Diabetic Shoes: How to Choose Comfortable Footwear for Everyday Wear

Finding the right shoes can be especially important for people living with diabetes. Feet can become more sensitive to pressure, friction, and changes in shape, while nerve damage may reduce the ability to notice discomfort or minor injuries. The American Diabetes Association recommends wearing shoes that fit well and do not rub or pinch the feet.

Diabetic shoe are designed with features that can provide additional room, cushioning, and comfort compared with conventional footwear. Depending on individual needs, they may include extra depth, wider widths, roomy toe boxes, flexible uppers, and adjustable closures.

What Are Diabetic Shoes?

Diabetic shoes are footwear designed with foot comfort and protection in mind for people who may have specific foot-care needs associated with diabetes.

Some therapeutic footwear is constructed with extra depth and extra-wide options to accommodate different foot shapes and, when appropriate, custom inserts or orthotics. The American Diabetes Association notes that specialized diabetic footwear can include features such as extra depth, extra-wide widths, large toe boxes, easy closures, and materials designed to stretch without creating excessive pressure.

Not every comfortable wide shoe is a medical or therapeutic shoe, however. If you have significant foot complications, ask your healthcare professional whether specialized therapeutic footwear or inserts are appropriate for you.

Why Is Proper Shoe Fit Important?

A poor-fitting shoe can create pressure and friction against the toes, sides, or bottom of the foot.

For someone with diabetes-related neuropathy, reduced sensation can make it harder to notice a blister, cut, or other injury. The ADA recommends shoes that fit properly without pinching the toes or rubbing against the feet.

This makes shoe fit an important consideration when choosing everyday footwear.

A comfortable shoe should provide enough room for the foot without allowing excessive movement inside the shoe.

Look for a Wide Toe Box