People with diabetes may consider special shoes, or those that offer more padding and arch support. This can become more important for those who experience foot-related complications, including neuropathy.

Since people with diabetes face can experience higher risk of nerve damage and possible foot issues, wearing shoes that are designed to help with circulation and prevent foot strain can become a way to manage your health as you live with this condition.

The possibility of foot ulcers is prevalent for people with type 2 diabetse and those with long-term type 1 diabetes, especially for those who may develop diabetes-related complications over time that affect the feet, toes, and lower limbs.

Regular visits with your doctor and diabetes care team is an important part, and they may recommend a podiatrist to help manage your foot-focused health. Part of that consultation may include discussing orthopedic or other special shoes that can help people with diabetes.

High blood sugar can damage nerves in your feet and lead to neuropathy. This diabetes complication may get worse over time and eventually cause you to lose feeling in your feet, making it difficult for you to realize if you cut yourself or injure your foot.

If you leave a cut untreated, it can lead to an infection. Poor circulation can make it difficult to heal cuts and infections.

You might develop open sores on your toes or the bottom of your feet. You may also develop calluses, or thick areas of hardened skin. The following are all more likely to occur in people with diabetes:

Foot problems that might seem insignificant, such as blisters or athlete’s foot, can be a cause of concern if you have diabetes.

Generally, people with diabetes with higher blood sugars and A1C levels over time may experience slower healing. This can lead to foot issues taking longer to heal, possibly becoming more serious if not properly treated and managed with your doctor’s guidance.

Depending on the issue, or possibly as a direct result of diabetic neuropathy and its effects on your feet and toes, your doctor or podiatrist may suggest specific shoes to help manage your condition.

The American Diabetes Association’s annual Standards of Care recommend that those with higher risk for neuropathy, foot ulcers, and other issues might consider specialized footwear.

However, research shows that there isn’t enough awareness about preventive or therapeutic footwear for those with diabetes, including for those at higher risk for issues such as diabetes-related foot ulcers.

In general, people with diabetes who manage their condition well and do not experience any foot-related issues or neuropathy may not need special shoes.

Finding a comfortable, well-fitting shoe may be all you need.

Of course, it’s generally a good idea to maintain healthy foot habits and ensure that you don’t wear shoes too long after the soles are worn out or the shoes are falling apart.

For those who may live with diabetes-related neuropathy or other foot-related problems, including those not directly linked to diabetes, your doctor may recommend a more specialized type of shoe option.

In-depth shoes

These shoes are 1/4 to 1/2 inch deeper than normal shoes.

The extra room can accommodate foot changes like calluses or hammertoes. In-depth shoes also leave enough room for inserts if you need them.

Healing shoes

This type of shoe is worn while recovering from foot sores or foot surgery. It comes in open sandals or closed-toe versions.

Generally, people with diabetes don’t need to wear open-toed shoes unless recommended by their doctor.

Custom-made shoes

Custom-made shoes are made from a mold of your foot. If your feet have a deformity, this type of shoe may be an option.

In general, therapeutic shoes are specifically designed to keep your feet healthy if you have neuropathy, nerve damage, or an existing foot injury.

Orthopedic shoes are shoes designed to give more comfort to those with bunions, corns, or other foot problems. Not everyone who wears orthopedic shoes has diabetes. A great variety of orthopedic shoes are available, no matter what style of shoe or type of sole you prefer.

Do-it-yourself modifications

In addition to buying new shoes, you can also modify shoes you already own.

For example, you might add a thicker, more shock-absorbent sole.

You could also add orthotics. These are footpads or inserts placed inside your shoes to take pressure off of your feet and provide added comfort.

Tips about wearing the right shoes

You can discuss specific foot and toe issues with your doctor to make sure you are finding the shoes that are best for you and your health. You might also keep these general tips in mind:

  • Foot injuries and changes to the foot’s shape can make your regular shoes feel uncomfortable.
  • Don’t try to squeeze your feet into uncomfortable shoes. Instead, ask your doctor or podiatrist about special shoes made for people with diabetes.
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose can put you at risk for foot problems or make them even worse.
  • If you are on your feet often, you may consider switching shoes on a regular basis to help maintain the soles. This can be important if you experience any pain in your feet or toes, as run-down soles can lead to issues with your feet over time.

