Reviewed by: Mallory Lor

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What Are the Best Shoes for Diabetic Feet?

While it might sound surprising, caring for your feet can actually have a positive impact on your overall quality of life. For people with diabetes, this is especially true—that’s because diabetes can cause issues like nerve damage in the feet, poor circulation in the feet, and changes in foot shape. What’s more, these issues can lead to other health complications, like ulcers and infections.

Fortunately, by providing enhanced comfort, support, and protection, specialized diabetic shoes can reduce these risks, helping people with diabetes live comfortable, active lives. 

But what are the best shoes for diabetic feet? 

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about diabetic footwear, including why it’s crucial for foot health, key features to look for in diabetic shoes, and tips for choosing the right pair for you.

Understanding the Needs of Diabetic Feet

Diabetic feet face several unique challenges, particularly regarding the nerves and blood vessels. These challenges can increase the risk of long-term complications, making foot care an essential aspect of diabetes management. 

Some challenges include:

  • Reduced sensation – Diabetes can damage the peripheral nerves, leading to a condition called diabetic neuropathy. This often results in reduced or complete loss of sensation in the feet. As a result, individuals may not feel cuts, blisters, or pressure points. These unnoticed injuries can worsen over time, increasing the risk of infection. 
  • Poor circulation – Diabetes can impair blood flow, particularly to the extremities like the feet. Poor circulation slows the healing process, making even minor wounds more likely to develop into serious infections or ulcers. In severe cases, the lack of blood flow can lead to tissue death and increase the risk of further complications.
  • Increased risk of injury – Due to a combination of nerve damage and poor circulation, diabetic feet are more susceptible to injury. Nerve damage can reduce sensation, making it hard to detect and heal minor wounds, while poor circulation can inhibit healing.

Luckily, diabetic footwear is designed with several key features that can prevent these issues while alleviating aches and pains. For example, extra cushioning, seamless interiors, and proper fit can address complications and offer day-to-day comfort. 

Let’s review some of the top features to look for in diabetic shoes so that you can experience their benefits for yourself.

Top Features to Look for in Diabetic Shoes

When selecting diabetic shoes, focus on features that prioritize foot health, comfort, and protection. From roomy toe boxes to breathable materials, understanding these features will ensure you make an informed choice.

Extra Depth and Roomy Toe Boxes

Extra depth and roomy toe boxes are essential components of diabetic footwear, especially for those who experience swelling or variations in foot structure. Not only does ample space offer ultimate comfort, but it also:

  • Prevents pressure on sensitive areas of the feet
  • Reduces the risk of blisters, sores, or ulcers 
  • Provides space for the toes to move freely

Additionally, the extra depth allows for easy insertion of custom orthotics, ensuring your shoes provide tailored arch support and cushioning for enhanced comfort and protection.

Seamless Interiors

Seamless interiors in diabetic shoes are crucial for individuals who may have sensitive or fragile skin. By eliminating internal stitching, seamless interiors:

  • Reduce friction and irritation
  • Minimize the risk of rubbing or chaffing 
  • Prevent irritation on sensitive spots

This thoughtful feature provides a smoother, more comfortable fit.

Enhanced Cushioning and Arch Support 

Enhanced cushioning and arch support in diabetic footwear offer superior comfort and protection for sensitive feet. What’s more, built-in support can:

  • Absorb shock
  • Reduce pressure on the feet
  • Promote correct posture and foot alignment
  • Prevent strain on the feet, ankles, and lower limbs
  • Allow for improved mobility and stability

Together, these features can help alleviate discomfort, reduce fatigue, and provide stability throughout daily activities.

Adjustable Closures

Adjustable closures in diabetic footwear provide a customizable and secure fit. By tailoring shoe fit to your exact needs, adjustability can accommodate:

  • Foot swelling
  • Changes in foot shape
  • Varying foot conditions
  • Pressure points on the foot

Through Velcro straps or laces, these closures ensure the shoe fits snugly without being too tight, reducing daily discomfort. A secure fit also prevents foot movement inside the shoe, helping to reduce friction and irritation.

Breathable Materials

Breathable materials in diabetic shoes help keep feet dry by allowing air circulation and preventing moisture buildup. Breathable fabrics can also: 

  • Regulate temperature 
  • Reduce the risk of skin irritation, sores, and infections

The Best Shoes for Diabetic Feet

How can you find shoes that prioritize these key features? 

Discover the perfect blend of style, comfort, and medical-grade support with Dr. Comfort’s wide range of diabetic footwear. Whether you’re seeking everyday shoes or shoes for a special occasion, Dr. Comfort can deliver. 

Take a look below at our top four recommendations for diabetic footwear from Dr. Comfort. 

1. Dr. Comfort Carter Casual Shoes

The Dr. Comfort Carter Casual Shoes are stylish and supportive, perfect for casual wear. 

