Below, we have compiled a list of the most suitable footwear for those with diabetes-related neuropathy.
With the help of our buying guide, you'll know exactly what to look for in diabetic shoes, as well as what to avoid.
Neuropathy is a condition in which a person experiences a generalized loss of sensation due to damage to their nerves, brought on by diabetes.
Diabetics often feel it in their feet, which can lead to calluses, sores, and injuries.
These wounds may not be immediately noticed due to neuropathy, but they may become infected if left untreated because of the longer healing time caused by diabetes.
To lessen the risk of injury, control pain, and keep your balance, try a pair of shoes made specifically for people with neuropathy.
Assessment of diabetic neuropathy footwear
To find the best neuropathy shoe, look for one with plenty of cushioning and support, a wide toe box, and anti-microbial, breathable fabric.
This list features the best options for both sexes.
Men's diabetic neuropathy shoes that are top-notch
Exercising Your Orthotics With Some Edewater Orthofeet is the place to go shopping
These Orthofeet shoes feature Orthotic insoles that work to stabilize and cushion your feet as you walk.
Cushioned foam layers, arch support, and heel padding are just some of the ways they can do this.
The sneakers' deep design and spacious toe box allow for uninhibited foot movement.
The anti-odor foam and fabric insoles keep feet healthy, and the stretchy uppers conform to the feet to avert any injuries from friction.
Pros:
- Insoles are removable, so you can swap them out for a different pair if you like.
- A combination of antimicrobial foam and fabric will keep your feet healthy and odor-free all day long.
- The insoles' supportive foam material does double duty by easing foot stress without sacrificing structural integrity.
- Wide widths accommodate a variety of foot shapes and sizes.
Cons:
- In wet or rainy conditions, the outsole may not provide enough traction.
Athletic Shoes with an Apex Lace Up Design Put your money into Apex stock.
In order to alleviate foot pain and pressure, Apex created a walking shoe with special features.
They are great for people who have trouble keeping their balance due to neuropathy because of the firm heel collar.
The uppers are constructed from leather and open-air mesh, two materials that allow air to circulate and keep the feet dry and healthy.
The shoe's two detachable insoles are a notable feature that allow the wearer to adjust the shoe's depth to their preference.
The added room is helpful for feet that swell up during the day from walking.
Walking shoes have a durable rubber outsole that cushions and protects the feet from impact.
Pros:
- Extra-Deep: Providing Extra Room for Your Feet to Stay Comfortable
- Foot pain is reduced thanks to the shock-absorbing outsole, which cushions each step.
- Diabetic feet are kept healthy by the antimicrobial mesh lining, which allows air circulation and inhibits the growth of bacteria.
Cons:
- Combining leather and mesh can make cleaning more of a challenge.
Ultra-Premium Skechers GO Walk Evolution Walking Shoe Get It From Amazon
Skechers' slip-on sneakers with lots of cushioning features are great for people who experience foot pain because of neuropathy.
The Ultra Go technology used in the shoe's midsole will give your feet a little extra bounce as you run.
The Goga Mat insole adds even more cushioning to the already supportive midsole, and it conforms to the shape of your foot for a snug, comfortable fit.
The sneakers' uppers are made from a breathable and lightweight soft canvas, so they allow air to circulate and keep the feet healthy and dry.
Skechers Ultra pillars, which are rubber pods that support your feet with each step, are used in the outsole to absorb some of the shock that your feet would otherwise feel when walking.
Extra canvas overlays in the uppers protect from wear and tear, and the rubber soles last a long time as well.
Although the slip-on style makes it easy to put and take off shoes, it may not be the most stable option for those who struggle with neuropathy-related balance issues.
Pros:
- Rubber outsole: a tough, impact-absorbing material
- The shoes have a slip-on style, making them convenient to put on and take off.
- The upper is made of a breathable, waterproof fabric like canvas.
Cons:
- Slip-on designs might not be as supportive as those with laces or Velcro.
Women with diabetic neuropathy should wear the following shoes.
Francis No-Tie Orthofeet Neuropathy Shoes Orthofeet: A Place to Shop
When it comes to supportive footwear, Orthofeet is also at the forefront, particularly for women.
The Francis No-Tie Shoe has many features that can help with neuropathy discomfort.
Included are orthotic insoles that can be removed to accommodate a variety of foot and body shapes and sizes for optimal support and alignment.
