Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic health disease that affects your entire body. If you have diabetes mellitus, your body struggles to produce insulin and manage your blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can injure your nerves, especially in your feet. The name of this condition is diabetic neuropathy.
If you have diabetic neuropathy, you may experience numbness in one or both feet. When your feet are numb, it’s hard to notice a foot injury. What may start as a small blister could get worse if you can’t feel foot pain. Choosing suitable shoes for diabetics that dont rub against the skin can prevent foot injuries from occurring.
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With time, the wound could become an ulcer or get infected. In extreme cases, your healthcare team could recommend an amputation. Foot health and foot care are incredibly important for diabetics.
Foot Health
As a nurse who provides care to diabetic clients, I understand the importance of daily foot checks and foot health. When you check your feet daily, you’re monitoring for any signs of an ulcer. Make sure your feet are clean, dry, and free of new wounds each day. I also recommend comfortable walking shoes to promote proper diabetic foot care.
Diabetic walking shoes should be well-fitted without any rubbing on any area of the foot. Your feet should not slide around in your walking shoes. Your walking shoes shouldn’t pinch your toes or heels. If your feet are pinched, this causes friction or rubbing. This area could turn into a small wound, and then a large ulcer.
What Qualities are Important in Diabetic Footwear?
Appropriate footwear is one of the most important recommendations I give to all my diabetic clients. These shoes are made with comfort and peripheral neuropathy in mind.
Check your diabetic walking shoes for the following features:
Medicare Approved
On top of those qualities, your diabetic footwear should be Medicare-approved and podiatrist-recommended. Medicare-approved diabetic shoes should be eligible for reimbursement. Podiatrist-approved shoes are approved by experts trained to understand the unique needs of the diabetic foot.
Non-Binding
These recommended shoes should have protective features to shelter your feet from any bumps. Even minor bumps can turn into major problems if you’re not able to feel them developing. Your shoes should be non-binding with adjustable closures for your proper fit.
Accomadate Internal Braces, AFOs
You should look for a shoe that fits foot orthotics, internal braces, or AFOs. These supportive devices can help your form when you walk and improve your posture. When you’re working correctly, you’re less likely to develop foot wounds from misplaced pressure.
What are Podiatrists Saying About Diabetic Footwear?
Consult a podiatrist if you have questions about your diabetic footwear. These healthcare professionals specialize in providing care to the feet and ankle. So what do podiatrists have to say about diabetic footwear?
Dr. LS Wang is an internationally published, award-winning, double-fellowship-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon. He has more than 18 years of clinical experience. He is currently the Medical Director of an orthopedic clinic.
Dr. Wang stressed the importance of proper diabetic footwear. “Those with foot structure abnormalities and limited joint mobility can experience elevated levels of mechanical stress on the foot and the risk of developing foot ulcers. Foot ulcers are a common consequence of diabetes and can lead to serious complications including infections and amputations. Picking proper footwear can help prevent this and ensure a more comfortable walking experience for the diabetic.”
Dr. Bruce Pinker is a passionate foot and ankle surgeon. He is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Pinker spoke about the qualities a diabetic should look for in a shoe.
“The footwear should be supportive with a firm heel counter, adequate traction on the outsole, a width that is snug but not tight, and a length that allows for 3/8 of an inch from the end of the longest toe to the end of the shoe. The toe box should not be cramped, allowing for enough room for all of the toes. A rounded toe box is preferred to provide sufficient space for the forefoot.”
Dr. Pinker recommended the following brands:
Medicare usually provides one free pair of diabetic shoes each year. With that in mind, Diabetics should be able to access affordable, comfortable footwear.
Both podiatrists stressed the importance of a comfortable, supportive walking shoe with diabetic inserts. Custom-made insoles or rocker soles can reduce any pressure points on the bottom of your feet. These features can prevent sores, blisters, and wounds (ulcers) of the feet. Diabetic shoes should be well-cushioned, roomy, and protective.
Best Shoes for Diabetics
I always recommend brand-name, diabetic shoes for my patients. I can trust these brands to produce shoes tailored to the needs of a diabetic foot. So let’s go over some brands I recommend and why they’re exceptional choices for people with diabetes.
