Do you have diabetes?
If so, then you will know from first hand experience that this disease has quite the impact on your life.
Diabetes will require you to wear comfortable diabetic shoes, in order to increase your living standard.
You owe yourself good shoes...
Diabetes is a crippling disease, that happens when our bodies fail to properly process sugars in our blood either because our bodies do not respond to insulin that well, or we lack healthy amounts of insulin in the first place. Either way, diabetes is not fun.
Plus, diabetes can lead to an endless list of complications: from eye complexities, gum disease, heart problems, skin problems, and most, even foot problems.
Ayup, foot problems!
Diabetes makes it difficult for patients to lead normal lives. Just the intake of maintenance medicines can be difficult enough. The constant worry of missing your medicine intake schedule is stressful in itself, but add to that the physical and emotional toll of worrying about developing complications.
You need good shoes. So I suggest you have a look at these!
Diabetic Shoes For Women - Reviews
1. Propet Women’s Mary Jane
- Round-toe Mary Jane in smooth leather featuring adjustable hook-and-loop strap, arch support, and padded collar
- Polyurethane unitsole for shock absorption and durability
- Internal heel counter for added support
- Medicare/HCPCS code A5500 diabetic shoe
Propet’s Mary Jane leather shoes are loved by many diabetics and even non-diabetics who need shoes that can accommodate their needs. Its adjustable hook-and-loop strap makes it easy to fit your feet. There are also wide sizes available, so if you have wide feet, this can be a perfect match. Customers with narrow heels and wide toes also find these shoes perfectly fitting. Many users say that the sizes come on the small end, though, so it’s advisable to get one or one-half size bigger than your original size.
Comfort Fit Insoles
Mary Jane also comes with a removable insole, so you can easily use your own orthotic. The heel is approximately 1 1/2 centimeters which provides adequate balance and comfort at the same time. As customers say, these shoes are perfect for those who work jobs that require them to stand for long periods because of the incredible comfort the shoes give.
Durability
Customers also praise these shoes for lasting long even with heavy use. Some users who have been using these shoes for years say that they are still as comfortable. So you’ll get comfort, removable insoles, appropriate sizes, and durability in one of the top diabetic shoes.
Stylish
As for its looks, you wouldn’t even realize that the Propet’s Mary Jane are diabetic shoes which we often associate with ugly, “granny” shoes that look nowhere near stylish. However, these diabetic shoes are sophisticated and classy, making them easy to match with any outfit so that you can wear them at school or at work with pants, jeans, and slacks. The shoes are not too shiny nor dull, so they’re ideal for women who want lower-profile but still gorgeous-looking shoes.
Perfect for: Women with wide toes and narrow heels and those who prefer to use their own orthotics.
2. Orthofeet Charlotte Women’s Comfort Arthritis Diabetic Slippers
Ideal for Plantar Fasciitis, Foot & Heel Pain Relief. Arch Support Slippers, Cushioning Ergonomic Sole & Extended Widths - Charlotte Tan">- GUARANTEED COMFORT! Test our shoes for up to 60 DAYS and see for yourself why Orthofeet is regarded by millions as the WORLD'S MOST COMFORTABLE and stylish orthopedic shoes. Try RISK FREE: Walk COMFORTABLY and PAIN FREE or Your MONEY BACK. 60-day wear test. FREE shipping and returns.
- PLANTAR FASCIITIS? HEEL PAIN? FOOT PAIN? NEUROPATHY? Orthofeet orthotic shoes offer the BEST ORTHOPEDIC SHOE solution. Lightweight SOLE with ERGONOMIC design and SUPERIOR CUSHIONING along with premium ORTHOTIC INSOLES that feature ANATOMICAL ARCH SUPPORT and multiple CUSHIONING layers provide soft, PILLOW-LIKE SUPPORT that works wonders to enhance COMFORT and EASE PAIN on the FOOT and HEEL, all the way up your KNEES, HIPS and LOWER BACK caused by flat feet, overpronation and arthritis.
