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Extremities far from the heart — such as the feet — are first to be affected by poor circulation, and that’s especially true for people with diabetes. Wearing specific shoes for diabetics is one way to manage concerns like swelling and tingling, and there’s no shortage of comfortable options for men and women.
“People with diabetes are prone to foot and leg problems because they’re more likely to develop poor circulation and nerve damage known as neuropathy,” says podiatrist Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM. Neuropathy can cause anything from odd sensations, such as swelling, numbness, tingling, burning, or even coldness, all the way to no sensation in the feet, aka “losing protective threshold.” Someone with reduced circulation and sensation could step on an object, get injured, and not feel a thing.
“You won’t notice it until you’ve already started to have issues,” says podiatrist Mike Rushton, DPM. What would be a small annoyance — say, a rock in a shoe — can lead to severe injury. Dr. Rushton has seen this occur with items as minor as a feather or apple seed stuck in a shoe, or objects as severe as a metal nail that a patient didn’t feel. Diabetes can also reduce blood flow to the feet, making it even more difficult to heal an injury or resist infection. “Poor circulation will subsequently compromise the flow of oxygen, nutrients, and white blood cells necessary to fight off infection,” says Dr. Daughtry. But as problematic as neuropathy can be, the condition can be managed with the right footwear.
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A 2019 review published in the Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders found that therapeutic and orthopedic shoes specifically made for diabetics can help reduce the risk of developing ulcers and other diabetes-related injuries. “Picking the right shoes is important for people with diabetes because, if you don’t protect your feet appropriately, you could develop a non-healing wound that may subsequently put you at risk for an amputation or even a life-threatening emergency,” says podiatrist Miguel Cunha, DPM.
So what goes into a quality diabetic shoe for men and women? A wide fit, plenty of depth, and soft interiors and linings are key to avoiding rubbing and chafing that can lead to sores and injuries, says Dr. Rushton. There are plenty of diabetic shoes on the market — including slippers for diabetics, slip-on sneakers, walking shoes, and comfortable sandals — that boast all these qualities.
To narrow down this list of the best shoes for diabetics, we researched top options on the market and spoke to top podiatrists for the picks they personally recommend. Shop these expert-approved diabetic shoes below.
Materials: Pigskin and mesh
Special features: Made of durable yet soft leather; well-padded tongue; wide toe box
New Balance Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “These are the most comfortable shoes… period! I suffer from fibromyalgia and have to wear extremely lightweight diabetic socks. Their shoes are lightweight and provide adequate support (with the proper ortho insert). I wear these shoes every day and I have owned nine pairs. They made several improvements, but the best is the slip-proof tongue.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $150
Materials: Recycled materials
Special features: Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths; cushioned arch support
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “These shoes are so comfortable. This Adrenaline style is all I’ve worn for the last 3 years. I’m a hairstylist so I wear these every day at work. I’m diabetic also and need the support.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $140
Materials: Recycled polyester
Special features: Supportive cushioning; wide toe box; rigid heel counter
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “I bought these for my mother who has diabetic neuropathy and she absolutely loves them. She said she feels like she is walking on clouds!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $145
Materials: Stretch knit upper
Special features: Stretchy and breathable material; available in medium and extra wide widths; good cushion
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “I wear these shoes around the house when I’m doing housework or cooking. They have very solid support for when I’m moving or standing in place. I have less aches and pains and they help me maintain good posture while standing.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $75
Materials: Stretchy knit upper
Special features: Available in wide and extra wide; cushioned sole; pressure-relieving rocker bottom
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “I got a new pair of OrthoFeet Lava Stretch Knit shoes a few weeks before a trip to Spain. Over seven days in Madrid, Toledo, and Segovia I walked an average of 25,000 steps a day, with several 10 mile days. One thing to know about Madrid before you go is that it is HILLY! My OrthoFeet shoes kept me comfortable and pain free for the whole trip. No hot spots, no arch pain. I’ve only bought OrthoFeet shoes since they relieved my plantar fasciitis in 2020. This trip validates my choice — I’m a customer for life.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $120
Materials: Knit upper
Special features: Stretchy, breathable materials; soft and responsive cushion
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “I just got the lime Gel-Nimbus 25 shoes, and they are the most comfortable shoes I have ever had. I am type two diabetic and these shoes have great comfort on my feet.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $160
Materials: Lycra and leather
Special features: Available in wide and extra wide; stretchy materials; can fit molded brace
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “I buy this shoe every year. It is the only shoe that will fit my feet! I buy it in extra wide and it has a deep toe box which I need. I have severe neuropathy in both feet and they stay very swollen. I also get the diabetic insoles for them. They were extremely well and are covered by my insurance benefits for diabetic shoes.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $117
Materials: Recycled materials