1. FitVille Diabetic Shoes Extra Wide Slip-on Shoes for Swollen Feet
Men's
Women's
These FitVille slip-on diabetic shoes are velcro. This means they’re easy to put on and take off. Plus, they’re adjustable for that perfect fit. The inside is completely smooth, padded, and has a seamless construction. This helps reduce friction that causes foot ulcers. The breathable inner material is moisture-wicking, so your feet can stay cool while you’re on the move.
The sole of this shoe helps promote stability by providing shock absorption. With a slip-resistant pattern embedded on the bottom of the shoe, you’re safer than ever before. I recommend these shoes for my diabetic patients who need a bit more support and stabilization.
2. Brooks Ghost 15
Men's
Women's
The Brooks Ghost 15 is Medicare-approved. These runners are cushioned and lightweight to keep you on the move. With built-in shock absorption, these will be your favorite running companions.
The mesh sides promote breathability and comfort. With seamless construction on the inside, these shoes provide pressure relief while you’re out and about.
3. Propet Stability Walker
Men's
Women's
The Propet Walker is another Medicare-approved shoe with added stability. The removable footbed allows you to insert your own foot orthotics or arch-supportive inserts. These orthopedic shoes have a supportive heel and extra cushioning.
4. Orthoshoes Womens Stylish Diabetic Shoes
Women's
These Orthoshoes women’s foot orthotics are stylish and lightweight. The wide toe box provides a proper fit while providing pressure relief. They’re adjustable and non-binding. When your foot moves, the top of the fabric moves with you.
This shoe comes with 3 pairs of removable padded insoles for extra cushioning. You can remove them entirely and use your own foot orthotics.
5. New Balance 577 V1 Hook and Loop
Men's
Women's
These classic New Balance leather shoes are Medicare-approved. They have a rubber sole for excellent shock absorption. Plus, the velcro straps offer adjustable closure. This means you can personalize your fit depending on the day.
6. Dr. Comfort Carter Men's Diabetic Shoes-Stretchable & Washable Therapeutic Shoes
Men's
These Dr. Comfort Carter walking shoes are the only ones on the list that are machine-washable. These diabetic shoes have an extra wide toe box to fit foot orthotics, internal braces, or AFOs. The adjustable closure means you can make sure you’re getting a proper fit.
The sole of this shoe helps promote stability by providing shock absorption. With a slip-resistant pattern embedded on the bottom of the shoe, you’re safer than ever before. I recommend these shoes for my diabetic patients who need a bit more support and stabilization.
7. Brooks Addiction Walker 2 Hook & Loop
Men's
Women's
The Brooks Addiction Walker 2 shoes may be the most supportive on this list. They have a rollbar built in to help promote your body’s natural walking pattern. Their cushioning structure reduces the wear and tear on your joints. They’re also Medicare-approved orthopedic shoes.
8. Propét Men's Cush N Foot Slipper
Men's
The Brooks Addiction Walker 2 shoes may be the most supportive on this list. They have a rollbar built in to help promote your body’s natural walking pattern. Their cushioning structure reduces the wear and tear on your joints. They’re also Medicare-approved orthopedic shoes.
These shoes can help prevent some of the complications caused by diabetic neuropathy.
Summary
Diabetic neuropathy is a common health complication of diabetes mellitus and high blood sugar. When you have diabetic neuropathy, you may not be able to feel your feet. This becomes dangerous when you can’t feel small wounds forming. These small wounds can become larger and larger. With time, they can become infected. In extreme cases, your healthcare team may recommend amputation.
Properly fitting shoes and daily skin checks can reduce your chances of developing a foot wound or ulcer. Every diabetic should have a pair of protective, cushioned diabetic walking shoes with seamless construction. These shoes should be spacious and comfortable with a wide toe box. The shoes on this list have been podiatrist-recommended and many are Medicare-approved.
Will Medicare provide full coverage for this shoe?
Thank you 🙂
Coverage is subject to certain conditions. Some of them are, as to what foot condition you need these shoes for. A doctor should recommend these shoes. You may have to pay about 20% of the cost. There are some other conditions you might need to look into. Here is a link that you will find helpful