I have been sifting through studies and other info about Parkinson's foot strike and gait. What I need help with is since Parkinson's patients have a softer heel strike and tend to walk/run more forward on the foot, should we be wearing these shoes like Nike Free ("barefoot" style) which are designed for that or stay away from those and get heavy cushioning in the heel and consciously bang the heel as we walk? I feel best walking barefoot because shoes make my foot feel stiff. On the other hand, my PT who I am not seeing at the moment gave me an exercise which involves walking with that purposeful heel strike. Brilliant science-minded people, what do you think?