What types of shoes should you avoid if you have diabetes?

"People living with diabetes should avoid high-heeled shoes, shoes with a narrow toe box, and sandals or open-toed shoes," explains Dr. Cluett . " These types of footwear can cause pressure to be applied abnormally to a focal part of the foot, or can allow debris to enter around the foot. Your feet should be checked regularly for the development of any pressure areas or sores, and even subtle abnormalities should be addressed quickly before they become a more significant problem." Dr. Kor says another important thing to consider is the weight of the shoe. “If the shoe is too heavy it may cause people to fall, especially if we are talking about elderly patients with neuropathy,” he says. He recommends shoes with Velcro, which allows users to easily control the tightness of the shoe and also aids people struggling with dexterity.

How often should you wear diabetic shoes?

According to Dr. Kor, “I tell patients that they should not do any prolonged walking, climbing, or standing in their home without a good supportive shoe or sandal. As much as possible patients should wear shoes with socks in the home.”

How can I prevent and alleviate neuropathy in the feet?

Along with sturdy shoes, Deena Adimoolam, MD, a spokesperson for the Endocrine Society, says that with good diabetes control , neuropathy can be prevented via taking prescribed diabetes medications and focusing on a healthy lifestyle. People with diabetes should make regular foot exams a top priority. “The most important step in diabetes foot care is performing daily foot exams. Examine your feet daily with a mirror to be aware of any cuts, calluses, etc. If your feet are dry, make sure to moisturize them daily to prevent skin breakdown or breakage. Also, avoid cutting nails too deep, which can lead to cuts and infection."

How much do shoes for people with diabetes cost?

You can expect to spend anywhere between $40-200 for a pair of diabetic shoes. These shoes can be more expensive than regular shoes because they are specialty shoes and require extra cushioning and support to properly fit your foot. When we published this list you could find our best overall shoe from Propet for as little as $33 on Amazon, but on other retailers it sells for $80-90.

The 8 Best Shoes for Diabetics of 2023

People living with diabetes know that fluctuating blood glucose levels can lead to a variety of health complications, many of which involve problems in the feet. In severe cases, diabetes can lead to diminished sensation in the feet, which can predispose to serious infections that could ultimately result in amputation. With that said, staying on top of your diabetes treatment plan can help lower your risk for these kinds of issues—and wearing the right shoes is a great place to start.

"Diabetes can affect the nerves that provide sensation throughout your body. Most commonly, this affects your ability to feel sensations in your feet, making people with diabetes susceptible to developing sores, calluses, and ulcers in their feet," says Jonathan Cluett, MD, a Boston-based orthopedic surgeon. When looking for shoes designed for diabetics, there are a few elements to keep in mind. Dr. Cluett says that shoes need "to be properly fitting and should accommodate the individual's foot shape."

We researched dozens of shoes for people with diabetes and evaluated them for reviews, comfort and cushioning level, materials, arch support, coverage, style, and sizing options. The shoes chosen in this article were determined to be the best of these factors. We also had a board-certified endocrinologist from our Medical Expert Board review the contents of this article for medical accuracy and integrity around diabetes, the importance of properly fitting shoes for people with diabetes, and how to evaluate them.

Here are the best shoes on the market for people who have diabetes.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall for Women:

Propet Women's Tour Walker Strap Sneaker at Amazon

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Best Overall for Men:

Dr. Comfort Men's William-X Diabetic Shoes at Amazon

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Best for Neuropathy:

Orthofeet Chattanooga Shoe at Amazon

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Best for Swelling:

MEJORMEN Diabetic Edema Shoes at Amazon

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Best for Walking:

Brooks Addiction Walker 2 Shoe at Amazon

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Best for Running:

New Balance Women's 840 v4 Running Shoes at Amazon

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Best Boot:

SAS Gretchen Ankle Bootie at Walmart

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Best Budget:

Skechers Performance Go Walk 4 Pursuit Shoe at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Health

4.9

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Zappos

Pros

Durable
Runs true to size
Made from 100% leather

Cons

Needs to be broken in

We chose these sneakers from Propet as our top pick because it checks all the boxes: it’s well cushioned, roomy, and protective. The midsole of the shoe is made with EVA foam, offering the perfect balance of support and softness. The 100% leather exterior is soft and forgiving along the top of the foot while also protecting from exposure to debris.

