About Diabetic Shoes and Footwear

03 Feb About Diabetic Shoes and Footwear

The Right Footwear for Diabetes

If you have diabetes, taking care of your feet is one of the most important things you can do. Good foot health is particularly important for people with diabetes, who are among the people most at risk for foot and leg amputations.

Foot Care Matters

The good news is that the rate of amputations has gone down dramatically for people with diabetes, and researchers believe that’s because of improvements in foot care. Taking care of your feet starts with regular podiatric appointments. It also means wearing the right socks and shoes.

Foot Care Is Critical

More than 80% of foot amputations begin with a foot ulcer. If you have any signs of an ulcer, see a foot care professional as soon as possible. If you have a large ulcer or one that doesn’t heal after two weeks of treatment, call your doctor.

Why Circulation Matters

People with diabetes often have poor circulation. That means they are at considerable risk of developing peripheral neuropathy, which is a condition that disrupts the brain’s ability to send signals to your fingers and toes. When this happens, it becomes difficult to heal from infections, illnesses, or trauma to the toes. People with diabetes can develop chronic peripheral neuropathy.

Choose the Right Socks

To prevent diabetes-related foot problems, start with the right socks. Wearing the right socks is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for people with diabetes. The best socks for diabetics are made from soft, thick material that cushions the feet. Socks should prevent blisters and protect the feet from cuts.

The right fabrics are:

• All cotton or cotton-polyester blends
• Bamboo
• Wool
• Nylon

You can also buy socks designed for people with diabetes that have specific features:

• Antibacterial properties to prevent infections
• Non-binding elastic to promote circulation
• Mesh or breathing holes to prevent sweating
• Compression to increase circulation

Some brands that have these features include:

• Wigman Diabetic Thermal Socks
• Dr. Scholl’s Advanced Relief Diabetic Socks
• Falari Diabetic Socks
• Dr. Scholl’s Premium Diabetic Socks
• SB Sox Compression Diabetic Socks

Choose the Right Shoes

People with diabetes need supportive, well-fitting shoes. If you have diabetes, it’s important to protect your feet from bumps, cuts, and other trauma. Look for well-made shoes with sturdy heels.

Other features to look for include:

• Soft uppers
• Wide toe box
• Cushioned insole
• Sole with a good grip
• Custom inserts or orthotics

Some examples of shoes that are good for people with diabetes include:

• Anodyne
• Brooks
• Dr. Comfort
• Grasshopper (for women)
• Propet

Get Help from Shuman Podiatry

At Shuman Podiatry & Sports Medicine, we specialize in diabetic foot care. If you have diabetes and have concerns about your foot health, contact us today. Your good foot health starts with a thorough foot checkup, so make an appointment today.