Cindy M.
“I love my Cadense sneakers, I call them my confidence shoes.”
Hear what our Cadense Community is saying about our adaptive trainers.
“I love my Cadense sneakers, I call them my confidence shoes.”
Cindy M., age 73, lives with MS and experiences significant foot drop — but thanks to her Cadense sneakers, she’s found a renewed sense of confidence. She affectionately calls them her “confidence shoes” because they’ve allowed her to return to all the activities she loves, from cooking and baking to shopping, doing laundry, and attending her SilverSneakers workouts at Elliott Fitness.
Cindy says the shoes fit perfectly even with her orthotics and perform beautifully on both carpet and hardwood floors. Most importantly, she no longer fears tripping or falling when she’s out visiting friends or moving around at home. For her, Cadense has made everyday movement easier, safer, and more enjoyable.
“I was really pleased with the amount of ground clearance I get.”
Gretta, age 45, lives with spastic cerebral palsy that primarily affects her legs and walking ability. During a recent physical therapy session, she tried Cadense shoes for the first time — and was pleasantly surprised by how well they fit. She didn’t even need a wide width, comfortably wearing a standard medium size.
Gretta first tested the shoes while using her walker and, after gaining confidence, transitioned to walking with her crutches. She was thrilled by how much easier it felt to move and by the improved ground clearance she achieved — something she’s struggled with for years. For Gretta, Cadense shoes made walking feel smoother, more stable, and more empowering.
“Physical Therapist”
Dr. Charles Lockwood, a clinician experienced in treating patients with foot drop, shares that Cadense shoes offer a unique and thoughtful approach to mobility support. While they don’t “fix” foot drop or function like an AFO, he explains that they help in several meaningful ways: by reducing tripping episodes through their smooth, frictionless glide; minimizing compensations like exaggerated stepping; and providing helpful biofeedback through the sound of the pucks.
Dr. Lockwood also notes that the design keeps muscles active — allowing the calves and dorsiflexors to stay engaged, which may promote better function and reduce long-term reliance on bracing. Lightweight and intelligently designed, he says Cadense shoes demonstrate that mobility aids don’t have to mean giving up progress — sometimes it’s about finding the right tool to keep moving forward.
“These shoes are so important to me. I wear them every single day.”
“I've been able to walk without my walker!”
“I can count 4-5 times when I haven't tripped because Cadense has helped me out.”
Doctor Gretchen Hawley is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified MS Specialist. Through her program the MSing Link she teaches science-backed exercises that simultaneously rebuild and rewire neurological pathways while increasing muscular strength.
She's put our Cadense Adaptive Trainers to the test – see her review below:
“I used to fall and in the last few months I haven't fallen at all.”
“Thanks to Cadense I have been able to improve how I move my leg.”
“I love them. They have been just a game changer.”
“I can walk and don't have to worry about stumbling. This is wonderful!”
“My balance is so much better now.”
“Cadense shoes have changed my life completely.”
In a new review video, Dr. Elyse Newland, Certified Stroke Rehab Specialist and founder of Post Stroke, shares her insights on Cadense Adaptive Trainers alongside stroke survivor and board president, Clive. The video covers key features of the trainers, their benefits for people with foot drop, and personal perspectives from both Elyse and Clive.
As someone with muscular dystrophy who has a difficult time putting on regular shoes, Cadense has been a life saver!
I recently bought a pair because I am 83 and have noticed some stability issues. While the “puck” is featured; I found that the fit of the shoe itself has been a real benefit.
The stability the shoe provides is very good. On the personal side, I do not want to wear an “old man’s” shoe with a large Velcro strap showing. The hidden Velcro on these shoes make them look like regular shoes.
The shoes porovide an extra level of confidence in my walking.
Bob Yost
I am very happy with the shoes. They help me walk in a heel to toe strike and they will slide if my drop foot causes contact first and keeps me from tripping. I just wished they had a men’s shoe in a brown leather.
I’ve worn out so many standard shoes in the toe area due to an incomplete spinal cord injury over 30 years ago dragging my toes. As I age, the toe stumping and tripping was getting worse and I tried a traditional AFO that didn’t stop it and made me walk worse. I took a risk and ordered my first pair of these shoes….my life changed….that was a year ago and I have not tripped once since then. And that fear of tripping has gone away. I now have 3 pairs and one sandal….I tell everyone at the gym/PT about them. They are great. Todd Florida 64 yo.