Start by visiting your primary care doctor, endocrinologist, or podiatrist. They can check your feet and recommend the right shoe.

You might also see a specialist to get fitted. An orthotist is a medical practitioner who can design, prescribe, and make diabetic footwear. A pedorthist is trained to fit and modify shoes.

A specialist might order your shoes for you, or you may get them through a pharmacy, online store, or specialty shoe store. Medicare will cover the cost for one pair of therapeutic shoes if your doctor prescribes them. Check with your insurance provider to learn more about your coverage.

Tips to find the best shoes
  1. Look for a lightweight shoe that lets your feet move and breathe.
  2. Choose a flexible material, such as leather, canvas, or suede.
  3. Remember that a good diabetic shoe should have a shock-absorbing sole, which will help relieve pressure on the bottom of your foot.
  4. Pick shoes with laces that you can loosen or tighten. This makes it easier to accommodate any swelling or changes in your feet over time.
  5. Keep in mind that the shoe should also have a solid back to provide extra support.

Dr. Comfort, Hush Puppies, and Prophet are well-known brands that manufacture therapeutic and orthopedic shoes.

Shoes with the American Medical Association’s Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code A5500 or A5501 are classified as “diabetes footwear.” They may be covered by Medicare or your health insurance company. The sneaker brand New Balance also makes shoes with these codes.

You may also consider these 9 best walking shoes, as recommended by a podiatrist.

Shoes to avoid:

  • Avoid any shoe with a pointed toe because it will aggravate your toes and restrict circulation.
  • Don’t wear shoes without arch support, as they may lead to the breakdown of tissue in your foot.
  • Be careful to avoid shoes that don’t fit properly, as those could injure your feet.
  • Wear high heels sparingly it all. If you do wear high heels, round-toe styles with heels below 2 inches are best.

People with diabetes may also consider special socks, even if they’re already considering or wearing diabetes-friendly shoes.

Socks that do not constrict the foot and are designed to promote healthy circulation are best.

Most brands don’t contain elastic, and some brands are moisture-wicking. Socks that keep the foot dry can help prevent infection. The following are brands of different diabetes-friendly socks:

  • Truform
  • Dr. Comfort
  • Activa
  • Drymax

Diabetes-specific socks can generally be made to look like regular socks and come in many different lengths, colors, and styles.

If you don’t want to purchase socks specifically made for people with diabetes, look for regular socks made with moisture-wicking fabric.

Be careful of rough seams along your sock’s toe area, which could lead to blistering. For the same reason, buy socks that come above the ankle. Avoid compression socks, which will negatively affect the circulation in your feet.

Other tips

  • Get your feet measured every time you try on shoes because they can grow.
  • Buy shoes in the afternoon. This is when your feet tend to swell.
  • When you’re trying on new shoes, wear the same socks or stockings you plan to wear with the shoes.
  • Make sure there’s plenty of room in the shoe for your instep and the ball of your foot.
  • Allow an extra 3/8 to 1/2 inch of room between your toes and the top of the shoe.
  • Make sure your shoes fit snugly around your heels.
  • If you’re able to purchase two pairs of therapeutic shoes, it’s a good idea to alternate between them. This will preserve the shock absorption and prolong the lifespan of both pairs of shoes.
  • Once the heels of the shoe begin to wear down, or if one side of a shoe starts to collapse, stop wearing that pair and transition to a new pair.

Getting new shoes is just one way for people with diabetes to care for their feet. You should also see your podiatrist for annual checkups and take good care of your feet every day to help keep them in top shape.

Even if you’re wearing diabetes-specific orthopedic shoes or footwear, regular foot care and visits with your doctor or podiatrist are important steps in keeping your feet healthy.