Adaptive Shoes

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Slate and pink Adaptive Sneakers showcase

What are adaptive Shoes?

If you have a difficult time lifting your feet fully off the ground as you walk to maintain a natural gait, adaptive shoes can help.

Adaptive shoes are a special type of footwear designed to be extra accommodating. The broadest definition is simply a shoe that enhances comfort, stability and mobility through features such as slip resistance and adjustable straps.

Cadense adaptive shoes go a step further, however, featuring variable friction technology to increase the ease with which you can walk across uneven surfaces.

Evolution of Adaptive Technology

Over recent years, more companies have seen the value in offering adaptive footwear and attire.

Coresight Research reported in 2019 that the amount of untapped opportunity in this market was roughly $47.3 billion.

It isn’t just the discovery of this market potential that has pushed the evolution of adaptive shoe technology forward, however. The science of footwear has also evolved.

In fact, Cadense began working on adaptive shoes in 2011, which was when a robotic system called MIT Skywalker was able to identify the individual components of a natural gait.

Cadense researcher Dr. Tyler Susko was able to use this discovery to develop adaptive shoes in collaboration with Dr. Elliot Hawkes.

Types of adaptive shoes

Adaptive shoes come in multiple sizes and colors. You can find adaptive shoes for men or women, adaptive shoes for seniors, and adaptive shoes that are designed to help with a number of different health conditions.

While some adaptive shoes are extremely specialized for one particular purpose, you can also find versatile adaptive shoes that work great for a broad range of conditions and activities.

Slate Adaptive Sneakers Walking on Paved Walkway

What afflictions can adaptive shoes help with?

Adaptive shoes can help you walk safely and comfortably if you have a health condition such as foot drop, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, neuropathy or Parksinson’s. You may also find adaptive footwear helpful if you are recovering from a stroke.

You do not have to have a health condition to benefit from adaptive footwear, either. Anyone who wants to walk safely and comfortably may enjoy wearing adaptive shoes.

Explore Adaptive Shoes

More Information on adaptive shoes

Cadense Original Adaptive Shoes for men and women feature two elevated nylon pucks on the sides of the soles, providing low-friction surfaces. An articulated rocker made from foam is able to absorb the pucks when needed, which can activate the high-friction part of the shoe.

With this variable friction technology, the wearer can “glide” across obstacles and uneven surfaces, walking smoothly and safely.

Cadense Original Adaptive Shoes are available in multiple sizes and colors, ensuring that every person can fight the right fit for both their feet and their personality.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do adaptive shoes differ from regular shoes?

Adaptive shoes include special features that increase their stability, support and comfort compared to regular shoes, helping the wearer to maintain a healthy, natural gait.

Examples of such features include adjustable straps, removable footbeds, a design with extra width and depth, slip-resistant soles, and variable friction technology.

What customizable features do adaptive shoes offer?

Adjustable Velcro straps and laces as well as the option to add an insole are examples of the types of customization features you can find in adaptive shoes.

Can adaptive shoes be used for sports and physical activities?

Yes, adaptive shoes work very well for sports and physical activities. In fact, they can help people with gait problems to live more active, healthy lives by increasing safety and comfort during those activities. In doing so, they also increase the ability of the wearer to live independently.

Are adaptive shoes environmentally friendly?

Adaptive shoes can be environmentally-friendly. Look for shoes that are made out of sustainable materials, and which feature robust construction to ensure excellent longevity. The longer your footwear lasts, the less material waste you generate.