Individuals diagnosed with diabetes are usually more disposed to foot conditions.
It can cause nerve damage that will affect an individual’s ability to know when their feet are injured impulsively.
Not only do you have to carry sore feet around without knowing, subsequently, it also elevates the risks of ulcers and severe wounds on the feet. This often leads to amputation if it gets serious.
Furthermore, individuals with diabetes receive less oxygen and blood in the feet and affect the body’s ability to heal.
Recovering from a minor skin irritation can, therefore, take a lot of time, which may be nothing compared to the swelling or edema that comes with diabetic feet.
Fortunately, you can avoid many such diabetes-linked foot conditions if you always put on a good pair of shoes for diabetics.
We have compiled a list of the best diabetic shoes to help you make a perfect choice.
Best Shoes for Diabetics
1. Orthofeet Foot Pain Relief Arch Support Diabetic Shoe
Orthofeet Verve is undoubtedly one of the best shoes for women with diabetes. Its versatility, comfort, and the perfect fit it delivers should be a pleasure for you.
The design is outstanding and will complement most of your casual outfits. It is available in two different colors; turquoise and fuchsia and looks just like the regular sneakers.
The shoe is breathable and features a well-cushioned footbed that keeps your feet dry, fresh, and very comfortable. The Orthofeet Verve delivers superb arc support and is perfect for all-around walking comfort.
The soft, breathable interior linings, prevent the feet from becoming overly sweaty or smelly.
Thanks to its massive toe room, your toes will have enough room to spread in its natural state and with no restrictions.
You’ll also appreciate its lightweight synthetic sole, which enhances the shoe’s comfort.
Another welcome feature is the ergonomic stride design, which maximizes stability and ensures proper foot motion.
Pros
- Delivers superb arch support
- Lightweight and comfortable for everyday wear
- Stylish and outstanding design
- Wide toe box and extra depth design eliminates toe pain
- Velcro straps ensure a perfect fit
- Seam-free interior lining
Cons
- The toe box was narrow for some
- Sizing issues–most people go for at least one size up
- Inflexible and hard for some wearers
If you’re on the market for a supportive and comfortable pair of diabetic shoes that don’t sacrifice beauty and style but guarantees maximum support as you go about your exercises, then look no further than the Orthofeet Verve.
2. Dr. Comfort Performance-X Men’s Therapeutic Diabetic Shoe
Dr. Comfort Performance shoe is both stylish and lightweight and offers support and comfort to the individual with diabetes.
This sophisticated shoe was made from an ingenious blend of leather and mesh and featured a seamless and padded lining that provides all-day comfort to the wearer.
It features a comfortable footbed with an ultra-padded heel collar. Dr. Comfort Performance shoe is specially designed to offer top-notch stability and support while providing the best foot cushioning for your diabetic feet.
It also features a traditional lace-up closure for a precise, secure, and comfortable fit.
Another great feature you’ll appreciate is that the shoe is wide and deep enough to allow your toes and feet to move freely.
Without a doubt, the Dr. Comfort Performance walking shoe provides quality stability, extra cushioning, and ensures a perfect fit.
Pros
- Lightweight, breathable and Comfy
- Elastic lace closure for a customized and perfect fit
- Extra-depth allows for toe movement
- Top-notch stability and support
- Thick, durable, and shock-absorbing outsole
- Provides good traction
Cons
- Size tends to run smaller; many customers recommend ordering half a size up
If you’re looking for a diabetic shoe for men with a trendy athletic look that will accommodate neuropathy, bunions, and corns/calluses while ensuring all-day comfort, this pair is the perfect pair buy.
3. Propét Men’s LifeWalker Strap Walking Shoe
The Propet Life Walker offers unrivaled levels of comfort to men with diabetes.
This Medicare-approved footwear is ideal for providing superb support to the ankles The Rocker feature propels the wearer forward without tension or foot stress.
The breathable, durable, and perforated leather upper effectively promotes air circulation in your feet. The shoe’s quality interior padding protects your feet from impact while the lightweight rubber-treaded sole provides quality shock absorption and ensures traction over multiple surfaces.