There is plenty of room in the toe box, and the padded fabric lining inside offers comfort and protection.
These women's shoes, which come in three widths and five color combinations, are ideal for those with sensitive feet.
Pros:
- The best in foot support with premium orthotic insoles
- Roomy toe box: perfect for people with swollen feet!
- Accessible on/off thanks to the bungee lace closure.
Cons:
- The bungee cord may not be as secure as a lace-up closure.
Women's Orthofeet Joelle Sneaker Purchase with Orthofeet
One of Orthofeet's most featherweight neuropathy shoes is the Joelle.
It's lightweight, but it has all the high-tech neuropathy support features of heavier shoes, like an adjustable lacing system and a removable orthotic insole. ), but in a more athletic sneaker style
Its convenient hook-and-loop fastener and elasticized drawstring make it simple to put on and take off.
Pros:
- Ultralight: All the innovation of heavier shoes, in a sneaker's form factor
- Inspiring of an active way of life
Cons:
- Bad in wet and snowy conditions.
Olivia, a Walking Shoe by Propet for Women Buy from Amazon
These women's walking shoes are ideal for those who frequently experience swollen feet or who simply prefer a wider shoe.
The shoes from Propet come in four different width sizes to make sure your feet are comfortable all day long.
These insoles are made up of two layers, making these shoes very comfortable. These provide excellent support and can be taken out to let your feet breathe or to accommodate custom orthotic insoles.
Ideal for diabetics who experience sores, corns, or bunions due to the flexibility of the upper leather materials.
The shoes' slip-on style allows for quick and easy on/off, and the straps' adjustability ensures a snug, comfortable fit while promoting a feeling of safety, support, and confidence.
Pros:
- Leather upper that stretches to fit your foot and shield it from friction injuries
- Dual-layer, removable insoles provide extra depth and the option to insert an orthotic insole.
- The shoes' slip-on style and movable straps both make them convenient to wear and increase their supportive qualities.
- Fits feet of varying widths and shapes, with four available widths.
Cons:
- The aesthetic is very unique and perhaps not to everyone's taste.
In case none of the aforementioned pairs fits your requirements, I strongly suggest looking through the options available at the Orthofeet neuropathy shoe store. They stock more varieties of shoes for people with neuropathy than anyone else.
Shopping for Shoes with Diabetic Neuropathy
If you have diabetic neuropathy, it's crucial that you wear appropriate footwear. If you're in the market for new footwear, read on!
Get the right shoe size
The majority of people with diabetes (60%) are found to be wearing shoes that are too small, according to research conducted at the University of Dundee.
The shape of your feet should be reflected in the style of your footwear. If your shoes are too tight or too loose, your feet may slip around inside of them.
Calluses, blisters, and sores are common complications of diabetes, and the extra friction can make them worse.
A person with neuropathy may also be unable to feel the discomfort of wearing shoes that are too small for their feet. As a result, the feet are more likely to sustain cuts and injuries, which can lead to infection.
Find a shoe store and get your feet measured if you haven't done so recently.
Types of Diabetic Footwear and Their Features to Look For
After determining your true shoe size, here are some features to look for when purchasing diabetic footwear:
Supportive padding
Diabetic people, like everyone else, need shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning for their feet. Shoes that are appropriate for this purpose typically feature arch and heel support, as well as ball of foot cushioning.
In addition, they have softer fabric around the tops of the shoes so that no cuts or irritations will occur to the wearer's skin.
Avoid shoes with a lot of give, as they are likely to be made of flimsier materials that are more likely to be punctured by sharp objects.
Shoes that are too rigid or stiff will also not be comfortable to wear. These will be manufactured using harder materials, which can cause skin irritation and even blistering when worn.
Choose shoes with a roomy toe box and check that the arch doesn't bend too easily. Look for footwear with detachable insoles, as this will allow you to swap in a pair of orthopedic inserts if necessary.
Footwell width
A shoe's toe box is considered "extra-depth" if it measures at least 3.5 inches. When the foot swells or experiences additional pressure throughout the day, the extra space in this area can protect it from injury.
Diabetic footwear should not be suffocating, but rather allow the feet to move freely.
Extra-depth footwear, typically about half an inch deeper to accommodate for foot growth, is worth keeping an eye out for. If you use orthotic inserts, they will fit comfortably in the additional room.