- EXTENDED WIDTHS - These SUPER COMFORTABLE women’s casual shoes with soft, non-binding uppers are available in Medium, Wide and Extra Wide widths, offering a PERFECT FIT. The UNIQUE THERAPEUTIC DESIGN helps alleviate stress on the joints, enhances stability and substantially improves the ease of walking.
- SENSITIVE FEET? DIABETES? ARTHRITIS? NEUROPATHY? Soft uppers with smooth interior lining and extra foam padding provide SUPERIOR COMFORT and protection for sensitive feet and an ideal footwear solution as women’s diabetic shoes, women’s arthritis shoes and women’s shoes for neuropathy.
- BUNIONS? HAMMERTOES? A wide & roomy TOE BOX offers a comfortable, non-binding fit for the front part of the foot and toes, and eases pressure on bunions, hammertoes Morton’s Neuroma & swollen feet. ORTHOTIC FRIENDLY: Extra depth design with removable insoles (¼” thick in the forefoot area) provides ample space for custom made orthotics.
Orthofeet Diabetic Slippers are one of the most popular women’s diabetes slippers for neuropathy, plantar fasciitis, hammer toes, bunions, arthritic feet, and a lot more. The engineering of these slippers allow for maximum comfort for heels and is also great for alleviating pain at the foot and all the way up to the knees, lower back, and hips. So if you have diabetes, knee pain, and even back pain, this pair of slippers may be perfect for you.
Sherpa Lined Coating for Extra Comfort
Customers also love how these slippers can keep your feet dry and warm no matter how long you wear them. This is probably because of the “sherpa” lined coat which is known to control temperatures in the footwear effectively. These slippers also have removable insoles, so if you have your own orthotics, you can easily use them.
Weight and Width
They are a bit heavier than most slippers and sneakers, but it will just take you a short while to get used to them. They also come in three sizes: medium, wide, and extra-wide, so you can find a pair that fits your feet no matter what dimensions it has. The closure at the top of the slippers is also adjustable, so you have more room and greater comfort if you have high arches. Many customers credit these terrific shoes for minimizing pain in their feet, legs, and back while giving them a more steady and easy gait.
Since these slippers are so comfy, many women use them for long periods of time while standing or working at home.
Perfect for: Women suffering from a host of foot problems and body aches. Also great for diabetes patients with their own orthotics, women with high arches or wide feet, and women who spend a lot of time at home.
3. Propet Women’s Vista Strap Sneaker
- Supple full-grain leather upper with mesh lining
- Padded collar and tongue with twin-strap closure
- Firm heel counter with removable footbed
- PU unitsole provides cushion, traction and durable wear
- Medicare approved, A5500 coded
The Propet Women’s Vista Strap Sneaker is one of the most comfortable diabetic shoes for women that comes in a variety of striking colors. These sneakers have an easy-to-use double hook-and-loop closure that makes it easy to adjust the shoes to fit your arch. It also has a padded footbed, heel, and collar that makes it easy and comfortable for several hours of use. Its heel measures about 1 1/2 inches which is ideal for everyday use. Most customers also love how they often get the perfect fit, eliminating problems with discomfort or blisters that come with ill-fitting shoes.
Medicare A5500 Guidelines
It also meets the Medicare A5500 Guidelines for diabetic shoes, giving you the confidence that these diabetic shoes for women can give you adequate care. This is due to its adjustable fastenings, closed-back design, and multi-density inserts. The shoes can even give a 300-pound older woman with a variety of foot and leg conditions great comfort from day one.
Neuropathy Comfort Fit
These shoes are ideal for women who suffer from neuropathy whether or not it is due to diabetes as they offer sufficient toe room to avoid frequent rubbing of toes. It’s also comforting for those with osteoarthritis in knees, bunions, and even hammertoes. So these shoes are perfect for women suffering from multiple foot issues and even those with foot problems that are not directly caused by diabetes.
Stylish Look
The Propet Women’s Vista Strap Sneaker also looks like your standard sneakers, making them great for outdoor use. You can easily pair them with any casual outfit that will go well with normal sneakers. They are also durable, with some customers using them for already two or three years. So you can wear them all the time without others knowing what they are really for.
