Who doesn’t love shoe shopping?! However, when managing diabetes, it is important to pick the right footwear in order to keep your feet happy and healthy! Diabetes poses a risk for poor blood circulation, especially in the feet. A diabetes-friendly pair of shoes can help prevent foot injuries related to neuropathy (nerve damage) and more.

First, it’s important to make sure you would benefit from diabetes-friendly footwear. Healthline says people who have blood sugar under control and who have not experienced numbness or tingling in their feet don’t necessarily need medical shoes. Remember to talk to your doctor before you make any therapeutic footwear purchases.

Tips on how you can find a new pair of kicks to make your feet happy:

  • Shop for shoes in the late afternoon – this is the time of day the feet are the most swollen, so it ensures you’ll get shoes that are roomy enough.
  • Consult your family doctor or podiatrist for the best footwear and sizing recommendations. Sales associates at the mall aren’t trained to help people with medical needs.
  • Watch out for extra buckles or straps that can rub your feet the wrong way and cause cuts, blisters, or swelling.
  • Bring a friend or family member with you to help you if the shoe-shopping wears you out or if you just want some advice on picking out your new kicks!😎 

According to WebMD, diabetes-friendly shoes should have a thick, hard sole to protect your feet from any sharp objects. The shoe should also cover your entire foot to keep it safe from debris. Finally, look for shoes that have adjustable closures, such as laces or Velcro. This will help you adjust how the shoe fits when the swelling increases and decreases. One of the most important parts of buying a good pair of shoes is making sure they give you plenty of room around your toes to promote circulation. The footbed should also feel roomy, allowing your feet to breathe when they swell. This helps avoid infections also.

Finally, keep in mind that shoes don’t last forever. To keep your feet healthy, it’s important to replace your shoes when they wear down or break.

WebMD recommends replacing old shoes when:

  • The heel begins to collapse to one side
  • The middle part of the shoe starts to wear down
  • The inner lining of the shoe is torn

All this shopping and research may take a little extra work but investing in solid footwear can help save your feet from extra pain and problems later.

 

Summary

Shoes can make a world of difference in decreasing the risk of  infections, foot injuries, and worsening neuropathy. Footwear plays an important role in diabetes care and the health of your feet. Ask your healthcare provider if therapeutic shoes are right for you. 

Disclaimer Statement: This is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. For individual medical advice, contact your healthcare practitioner.