For people with diabetes, foot care isn’t just about comfort—it’s a crucial part of overall health. Diabetes can lead to complications like neuropathy, poor circulation, and an increased risk of infections, making proper footwear essential for preventing serious problems. A small foot blister or sore that might not be a big deal for someone without diabetes can quickly turn into an ulcer, increasing the risk of complications or even amputation.
The right shoes can provide protection, reduce pressure on vulnerable areas, and improve stability. However, not all shoes are created equal. Understanding what to look for in diabetic footwear can help prevent discomfort, injuries, and long-term damage to your feet.
How Diabetes Affects Your Feet
Diabetes can impact your feet in multiple ways, and these issues make choosing the right shoes even more critical:
• Neuropathy (Nerve Damage): Diabetes can damage nerves in the feet, leading to loss of sensation. This means that if you develop a foot blister, cut, or sore, you may not feel it until it becomes a bigger problem.
• Poor Circulation: High blood sugar levels can cause narrowing of blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the feet. This slows down the healing process and increases the risk of infections.
• Increased Risk of Infections: A weakened immune system combined with poor circulation means even minor injuries can turn into serious infections.
• Foot Deformities: Diabetes can lead to structural changes in the feet, such as Charcot foot ot Charcot arthropathy, a condition where the bones weaken and shift out of place, creating instability and pressure points.
With these complications in mind, choosing the right footwear is not just about comfort—it’s a proactive step in protecting your feet from harm.
Key Features to Look for in Diabetic Shoes
Diabetic shoes are designed to prevent pressure points, provide stability, and protect against injuries. Here are the essential features to look for:
- A Roomy Toe Box Tight shoes can rub against the toes, causing blisters, corns, or ulcers. Diabetic shoes should have a wide, deep toe box that allows the toes to move freely without friction.
- Cushioned, Shock-Absorbing Soles People with diabetes need shoes that reduce impact when walking. Thick, cushioned soles help absorb shock, reducing pressure on sensitive areas.
- Breathable, Soft Materials Shoes made of soft leather, mesh, or other breathable materials reduce irritation and keep moisture levels under control. Sweaty feet can increase the risk of fungal infections.
- No Internal Seams Seams inside shoes can create friction and lead to sores. Diabetic-friendly shoes are designed with a seamless interior to prevent irritation.
- Extra Depth for Custom Orthotics Many people with diabetes use custom orthotics for additional support. Look for shoes that provide enough depth to accommodate inserts without feeling tight.
- Good Heel and Arch Support Proper arch support helps distribute weight evenly, reducing strain on pressure points. A firm heel counter adds stability and prevents excessive movement inside the shoe.
- Easy Closures Shoes with Velcro straps or adjustable laces are easier to put on and take off, especially for those with neuropathy or mobility issues.
Types of Shoes for People with Diabetes
Not all shoes work for everyone, so choosing the right type based on your lifestyle and foot needs is important.
- Diabetic Walking Shoes • Designed for comfort and support during daily activities • Have extra depth, cushioning, and a roomy toe box • Ideal for long-term wear
- Orthopedic Shoes • Specifically made for individuals with foot deformities or severe neuropathy • Offer maximum support and stability • Often come with customizable insoles
- Custom-Made Shoes • Created based on a podiatrist’s prescription for people with severe foot conditions • Designed to accommodate significant deformities, ulcers, or Charcot arthropathy
- Athletic Shoes for Diabetics • Provide extra cushioning and shock absorption • Designed for physical activity while preventing foot injuries
- House Slippers with Arch Support • Should have firm soles and support, unlike regular soft slippers • Help prevent walking barefoot, which is risky for diabetics
Shoes to Avoid
Certain types of shoes can increase the risk of injuries, blisters, and pressure points. If you have diabetes, avoid the following:
❌ High Heels – Increase pressure on the forefoot, leading to pain, blisters, and balance issues.
❌ Flip-Flops or Sandals with No Arch Support – Provide no protection, making feet more vulnerable to cuts and infections.
❌ Tight or Narrow Shoes – Can cause corns, calluses, and ulcers.
❌ Shoes with Hard Inner Seams – Increase friction and the risk of skin breakdown.
❌ Old, Worn-Out Shoes – Lack proper cushioning and support, increasing the risk of injuries.