Perfect for: Diabetic women who want comfortable fully closed, fashionable sneakers and for women with wide feet.
4. Propet Women’s Cronus Comfort Sneaker
- Medicare/HCPCS code A5500 diabetic shoe
The Cronus Comfort Sneaker, a certified Medicare/HCPCS diabetic shoes, was designed with comfort and breathability in mind. Its neoprene upper is stretchable and breathable, and its Twin PedRx Removable Insole that is infused with charcoal wicks moisture away to keep your feet warm and dry all the time. This is ideal for women with feet that easily sweat but can’t risk the development of sores due to bacteria build up.
Hook-and-Loop
The two hook-and-loop straps make the shoes highly customizable, so it’s ideal for women with any width of feet. Even customers with wide feet and low arches are fitting nicely into these diabetic shoes for women. Some customers even ordered pairs that were one size larger, but they still had a great fit because of the Velcro adjustable flap. So no matter what your size and feet dimensions are, you can certainly fit into the Cronus Comfort Sneaker.
Foot Problems are No Problem Now
It has also been working wonders for patients with bunions, arthritis, hammerhead, and overlapping toes because of the comfort and great fit the shoes provide. The soles are also perfect for walking on hard surfaces such as hard floors which can be painful for some patients. The textured rubber outsole gives the ultimate layer of comfort, so the shoes are soft all around but the soles are firm.
Style
For these comforts, though, you have to sacrifice design because these diabetic shoes for women definitely don’t look like something you’ll wear if you want to look sharp. They’re more suitable perhaps for women who are not overly concerned about how their shoes look like as long as they are soft and comfy.
Perfect for: Women who prioritize high degrees of comfort and customizability over the shoes’ design, women with sweaty feet, and for women with wide feet.
5. Propet Women’s Mary Lou Mary Jane Sneaker
- Comfort-driven sneaker with tonal stitching and easy-on hook-and-loop Mary jane strap
- Shock-absorbing cushioning
- Medicare/HCPCS code A5500 diabetic shoe
Mary Lou Mary Jane Sneaker is another stylish pair of diabetic shoes for women by Propet that is Medicare-certified as a proper diabetic shoe. Its rubber sole and shock-absorbent cushioning give your feet added protection from pressure. It also has the signature hook-and-loop Mary Jane strap that makes it easy to adjust the shoes according to the width of your feet.
Orthotic Fit
You can fit your orthotics into these shoes if you prefer to use them. The back part of the shoes are very high, in fact, which may make it easier for you to fit in the orthotics. To make sure that the shoes you order will fit you, it’s best to get a wide fit and just use the Velcro straps to adjust if you need to. Customers with wide front and narrow back can fit in nicely into these shoes.
Some customers also prefer ordering one-half size up their normal size since the shoes run a bit small. So if you get a pair with wide fit and one half size larger size, you should be able to fit into the shoes comfortably.
Perfect for All Day Use
These shoes are so comfortable that customers are starting to wear them while at the house and at work where they stand on concrete for about 8 hours a day. If you want a pair of diabetic shoes for women that will keep you safe from pain, sores, and blisters due to ill fit and harsh materials, Mary Lou Mary Jane Sneakers are definitely an option for you. You can sport these shoes on any normal day and match them with jeans, shorts, skirts, and any casual attire you can think of.
Perfect for: Diabetic women who are on their feet all day and women with wide front feet.
Diabetic Shoes For Men - Reviews
1. Hush Puppies Men’s Gil Slip-On Shoe
- ZeroG Elon midsole and Rubberlon outsole for light weight
- Stroebel construction for flexibility and comfort
- Stroebel construction for flexibility and comfort
The first item on our list of diabetic shoes for men is an easy-to-wear, comfy slip-on shoe by Hush Puppies. These shoes are made of leather with synthetic soles, and the heels are about 1.25”, not too high nor low. It has a padded collar which will protect your skin and a hook-and-loop strap that makes them ideal if you’re looking for a quick-to-put-on shoe. Walking on these shoes is also a delight because of the ZeroG shock-absorbent outsole that reduces the overall weight of the shoes, so each shoe weighs about 17 ozs.
