The best shoes for diabetic feet protect them and never press on them: a roomy, deep toe box, a smooth, seam-free lining, a supportive, cushioned sole and an adjustable closure that holds the foot without squeezing it. With diabetes, small problems like a blister or a pressure spot can heal slowly, and nerve damage can mean you don't feel them, so a careful fit matters more than any single brand or style.
This is general footwear-fitting guidance, not medical advice. For a diagnosis or treatment plan, see a podiatrist or your doctor.
Why shoes matter with diabetes
Diabetes can affect the feet in two ways that change what a shoe has to do. Neuropathy (nerve damage) can reduce feeling, so you may not notice a shoe rubbing or pressing. Reduced circulation can slow healing, so a small blister or sore can become a bigger problem. Many people also find their feet change shape or swell over time.
Most foot problems in people with diabetes start with something small, and shoes that press or rub are one of the most common causes. The right shoe prevents that pressure in the first place.
What to look for in shoes for diabetic feet
- Room and depth. A roomy toe box and enough depth that nothing presses on the toes or the top of the foot, with space for an insole or orthotic if you need one.
- A smooth, seam-free lining. Seams and rough edges inside the shoe are a common source of sores.
- A soft upper that gives, such as soft leather, knit or stretch panels, especially over bunions or curled toes.
- A supportive, cushioned sole that protects the bottom of the foot and is stable underfoot. A rocker sole takes pressure off the ball of the foot.
- A firm heel counter that keeps the foot from sliding.
- An adjustable closure. Laces or hook-and-loop straps let you adjust for swelling during the day.
- A protective toe and a sturdy sole. No open toes or thin soles that let something sharp through.
- A removable insole, so you can use a cushioned insole or a prescribed insert.
- The right size and width. The ball of your foot should sit at the widest part of the shoe, with room in front of the toes. See how shoes should fit.
What's the difference between a diabetic shoe and a regular shoe?
"Diabetic shoe" usually means a therapeutic or extra-depth shoe: built deeper than usual so there's room for a thick, cushioned insert, with a seam-free interior, a wide toe box and a soft upper. Doctors prescribe them when there's a specific risk, such as a past ulcer, a foot deformity, or nerve damage with calluses.
Not everyone with diabetes needs one. Many people with healthy feet do well in a well-fitted regular shoe with the features above: a good walking shoe or sneaker often has most of them. If your doctor has prescribed therapeutic footwear or inserts, follow that prescription.
How to check the fit
- Get measured every time you buy. Feet can change size and shape with diabetes. We measure both feet on a Brannock device and with a free 3D scan.
- Don't rely only on feel. If you have reduced feeling, press the upper over the toes and the widest part of the foot to check there's a little give.
- Feel inside before you put a shoe on for seams, labels or anything that's fallen in.
- Shop later in the day, when feet are largest, and bring your usual socks and any insoles.
- Break new shoes in slowly. Wear them for an hour or two at first, then check your feet for red marks. Redness that doesn't fade within about 20 minutes means the shoe is pressing.
Check your feet every day. Look at the tops, the soles (a mirror helps) and between the toes for blisters, cuts, redness or swelling, and check inside your shoes before you put them on. Catching a small problem early is the most important thing you can do.
Shoes to avoid with diabetic feet
- Going barefoot, indoors or out.
- Flip-flops, thong sandals and open-toe shoes that expose the foot and rub between the toes.
- Pointed, narrow or shallow shoes that press on the toes or the top of the foot.
- High heels, which load the front of the foot.
- Shoes you plan to "break in." If a shoe presses in the store, it won't stop.
- Worn-out shoes whose cushioning has packed down or whose lining has worn rough.
Shoes for diabetic feet by situation
Walking shoes and sneakers
A roomy, cushioned walking shoe or sneaker is the everyday choice for most people. Brooks, HOKA and New Balance make well-cushioned styles, many in wide and extra-wide widths, with removable insoles.
Start here: Women's walking · Men's walking
Slippers and house shoes
Wear something on your feet at home, too: a house shoe with a closed toe, a back or heel strap and a firm, non-slip sole.
Start here: Women's slippers · Men's slippers
Dress and casual shoes
Look for a round, roomy toe, a low heel, soft leather and a removable footbed. Shoes with laces or adjustable straps fit a wider range of feet than slip-ons, and adjust if your feet swell.