How to Properly Fit Diabetic Shoes
Getting the right fit is just as important as choosing the right shoe. Here are some expert tips:
✔ Shop for shoes in the afternoon – Feet swell throughout the day, so buying shoes later ensures they won’t be too tight.
✔ Try shoes on with socks – Wear the same type of socks you plan to use daily to get an accurate fit.
✔ Stand and walk around – Make sure there’s no pinching, rubbing, or pressure.
✔ Leave about a half-inch of space in the toe box – This prevents toes from rubbing against the shoe.
✔ Ensure proper heel fit – Your heel should feel secure, not loose or slipping.
Additional Foot Protection Tips for People with Diabetes
Beyond choosing the right shoes, taking care of your feet daily is crucial for preventing complications.
🦶 Inspect your feet daily – Check for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling. Use a mirror if needed.
🦶 Keep feet clean and dry – Wash and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes, to prevent fungal infections.
🦶 Moisturize but avoid between the toes – Dry skin can crack, leading to infections, but excess moisture between toes can cause fungal growth.
🦶 Never walk barefoot – Even at home, protect your feet from injury by wearing supportive shoes or slippers.
🦶 Trim nails carefully – Cut straight across to prevent ingrown toenails.
🦶 Get regular foot exams – A podiatrist can catch problems before they become serious.
When to See a Podiatrist
Even with proper footwear, diabetes-related foot problems can still occur. If you notice any of the following, seek medical attention immediately:
🚨 Sores, cuts, or wounds that don’t heal
🚨 Pain, tingling, or numbness in your feet
🚨 Swelling, redness, or warmth in one or both feet
🚨 Changes in skin color or temperature
🚨 Foot deformities or difficulty walking
Protect Your Feet with the Right Shoes
Wearing the right shoes is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent serious foot complications from diabetes. Investing in properly fitted, supportive footwear can help protect your feet, reduce discomfort, and keep you moving safely.
At Bellagio Foot & Ankle, we specialize in diabetic foot care and can help you find the best footwear for your needs. Schedule an appointment today by calling 480-717-5011 or emailing us for expert guidance on keeping your feet healthy and protected.
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For people with diabetes, foot care isn’t just about comfort—it’s a crucial part of overall health. Diabetes can lead to complications like neuropathy, poor circulation, and an increased risk of infections, making proper footwear essential for preventing serious problems. A small foot blister or sore that might not be a big deal for someone without diabetes can quickly turn into an ulcer, increasing the risk of complications or even amputation.
The right shoes can provide protection, reduce pressure on vulnerable areas, and improve stability. However, not all shoes are created equal. Understanding what to look for in diabetic footwear can help prevent discomfort, injuries, and long-term damage to your feet.
How Diabetes Affects Your Feet
Diabetes can impact your feet in multiple ways, and these issues make choosing the right shoes even more critical:
• Neuropathy (Nerve Damage): Diabetes can damage nerves in the feet, leading to loss of sensation. This means that if you develop a foot blister, cut, or sore, you may not feel it until it becomes a bigger problem.
• Poor Circulation: High blood sugar levels can cause narrowing of blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the feet. This slows down the healing process and increases the risk of infections.
• Increased Risk of Infections: A weakened immune system combined with poor circulation means even minor injuries can turn into serious infections.
• Foot Deformities: Diabetes can lead to structural changes in the feet, such as Charcot foot ot Charcot arthropathy, a condition where the bones weaken and shift out of place, creating instability and pressure points.
With these complications in mind, choosing the right footwear is not just about comfort—it’s a proactive step in protecting your feet from harm.
Key Features to Look for in Diabetic Shoes
Diabetic shoes are designed to prevent pressure points, provide stability, and protect against injuries. Here are the essential features to look for:
- A Roomy Toe Box Tight shoes can rub against the toes, causing blisters, corns, or ulcers. Diabetic shoes should have a wide, deep toe box that allows the toes to move freely without friction.
- Cushioned, Shock-Absorbing Soles People with diabetes need shoes that reduce impact when walking. Thick, cushioned soles help absorb shock, reducing pressure on sensitive areas.
- Breathable, Soft Materials Shoes made of soft leather, mesh, or other breathable materials reduce irritation and keep moisture levels under control. Sweaty feet can increase the risk of fungal infections.
