This is a suggestion as to why this might be something you notice far more post stroke.
Prior to your stroke, walking was often a sub conscious effort with little or no conscious effort needed. The analysis would come into play when determining the quickest or safest route but other than that, it worked on auto pilot.
Post stroke, you may find that’s no longer the case. Each step may require thought which leads to lots of energy being spent processing sensations and how to walk. It may take some considerable time before you feel confident enough to look around, talk to someone and get back to a time when auto pilot kicks in.
This can be especially true if you are in pain when walking. You may well find your body wants to protect itself and will adopt walking on the soles of the feet and short steps. Both relieve pressure and in theory protect the “damaged” foot but it will result in a lot more steps being needed.
One possible solution to getting to auto pilot walking is to march. This may also help with a heel strike and improve your walking. Your conscious brain can be distracted by keeping the arms in time with your legs and in the meantime, your legs can revert to auto pilot as they did in the past.