Bad choice.

 

 

That leave foot-dropping MSers with two options….

One…slippers.

Light-weight, comfy & no catchy sole.

Or two…nothing at all.  Barefoot.

I do my best “Huck Finn” & go barefoot around the house which explains my dirty feet & gnarly toenails.

 

 

If you have any tidbits on how you battle foot-drop, please share your knowledge with a comment!

Otherwise, tread lightly my friend.  Keep moving–but do it safely.