- No Internal Seams Seams inside shoes can create friction and lead to sores. Diabetic-friendly shoes are designed with a seamless interior to prevent irritation.
- Extra Depth for Custom Orthotics Many people with diabetes use custom orthotics for additional support. Look for shoes that provide enough depth to accommodate inserts without feeling tight.
- Good Heel and Arch Support Proper arch support helps distribute weight evenly, reducing strain on pressure points. A firm heel counter adds stability and prevents excessive movement inside the shoe.
- Easy Closures Shoes with Velcro straps or adjustable laces are easier to put on and take off, especially for those with neuropathy or mobility issues.
Types of Shoes for People with Diabetes
Not all shoes work for everyone, so choosing the right type based on your lifestyle and foot needs is important.
- Diabetic Walking Shoes • Designed for comfort and support during daily activities • Have extra depth, cushioning, and a roomy toe box • Ideal for long-term wear
- Orthopedic Shoes • Specifically made for individuals with foot deformities or severe neuropathy • Offer maximum support and stability • Often come with customizable insoles
- Custom-Made Shoes • Created based on a podiatrist’s prescription for people with severe foot conditions • Designed to accommodate significant deformities, ulcers, or Charcot arthropathy
- Athletic Shoes for Diabetics • Provide extra cushioning and shock absorption • Designed for physical activity while preventing foot injuries
- House Slippers with Arch Support • Should have firm soles and support, unlike regular soft slippers • Help prevent walking barefoot, which is risky for diabetics
Shoes to Avoid
Certain types of shoes can increase the risk of injuries, blisters, and pressure points. If you have diabetes, avoid the following:
❌ High Heels – Increase pressure on the forefoot, leading to pain, blisters, and balance issues.
❌ Flip-Flops or Sandals with No Arch Support – Provide no protection, making feet more vulnerable to cuts and infections.
❌ Tight or Narrow Shoes – Can cause corns, calluses, and ulcers.
❌ Shoes with Hard Inner Seams – Increase friction and the risk of skin breakdown.
❌ Old, Worn-Out Shoes – Lack proper cushioning and support, increasing the risk of injuries.
How to Properly Fit Diabetic Shoes
Getting the right fit is just as important as choosing the right shoe. Here are some expert tips:
✔ Shop for shoes in the afternoon – Feet swell throughout the day, so buying shoes later ensures they won’t be too tight.
✔ Try shoes on with socks – Wear the same type of socks you plan to use daily to get an accurate fit.
✔ Stand and walk around – Make sure there’s no pinching, rubbing, or pressure.
✔ Leave about a half-inch of space in the toe box – This prevents toes from rubbing against the shoe.
✔ Ensure proper heel fit – Your heel should feel secure, not loose or slipping.
Additional Foot Protection Tips for People with Diabetes
Beyond choosing the right shoes, taking care of your feet daily is crucial for preventing complications.
🦶 Inspect your feet daily – Check for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling. Use a mirror if needed.
🦶 Keep feet clean and dry – Wash and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes, to prevent fungal infections.
🦶 Moisturize but avoid between the toes – Dry skin can crack, leading to infections, but excess moisture between toes can cause fungal growth.
🦶 Never walk barefoot – Even at home, protect your feet from injury by wearing supportive shoes or slippers.
🦶 Trim nails carefully – Cut straight across to prevent ingrown toenails.
🦶 Get regular foot exams – A podiatrist can catch problems before they become serious.
When to See a Podiatrist
Even with proper footwear, diabetes-related foot problems can still occur. If you notice any of the following, seek medical attention immediately:
🚨 Sores, cuts, or wounds that don’t heal
🚨 Pain, tingling, or numbness in your feet
🚨 Swelling, redness, or warmth in one or both feet
🚨 Changes in skin color or temperature
🚨 Foot deformities or difficulty walking
Protect Your Feet with the Right Shoes
Wearing the right shoes is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent serious foot complications from diabetes. Investing in properly fitted, supportive footwear can help protect your feet, reduce discomfort, and keep you moving safely.
At Bellagio Foot & Ankle, we specialize in diabetic foot care and can help you find the best footwear for your needs. Schedule an appointment today by calling 480-717-5011 or emailing us for expert guidance on keeping your feet healthy and protected.