The adjustable straps make it extremely convenient to put on and take off the footwear while the firm heel counter provides just the right quantity of flexibility to experience a stress-free day.
The shoes’ midsole provides additional arch support and is also recommended for wide feet.
This sturdy shoe for diabetics will make your stride easier and ensure that you feel good with every step.
It comes in three different color varieties: white, sport, white and black.
Pros
- Medicare-approved
- Breathable, durable and perforated leather upper
- Padded collar and tongue
- Provides quality shock absorption
- Ensures traction over multiple surfaces
- Removable Insole
- Adjustable Straps for Easy On Easy Off
- Provides superb arc-support
- Affordable
Cons
- Not the most Lightweight
If you’re on a budget and you’re looking for a good diabetics shoes with a spacious interior, then the Propet Life Walker is your best bet. The shoe is perfect for an avid walker; it ensures maximum protection for your active lifestyle.
4. New Balance Women’s WW411v2 Walking Shoe
The New Balance WW411v2 Walking Shoe is perfect for a work environment and will provide your diabetic foot with the all-round support you need for all-day standing.
It’s perforated and breathable leather upper ensures that good airflow circulation in your feet. The cushioned footbed and padded collar provide maximum comfort.
The midsole provides superb shock absorption while the deep toe box with its wider forefoot guarantees the comfort you need for walking or standing all day.
The lace-up closure provides a snug and secure fit. The removable EVA insole paves the way for custom orthotic inserts if necessary.
The sole is both flexible and comfortable, while the non-marking rubber outsole provides superb traction for a great walking experience.
Pros
- The cushioned footbed and padded collar allow maximum comfort
- Removable insole paves the way for custom inserts
- Provides superb traction
- Fit as expected
- Perforated and breathable leather upper ensure airflow circulation
- Exceptional arch support and padding
Cons
- Heavy, Hard and inflexible and for some wearers
- May cause blisters for some
- Narrow toe box for some
If you spend most of your days on your feet either standing or walking all day and you’re looking to save some cash on a diabetes-friendly sneaker without sacrificing quality, then New Balance WW411v2 Walking Shoe is the right pick for you.
Its high flexibility, excellent traction, and enhanced comfort make this one of the best walking shoes for your diabetic feet.
5. Propet Women’s Cronus Comfort Sneaker
Propet’s Cronus Stretchable Shoe remarkably adjusts in various places giving your feet a comfortable fit even when swollen.
This sneaker provides maximum comfort for those recovering from surgery and is one of the best choices for a diabetic foot or other foot challenges that require special shoes.
Its soft neoprene upper and lining stretches as you walk while creating a breathable and well-ventilated snug fit.
The adjustable hook-and-loop straps ensure a supportive and customized fit and easy to put on and remove. The flexible rubber outsole provides ultimate flexibility, cushioning, excellent grip, and traction to protect you from falling or slipping.
The Propet’s Cronus is 100% neoprene and allows proper air circulation in your feet for the best walking experience.
Pros
- Adjustable strap ensures a supportive and customized fit
- Comfortable and comfortable neoprene material
- Provide unrivaled comfort levels
- Hook and loop closure for easy slip on and off
- Enough toe room to breathe
- Comfy and lightweight
- Flexible and durable
- Medicare Approved!
Cons
- Offers minimal arch support; consider custom insoles
- The sole lacks adequate traction
If you have diabetics and look for a comfy indoor pair to protect your sensitive and swollen foot from further foot conditions and deliver the best walking experience, look no further, this is the best shoe for you.
6. Hush Puppies Men’s Gil Slip-On Shoe
Keep your movement light, longer and easier when you wear a pair of Hush Puppies Gil’s.
Made of 100% quality leather uppers that ensure durability and comfort, this moccasin styled Hush Men’s footwear is outstandingly lightweight and comfortable.
With its Velcro hook and loop closure, the Hush puppies gill is comfortable to wear and easy to remove; it makes you forget all the hassle of loose straps and looking for an unoccupied bench to tie your shoes on.