Wide Sizes Available
Although these shoes are not rated as diabetic shoes for men, they are still being used by countless diabetic patients because of the comfort and protection they give. They come in wide sizes, size 3E being the widest, so you can have plenty of room even if your feet are wider than average. They also work for men with a high arch and high instep. You can order your size since these shoes stay true to size. It also gives plenty of toe room to accommodate other foot problems like bunions. Customers also attest to the great traction of these shoes, making them safe for both dry and wet surfaces.
Slip-On with Your Own Orthotics
These slip-ons also have enough room for inserts, so you can definitely use your orthotics. As these shoes are easy to slip onto your feet, you can forget about the hassle of looking for a vacant seat to tie your shoes on. These moccasin-style shoes are stylish and come in tan, black, and white colors, so these are wearable in the office and even at school.
Perfect for: Men with diabetes and non-diabetic foot problems looking for a comfortable and stylish footwear.
2. Propet Men’s Stability Walker Sneaker
- Walking sneaker with leather upper featuring rocker profile, D-ring speed-lacing system, and perforations for breathability
- Molded-EVA midsole
- Internal heel counter; Fit: This style tends to run small. For an accurate fit we recommend purchasing a 1/2 size larger than you typically purchase.
- Removable cushioned orthotic
- Medicare/HCPCS code A5500 diabetic shoe
If you’re looking for walking shoes that you can use during your walking routines. These diabetic shoes come with padded linings and colors and perforations to let your feet breathe. This will eliminate risks of irritations due to excess moisture. It also has a removable cushioned orthotic, so if you have your own inserts, you can definitely use them. These shoes also have lightweight EVA midsole for shock absorption, making each step light and zero struggle. It has a “D” ring speed lacing system in place so you can easily customize the fit.
Multiple Narrow and Wide Sizes
These shoes also come in narrow and wide sizes and are good for men with a high instep and high arch. This pretty much saves you time in looking for your perfect size in brick and mortar stores that do not usually carry these sizes. They run true to size as some customers note, so you won’t need to order one size up or down. However, you do need to order the exact width that you need to ensure that you’ll get well-fitting pairs.
Max Comfort and Traction Control
There might be a break in time, but after that, the shoes should get more comfortable and easy on your feet. Also, the traction is quite good, so you can use these to walk on dry and wet surfaces. Some customers have also been using these shoes for trekking or playing their favorite sports, but you need to be careful not to overuse these shoes to make them last longer. These are not machine washable, so you need to just regularly wipe the surface with a clean towel to keep them clean and dry.
Perfect for: Diabetic men looking for durable and light walking shoes.
3. Orthofeet Asheville Men’s Comfort Arthritis Diabetic Orthotic Brown Leather Slippers
- GUARANTEED COMFORT! Try Orthofeet slippers RISK FREE and see for yourself why Orthofeet is regarded by millions as the MOST COMFORTABLE arch support slippers. Walk COMFORTABLY and PAIN FREE or your MONEY BACK. FREE shipping and returns.
- PLANTAR FASCIITIS? FOOT PAIN? KNEE PAIN? FLAT FEET? Orthofeet orthotic slippers offer the ULTIMATE FOOTWEAR SOLUTION. Premium ORTHOTIC INSOLES with adjustable ARCH BOOSTER and multiple CUSHIONING layers provide soft, PILLOW-LIKE SUPPORT that works wonders to enhance COMFORT and help EASE PAIN on the FOOT and HEEL, all the way up your KNEES, HIPS and LOWER BACK.
- EXCELLENT STABILITY, EASE OF WALKING & PERFECT FIT - Lightweight ERGONOMIC SOLES with a mild Rocker design and SUPERIOR CUSHIONING enhance STABILITY, improve the EASE OF WALKING, and add spring to your step. Variety of widths along with two fitting spacers offer a PERFECT FIT.
- SENSITIVE FEET? DIABETES? ARTHRITIS? NEUROPATHY? TIRED FEET? Non-binding, flexible uppers with extra foam padding and SEAM-FREE fabric interior ease pressure on the foot and provide SUPERIOR COMFORT and protection for sensitive feet. WIDE TOE-BOX offers extra room for toe movement and helps alleviate pressure on bunions and hammertoes.