I have SPMS with severe drop foot. I have 3 pairs of these shoes and don't go anywhere unless i am wearing them. I worry less about tripping and with my AFO brace (which these shoes accomodate perfectly) I can walk my dogs, go for groceries, and not stress.
I wish the slippers had come in a shoe that you could wear outdoors and outings with regular dress wear We are limited on the colors of shoes. Wish we had Fall /Winter clogs abd boots like XERO shoes
Since I discovered these shoes, they’ve become my only shoes. Super comfortable, super cute, and so easy to walk in — truly a game changer for me.
My husband has severe neuropathy with no feeling in one foot. The first time he put his new Cadense on he remarked how good he felt wLking. He was more secure in his steps and less foot drag. No foot pain at all. He loves them.
I have had these shoes for several months now and love them. However, I find even the regular width is very wide and as I need to pull the tab tighter to keep it on my foot, I find that there's not enough velcro left on the shoe to keep the full tab in place. I would really love it if the makers of these Caden shoes would extend the velcro area or make a smaller width. Not one size fits all.
This is my 4th pair of Cadense Adaptive foot ware!
So happy with my white runners. My feet are so comfortable. My neuropathy has subsided when I walk. I will get another pair. Well worth the cost
I needed a safe sandal to wear during the warm days of Summer. The sandals worked out just fine.
I love all three pair of my Cadense shoes. The sandals give me the option to wear something a little dressier or a little cooler. My only issue with the sandals. Is there a little rough material on my feet but they are amazing shoes and they make me feel so confident to walk in because they look good while being an aid.
Candace shoes i’ve been a blessing to me. Since I’ve been using these shoes, I have not fallen once in the last two years.
I was ready to return my first pair because after a 9-level fusion I can only put my shoes on sitting up with my ankles on my opposite knees. The strap is on the wrong side for me. CS rep recommended to go to a slightly larger shoe. After fitting my TM AFO, I’m ready to go. The wider sole improves my balance. The return was a breeze, but the replacement took a while. It was worth the wait. I tried them without my AFO, they worked as advertised, but I didn’t. I couldn’t stop lifting my knee too high. (Operator trouble) So now I have real confidence that I won’t trip. Thank you for a great shoe.
I’ve purchased various brands of shoes to make walking easier and comfortable. I have Multiple Sclerosis (primary progressive). Everyday I deal with fatigue and nerve inflammation making it harder to walk as well feet swelling making shoes uncomfortable to wear.
Cadense shoes have changed my ability to walk confidently and extend my day before gait fatigue sets in. With the ability to slide my left foot when it begins to be difficult to lift toe from foot drop, I am now able to add additional steps to get to a relaxing seated position. I am 48 years old and determined to not be limited to a wheel chair. I humbly can say these shoes have changed my life!
I pre-ordered these in white in April and received them in late Sept. This is my first pair of CADENSE and there was a definite learning curve on how to walk with them. I have Neuropathy from Lumbar Radiculopathy and 99% of footwear is unbearable to walk in due to pain. I have tried MANY sneakers, sandals, and slippers over the last 2 years, both high end and low and return most of them. These are comfortable!
The cons: I ordered up and got a 9 and they are a bit big. Half sizes would be a great addition. An 8.5 would be perfect. I did keep them to wear as house shoes with socks.
The shoe is fairly well made but IMO the strap could use improvement. There is a small cushioning pad at the center of the back strap which could be thicker or entirely padded. Even with socks on the strap hurts my very painful heel sometimes.
They are perfect if you have leg weakness and the front of your foot “catches” on the ground and you stumble. When I wear these sandals that does not happen!
I have my Cadense shoes for about 10 days now and I really love them; I feel protected when wearing them as I have 2 dropped feet; my problem is that I wasn’t sure I purchased them, but three days ago another identical pair showed up; I like my Cadense shoes so much, I intend to return the second pair for a different color!!!
If you or a family member has difficulty walking, suggest CADENSE, IT WILL BE A GREAT HELP!!!!!
Kevin has been part of the Cadense Community from the beginning on. He has been part of our Beta Study and was one of the first to try and train with Cadense Adaptive Trainers. In our Community Spotlight he and his wife Jaime share his journey and how the trainers benefitted him.