The footbed features EVA foam that absorbs shock and creates a comfortable in-shoe feel. In addition, the insoles are lightweight and removable, which paves the way for your custom orthotic insert.
It is lightweight and allows you to walk around for long hours as one of the best shoes for diabetics. It also provides superb shock absorption while evenly distributing the pressure from your heavy foot striking, so you don’t feel the impact.
The loafer can be worn with your casual wear or even a pair of suits.
Hush Puppies are famous for the superior comfort and design they offer, and these pair of loafers is a perfect example.
Pros
- Exceptionally Lightweight
- Soft, breathable sock lining and mesh lining
- Everyday Comfort
- Provides superb support
- Adjustable; Easy wear and remove
- Comfortable Full-grain leather uppers
- Classic and stylish design
- Comfortable, Lightweight and removable insoles
- Durable and shock-absorbing outsole
Cons
- Stiff Upper
If you’d prefer a pair of loafers to athletic footwear, this moccasin-styled Hush Men’s shoe is the right fit for you. It is outstandingly, lightweight, and comfortable. It will also keep your movement light, longer, and more comfortable when you wear them.
7. Skechers Performance Women’s Go Walk 4
The Skechers Performance Go Walk is immensely flexible and can accommodate your swollen foot.
This diabetic footwear is the ultimate in performance and comfort for people who have diabetes.
It provides a natural stride that aptly offers superb traction for myriad types of surfaces. The 1.5-inch heel and rubber sole keeps the foot well-protected.
The rubber sole features three layers of protection to resist any weather or surface and a memory foam cushion that absorbs all the shock for your diabetic foot. The slip-on construction of this footwear features a Resalyte cushioning that makes the shoe more comfortable.
The Skechers Performance Go Walk is a casual everyday shoe and a well-supportive walking shoe, you can never go wrong with this pair.
Pros
- Exceptionally lightweight and breathable
- Very affordable
- Well ventilated synthetic mesh upper
- Very comfortable cushioning
- Midsole ensures comfort and support
- Suitable for long walking sessions
- Outsole evenly distributes weight and energy
Cons
- Outsole lacks proper traction on smooth and slippery surfaces
- Not built for running
- Not true to size; runs a half size smaller
If you’re looking for a reliable pair of walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, the Skechers GOwalk is an excellent choice at an affordable price. Walking shoes of Skechers include a wide toe box for providing more space so that you can wear them for an extended period without hurting your feet.
However, if you’re interested in cross-training or serious running, you should keep looking because these shoes may not be the right fit for you.
Things Should You Consider Before Buying Shoes for Diabetics:
Material
The material of a diabetic shoe can allow extra moisture, which can cause skin breakdown and other debilitating conditions if you have diabetes.
The few accessible materials you would encounter include; Perforated leather, Soft Synthetic Leather suede, canvas, Flexible Soft Mesh, and other Textiles with some stretch.
However, the best shoe for your diabetic feet will be made out of a flexible and soft upper – mesh, canvas, or soft synthetic/Perforated leather that allows proper movement and keeps your feet cool and dry.
Leather is okay, but avoid stiff leather; it will take time to break in.
Dry feet are less vulnerable to blisters, sores, and bacterial or fungal growth.
The bottom line is; the best materials for this shoe are comfortable, flexible, soft, and breathable.
Most professionals recommend ordering your size in 1 or ½ size up for more breathing room.
Comfort
Comfort is paramount for any shoe that is worth wearing.
For a diabetic patient, it is an essential prerequisite.
The ideal diabetic pair of shoes should be able to cater to your several needs, including numb toes and skin sensitivity.
Every other person can wear their shoe for about four or five times to break it in but not diabetic patients; they cannot afford the luxury of breaking in their shoes.
The feet of diabetic patients lack the sensitivity to realize that their shoe is too tight until the blisters gradually start to appear.
A comfortable pair for diabetic feet should have an overall good fit right from the beginning.
The design, sizing, and material of the shoe also contribute to its comfort level.
The bottom line is; the right pair of shoes for diabetic feet will provide ample room for movement and comfort.
