Clicking shoe could help stroke survivors walk more easily

NCT ID NCT06234124

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests a new shoe that makes a clicking sound when you walk, designed to help people with foot drop after a stroke. Foot drop makes it hard to lift the front part of your foot, causing tripping. The shoe gives audio feedback to help you walk more naturally. Fifty adults who had a stroke at least 3 months ago will try the shoe at home for several weeks, and researchers will measure changes in walking speed and balance.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Variable Friction Shoe (a shoe that makes a clicking sound when walking)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a low-cost, easy-to-use device to improve walking and balance for people with foot drop after stroke.
What could go wrong: This is a small early-stage trial with only 50 people, so results may not apply to everyone. The shoe may not help all users, and some may find the clicking annoying or ineffective.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

stroke disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

STROKE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
RECRUITING

Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States

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