The Best Shoes If You Have Diabetes, According to Podiatrists

If you have diabetes and struggle to find comfortable shoes, you're not alone. Diabetes can cause many different conditions, including foot problems that make wearing shoes painful.

"People with diabetes must take extra caution and care with their feet," says Pamela Mehta, M.D., owner of Resilience Orthopedics in San Jose, California. She adds that it's important to inspect your feet daily and check for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling or nail problems, even using a magnifying hand mirror when necessary to examine the bottoms of your feet. It may sound obvious, but keeping your feet clean by washing them daily is imperative, and you should always use moisturizer to avoid dry skin and cracking of the feet, which can be more prevalent among those with diabetes.

More serious foot conditions can also be part of diabetes. For instance, nerve damage—or neuropathy—is a loss of sensation that can occur due to uncontrolled diabetes, says Irene Evuleocha, D.P.M., a double board-certified podiatrist practicing at Ochsner Health Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. "[Neuropathy] can then result in calluses, which can lead to diabetic ulcers," she explains. In severe cases, this can also cause foot infections that may even lead to amputations if not managed in a timely manner.

Other foot problems caused by diabetes can include hammertoe deformities due to an imbalance with tendon and nerve muscle, poor circulation that may cause irreversible damage such as gangrene, and skin disorders like cracked skin or fungal infections due to an immunocompromised state, says Evuleocha.

It sounds scary, indeed, and can make shoe shopping feel a lot less fun. It doesn't have to be impossible, though. Properly managing your diabetes can reduce your risk of these foot problems. Here's what to keep in mind when choosing new footwear.

What to Look for in a Shoe if You Have Diabetes

First, look for a soft arch support system that will increase comfort and alleviate pain. Avoid shoes with flat soles, flip-flops and high heels because they don't allow for even distribution of foot pressure, says Dr. Mehta. If you have diabetes, it may be worth visiting a shop such as The Good Feet Store to get more information on your shoe's fit and to ensure that nothing is rubbing your foot in an uncomfortable way that may cause a blister or ulcer, she adds.

Shoes with wide and deep toe boxes are good choices for people with diabetes because they can help prevent friction and rubbing, says Daniel Geller, D.P.M., a foot and ankle surgeon in Los Angeles. Watch out for how your foot is positioned in a shoe when trying on pairs, as you don't want misshapen hammertoes or bunions to cause excess friction.

You also want to choose a shoe style with soft insoles for maximum comfort, says Dr. Mehta. The material is important, too. Choosing shoes made with leather, canvas or suede will allow for adequate air circulation, she adds. If you have trouble getting shoes off or on, look for a pair with Velcro straps that can be easily adjusted.

Finally, if you can't find a perfect fit, custom insoles can be a key way to manage foot pain due to diabetes. "These help prevent shifting of bones and soft tissues and offset many of the orthopedic problems we see, as well as provide stability and balance," says Geller. Always discuss shoes with your doctor if you're experiencing any of the aforementioned issues due to diabetes, he adds.

The Best Shoes If You Have Diabetes

Podiatrists recommend the following shoes for people with diabetes. In addition to wearing the right footwear, you may also consider wearing socks with extra cushioning, without elastic tops, that are higher than the ankle and are made from moisture-wicking fibers, says Dr. Mehta. Don't go barefoot around the house, either (try supportive house shoes instead).

New Balance 990

Some people with diabetes may benefit from a stability shoe such as this classic style, available for both men and women and ideal for everyday wear, says Geller. They're secure and supportive to accommodate a variety of foot shapes while protecting your arch.