A quick reminder; if your shoes are too tight, some excellent shoe stretchers may give you the extra space you need.
Outsole
A shoe for a diabetic individual should feature a stretchable design that takes the shape of the feet and gets rid of hammertoes, pressure points, and bunions. It also protects its foot from the impact to the ground.
For the best diabetic shoe, a resilient and flexible outsole that provides effective and superb shock absorption would be paramount.
Toe Box
If you have diabetics, never buy a pair with a narrow toe box. Your condition could worsen if you allow your toes to get cramped.
The options in the list above have a deeper and wider toe box to enable more breathing room for natural movement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We will try to answer some of the frequently asked questions by other buyers who have or are currently going through the process of finding the right shoe.
Q: Do I need a Doctors’s shoe prescription to buy the appropriate diabetic shoes?
A: Diabetic shoes are usually worn as a protective measure by individuals who already know their medical challenges. Since the shoes are purchased to prevent associated symptoms and risks, most times, a prescription from a doctor is not required. Click here for our guide for the doctor’s shoes.
However, the primary symptoms related to your condition should be kept in mind when purchasing diabetic shoes.
If your therapeutic doctor does, however, prescribe a specific pair of shoes for diabetes, then it is likely you will need the prescription.
Q: Are all good quality diabetic shoes and sneakers made from leather?
A: Although lots of good diabetic shoes are made with leather, that does not mean that they are the only perfect material appropriate for diabetic feet.
Any material that is comfortable, flexible, soft, and breathable will work well. In addition, your diabetic shoe should offer support and superb stability.
Q. What other foot conditions does a shoe for diabetic feet help to alleviate?
A: Shoes for diabetic feet are incredibly spacious and comfortable. Hence, it does also work for individuals with plantar fasciitis, pronation, back pain, bad knees, bunions, and heel spurs.
Q: When is the right time to replace my diabetic-friendly shoes?
A: Replacing your shoes more often can help fight the symptoms and conditions associated with diabetes.
You should replace your shoes when the mid-portion wears down, or the inner lining tears or the heel begins to give way on one side or both. Any pinching, rubbing or discomfort from your shoes may be a good indication to hit the market for a new pair.
Q. Must the shoes be wider?
A: It is always safe to go with the wider pairs. Narrow shoes are a NO! They will cramp your toes up; it is a horrible experience for those with diabetic feet.
Shoes with a wide toe box guarantee more space for movement.
Q: How do I choose the perfect shoe size for my diabetic feet?
A: You need to understand that your need shoes should accommodate swelling and shouldn’t rub or pinch your feet.
Firstly, if you are not sure of your foot length, you can trace it; then, compare it to the makers’ size chart.
However, don’t measure your feet in the morning; your feet may not be well swollen, and if you use that measurement, it may become too tight.
You want to avoid breaking in your shoes, so measure your feet in the evening; they tend to be well swollen at that time and will give you a precise measurement to ensure a perfect fit.
To find the perfect footwear length, most professionals recommend fitting your finger behind your heel at the back of the shoe to ensure that it leaves enough room for movement.
Conclusion
One of the few prevalent life-altering conditions anyone can experience is diabetes, but don’t be discouraged, you can still maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
Hit the gym, get out for walks, and run; there are also low-carb options available in supermarkets and stores. It will help to improve your energy and keep you active.
You can also start swimming; it is a great cardiovascular workout and has no impact on the body. It will keep your pain and any swelling you may have at a minimum.
You already know that the best shoe for your diabetic feet will be made out of a flexible and soft upper – mesh, canvas, or soft leather that allows proper movement, provide superb arch support, and keeps your feet cool and dry.
If you have diabetes or other foot-related conditions and you’re looking to alleviate your pain. You can buy any one of the above-listed shoes for smooth running, standing and walking all day without worrying about injuries or unnoticed discomfort.
People without diabetes but want the perfect shoes to soothe their feet can also gain from this list as long as your choice provides unparalleled comfort.
Diabetes doesn’t have to damper your stride! Do what you have to do, but don’t give in to diabetes!
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