- BUNIONS? HAMMERTOES? MORTON’S NEUROMA? SWOLLEN FEET? A wide & roomy TOE BOX along with an EXTRA DEPTH design offer a comfortable, non-binding fit and ease pressure on bunions, hammertoes, Morton’s Neuroma & swollen feet. ORTHOTIC FRIENDLY: Removable insoles (¼” thick in the forefoot area) provides ample space for custom made orthotics.
Looking for the perfect slippers to use at home can be tricky especially if you’re suffering from various foot problems cause by diabetes. The slippers need to satisfy a few criteria. They need to be easy to slip on, easy to walk on, and highly comfortable. The Orthofeet Asheville Men’s Leather Slippers satisfy all of these. These slip-ons have no extra fuss that complicates things. You can easily slip your feet in them even in a dark room, so if you tend to wake up in the middle of the night thirsty or needing to go to the comfort room, these slippers are perfect for you.
Orthotic Insole
Their contoured orthotic insole will also make walking very comfortable, but if you have your own orthotics, you can just remove these and insert your own. The sole is also lightweight, so it softens your steps and does not drag your feet along. They also have a wide toe box, addressing your needs if you have diabetes neuropathy and other foot conditions like hammertoes or bunions. The inner linings are also padded with foam. If you have neuropathy and can’t bear the pressure that comes with regular slippers, these Orthofeet slippers will solve this problem for you.
Adjustable Strap for Custom Width
As for size, these slippers come with an adjustable strap that allows for easy width expansion, so these will be great even if you have wide feet. These slippers also work for men with high insteps and arch. Some customers advice to order a half size smaller.
Sheepskin Fabric
The most common concern among users of these slippers is they feel a bit hot compared to other slippers like those made with sheepskin, so you might need to take these off every once in a while to keep your feet from perspiring too much. Sweat build-up can foster bacteria and odor which you definitely do not want. This warmth can be ideal for winter seasons or if you live in a cold area.
Perfect for: Diabetic men looking for comfortable house slippers for cold weather.
4. Foamtreads Men’s Physician Slipper
- Swollen feet are no longer an issue when the Foamtreads Physician takes care of you.
- Genuine wool uppers will keep your feet nice and warm on cool evenings.
- Hook-and-loop closures at the instep and at the heel allow a customized fit.
- Generous heel-to-toe padding provides lasting cushioning and shock absorption.
- 100% rubber outsole is non-marking to keep from destroying your wooden floors.
Foamtreads’ men slippers are another great diabetic house shoes that will keep your feet warm during cold weathers. These slippers are closed and come with hook-and-loop straps at the instep and heel which allow you to customize the size. Because the size is customizable, you can fit these on even if you have wide or narrow feet. The interior padding provides shock absorption and cushioning, which is why many customers feel superior comfort while wearing these slippers. The 100% rubber outsole is also non-marking, making them perfect if you have wooden floors.
Wide Toe Box and Added Comfort
These slippers also come with extra wide toe box, so you can have enough room to move your toes around. They tend to run on the large size, so we advise that you purchase one-half to one size smaller. The materials used in these slippers are also bacteria-fighting so that you can have added protection from sores and irritations due to bacteria accumulation. They also have great traction, so even seniors will be safe in using them. They’re also very easy to slip on, making them a great pair of house slippers for wheelchair-bound men. They are not too warm as well, so you won’t have to worry about excessive sweating. However, if you live in warm areas and find these slippers too hot, just take them off every once in a while to let your feet breathe.
Soft Upper for Added Comfort
These shoes have soft uppers, so they’re not ideal when you need to protect your feet in case something hard falls on it during house repairs or other activities. As for maintenance, you need to hand wash these slippers with mild soap and air dry. Machine washing them is not advisable as this may ruin various parts of the slippers and reduce its quality faster.
Perfect for: Diabetic men looking for comfortable, closed house slippers and are great for wide and narrow feet.