Because the shoe comes in such a range of widths, you can guarantee that you will find one with enough depth for your feet. Its Velcro strap closures make them even easier to put on and take off.

What’s more, many shoes from Propet (including this model) are covered by Medicare, so if you’re concerned about the financial investment that high-quality diabetic shoes can require, this pair might be covered partially or fully by your insurance.

Price at time of publication: Starts at $33

Arch Support: Yes | Materials: 100% leather, rubber sole | Close-Up: Velcro

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Drcomfort.com

Pros

Protective toe box
Double depth shoe
Provide stability

Cons

Not a lot of traction on the sole

This all-occasion footwear from Dr. Comfort gives the foot everything it needs. The extra quarter-inch of room provided by the double depth design accommodates extremely swollen feet and internal brace and ankle-foot orthosis products. It also comes in three different widths to provide even more room.

The protective toe box utilizes additional padding to prevent the type of trauma that can be caused by toe stubbing. And its use of high-quality leather for the uppers helps regulate foot temperature, keeping the feet both cool and dry.

Meanwhile, the shoe has a firm heel counter that helps provide both medial and lateral stability as you move through your day, and the contact closure ensures a great fit without fumbling over any laces. All Dr. Comfort shoes come equipped with shock-absorbing gel insoles as well.

Price at time of publication: Starts at $115

Arch Support: Optional | Materials: 100% leather, rubber sole | Close-Up: Velcro

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Orthofeet.com

Pros

Includes fitting savers and anatomical insoles
Breathable mesh fabric

Cons

Not washable

Peripheral neuropathy, the type of neuropathy commonly caused by diabetes, results from damage to nerves throughout the body, especially the hands and feet. Symptoms of neuropathy in the feet can include pain, a pins-and-needles sensation, numbness, and weakness.

Luckily, some diabetic shoes are particularly good at alleviating these symptoms, like these Mary Janes from OrthoFeet. The anatomical orthotic insoles and ergonomic soles provide excellent support and cushioning, and the round and wide toe box prevents uncomfortable pressure and leaves plenty of room for toe movement.

These casual shoes have a breathable fabric upper and soft padded interior that are kind to the skin and help prevent binding. The two-way straps also make it easy to achieve a comfortable fit, as well as slip the shoes on and off comfortably.

Price at time of publication: Starts at $125

Arch Support: Yes | Materials: 100% leather, rubber sole | Close-Up: Two-way strap system

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Anti-skid rubber sole
Machine washable
Adjustable

Cons

May run small

When a person with diabetes experiences swelling in their feet, the last thing they want to do is to put on tight shoes that could restrict blood flow and put pressure on the skin.

For this reason, opt for a slipper-esque shoe like this one from MEJORMEN. The sturdy, non-slip rubber soles make them appropriate for both indoors and outdoors, and the soft felt material at the back of the heel is adjustable to better cater to foot swelling.

The slippers are extra wide and use Velcro adjustments to make it easy to slip in and out. The uppers are made with super soft material, and the insole is lined with high-density foam for a cushioned and flexible walking experience. The toe box is also wider to accommodate swelling and prevent the squeezing of the foot.

Price at time of publication: $49

Arch Support: Slight arch support | Materials: Microfiber, rubber | Close-Up: Velcro

4.8

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Brooksrunning.com

Pros

Slip-resistant
Cushion adapts to your step and weight

Cons

Not suitable for those with limited mobility

Walking shoes for people with diabetes need to have stability, cushioning, and breathability. This pair from Brooks gets the job done with its many diabetes-friendly features. The support system used in the heel of the shoe strategically positions arch support to help keep your body in its natural path of motion.