Special features: Cushioned footbed; wide toe box; breathable materials
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Saucony Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
What testers say: “These are wonderful shoes for my wide width, problematic feet. They fit my orthotics and I have had no issues while wearing these for a variety of runs.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $160
Materials: Mesh upper
Special features: No-tie style; wide and deep; breathable mesh material
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “I was diagnosed with CMT, a genetic neurological condition that affects feet and legs, arms and hands. It was so hard that I was pretty much home-bound as it hurt to walk. Since the shoes I have my life back and will continue to wear these kind of shoes forever.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $101
Materials: Leather
Special features: Adjustable straps; removable footbed; wide width; soft leather
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “My dream come true — a pair of comfortable Mary Janes. Room for my toes and with just enough arch support. Love them.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $185
What to Look For in the Best Shoes for People With Diabetes
- Cushioning in the forefoot: The most comfortable shoes for diabetics will include extra cushioning. This helps to relieve pressure on the feet and therefore reduce the risk of friction, sores, or blisters. Cushion in top sneakers and the best tennis shoes for diabetics is especially important for older people with diabetes, because they often experience a loss of fat padding in the feet that can cause thinning of the skin, bony protrusions, or pressure points, according to Dr. Daughtry. Look for extra cushion in the forefoot of the shoe, specifically. You’ll also want to avoid too much cushion in the midsole of the shoe, a popular feature in running shoes. Too much midsole cushioning can make it harder for people with diabetes to “feel the ground” to assist with proprioception and proper balance, Dr. Daughtry says. “In diabetics with neuropathy, this is one of the first and most commonly lost sensations, therefore increasing the risk of falls in patients that already have a high rate and risk of falls.”
- Wide toe box: Many people with diabetes have toe and foot deformities that need to be accommodated with a wider toe box. Having the extra space can help avoid friction, shoe irritation, and subsequent potential for skin breakdown, ulceration, and infection, Dr. Daughtry says. A wider toe box is especially important for diabetics with neuropathy because they often have a difficult time feeling any friction or pressure in their feet. Some of the best open-toe shoes for diabetics, such as comfortable walking sandals, make for a stellar option in the sunny months.
- Stretchy materials: Look for shoes with a stretchy mesh material in the upper and toe box area to accommodate for any foot deformities. This also helps the feet breathe and better regulate skin temperature, per Dr. Daughtry. She also recommends a soft non-abrasive shoe lining to avoid any pressure issues when wearing closed shoes like sneakers. If you love the great outdoors, many of these features can be found in the best water shoes for diabetics, too.
- Comfortable fit: Pick shoes with plenty of cushioning, especially in the forefoot area, and with plenty of heel and arch support, Dr. Daughtry recommends. “Ideally, diabetics should wear extra-depth diabetic shoes with custom molded diabetic insoles to protect the skin from bony protrusions and pressure points,” she says. And if you’re buying online, always try on shoes and walk around with them in your home to make sure they make for a truly comfortable fit before deciding to keep them.
Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Shoes?
Per calendar year, Medicare Part B covers either one pair of custom-molded shoes and inserts or one pair of extra-depth shoes — in addition to either two extra pairs of inserts for custom-molded shoes or three pairs of inserts for extra-depth shoes. However, you may have to pay a bit out of pocket: After you meet your Part B deductible, you’ll be responsible for 20 percent of the total cost.
It’s worth noting that in order to qualify to receive these benefits under the diabetic shoe program, you must meet certain guidelines, such as having poor circulation or a history of foot concerns like calluses and ulcers. The specific shoe must also meet certain requirements to be able to qualify as a “diabetic shoe,” Dr. Daughtry says. Evaluate the full list of criteria here.
How We Chose the Best Shoes for Diabetics
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
We spoke to three top podiatrists on the specific features to look for in the best shoes for diabetics to help prevent sores and promote good circulation, as well as features to avoid in a shoe. We also asked our podiatrists to share the go-to shoes they personally recommend to their diabetic patients. Armed with this knowledge, we researched countless styles from popular brands, including New Balance, Naot, HOKA, and more, as well as read hundreds of customer reviews to help narrow down our picks. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist based in North Carolina. She’s on the executive board of the North Carolina Foot and Ankle Society and of the American Association for Women Podiatrists.
Miguel Cunha, DPM, is a Podiatric Surgery Specialist and founder of Gotham Footcare in Manhattan. Cunha has years of experience as a foot and ankle surgeon, treating issues ranging from minor ailments to full-on reconstructive procedures.
Mike Rushton, DPM, is a co-founder and medical director of Forward Motion Orthotics in St. George, Utah. He’s helped improve orthotics nationwide and is considered a trailblazer in podiatry.
Meet the Author
April Benshosan is a health journalist and editor who’s interviewed countless doctors and other medical professionals and tested many orthopedic shoes throughout her career, which informed her curation of this list of the best shoes for diabetics. She’s dedicated to arming people with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health. Her work has been published in both print and digital outlets, including Women’s Health, SHAPE, VeryWell Fit, Health.com, LIVESTRONG.com, and more.
