The 6 Best Shoes Podiatrists Recommend for People With Diabetes | Livestrong.com (2024)

FAQs

What footwear should type 2 diabetes wear? ›

Look for shoes that don't have pointed toes. Instead, choose ones with a spacious "toe box," so your toes have plenty of wiggle room. That way they won't be crushed together. You'll have less chance of corns, calluses, and blisters that can turn into ulcers.

“Hoka is known for its exceptional cushioning and shock absorption due to its midsole design,” says Roach. “This can be beneficial to a person with foot complications from diabetes.

In-depth shoes.

It is generally an oxford-type or athletic shoe with an additional 1/4- to 1/2-inch of depth throughout the shoe, allowing extra volume to accommodate any needed inserts or orthoses, as well as deformities commonly associated with a diabetic foot.

Part B (Medical Insurance)

covers the furnishing and fitting of either of these each calendar year, if you have diabetes and severe diabetes-related foot disease: One pair of custom-molded shoes and inserts. One pair of extra-depth shoes.

"Athletic, stable sneakers with semi-rigid soles would be the most comfortable," podiatrist Dr. Asim Sayed says. Board-certified podiatric foot surgeon Dr. Suzanne Levine also suggests looking for styles that are "soft and shock-absorbent with good ankle support."

Though both brands are liked and recommended by podiatrists, only Hoka has the APMA Seal of Approval—and it's a better choice if you're looking for a rocker bottom shoe with maximum cushioning.

Hoka Bondi 8

Reviewers love them, too: “I'm a nurse and a diabetic with neuropathy in my feet and lower legs, and this shoe is a godsend,” one Zappos shopper wrote. “Very comfortable and supportive... Well worth the investment.”

Most patients with diabetes qualify for footwear and inserts under the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Bill. Medicare covers patients for one pair of shoes and three inserts per year.

Wear socks without seams. Avoid tight-fitting socks and garters. Wear socks in bed if your feet are cold at night. Do not use a hot water bottle or heating pad on your feet.

Should diabetics wear closed toe shoes? ›

The international guidelines consider footwear “appropriate” for people with diabetes if it is closed, is sufficiently long and wide, has a thick sole with a soft insole and hard outer sole, effectively distributes pressure on the bottoms of the feet, and contains no seams or other protruding features inside.

Diabetic Shoes are considered durable medical equipment (DME) and require a prescription from your provider. You can call your insurance provider and ask about your benefits for diabetic shoes. Alternatively, our patient care coordinator Beata can help you out with a complimentary benefits check.

When choosing a pair of shoes, always ensure that the shoes are appropriate with supportive features and are of good fit. Footwear should ideally have removable insoles and sufficient depth to allow insertion of orthoses, if required.

Patients are encouraged to wear crocs after surgery especially when the feet have swollen. Diabetic patients are also encouraged to wear crocs during summer because they are more comfortable compared to diabetic shoes. These kinds of shoes are also cooler to wear in a warm environment.

The Skechers Ultra Flex 3.0 Smooth Step sneakers come in a laceless, slip-on design, which makes them easy for those with balance issues—as well as those with neuropathy in their hands—to slip on and off quickly.