Meanwhile, they use Brooks proprietary cushioning that adapts to your stride, weight, and speed. The leather exterior adds additional comfort while still giving your feet the breathability and temperature control they need.

Many people with diabetes have commented that they don’t find the aesthetics of diabetic shoes particularly attractive, so these shoes are a refreshing option for someone with this chronic health condition.

Price at time of publication: Starts at $115

Arch Support: Yes | Materials: Leather upper, rubber sole | Close-Up: Laces

4.9

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Zappos

Pros

Lightweight
True to size
Wide toe box

Cons

Laces up

If you’re feeling ready to kick your workout intensity up a notch, it’s important to pick footwear that will properly support these efforts, especially when pounding the pavement is involved. Luckily, these shoes from New Balance really deliver on all fronts.

The wider sole gives the foot plenty of room while cupping the heel comfortably and supporting better balance. The wide toe box is also ideal for folks worried about pressure sensitivity. Users rave about the amount of cushion they provide for the top, sides, and bottom of the foot.

The shoes aren’t heavy, large, or clunky like other support shoes can be, but they still manage to provide plenty of protection.

Price at time of publication: Starts at $41

Arch Support: Yes | Materials: Mesh, synthetic upper and rubber sole | Close-Up: Lace up

Walmart

View On Walmart View On Zappos View On Shoes.com

Pros

Removable, shock-absorbing insole
Treated leather keeps feet dry

Cons

Ankle area may be tight for some

For folks who spend hours upon hours working on their feet each day, a supportive and protective boot is a must-have for your wardrobe. These SAS boots have a removable, shock-absorbing insole that contours from your toe to your heel to create a custom fit.

The insole is also made with antimicrobial material that helps reduce friction that can cause heat buildup and inflammation. It even provides extra support through the three main pressure points of the foot—the inside ball, outside ball, and heel—while remaining both flexible and lightweight.

While these boots do have a lace-up design, the heel tab makes it easy to slide them on and off. The leather exterior is both soft to the skin and water-resistant to the weather elements, further keeping your feet dry and safe. Finally, these boots are covered by Medicare, so you might not have to worry about the price tag as much as finding the right fit for your foot.

Price at time of publication: $195

Arch Support: Yes | Materials: Antimicrobial, leather, rubber sole | Close-Up: Laces

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Lightweight
Midsole cushioning

Cons

Limited color variety

These slip-ons from Sketchers come in at a fraction of the price of most other picks on this list, but they still do a great job of supporting and protecting your feet. They use highly responsive midsole cushioning and a high-rebound footbed to give your feet the extra support they need.

Lined with bamboo fabric, they keep your feet cool, dry, and safe from unwanted bacteria. The tapering midfoot design offers improved arch support over previous versions of this shoe.

The mesh fabric on the top of the shoe provides excellent breathability while still protecting your skin from debris that could lead to cuts and scrapes. The nearly seamless construction of the shoe makes it extremely comfortable, and the materials used make it surprisingly lightweight. Consider this slip-on sneaker a safe pick for working a desk job, running errands around town, and relaxing at home.

Price at time of publication: Starts at $40

Arch Support: Yes | Materials: 100% mesh fabric, rubber sole | Close-Up: Slip on

What to Look for in Diabetic Shoes

Cushioning

People with diabetes need to wear shoes that provide their feet with extra cushioning and support to help prevent complications. Most approved shoes offer plenty of heel and arch support, as well as lots of cushion around the ball of the foot. Soft fabrics are used to create the tops of the shoes to better protect sensitive skin from irritation or damage.

