POV: These Shoes Were Made For Walking

Disclaimer: The thoughts and opinions shared in this blog are based on my personal experiences and are not intended as professional advice. I am not a therapist, so any recommendations offered come purely from my own journey and perspective.

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This may be an unpopular opinion, but I LOVE sneakers. Mind you, I always have, but this time around, I have a whole new respect for them, and here's why...

There was a time when I walked tall in high heels, confident, composed, and collected. Heels were more than just fashion. They were a symbol. Of femininity. Of strength. Of control. Of who I was before.

I have always loved fashion, as well as the idea that it was a creative outlet or express. So, to think that I could no longer wear heels, at least for some time, was a letdown.

The simple act of walking, something I’d definitely taken for granted, became a series of deliberate, exhausting, and emotional steps.

While the shift from heels to sneakers might seem minor to some, for me—and for many stroke warriors—it is a powerful symbol of acceptance, adaptation, self-love, and of course, fashion.

The Reality of Post-Stroke Mobility

After a stroke, mobility becomes one of the major challenges of recovery. Depending on the severity, walking may feel different, become difficult, or require assistive tools like canes, walkers, or braces. Balance issues, muscle weakness, foot drop, and coordination deficits are common post-stroke realities, and some of the things I mentioned became a reality for me.

Now, choosing the right shoes isn’t just about fashion anymore. It’s about function and safety. The heels I once wore so proudly? Well, the truth is, they suddenly became unstable platforms that threatened the progress I fought so hard for.

I remember the first time I looked at my shoe rack after coming home from the hospital. My stilettos, pumps, and wedges were symbols from a past life, beautiful but dangerous, but I knew it was time to let them go. It wasn’t easy, though.

A Grieving Process

I'll be honest. Saying goodbye to my heels wasn’t just a physical decision. It was an emotional one. Post-stroke life requires grieving. Not just for the things you can no longer do but also for the ways you used to see yourself.

Before my stroke, I equated heels with strength. But stroke recovery taught me that strength looks different now. It’s not measured in inches of heel height, but now, in each step, I take with purpose. Today, my comfortable, now worn-in and well-loved sneakers represent a different kind of power, the power of survival - and I'm ready to take on the task.

Embracing What Works

There’s a growing awareness now of adaptive fashion, clothing, and accessories designed for people with physical challenges. This includes magnetic buttons, one-handed zippers, and yes, supportive, non-slip footwear that blends function with style.

Finding stroke-friendly sneakers that don’t feel “medical” helped me rebuild my confidence. I found brands that offer:

• Wide toes for swelling or braces, etc.

  
  

• Cushioned insoles for comfort and shock absorption.

  
  

• Slip-resistant soles, essential for balance.

  
  

• Easy slip-on options for one-handed use

Now, I proudly wear sneakers in bold colours, metallic finishes, and checkered patterns. They’re not just “sensible shoes", they’re part of my new story. Trendy sneakers for comfort and for the win!

Rewriting My Identity

For stroke warriors, self-esteem often takes a hit. You’re not just healing your body, you’re rebuilding your identity. I had to ask myself: Who am I now that I don’t wear heels?

Fun fact? It turns out I’m still me. Still strong. Still feminine. I'm still worthy of feeling good in what I wear.

Wearing sneakers has given me back a sense of autonomy. I can walk without fear of falling. I can leave the house without second-guessing my balance. I can play with my kids, stand longer at the park, and even try dancing (which I love to do) without worrying about ankle strain.

Every stroke warrior deserves that kind of confidence.

The Safety and Science of Sneakers

There’s a very practical side to all of this, too. Medical professionals recommend sneakers or flat, well-fitted shoes after a stroke for several reasons:

Heels increase fall risk. Post-stroke balance is compromised, and heels alter your center of gravity.

Uneven weight distribution. Heels push your weight forward, which can strain already weakened muscles.

Increased fatigue. Even a small heel requires more effort to walk, and stroke recovery already demands energy management.

Switching to sneakers supports your gait retraining, helps you focus on proper posture, and prevents unnecessary injuries.

A Symbol of Healing

Today, when I lace up or slip into my sneakers, I do so with pride. They are no longer a sign of limitation. They are a symbol of all I’ve overcome.

My sneakers have walked me through physiotherapy appointments, long hospital corridors, neighborhood strolls, and even travel adventures. They’ve carried me into yoga studios, onto mindfulness trails, and through moments of both frustration and triumph.

And you know what? They look good with dresses, too!

Here are some tips for transitioning from heels to sneakers after stroke:

1. Start with Acceptance. This isn’t about giving up; it’s about choosing safety, comfort, and progress.

2. Shop Smart. Look for brands that combine orthopedic support with stylish design. Try them on later in the day when feet may be swollen.

3. Test for Stability. If you can, walk around the store. Can you balance? Is there enough grip? Do they slip on and off easily?

4. Go Easy on Yourself. You don’t have to throw out all your heels at once. Keep one pair for memories if you want—but give yourself permission to evolve.

5. Style Your Sneakers. Pair them with outfits you love. Confidence is the best accessory.

Embracing the Journey

Life after a stroke demands adjustments in ways both big and small. Sometimes, it’s changing how you walk. Sometimes, it’s changing what you wear while you walk.

But change doesn’t mean loss. It can mean rebirth, too.

To anyone reading this who’s felt the ache of saying goodbye to heels, I see you. I honour the journey you’re on. And I promise, sneakers can carry you forward with as much grace, strength, and power as any pair of heels ever did.

Maybe even more.

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Final Thoughts

In the grand scheme of stroke recovery, choosing sneakers over heels might seem like a small decision. But for many of us, it’s deeply symbolic. It’s a sign that we’re listening to our bodies, honoring our healing, and rewriting what beauty and strength look like on our own terms.

I may not strut in stilettos anymore, but I walk forward every day with purpose. One step at a time, one sneaker at a time, and for that, I'm grateful.

With resilience and gratitude,

Bree xo

#StrokeRecovery #HealingJourney #AdaptiveFashion #PostStrokeLife #WomenAfterStroke #ComfortIsConfidence #SneakerStyle #OneStepAtATime #TimeCapturedMoments

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