Diabetic Shoes for Foot Protection and Ulcer Prevention
People with diabetes are at a significantly higher risk of developing foot complications—including ulcers, infections, and even amputations—due to poor circulation, nerve damage (neuropathy), and changes in foot structure. At our clinic, we provide not only expert diabetic foot care but also prescribe and fit medical-grade diabetic shoes designed to protect your feet and prevent serious complications.
Why Are Diabetic Shoes Important?
Diabetic shoes, also known as extra-depth therapeutic shoes, are specially engineered to prevent the formation of pressure points and reduce the risk of foot injuries. Unlike standard footwear, diabetic shoes offer:
- Enhanced depth to accommodate foot deformities, swelling, or orthotics
- Multi-density inserts to cushion sensitive areas and absorb shock
- Seamless interiors to avoid friction and reduce the chance of skin breakdown
- Breathable materials to keep feet dry and lower the risk of fungal infections
These shoes are especially crucial for patients with neuropathy, where reduced sensation in the feet means that cuts, blisters, or injuries can go unnoticed and become dangerous.
Who Should Wear Diabetic Shoes?
Not every person with diabetes needs diabetic shoes, but they are strongly recommended for those who:
- Have a history of foot ulcers or skin breakdown
- Experience numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the feet
- Have foot deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, or Charcot foot
- Show signs of poor circulation or swelling
- Have thickened or brittle toenails that could cause trauma to adjacent toes
Your podiatrist will assess your feet and determine whether you qualify for diabetic shoes, and if so, ensure you receive a custom fit that suits your medical needs.
What Makes Diabetic Shoes Different?
The key features that set diabetic shoes apart from regular footwear include:
- Extra depth and width to reduce pressure on sensitive areas
- Customizable inserts made from multi-density materials that conform to the foot
- Firm heel counters and stable outsoles for better support and balance
- Accommodative designs that can be tailored to unique foot shapes or orthotic needs
All of these components work together to prevent blisters, calluses, and ulcers, which, if untreated, can progress to serious infections and potentially require amputation.
Our Diabetic Shoe Fitting Process
Our clinic provides personalized service to ensure each patient receives the right fit and protection:
- Comprehensive foot examination to evaluate risks and identify problem areas
- Assessment of gait and pressure points using in-office diagnostics
- Fitting of extra-depth diabetic shoes and custom multi-density inserts
- Follow-up to ensure comfort, function, and continued protection
Our physicians are committed to helping patients manage their diabetes through proactive foot care and preventive strategies.
Insurance Coverage for Diabetic Shoes
Many diabetic patients may be eligible to receive one pair of diabetic shoes and three sets of inserts per year through Medicare or private insurance if certain medical criteria are met. We’ll assist you with the paperwork and prescription process if you qualify.
Protect Your Feet—Protect Your Health
Diabetic foot complications are preventable with the right care and support. If you or a loved one is living with diabetes, don’t wait until a minor foot issue becomes a major medical concern. Our team is here to provide expert guidance, medical evaluation, and custom diabetic footwear to keep your feet healthy and safe.
Schedule your diabetic shoe fitting today and take the first step toward long-term foot protection.