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

FAQs

What type of shoe material is best for people who have diabetes? ›

Leather, canvas, and canvas-like materials are the most common options for diabetic shoes. These are breathable and flexible enough to accommodate swollen feet, which is especially important for people with diabetes. Many people prefer leather shoes because they're durable and long-lasting.

The diabetic shoes and custom-molded inserts work together as a preventive system to help diabetics avoid foot injuries and improve mobility. The evidence for special footwear to treat diabetic foot ulcers is poor but their effectiveness for prevention is well-established.

Medicare pays only for therapeutic footwear from Medicare-approved suppliers, reimbursing 80% of the cost either to the patient or after the Part B deductible is met. The patient is responsible for the other 20% -- or more if the supplier does not "accept assignment" from Medicare.

Wash your feet daily and dry well between the toes. Use methylated spirits if there is a lot of moisture between your toes. Moisturise dry skin, especially cracked heels (for example, with sorbolene cream) but not between the toes.

Whether it's the responsive cushioning of the Ultra Go technology, the podiatrist-certified arch support of the Arch Fit Insole System, or the fashionable designs of the BOBS Plush collection, Skechers has become a go-to choice for those seeking diabetic footwear.

Look For Lots of Cushioning

People with diabetes need to wear shoes that provide a lot of cushioning and comfort to help prevent diabetic foot complications. Select footwear that offers plenty of heel and arch support and cushions the ball of the foot, the padded part of the sole between the toes and the arch.

Why We Recommend It. New Balance is known for its superior cushioning and support, and the Fresh Foam 1080 v12 offers just that. With an innovative foam midsole (hence the name), the shoe conforms to your foot to offer the perfect amount of support based on your foot shape and arch height.

They are also known as therapeutic shoes, extra-depth shoes and orthopedic shoes. These specialty shoes have specific features that ordinary footwear does not provide.

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.

Diabetic shoe provides a spacious toe-box to offer extra room for the toes—especially important when considering deformities such as bunions or hammertoes. They also often have extra depth to accommodate custom orthotic inserts, providing even greater support and distribution of weight away from pressure points.

Should diabetics walk barefoot? ›

Diabetics who struggle to control their A1C tend to have more foot issues because consistently high blood sugar contributes to nerve damage and other health problems. That's one reason why we strongly recommend that diabetic patients wear socks and shoes as often as possible.

The doctor who treats your diabetes must certify your need for therapeutic shoes or inserts. A podiatrist (foot doctor) or other qualified doctor must prescribe the shoes or inserts, and you must get the shoes or inserts from one of these: A podiatrist. An orthotist.

Will Medicare pay for podiatry services? Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers podiatrist foot exams or treatment if: You have diabetes-related nerve damage. You need medically necessary treatment for foot injuries or diseases.

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.

Choosing the right brand of shoes can be crucial for alleviating discomfort in neuropathy sufferers. “Brands such as New Balance, Orthofeet, Propet, Hoka and Skechers are highly recommended for their supportive and cushioned footwear tailored to foot conditions like neuropathy,” says Usman.

Diabetic shoe provides a spacious toe-box to offer extra room for the toes—especially important when considering deformities such as bunions or hammertoes. They also often have extra depth to accommodate custom orthotic inserts, providing even greater support and distribution of weight away from pressure points.