Diabetic approved shoes are specialized footwear designed to protect the feet of individuals managing diabetes. Their purpose is to prevent common foot complications that can arise from the condition. These shoes incorporate specific design features to minimize pressure, reduce friction, and accommodate foot changes often experienced by people with diabetes.
Why Specialized Footwear is Essential
Diabetes can lead to several foot complications, making specialized footwear a necessity. Diabetic neuropathy, caused by high blood sugar, can damage nerves and lead to a loss of sensation in the feet. This nerve damage means individuals may not feel pain from blisters, cuts, or pressure points. Unnoticed injuries can worsen rapidly, leading to severe problems.
Poor circulation, another complication, reduces blood flow to the feet, hindering wound healing. Minor injuries can become chronic ulcers, difficult to treat and prone to infection. Regular shoes can worsen these issues by creating high pressure or friction, initiating skin breakdown. Foot deformities like bunions or hammertoes are also more prevalent and require specific shoe designs to prevent irritation.
Reduced sensation, impaired circulation, and altered foot structure increase the risk of foot ulcers and infections. These complications can escalate quickly, potentially leading to amputations if not properly managed. Specialized footwear mitigates these risks by providing a protective environment, distributing pressure evenly, and accommodating foot changes.
Design Elements of Approved Diabetic Shoes
Diabetic approved shoes incorporate several specific design elements to safeguard foot health. Extra depth provides additional space for custom orthotics or inserts, distributing pressure evenly across the sole. This volume also prevents the top of the foot from pressing against the shoe, reducing friction.
The interior is typically seamless, with no internal stitches or ridges that could rub against the skin. This smooth lining reduces the risk of blisters and skin breakdown, especially for individuals with delicate skin or neuropathy. A wide toe box allows toes to splay naturally without compression, preventing deformities from worsening and reducing pressure.
Many diabetic shoes feature a rocker sole, a curved design that promotes a smooth rolling motion during walking. This design reduces pressure on the ball of the foot and aids in offloading areas prone to ulcers. Firm heel counters provide stability and support around the ankle, maintaining proper foot alignment and reducing strain.
Upper materials are usually soft, stretchable, and breathable, often made from leather, synthetic leather, or specialized fabrics. These materials conform to the foot’s shape, accommodate swelling, and allow air circulation to manage moisture and temperature. Removable insoles are standard, allowing for custom-molded orthotics tailored to specific foot contours and pressure points.
Choosing and Ensuring Proper Fit
Selecting the correct fit for diabetic shoes is as important as their design. Individuals should seek a professional fitting from a podiatrist or certified pedorthist. These specialists accurately measure feet, identify problem areas, and recommend the most appropriate shoe style and size, ensuring maximum protection and comfort.
Foot size can change over time due to swelling or changes in foot structure, so regular measurements are important. Try on new shoes later in the day, as feet tend to swell and are largest then. This ensures comfort even when feet are at their maximum volume.
When trying on shoes, check for adequate length and width, especially in the toe box, ensuring about a half-inch of space between the longest toe and the end. There should be no pressure points, rubbing, or pinching. Wear appropriate socks, such as seamless, moisture-wicking diabetic socks, during fitting. Break in new shoes gradually, wearing them for short periods initially and slowly increasing wear time.
Acquiring Diabetic Footwear
Acquiring diabetic approved footwear typically begins with a prescription from a healthcare provider. This prescription, from a primary care physician, endocrinologist, or podiatrist, outlines the medical necessity for specialized shoes and often specifies the type of shoe and inserts required.
Many insurance plans, including Medicare Part B, offer coverage for diabetic footwear for qualifying individuals. Medicare Part B often covers one pair of depth-inlay shoes and three pairs of inserts annually for individuals with diabetes who meet specific criteria. Private insurance coverage varies, so check with your provider regarding benefits and requirements.
Diabetic shoes can be purchased from specialty medical supply stores, podiatrist offices, and online retailers specializing in therapeutic footwear. These providers often have staff trained in fitting and can assist with insurance claims. While many diabetic shoes are off-the-shelf, some individuals with severe foot deformities may require custom-molded shoes, made to their unique foot contours.