Indiana-based podiatrist Alex Kor, DMP, MS, believes that there is a science behind finding a shoe that has the proper amount of support needed for patients with diabetes: “Anything that’s super flexible is not great. You shouldn’t be able to completely bend the shoe in half. On the other hand, if the shoe is entirely too stiff, that’s not what you want either.” Dr. Kor stresses that patients should look for a shoe with a lot of room in the toe area, a shoe that doesn’t bend at the arch, and a shoe that has removable soles so you can add custom soles that will help with arch support if needed.

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.

"There are specialty footwear stores that offer custom fitting, and there are all sorts of gadgets that can be used to size feet," says Dr. Cluett. "Working with someone who is experienced in sizing footwear can be very helpful. Running stores offer these services, but many specialty footwear stores provide this type of service as well.”

Full Coverage

There are plenty of diabetes-friendly sandals out there, but many experts recommend sticking with closed-toed shoes to better protect the feet from unwanted injury. Even a minor cut can lead to a very problematic infection for a person with diabetes, so minimizing risks of such incidences is key.

But be careful not to buy a pair that fit too tightly. According to Dr. Robert H. Eckel, an endocrinologist who previously practiced at the University of Colorado Hospital, “Make sure socks and shoes do not fit tightly or rub. If sensation is reduced in the feet, pressure can cause sores or inflammation that can result in opened wounds and infection.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of shoes should you avoid if you have diabetes?

"People living with diabetes should avoid high-heeled shoes, shoes with a narrow toe box, and sandals or open-toed shoes," explains Dr. Cluett. "These types of footwear can cause pressure to be applied abnormally to a focal part of the foot, or can allow debris to enter around the foot. Your feet should be checked regularly for the development of any pressure areas or sores, and even subtle abnormalities should be addressed quickly before they become a more significant problem."
Dr. Kor says another important thing to consider is the weight of the shoe. “If the shoe is too heavy it may cause people to fall, especially if we are talking about elderly patients with neuropathy,” he says. He recommends shoes with Velcro, which allows users to easily control the tightness of the shoe and also aids people struggling with dexterity.
How often should you wear diabetic shoes?

According to Dr. Kor, “I tell patients that they should not do any prolonged walking, climbing, or standing in their home without a good supportive shoe or sandal. As much as possible patients should wear shoes with socks in the home.”
How can I prevent and alleviate neuropathy in the feet?

Along with sturdy shoes, Deena Adimoolam, MD, a spokesperson for the Endocrine Society, says that with good diabetes control, neuropathy can be prevented via taking prescribed diabetes medications and focusing on a healthy lifestyle. People with diabetes should make regular foot exams a top priority. “The most important step in diabetes foot care is performing daily foot exams. Examine your feet daily with a mirror to be aware of any cuts, calluses, etc. If your feet are dry, make sure to moisturize them daily to prevent skin breakdown or breakage. Also, avoid cutting nails too deep, which can lead to cuts and infection."
How much do shoes for people with diabetes cost?

You can expect to spend anywhere between $40-200 for a pair of diabetic shoes. These shoes can be more expensive than regular shoes because they are specialty shoes and require extra cushioning and support to properly fit your foot. When we published this list you could find our best overall shoe from Propet for as little as $33 on Amazon, but on other retailers it sells for $80-90.

Why Trust Verywell Health

As a seasoned health writer, Alena Hall understands how important it is to know exactly what you’re getting in a product intended for medical use. Over the years, she has reviewed dozens of products, from athletic recovery aids to condition-specific products to homeopathic essential oils, to help readers like you discover products that can help you live your best life.

Additional reporting to this story by Janae Price and Brittany Leitner

As a health writer, Janae Price understands the importance of a knowledgeable and honest review. When there are so many different opinions out there, it's great to have a concise answer that cuts through all the junk online. Every product in this piece has been thoroughly researched and sourced by professionals with potential user needs in mind.

As a health writer with over eight years of experience, Brittany Leitner understands how important access to information is when it comes to making educated health decisions. She has interviewed dozens of medical experts, tested out hundreds of products, and aims to provide quality recommendations that won't break the bank.