“Diabetes can affect the nerves that provide sensation throughout your body. Most commonly, this affects your ability to feel sensations in your feet, making people with diabetes susceptible to developing sores, calluses, and ulcers in their feet,” says Jonathan Cluett, MD, a Boston-based orthopedic surgeon. When looking for shoes designed for diabetics, there are a few elements to keep in mind. Dr. Cluett says that shoes need “to be properly fitting and should accommodate the individual’s foot shape.”
We researched dozens of shoes for people with diabetes and evaluated them for reviews, comfort and cushioning level, materials, arch support, coverage, style, and sizing options. The shoes chosen in this article were determined to be the best of these factors.
Here are the best shoes on the market for people who have diabetes.
Because the shoe comes in such a range of widths, you can guarantee that you will find one with enough depth for your feet. Its Velcro strap closures make them even easier to put on and take off.
What’s more, many shoes from Propet (including this model) are covered by Medicare, so if you’re concerned about the financial investment that high-quality diabetic shoes can require, this pair might be covered, partially or fully by your insurance.
Price at time of publication: Starts at $33
The protective toe box utilizes additional padding to prevent the type of trauma that can be caused by toe stubbing. And its use of high-quality leather for the uppers helps regulate foot temperature, keeping the feet both cool and dry.
Meanwhile, the shoe has a firm heel counter that helps provide both medial and lateral stability as you move through your day, and the contact closure ensures a great fit without fumbling over any laces. All Dr. Comfort shoes come equipped with shock-absorbing gel insoles as well.
Price at time of publication: Starts at $115
Luckily, some diabetic shoes are particularly good at alleviating these symptoms, like these Mary Janes from OrthoFeet. The anatomical orthotic insoles and ergonomic soles provide excellent support and cushioning, and the round and wide toe box prevents uncomfortable pressure and leaves plenty of room for toe movement.
These casual shoes have a breathable fabric upper and soft padded interior that are kind to the skin and help prevent binding. The two-way straps also make it easy to achieve a comfortable fit, as well as slip the shoes on and off comfortably.
Price at time of publication: Starts at $125
For this reason, opt for a slipper-esque shoe like this one from MEJORMEN. The sturdy, non-slip rubber soles make them appropriate for both indoors and outdoors, and the soft felt material at the back of the heel is adjustable to better cater to foot swelling.
The slippers are extra wide and use velcro adjustments to make it easy to slip in and out. The uppers are made with super soft material, and the insole is lined with high-density foam for a cushioned and flexible walking experience. The toe box is also wider to accommodate swelling and prevent the squeezing of the foot.
Price at time of publication: $49
Meanwhile, they use Brooks proprietary cushioning that adapts to your stride, weight, and speed. The leather exterior adds additional comfort while still giving your feet the breathability and temperature control they need.
Many people with diabetes have commented that they don’t find the aesthetics of diabetic shoes particularly attractive, so these shoes are a refreshing option for someone with this chronic health condition.
Price at time of publication: Starts at $115
The wider sole gives the foot plenty of room while cupping the heel comfortably and supporting better balance. The wide toe box is also ideal for folks worried about pressure sensitivity. Users rave about the amount of cushion they provide for the top, sides, and bottom of the foot.
The shoes aren’t heavy, large, or clunky like other support shoes can be, but they still manage to provide plenty of protection.
Price at time of publication: Starts at $41
The insole is also made with antimicrobial material that helps reduce friction that can cause heat buildup and inflammation. It even provides extra support through the three main pressure points of the foot—the inside ball, outside ball, and heel—while remaining both flexible and lightweight.
While these boots do have a lace-up design, the heel tab makes it easy to slide them on and off. The leather exterior is both soft to the skin and water-resistant to the weather elements, further keeping your feet dry and safe. Finally, these boots are covered by Medicare, so you might not have to worry about the price tag as much as finding the right fit for your foot.
Price at time of publication: $195
Lined with bamboo fabric, they keep your feet cool, dry, and safe from unwanted bacteria. The tapering midfoot design offers improved arch support over previous versions of this shoe.
The mesh fabric on the top of the shoe provides excellent breathability while still protecting your skin from debris that could lead to cuts and scrapes. The nearly seamless construction of the shoe makes it extremely comfortable, and the materials used make it surprisingly lightweight. Consider this slip-on sneaker a safe pick for working a desk job, running errands around town, and relaxing at home.
Price at time of publication: Starts at $40
Indiana-based podiatrist Alex Kor, DMP, MS, believes that there is a science behind finding a shoe that has the proper amount of support needed for patients with diabetes. “Anything that’s super flexible is not great. You shouldn’t be able to completely bend the shoe in half. On the other hand, if the shoe is entirely too stiff that’s not what you want either.” Dr. Kor stresses that patients should look for a shoe with a lot of room in the toe area, a shoe that doesn’t bend at the arch, and a shoe that has removable soles so you can add custom soles that will help with arch support if needed.
Depth
Many diabetic shoes are described as having “extra depth,” which speaks specifically to the toe cage of the shoe. Having additional room in this compartment of the shoe can help protect the skin whenever the foot swells or would otherwise experience additional pressure in traditional shoes. In a diabetic shoe, you want to avoid restriction and instead provide plenty of breathing room.
“There are specialty footwear stores that offer custom fitting, and there are all sorts of gadgets that can be used to size feet,” says Dr. Cluett. “Working with someone who is experienced in sizing footwear can be very helpful. Running stores offer these services, but many specialty footwear stores provide this type of service as well.”
Full Coverage
There are plenty of diabetes-friendly sandals out there, but many experts recommend sticking with closed-toed shoes to better protect the feet from unwanted injury. Even a minor cut can lead to a very problematic infection for a person with diabetes, so minimizing risks of such incidences is key.
But be careful not to buy a pair that fit too tightly. According to Dr. Robert H. Eckel, an endocrinologist who previously practiced at the University of Colorado Hospital, “Make sure socks and shoes do not fit tightly or rub. If sensation is reduced in the feet, pressure can cause sores or inflammation that can result in opened wounds and infection.”
Why Trust Verywell Health
As a seasoned health writer, Alena Hall understands how important it is to know exactly what you’re getting in a product intended for medical use. Over the years, she has reviewed dozens of products, from athletic recovery aids to condition-specific products to homeopathic essential oils, to help readers like you discover products that can help you live your best life.
Dr. Kor says another important thing to consider is the weight of the shoe. “If the shoe is too heavy it may cause people to fall, especially if we are talking about elderly patients with neuropathy.” He recommends shoes with Velcro, which allows users to easily control the tightness of the shoe and also aids people struggling with dexterity.
Additional reporting to this story by Janae Price and Brittany Leitner
As a health writer, Janae Price understands the importance of a knowledgeable and honest review. When there are so many different opinions out there, it’s great to have a concise answer that cuts through all the junk online. Every product in this piece has been thoroughly researched and sourced by professionals with potential user needs in mind.
As a health writer with over 8 years of experience, Brittany Leitner understands how important access to information is when it comes to making educated health decisions. She has interviewed dozens of medical experts, tested out hundreds of products, and aims to provide quality recommendations that won’t break the bank.