Featuring a stretchable Lycra upper and a protective toe box, these shoes ensure a secure and accommodating fit. Made with lightweight materials and a sleek design, they also provide all-day comfort without compromising appearance. 

Whether you're running errands or enjoying a relaxed outing, this shoe effortlessly combines fashion and function.

2. Dr. Comfort Wing Dress Shoes

For a more elevated look, try The Dr. Comfort Wing Dress Shoes. These shoes are ideal for professional settings, offering comfort and elegance in every step. With their timeless wingtip design and premium leather construction, they deliver a polished look suitable for office or formal occasions. What’s more, their cushioned insoles and supportive midsoles ensure all-day comfort without sacrificing style.

The Dr. Comfort Wing Dress Shoes are a seamless blend of functionality and refinement, perfect for those who value both sophistication and foot health.

3. Dr. Comfort Performance Athletic Shoes

For those who lead more active lifestyles, the Dr. Comfort Performance Athletic Shoes provide superior cushioning and support to keep you moving comfortably. 

Designed with a lightweight construction and breathable materials, these shoes can help reduce fatigue during physical activities. They feature shock-absorbing midsoles and durable outsoles for enhanced stability and protection. 

Whether you're walking, jogging, or hitting the gym, choose the Performance Athletic Shoes for comfort and performance.

4. Dr. Comfort Diabetic Sandals

Dr. Comfort Diabetic Sandals are breathable and supportive making them ideal for warm weather. 

These sandals also feature adjustable straps for a customizable fit, ensuring comfort and stability throughout the day. Plus, with a cushioned footbed and soft, seamless interior, they prevent irritation while offering essential support. 

Perfect for keeping your feet cool and protected, these diabetic sandals combine functionality with a stylish design for the ultimate warm-weather shoe.

Tips for Choosing the Right Diabetic Shoes

Whether you’re shopping for athletic shoes, casual wear, or something more specialized, these tips will help you choose diabetic footwear that fits well, supports your lifestyle, and prioritizes your overall foot health.

Get Proper Measurements

Getting proper measurements is crucial for individuals with diabetes, as accurate shoe sizing ensures a comfortable fit and can prevent future foot problems. To ensure proper measurements: 

  • Measure your feet regularly to accommodate changes in foot shape over time
  • Look for shoes with a roomy toe box to prevent pressure and reduce the risk of sores
  • Opt for adjustable closures, like Velcro straps or laces, for a secure and customized fit

Test for Comfort and Fit

Make sure your footwear can accommodate your day-to-day activities by testing for comfort and fit. Additionally:

  • Look for shoes that provide shock absorption and reduce pressure on sensitive areas
  • Check for ample arch support and a stable heel to maintain balance and reduce strain
  • Consider adding custom orthotic inserts for enhanced comfort and tailored support

Consult a Specialist if Needed

Consulting a specialist (such as a podiatrist or orthopedic professional) may help in finding the right diabetic shoe for you, particularly if you:

  • Have specific foot conditions or complications
  • Have difficulty finding shoes that fit properly
  • Require custom orthotics 

A specialist can assess your unique needs and recommend footwear that provides the best support. 

Why Dr. Comfort is the Go-To Brand for Diabetic Shoes

By investing in quality diabetic shoes from a trusted brand like Dr. Comfort, you make a commitment to your foot health and overall well-being. 

Renowned for combining style, comfort, and medical-grade support, Dr. Comfort offers expertly crafted footwear that helps prevent common diabetic foot complications. Plus, our innovative designs prioritize protection without sacrificing aesthetic appeal, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable every step of the day. 

Final Thoughts

Properly designed diabetic footwear helps prevent complications such as ulcers, infections, and foot deformities, which are common risks for individuals with diabetes. By prioritizing comfort, support, and protection, these shoes provide the foundation for maintaining mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life.

Dr. Comfort is the leader in diabetic footwear. Choosing Dr. Comfort diabetic shoes means choosing expertly crafted shoes that combine medical-grade technology with style, ensuring you never have to compromise on function or fashion. 

Safeguard your feet today for a healthier tomorrow by exploring Dr. Comfort’s collection of diabetic footwear.

The contents of this blog were independently prepared, and are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the views of any other party. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors.

Sources: 

The Bone & Joint Center. The Importance of Proper Shoe Selection for Diabetics. https://www.bone-joint.com/the-importance-of-proper-shoe-selection-for-diabetics. 

Mayo Clinic. Amputation and diabetes: How to Protect Your Feet. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/amputation-and-diabetes/. 

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Issues. Diabetes & Foot Problems. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/foot-problems.

Diagnostic Foot Specialists. The Vital Role of Diabetic Shoes In Protecting Your Foot Health. https://www.diagnosticfootspecialists.com/the-vital-role-of-diabetic-shoes-in-protecting-your-foot-health/. 
Midwest Institute for Non-surgical Therapy. The Importance of Good Footwear For People With Diabetes. https://www.mintstl.com/blog/the-importance-of-good-footwear-for-people-with-diabetes.