5. Propet Men’s Cush ‘n Foot Slip-On
- Medicare/HCPCS code A5500 diabetic shoe
Propet consistently rolls out great diabetic shoes for men that give superior protection for men, and Men’s Cush ‘n Foot Slip-On is one of them. These slip-ons come with 1.25” heels, 0.75” platform, and removable insoles. The extra depth will allow you to insert custom orthotics. The polyurethane outsole gives excellent traction, making it safe to use on wet and dry surfaces both at home or outdoors. So you can use these slip-ons while walking around the house, the garden, and even while doing grocery shopping. These slip-ons also come with an extra-depth-large hook and loop strap that allows for maximum supportive feel, so your feet won’t slide off the shoes.
Wide Sizes Available
These shoes are available in wide sizes, so whether you’ve got narrow or wide feet, you can find a pair that fits. A note from us though is to order one-half to one size bigger as these shoes tend to be smaller than the actual size. Also, if you have swollen feet, the general advice is to get one size larger than your true size to accommodate for any current and future changes.
Perfect for Keeping Your Feet Warm
Many customers also comment on how warm these slippers are, so they’re perfect for cold nights and if you live in cold weathers. This is also perfect if you have arthritis and swollen feet that get worse when it’s cold. If you have existing wounds from a recent operation or any diabetes-related foot complications, these shoes can definitely protect your feet and keep them safe from further pain. So you can use these as heal shoes after a recent operation as some customers already do.
Easy Slip On Function
Since these shoes are easy to slip on, they’re perfect for seniors or people with back problems who find it troublesome to have to bend over when putting on shoes. These shoes also feel like felted fabric and can be machine washed. Don’t use strong detergents, though!
Perfect for: Diabetic men and men with other feet conditions looking for secured slippers with a great traction and available in narrow and wide sizes.
Foot Issues Caused by Diabetes
Diabetes causes a host of foot complications including neuropathy, calluses, ulcers, skin changes, and poor circulation. These complications are extremely painful at times, so preventing, recognizing, and treating them is crucial to keep them from advancing to more severe cases.
Neuropathy
You think legos are painful? Try neuropathy.
Neuropathy lessens your ability to feel any sensations in your feet including heat, pain, and cold. Diabetes leads to poor blood circulation which can then damage the nerves in your feet. The resulting condition is called neuropathy.
When your foot's nerves fail to function properly, this results in numb toes, so you won’t immediately notice if you cut or injure your foot. We all know the dangers of having untreated wounds and cuts for diabetic people. Untreated wounds can quickly escalate to severe infections. Neuropathy can also cause swelling and change the shape of your feet and toes, which is often uncomfortable and inconvenient when it comes to looking for shoes that can perfectly fit on you.
Calluses
Calluses can develop in high-pressure areas in the feet of even non-diabetic people, but they develop faster among diabetes patients. These calluses form due to frequent friction, most commonly at the edges of our smallest and biggest toes and even at the ball of our feet. Untreated calluses can get very thick and turn into ulcers or open sores.
Foot Ulcers
Foot ulcers often form on the bottom of the big toe or on the ball of the foot. Some poorly fitting shoes can also cause the development of ulcers on the sides of the feet.
Are ulcers serious? Yes, they should be treated seriously as with anything that forms on your feet. Your healthcare provider should immediately see and treat foot ulcers to avoid serious infections and even amputation. Foot ulcers are often treated with antibiotics and a more proper fitting pair of shoes that will not cause foot ulcerations.
Skin Changes
Diabetes can often change the skin condition of your foot. If you had well-moisturized feet before having diabetes, you may find that your feet are now often dry and often peel and crack. This is caused by the non-functioning feet nerves that are supposed to control the oil and moisture of your feet. Extremely dry skin is more prone to chapping, cracking, and blistering.
Poor Circulation
Diabetes can also cause blood vessels in our feet to harden and narrow, making it hard for blood to efficiently flow. Poor blood flow in our feet can make them less capable of fighting infection and healing quickly in case of wounds or cuts. To combat this, exercise regularly. This will stimulate blood flow in legs and feet. You should also use comfortable shoes with soft materials at all times to keep you from tiring out easily and developing blisters and sores.
