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What Are Diabetic Shoes?

Many people don't even know that diabetic shoes exist. Since diabetes can cause numbness in the extremities, paired with trouble healing or difficulty clotting, a properly fitted and comfortable shoe can literally save life and limb. If a diabetic wears an ill-fitting shoe, he may not feel any discomfort, and can literally wear a hole in his foot without any pain.

  1. History

    • Diabetic shoes were popularized in the early 1990s when medicare began covering them for patients. For almost 20 years, diabetic rights advocates had been campaigning for their inclusion, since the cost of each pair was prohibitive for patients on social security. Now that the demand has gone up, the price has gone down and even some department stores in retirement areas offer diabetic shoes and train their staff in fitting.

    Function

    • Made of heavily padded bodies to prevent pinching or rubbing and to protect the foot, a diabetic shoe is designed to guarantee comfort and safety. Since the feet of the patient may not notice rubbing or discomfort, the shoe must be designed to prevent damage.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Since inside seams and narrow widths can cause damage to the feet, diabetics are instructed to have their shoes fitted by a trained diabetic shoe fitter, who often advises shoes with covered interior seams or no interior seams and who checks several points on the feet for comfort and flexibility.

    Types

    • Sandals and fabric shoes are often the most recommended form of diabetic shoes. They are breathable and roomy and can be worn with or without socks. Athletic-style diabetic shoes are also popular, with velcro straps or, for women, ballet-flat type shoes.

    Considerations

    • If you're supposed to be wearing diabetic shoes, be sure to have them professionally fitted and bring your orthopedic inserts to the appointment, so that you can be sure that they fit. Choose several styles and be sure to have your feet checked after wearing each pair for a few hours. Your caregiver will be looking for red areas where the shoes have rubbed. If allowed to continue, an ulcer, similar to a bed sore, can develop, immobilizing the patient and potentially leading to amputation.

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