Start here: Women's casual · Men's casual
Socks and insoles
- Socks: seam-free or flat-seamed, moisture-wicking, with a top that doesn't dig into the leg. Light colors make it easier to spot a problem.
- Insoles: a cushioned insole spreads pressure across the foot. If your doctor prescribes a custom or heat-moulded insert, the shoe needs to be deep enough for it, so bring it when you shop.
Start here: Insoles & orthotics
How we fit shoes for diabetic feet
We measure both feet on a Brannock device, including the heel-to-ball length we start from, and with a free 3D foot scan whose pressure map shows where you're loading your feet. We check each shoe by hand for room over the toes and across the widest part of the foot, look inside for seams, and fit around any insoles or orthotics you bring. You try them on and walk in them, on our in-store treadmill if you like.
If your podiatrist or doctor has written a prescription, the Certified Pedorthist (CPed) on our staff can fill most foot-related prescriptions. You pay the store directly. We don't bill insurance or Medicare, and we accept HSA and FSA cards.
We fit from the shoes we carry, so the right shoe for you depends on your feet and what's on our shelves, not on one "best diabetic shoe." Here's how we fit →
When to see a podiatrist or your doctor
People with diabetes should have their feet checked by a doctor or podiatrist regularly, at least once a year. See one promptly if:
- You find a blister, cut, sore or crack that isn't healing
- Part of your foot is red, warm, swollen or changing color
- You notice new numbness, tingling or burning
- Your foot changes shape, or you have a corn or callus that keeps coming back
- A toenail is ingrown or infected
If you're given a prescription for footwear or inserts, bring it in. We'll fit shoes that work with it.
Get measured, every time.
Get both feet measured free at Karavel in Austin. A fitter measures you on a Brannock device and a 3D scanner, then you try the options on. No appointment, no obligation.
Related: shoes for neuropathy · wide toe box shoes · other foot conditions · how shoes should fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What shoes do podiatrists recommend for diabetics?
Podiatrists generally recommend shoes with a roomy, deep toe box, a smooth seam-free lining, a supportive cushioned sole, a firm heel and an adjustable closure, plus a removable insole. People at higher risk may be prescribed therapeutic, extra-depth shoes with custom inserts. Your own podiatrist's advice comes first.
What is the difference between a diabetic shoe and a regular shoe?
A diabetic or therapeutic shoe is built extra-deep, with room for a thick cushioned insert, a seam-free interior, a wide toe box and a soft upper. A regular shoe can work well for many people with diabetes if it has room, a smooth lining, a supportive sole and an adjustable closure. Doctors prescribe therapeutic shoes when there's a specific risk.
Do all diabetics need special shoes?
No. Many people with diabetes and healthy feet do well in a well-fitted regular shoe with the right features. Therapeutic shoes are usually prescribed for people with a higher risk, such as nerve damage, a foot deformity or a past ulcer. Ask your doctor or podiatrist which applies to you.
What shoes should diabetics avoid?
Going barefoot, flip-flops and thong sandals, open-toe shoes, high heels, pointed or narrow shoes, and anything you'd need to break in. Worn-out shoes are a risk too, once the cushioning packs down or the lining wears rough.
Can diabetics wear sandals?
Some can, with care. A sandal with a protective front, a back strap and soft, adjustable straps is far safer than a flip-flop. If you have neuropathy, poor circulation or a history of foot sores, a closed shoe is usually the safer choice; ask your podiatrist.
How should shoes fit if you have diabetes?
There should be room in front of the toes and a little give in the upper across the widest part of your foot, with the ball of your foot at the widest part of the shoe. Nothing should press or rub. Get measured each time you buy, and check your feet for red marks after wearing new shoes.
Should diabetics wear shoes in the house?
Yes. Going barefoot at home is a common way to injure a foot. Wear a house shoe with a closed toe, a back or heel strap and a firm, non-slip sole.
Do you take insurance or Medicare for diabetic shoes?
No. We don't bill insurance or Medicare of any kind; you pay the store directly, and we accept HSA and FSA cards. We do have a Certified Pedorthist (CPed) on staff who can fill most foot-related prescriptions.