With diabetes, the importance of keeping your feet and even your whole body safe from any blisters, rashes, wounds, and cuts increases. Often, regular shoes can make things worse. Regular shoes can be too tight, too loose, or made of abrasive materials that will hurt your skin after an extended period of use. Diabetes patients should stay away from these shoes.
This is where diabetic shoes come in.
Diabetic Shoes: What are They?
Diabetic shoes are footwear especially made with diabetes patients’ special needs in mind. These shoes have different specifications and features that make them safer to use for diabetic patients. Unlike regular shoes, diabetic shoes use soft materials and have padded, cushioned interiors and linings to avoid abrasion on patients’ skin. These shoes also have a higher and wider toe box which keeps your toes from rubbing against each other and developing blisters and hot spots in the process.
Diabetic shoes also have good air circulation that is made possible by fabric or sandal-style uppers. Sufficient air circulation is needed to avoid over-sweating which may cause sores and irritation. It also allows the skin to properly breathe.
To make room for orthotics or inserts that cushion the heel, support arches, or correct uneven stride, diabetic shoes are also usually deeper than regular ones. These inserts can work wonders in correcting your posture and making walking more comfortable. The inserts will also lessen pressure on your feet, protecting it from developing calluses and foot ulcers in the process.
Diabetic shoes can give the proper care your feet need to keep them healthy and safe from infections. These shoes are made especially for those who have diabetes, so many doctors actually encourage using diabetic shoes.
Different Types of Diabetic Shoes
Depending on your needs, your doctor may suggest the following types of shoes for diabetes
1. Healing Shoes
Healing shoes are used when you are recovering from a foot surgery or foot sores and can either be open or closed-toe sandals. Closed-toe healing shoes for diabetes are generally more preferred because they provide better protection for your feet.
2. In-depth Shoes
In-depth shoes are diabetic shoes that are 1/4 to 1/2 deeper than the regular shoes. This additional space makes room for inserts. It will also accommodate foot changes like hammertoes or calluses.
3. Custom-made Shoes
To ensure that you’ll have a perfect-fitting diabetic shoe, you can have a custom-made pair of diabetic shoes that will be created from the mold or pattern of your foot. This is particularly useful if your foot has a form of deformity. As with most custom-made products, these shoes would be pricier than commercially available shoes.
Diabetic shoes are assessed by Medicare using certain guidelines that help determine the quality of the shoes. So diabetic shoes that are Medicare-certified are guaranteed high-quality and effective in giving relief to diabetic patients. However, there are also other therapeutic shoes that are not labeled as diabetic shoes but still work wonders for these patients nevertheless. Since these shoes provide as much comfort as diabetic shoes, many diabetic patients also consider them when shopping for the best pair of shoes for diabetes.
Foot Complications that a Diabetic Shoe Will Address
Diabetic shoes can prevent blisters and cuts due to neuropathy. It can also prevent calluses or the escalation of calluses to foot ulcers. It will also provide better air circulation for your skin to properly breathe in, offsetting or helping you manage adverse impacts of skin dryness caused by diabetes.
Comfortable shoes that will not trouble you in any way and will give your feet enough space to breathe are keys to keeping your feet healthy despite your diabetes. Regular shoes often have rough materials and are lacking in overall arc support, causing you more body pains in the process.
Aside from these diabetes-related foot conditions, diabetic shoes are also used by people with arthritis, hammertoes, bunions, Lymphedema, swollen feet – basically, conditions that require extra toe room and extra width. So if you have these conditions as well, you will hit several birds at once if you get yourself a good pair of diabetic shoes.
Top 5 Things to Look for in Diabetic Shoes
Diabetic shoes are a major investment that you will make for your health and well-being. Just like how you’ve carefully chosen your diabetes healthcare provider, it’s also important to carefully choose the shoes that you will trust your feet with.
