UPnGO Shoe
Designed with you, for you.
A comfortable, discreet solution for foot drop
The UPnGO shoe is a footwear range for people affected by foot drop from different health conditions. It consists of an initial all-season, every-day shoe design that incorporates an aesthetically pleasing and affordable design which is comfortable and supports the foot during walking. The shoe keeps the feet in an optimal position when walking, enhancing their remaining function, enabling movement at the ankle and acting as an assistive device by holding the feet up.
The Story Behind Our Shoe
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Why We Created It
Inspired by conversations at the MS Therapy Centre in Edinburgh.
People kept saying: 'If only there was a product that helped…'
We listened—and we built it
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The Problem with Current Solutions
AFOs (Ankle Foot Orthoses): rigid and uncomfortable.
Functional Electrical Stimulators: costly and complex.
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Our Solution: Smart Strap Technology
Acts like an extra shin muscle to lift your toes.
Encourages ankle movement—not restriction.
Discreet, comfortable, and wearable all day.
How the UPnGo shoe was designed and developed
Real Testing with Real People
Developed through 3 versions and 4 prototypes.
Tested with people who have foot drop.
Gait lab comparisons with AFOs and other aids.
Patent application submitted.
Style Meets Function
Looks like a regular shoe, not a medical device.
Built to blend in with your everyday life.
Confidence in every step.
Not Just a Product
We are a social enterprise.
Co-designed with people living with foot drop.
Profits go back into designing better, inclusive products.
Real Stories
from Real People
Below, you’ll find stories from people who have tried early versions of the UPnGO shoe and shared their experiences with us.
They’ve helped us understand what works well, what needs improving, and what truly matters in everyday life with foot drop. Their feedback has been essential in shaping the design you see today.
Please note: UPnGO is still in the improvement and development stage. We are actively refining the design based on user feedback and ongoing testing, with the aim of making the shoe accessible to the wider market as soon as possible.
We’re grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey so far—and excited about what’s coming next.
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Stay Connected
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Check Out Our Latest Resource!
Your Hub for Understanding and Managing Foot Drop
Get Involved
Find out how to take part in HDC’s projects! We value the contributions of our end-user community and we actively seek people’s views on what products to prioritise and generate ideas to ensure that we help them overcome the challenges they experience in their everyday life due to long-term health conditions.
