What Are Diabetic Shoes? Benefits, Fit & Where to Find Them
Footwear matters—especially when you’re managing diabetes.
For people living with diabetes, foot care is about more than just comfort. It’s a daily safeguard against injury, infection, and long-term complications. One of the most overlooked yet important tools for protecting diabetic feet is the right pair of shoes.
Unlike regular shoes, diabetic footwear is specially designed to reduce pressure, prevent friction, and support healthy circulation. Whether you’re walking around the house or heading out for errands, your shoes can make a real difference in keeping your feet safe.
What Makes Diabetic Shoes Different?
1. Extra depth and width
Diabetic shoes often have more space inside to accommodate swelling, sensitive skin, or orthotic inserts. This helps prevent rubbing and reduces pressure on vulnerable areas.
2. Seamless, soft interiors
Rough seams or stitching inside standard shoes can cause blisters or wounds in people with reduced sensation. Diabetic shoes use smooth linings and soft materials to minimise friction.
3. Cushioned soles and shock absorption
These shoes are built to reduce impact while walking, helping to protect joints and avoid pressure points that can lead to calluses or ulcers.
4. Support for custom insoles
Many diabetic shoes are designed to work with orthotics. Pairing them with supportive insoles like PodiMe Orthotic Innersoles or a Podi Poron Heel Pad can help manage foot structure, redistribute weight, and improve stability.
Who Should Consider Diabetic Shoes?
You don’t need to have advanced diabetes to benefit from diabetic shoes. They are often recommended if you have:
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A history of foot ulcers or pressure sores
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Peripheral neuropathy (reduced feeling in the feet)
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Poor circulation
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Foot deformities like bunions or hammertoes
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Swelling or foot pain during daily activity
Even without visible problems, people with diabetes are encouraged to wear protective footwear as a preventative measure.
Getting the Right Fit
1. Always try shoes on at the end of the day
Feet swell slightly throughout the day. Trying shoes in the afternoon ensures a better long-term fit.
2. Check for space at the toe and sides
Your toes should have enough room to wiggle. The shoe should be snug but never tight.
3. Match with supportive socks
Pair your shoes with moisture-wicking, non-binding socks such as Soles Diabetic Socks. These socks help reduce friction, wick away sweat, and improve comfort throughout the day.
4. Use insoles when needed
Insoles can personalise the fit of your diabetic shoes and provide extra support in areas that need it. They’re especially helpful for arch control, heel relief, or even correcting mild imbalances in gait.
Where to Find Diabetic-Friendly Footwear
While some pharmacies and medical suppliers offer diabetic shoes, many people benefit from podiatrist-recommended styles or fittings. If you’re unsure where to begin, your podiatrist can help assess your feet and recommend a style or brand based on your specific needs.
Podime offers a curated range of products designed with sensitive feet in mind, including orthotic insoles, pressure-relieving heel pads, and soft, non-binding diabetic socks. Every item is selected with podiatric care in focus, so you can shop with confidence and comfort in every step.
The right shoe can prevent the wrong complications.
If you’re managing diabetes, investing in proper footwear isn’t just a comfort choice. It’s a clinical one. With the right fit, materials, and support, diabetic shoes help you move more freely while reducing the risks your feet may face.