Here Are the Top 5 Things You Need to Look for When Choosing Which Diabetic Shoes to Buy
1. Comfort
The number one concern is your comfort. The diabetic shoes should be able to address your primary needs as a diabetic patient which include but are not limited to numb toes and skin sensitivity. To make sure that the shoes you’re getting pass the standard for diabetic shoes, ask your doctor for a list of recommended qualities of diabetic shoes and use that to assess the various choices available on the market. You can also ask some patients (either offline or online) about their experiences with various diabetic shoes.
2. Durability
You are making an investment, so you want the shoes that will last a long time. Look for customer reviews about how long the particular shoes you’re eyeing have lasted for them. Ideally, the shoes should last a minimum of 2 years. Although the durability of a product also depends on how well you care for it, it also highly depends on the process and materials used to manufacture the products. Choose diabetic shoes from providers who are known to have an outstanding commitment to quality.
3. Materials
The materials used in diabetic shoes are often different from regular shoes primarily because those used in regular shoes often cause chafing or skin blistering. New shoes, in particular, cause sores in the heels because of the tightness and rigidity of the brand new materials. Diabetic shoes should not give you these problems. From the moment you first wear them to the moment you take them off, your feet should not feel pain in any way. If they do, stop using the shoes immediately. There should be sufficient pads and foams around the edges to keep your skin safe from rubbing.
4. Accommodates Orthotics
Your diabetic shoes should be able to accommodate your orthotics. This is ideal because you may have gotten used to using your orthotics, and using the ones that come in some diabetic shoes may make you feel uncomfortable. This is especially important if you have a custom-made orthotic that you need to wear at all times.
5. Toe Room
You also need to make sure that the diabetic shoes have sufficient toe room where you can spread out your toes more freely than in a regular, crowded shoe. This is important to keep your toes from rubbing and developing sores.
Tips for Getting the Best Diabetic Shoes for You
1. Don't Sacrifice Quality over Affordability
A common mistake that diabetic patients or the families of diabetic patients do is to buy cheaper diabetic shoes only to find that these do not hold up to their promises. Buying cheap does not always mean saving money. When it comes to diabetic shoes, if you’re sure that they have the top 5 things discussed above and the price is higher than what you expected, don’t try to shortchange yourself. Buy it and be amazed at its results.
2. Buy from Trusted Distributors
It goes without saying that you should only buy from trusted and well-established distributors of diabetic shoes. This will give you added money protection and also give you a concrete way of getting a hold of who needs to be contacted in case of purchase errors. You can also get shop warranties and other help regarding the product. For example, if you ordered the wrong size or found that the shoes run small or big, you can easily return the products by shipping if you order from trusted distributors.
3. Research, and Then Research Some More
The best place to get started in searching for the best diabetic shoes is your family, friends, and healthcare providers. Ask them for any recommendations, then seek the help of Google in researching about the recommended shoes. Your fellow diabetic patients can also be a terrific resource since they know firsthand what a diabetic person needs in a shoe. You can find them in local support groups or online forums.
4. Don’t Give Up
Spotting the perfect diabetic shoes will take a lot of trial and error for some. If it does for you, don’t give up. Keep looking for the best shoes for your needs and preferences because the perfect pair for you are most certainly out there. Keep researching and reading customer reviews from real people, decide which advice to trust, and go ahead and add those shoes to your cart. Don’t think that you’re wasting money; again, high-quality diabetic shoes are a necessity to avoid serious foot injuries.
So What are you Waiting For?
If you’ve had feet problems with regular shoes that seem to bring you more pain than protection and if you are tired of ill-fitting standard shoes that make your feet ache after just a couple of hours of use, then it’s time to get yourself a good, reliable pair of diabetic shoes.
You need diabetic shoes that will protect your feet and keep you away from any serious feet injuries.
Diabetic shoes that will be worth your time and money.
If you’re ready to start looking for the best diabetic shoes for you, you have come to the right place. Here, we will give you the most comprehensive review of diabetic shoes currently available on the market. We use real-life reviews and comments from real people with firsthand experiences in using these shoes, so you’ll get quality feedback to help you decide which diabetic shoes to go with.
Conclusion
If you've made it all the way to the end of the page... then kudos to you for having had the patience. It certainly took me long enough to create this compilation of shoes. I'm happy somebody has taken the time to read it.