Complete foot coverage; boots worn over
There are now a number of sandal styles that are suitable for diabetics, but it is still recommended that those with the condition wear closed-toe shoes.
Feet will be safer from harm with these on. In people with diabetes, even a minor cut can result in a life-threatening infection, so it's crucial to take all necessary precautions to avoid this.
The feet should be adequately covered, but the shoes shouldn't be too tight. It's possible that this could cause calluses and sores from friction inside the shoe.
Due to the diminished sensation caused by neuropathy, these sores may go unnoticed and quickly develop an infection.
Therapeutic footwear
People with corns, bunions, or hammertoes should wear special shoes called orthotics.
Orthopedic shoes can help with many foot problems associated with diabetes, but you don't need to have diabetes to wear them.
Comfortable features unique to orthopedic footwear include:
- High quality sole and midsole construction
- Effective heel counter
- Multiple width options to accommodate a wide range of foot widths
- Lining can be removed to accommodate custom orthotics.
Orthotics, shoe inserts made to provide support and alleviate stress on the feet, are also available.
Avoid these sorts of footwear
Type 2 diabetics should steer clear of the following footwear styles:
- Pointed-toe shoes, as they impede blood flow and cause toe discomfort.
- Avoid wearing shoes without adequate arch support, as this can lead to deterioration of foot tissue.
- Poorly fitting shoes, which can cause foot problems.
- Shoes with high heels, which can lead to foot problems and even injuries. Always wear heels no higher than two inches.
Don't walk around in sandals or flip-flops that expose your toes. Blisters and calluses may develop from the added pressure that straps place on your feet.
Cutting and abrasion injuries are more likely to occur when wearing open-toed shoes because of the increased likelihood that sharp objects, such as stones, will enter the shoes.
At least two pairs of diabetic-specific footwear should be in your shoe collection. If you rotate the pairs of shoes you wear, each set will have a chance to dry and air out when you're not wearing them.
Many buyers put off the pain of breaking in their new shoes until later. It's not a good idea regardless, but especially if you have diabetes.
When you first put on a pair of shoes, they should feel good.
Never wear new shoes again if you notice red, sore spots on your feet when you take them off after wearing them for a while.
Please wear shoes at all times
Once you've located a pair of shoes that fits well and is comfortable for you, you should wear them frequently. Never, not even inside the house, go barefoot.
Many people suffering from neuropathy symptoms are oblivious to the fact that they are walking on relatively innocuous objects.
The possibility of injuring one's feet by stepping on a sharp object and failing to feel the pain is always present.
It is highly recommended that people with diabetes wear slippers or shoes around the house at all times, even if just going to the bathroom.
The FAQs
Can neuropathy be helped by diabetic shoes?
Incredibly effective features can be built into diabetic footwear to ease the pain of neuropathy.
Those with severe neuropathy symptoms can benefit greatly from the shoes' stretchable uppers. These uppers bend and stretch to accommodate the foot, reducing stress in key areas.
Other features include an orthotic insole, a softer lining, a deeper toe box, and a lack of irritation or rubbing.
Will the cost of neuropathy footwear be covered by my insurance?
That is contingent upon the details of your condition and your health insurance. Make sure neuropathy shoes are covered by your insurance before you buy them.
If your podiatrist has prescribed therapeutic shoes for your diabetes, you may be eligible for Medicare coverage of these expenses.
Is there anything that can be done to alleviate the pain of foot-related diabetic neuropathy
The best way to prevent further nerve damage is to keep blood sugar under control. This includes making positive decisions about one's diet and level of physical activity.
While some people find relief from nerve pain with pain medication, others find relief with alternative therapies like capsaicin cream and acupuncture.
These may or may not be safe for you to try without first talking to your doctor.
What is the prognosis for foot neuropathy caused by diabetes?
Researchers and scientists are constantly searching for a cure for diabetic neuropathy, but as of yet, there is none.
Even though diabetic neuropathy is irreversible, it can be controlled with diet, exercise, and medication.
Certain treatments can alleviate neuropathy's unpleasant effects. Pain relievers for sensory symptoms, anti-nausea drugs, or erectile dysfunction pills are all examples.
Extra aid for diabetic neuropathy
Even if you've already invested in the most appropriate footwear for diabetic neuropathy, you may benefit from looking into additional products that can aid in the fight against or management of this condition. Some of the products we have evaluated are as follows:
