Shoes for Diabetics – How to Choose

Hunting for shoes for diabetics can be challenging. Swollen feet and the foot pain associated with diabetes require an understanding of the condition of the feet to help them identify specific wants in the shoes they want to purchase.

There are a variety of shoes on the market but making a choice can be difficult. Searching for shoes for my father helped me better understand features to look out for because no two diabetic people experience the exact same sort of foot pain or swelling.

Finding comfortable acceptable “less drab” footwear suitable for all occasions, including social events needed a lot of upfront research for my father which is the information shared in this article.

How does Diabetes Affect the Feet?

The most common complication of diabetes is damage to the nerves of the body, known as diabetic neuropathy – a condition well-known to people living with diabetes. The symptoms can include numbness, tingling, pain, and altered pain sensation, which can lead to damage to the skin.

Diabetes-related foot problems (such as diabetic foot ulcers) may occur, and can be difficult to treat because of the diminished sensation in the feet. This can cause serious infections such as sores, calluses and ulcers in the feet which, in extreme cases, may need amputation.

Diabetic neuropathy also causes painful muscle atrophy and weakness.

With these considerations, diabetics, especially when on insulin may be more prone to falls especially in older people. This is also a major reason why diabetics should ensure that their footwear is comfortable, stable and safe.

Features to Look for in Shoes Designed for Diabetics – Checklist

When looking to buy specially designed shoes for diabetics, there are some general considerations that should be checked. Most designs generally have several of these features but the fit may differ by the shoe brand. The checklist below is a useful guide to follow.

Shoe Must be Designed For Diabetics:

Shoes to be considered MUST specifically be designated as designed for diabetics OR have a diabetes rating such as Medicare/HCPCS Code = A5500 Diabetic Shoe. Only these shoes are recommended for diabetics to avoid harm, inflammation or infection.

Footwear Fit and Shape:

Footwear must fit properly and accommodate the shape of the foot. Proper fit means that when socks are worn the shoes do not fit tightly or rub against the shoe base.

This can result in reduced sensation in the feet accompanied by inflammation, sores and infection.

Coverage of the Shoe:

Full foot coverage is recommended. High-heeled shoes, shoes with a narrow toe box (pointy fit), sandals or open-toed shoes should be avoided.

This footwear can cause pressure to be applied to certain parts of the foot causing swelling or pain, or can allow debris to enter around the foot which can cause unwanted injury.

Shoe Depth:

Many diabetic shoes are described as having “extra depth,” which speaks specifically to the toe cage of the shoe.

Having additional room in this compartment of the shoe can help protect the skin whenever the foot swells or would otherwise experience additional pressure in traditional shoes

In a diabetic shoe, you want to avoid restriction and instead provide plenty of breathing room.

Wide Toe Box Design:

This will provide the feet with lots of movement space

Ergonomic Arching and Heel Support:

Provide comfort placement of the foot and eliminate unnecessary grazing that can result in bruises or soreness

Extra Cushioning and Shock Absorbing Pads:

Extra cushioning and support is required to help prevent foot pain and injuries. Most approved shoes provide lots of cushioning around the heel and arch support and around the ball of the foot.

Stretchable Upper Material:

The tops of the shoes should be made from soft fabric to similarly protect the feet. If foot conditions like bunions or hammertoes are present, a shoe with stretchable Lycra material is preferred to reduce friction against the toes.

Weight of the Shoe:

Note that some shoes may be too heavy for certain individuals. If the shoe is too heavy it may cause falls, especially in the case of elderly patients with neuropathy.

Anti-skid Rubber Sole:

This provides stability and prevents unnecessary slips and falls

Ability to Control Tightness of the Shoe:

Shoes with Velcro straps allow users to easily control the tightness of the shoe and also helps those with dexterity issues tying shoe laces

FitVille Shoes for Diabetics – Rebound Core Design

FitVille Men or Women Rebound Core is a popular Unisex design in shoes for diabetics and comes in 5 delightful colors. Because the shoes come in half-sizes, this ensures that a good fit can easily be found. Furthermore, there are wider sizes – Wide 2E and Extra Wide 4E for even more enhanced sizing.

The Rebound Core is designed for people with wide feet. A wide toe box and high in-step design reduce the friction between the feet and the arch support provides cushioning comfort. The manufacturer is recognized for its Patented PropelCore EVA soles and these shoes check off all the features discussed in the checklist.

Propet Shoes For Diabetics

In 1949, PRO-Keds was established by Keds as an athletic footwear line primarily aimed at basketball.

Originally released as the “Royal Tread,” the first PRO-Keds product was the classic Royal, a canvas basketball shoe in high and low tops featuring a distinctive red and blue power stripe adjacent to the toe.

It was worn and endorsed by the Minneapolis Lakers, the first NBA Champions who won five consecutive titles in PRO-Keds.

Over time, new styles were added across the categories of baseball, football, tennis, and track and field.

Materials using exclusive shock-absorbent support and cushioning techniques were developed to keep pace with the rapid advancements in footwear technology

Today, Propet is a leading manufacturer of shoes for diabetics and they have a large number of popular designs on the market.

Its top-rated shoes are presented in this round-up overview.

Information presented is based on material type, cushioning level, coverage, style, sizing options and customer reviews.

MORE IMPORTANTLY, ALL THEIR DIABETIC SHOES ARE RATED Medicare/HCPCS Code = A5500 Diabetic Shoe, so if they do not have this rating, no matter how wide they appear to be, they will not be suitable for diabetics.

Propet Women’s Tour Walker Medicare/HCPCS Code = A5500 Diabetic Shoe Sneaker

Coverage: Full

Weight: 334.52 Grams

Materials:

• 100% Leather
• Well cushioned
• Soles – rubber, non skid
• Velcro fastener

Colors: 5 colors – Sport White, White, Black, White/Blue, White/Berry

Sizes: 5 -12; Wide 2XX, Extra Wide 3XXX: Half-sizes available

Fit: True to size

Propet Men’s M5015 Medicare/HCPCS Code = A5500 Diabetic Shoe Sneaker

Coverage: Full

Weight: 368.54 Grams

Materials / Construction:

• 100% Leather
• Well cushioned
• Padded collar and tongue
• Velcro strap closure
• Shaft measures approximately Low-Top” from arch
• Durable arch support
• Manmade sole
• Medicare/HCPCS code A5500 diabetic shoe

Colors: 4 colors – Dark Brown Grain, Black Grain, Dark Brown, Black

Sizes: 7 -15; Reg , Wide (X), Extra Wide (XX): Half-sizes available in 8, 9, 10

Fit: True to size – Order usual size

Propet Women’s Vista Strap A5500 Diabetic Comfort Shoes &

Propet Men’s Vista Strap-m A5500 Diabetic Shoes

Coverage: Full

Weight: WOMEN – 340.19 Grams, MEN – 334.52 Grams

Materials / Construction:

• 100% Leather
• Well cushioned
• Shaft measures approximately Low-Top#inches from arch
• Platform depth measures approximately 4.0972 inches
• Supple full-grain leather upper with mesh lining
• Padded collar and tongue with twin-strap closure
• Firm heel counter with removable footbed
• PU unitsole provides cushion, traction and durable wear
• Medicare approved, A5500 coded
• Soles – rubber, non-skid

Colors: WOMEN -2 colors – Bone Smooth, Black Smooth

MEN– 2 Colors – Brown, Black

Sizes: WOMEN: 6X WIDE -11X WIDE; Half-sizes available in 8 & 9
MEN: 8X Wide – 15XX Wide: Half sizes in 8 – 11

Fit: True to size – Order usual size

Propet Women’s Stability Walker Medicare/HCPCS Code = A5500 Diabetic Shoe Sneaker &

Propet Men’s Stability Walker Medicare/HCPCS Code = A5500 Diabetic Shoe Sneaker

Coverage: Full

Weight: WOMEN – 300.5 Grams, MEN – 368.54 Grams

Materials / Construction:

• 100% Leather
• Rubber sole – non skid
• Shaft measures approximately low-top from arch
• Walking sneaker with leather upper featuring rocker profile, D-ring speed-lacing system, and perforations for breathability
• Molded-EVA midsole
• Rigid Internal heel counter
• Removable cushioned orthotic
• B’ in the physical item denotes Women’s sizing
• Speed-lacing closure system
• Medicare/HCPCS code A5500 diabetic shoe

Colors: WOMEN – 4 colors – Black, White, Pewter Suede, Berry Suede

MEN– 5 Colors – White, Black, Grey/Black Nubuck, Chocolate/Black Nuback, Army Green/Black Nubuck

Sizes: WOMEN: 5 – 13, Wide(X) , Narrow & XXX WIDE; Half-sizes available in 5 – 10
MEN: 7X Wide – 17XX, Wide(X) , Narrow & XXX WIDE : Half sizes in 7 – 11

Fit: This style tends to run small. For an accurate fit the manufacturer recommends purchasing a 1/2 size larger than you typically purchase.

Conclusion

People suffering from diabetes cannot afford to wear shoes other than those for diabetics. Wearing the wrong kind of shoes can lead to irritation, inflammation, and infection. They need to be searching for shoes for diabetics with swollen feet.

Many designs are available on the market, but designs of two top manufacturers – FitVille and Propet are compared in this article.

Because diabetic shoes are different from traditional shoes, some options may be pricier than others. Bear in mind that these differences are because they: are wider and deeper than average to ensure that the feet can freely move about without brushing against the interior.

Furthermore, most shoes for diabetics are constructed in a manner that they do not include seams. These features are all reflected in the pricing.

Leave a comment below if you find this article informative or if you have a question you would like answered.

Read Related Articles

Foot Problems and Diabetes. Why Important for Seniors?

References

Wikipedia. Diabetes https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabetes