If you have diabetes, you know that foot care is important. Taking care of your feet includes choosing the right shoes. When choosing shoes for someone with diabetes and neuropathy, which is a condition that can affect the nerves in your feet and lower legs, there is another element of importance to wearing correctly fitted shoes.
Wearing the right shoes to keep neuropathy pain and discomfort under control is the main concern, so that the nerve healing process that those with neuropathy are experiencing is not hindered in any way by footwear.
To encourage nerve healing, it is paramount to wear shoes that give enough space and support to support healthy circulation and not put too much pressure on the feet as they are regenerating the nerves within.
Shoes that are too tight or even too loose may cause nerve damage, so it’s important to find shoes that fit well and don’t cause pain. This is not often an easy process.
How to choose shoes for diabetics with neuropathy
When choosing diabetic shoes for those with neuropathy, it’s important to find a pair that fits well, provides adequate support, and addresses the following:
- Ample arch support
- Ideal heel height, adjustable is best.
- Toe box width and length; toes should be able to move freely
- Material composition: best if it is lightweight and breathable.
- Low heel-to-toe drop to minimize foot stress
- sufficient cushioning and stability while walking or standing throughout the day.
- Be sure the shoe fits well and is not too loose.
- Choose a breathable pair made from materials that will wick away sweat.
If you’re experiencing foot pain due to neuropathy, be sure to seek out professional help from a podiatrist.
Why Diabetic Shoes are Important
Diabetic shoes are designed to reduce the risk of foot ulcers and other foot complications. Foot ulcers are a common complication of diabetes and can lead to serious infections, amputations, and even death. Wearing the proper shoes can help prevent these complications.
How can wearing compression socks along with diabetic shoes help with neuropathy?
Compression socks are becoming increasingly popular among people with diabetes, as they have been found to help improve blood flow and relieve pain in the feet and legs. Wearing compression socks can help reduce swelling and inflammation, which may cause neuropathy, otherwise known as nerve damage.
Neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes that results in decreased sensation in the extremities. Compression socks can also increase circulation to the area, helping to restore tissue function and promote healing.
What are the best shoes for diabetics with neuropathy?
If you are looking for the best shoes for diabetics with neuropathy, you are in luck! We have done the research to find the best shoes for diabetics with neuropathy, so you don’t have to. We have based our picks on these factors:
- Amount of support provided
- Orthotic inserts
- Softness
- Flexibility of the shoe
- Washable
- Value
1. Orthofeet Innovative Diabetic Shoes
Why we love Orthofeet for diabetics with neuropathy:
- Guaranteed comfort
- Rated the most comfortable orthothic shoe
- These shoes address foot pain from all sorts of different issues
- Adjustable arch support
- Arch booster included for optional wear
- Lightweight
- Pillow-like support, helps ease foot and heel pain, pain up to your knees, hips and lower back
- Excellent stability
- Non-binding flexible uppers with extra foam padding with seam free construction on the interior fabric
- Wide, roomy toe box
- Highly rated on Amazon
2. DENACARE Women’s Wide Width Shoes with Adjustable Closure Lightweight
Why we love Denacare’s diabetic shoes for neuropathy and more:
- Wide, roomy toe box eases pressure
- Extra depth
- Wide width offers customized fit
- Breathable and lightweight material
- Flexible and non-skid sole
- .23 inches of memory foam insole reduces pressure on the bottom of the foot
- Optional and removable extra spacer to adjust volume for a customized fit
- Highly rated on Amazon
3. Dr. Comfort Carter Men’s Casual Shoe
Why we love Dr. Comfort Diabetic Shoes for diabetics with neuropathy:
- Made of stretchy, breathable lycra
- Rubber sole
- Machine washable
- Double depth construction to accommodate sensitive, swollen, pain sensitive feet
- Seamless design prevents skin irritation
- Highly rated on Amazon
4. FitVille Diabetic Shoes -Extra Wide Width Orthopedic Slip-on Shoes Adjustable Closure
Why we love Fitville Diabetic shoes:
- Extra wide toe box
- High instep
- Extended room for free movement of toes
- For those with wider feet
- Patented therapeutic sole
- Ergonomic design to reduce pressure on feet
- Breathable inner material, maintains circulation to keep feet dry and cool
- Highly rated on Amazon
5. Lelebear Air Cushion Slip-on Walking Shoes Orthopedic Diabetic Walking Shoes
Why we love Lelebear Air Cushion Slip On Shoes for diabetics with neuropathy:
- Easy on, easy off
- Suede sole
- Pull on closure
- Straighten your hips, muscle imbalance
- Wide toe box
- Orthopedic shoe, soft and comfortable
- Good cushioning, elasticity and flex
- Perfect for indoor slipper shoes or outdoor
- Pick your favorite color, or buy 2 or 3 pair
- Highly rated on Amazon
6. YKLL Diabetic Shoes for Men Extra Wide Width Shoes for Diabetics with neuropathy
Why we love YKLL Diabetic Shoes for those with neuropathy:
- Ideal for those with feet that need more space
- For ease of use, the instep of the shoes can be unfolded to the position of the toes
- Loose and comfortable, adjustable
- Velcro ease of use
- Comes with 3 pairs of comfortable, shockproof insoles to adjust height, optional
- Shockproof anti-slip sole
- Breathable and lightweight
- Highly rated on Amazon
What do the feet feel like for a diabetic person with neuropathy?
Some diabetics may experience a loss of sensation in their feet due to neuropathy. This condition causes the nerves that send signals from your brain and spinal cord down to your feet to become damaged or impaired. As a result, you may lose feeling and movement in your toes, feet, and ankles.
In some cases, diabetic foot ulcers, or DFUs, can develop as a result of this lack of sensation. These lesions are deep cuts on the bottom of your feet that heal very slowly because they don’t receive enough blood flow.
They often start out as small red spots but can rapidly enlarge until they cover most or all of one foot. If left untreated, DFUs can cause severe pain, swelling, and infection.
If you’re experiencing any signs or symptoms related to neuropathy in your feet, such as numbness or tingling sensations, it’s important to see a doctor for an evaluation. An examination will likely include testing for nerve damage using standard tests like pressure sensitivity tests (PSTs) and reflexes (RVPs). In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the infected area before it spreads further.
If you have diabetes, it’s important to see a podiatrist at least once a year for a comprehensive foot exam. Your podiatrist can help you choose the right shoes and make sure that they fit properly.
Concluding Thoughts
Choosing the right diabetic shoes is an important part of foot care for people with diabetes and neuropathy. Diabetic shoes are designed to reduce the risk of complications like foot ulcers, and they should be comfortable, supportive, and breathable.
For example, sneakers or walking boots that have good arch support provide stability while wearing them. These will prevent foot fatigue caused by standing or walking long distances, often seen in those living with neuropathy.
If you have diabetes and neuropathy, be sure to see a podiatrist at least once a year for a comprehensive foot exam.
We hope after reading this article you are inspired to get yourself or your loved one a great pair of shoes that will not hinder the healing process of those with neuropathy.
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