What Are Diabetic Shoes?

It’s so important to provide your feet with proper care, especially if you are living with diabetes. Those with diabetes are especially prone to infection, injury and other issues that could lead to serious complications. Knowing how to care for your feet is the key to preventing problems from happening. Here at Armitage Podiatry Center, we want to arm you with the education and knowledge to know how to care for your diabetic feet. If our podiatrist Dr. Warren Levy has told you that you could benefit greatly from diabetic shoes here’s what you should know.

One of the most important things to consider when it comes to the health of your feet is the kind of shoes you are wearing. After all, those with diabetes often have some kind of tingling or numbness in their feet and it’s important that they wear shoes and socks at all times, even indoors. Since you’ll be wearing shoes all day long it’s important that you are wearing shoes that will benefit your feet and not cause further issues.

When it comes to buying diabetic shoes there are some features that you should look for to determine whether they will provide your diabetic feet with what they need. Making sure that the shoes you do purchase are properly fitted to your feet is paramount. Shoes that are too tight or loose or shoes that bunch up your toes are not properly fitted to your feet and will cause problems.

There are so many diabetic shoe options out there that it can be a bit daunting. The good news is that finding the right pair of diabetic shoes can often alleviate aches, pains and other issues that you might be dealing with. Here are some of the key features to look for when purchasing diabetic shoes,

Foam padding: This will provide cushioning and comfort to distribute weight more evenly across your feet. It also provides better shock absorption.
Soft fabric: Soft fabric on the outside of the shoes makes the shoes more flexible, which can better accommodate custom orthotics if your podiatrist recommends wearing them. They also reduce pressure points, which can affect bunions and other foot deformities.
Rubber soles: Rubber soles and stretchier material allow for the shoes to accommodate the shape of your feet, as well as reduce any pressure on bunions and hammertoes.
Midsole cushioning: This is particularly important for anyone dealing with flat feet, as this cushioning can spread out the impact and pressure more evenly across the foot as you walk.
Arch support: This is particularly important for those with diabetes. Sometimes you may need to turn to custom molded orthotics in order to provide ample arch support to reduce pain and strain.

If you are looking to get shoes that will cushion and support your diabetic feet then it’s time to call Armitage Podiatry Center today at (312) 266-6326 to find out how we can help you find the right shoes for you.