How to Choose the Perfect Diabetic Shoes

If you have diabetes, you don’t want to let it get to your feet. High blood sugar narrows blood vessels and poisons nerves, and your lower limbs are often the most vulnerable location for damage. That can mean recurring problems with wounds that don’t heal—and without prompt treatment, those wounds can get infected and even lead to a necessary amputation.

One of the best ways that people can protect their feet is with diabetic shoes. Still not sure about them? Here’s what you need to know:

There are plenty of great styles to choose from. No, you won’t look ridiculous in your “special shoes.” Diabetic shoes come in a wide range of fashions, from cute to sophisticated and everything in between. We’re sure you can find a pair that looks great and suits your style.

They offer smart features that help you prevent diabetic foot complications. Diabetic shoes feature increased depth, so that you can fit in an orthotic insert while still giving your toes plenty of room to wiggle about without being crushed or constrained. They often provide extra support and cushioning in the insole to shield your feet from hard impacts. They can accommodate deformities such as bunions and hammertoes with ease. You even can get seam-free interiors to prevent scratching and snagging.

They’re podiatrist-approved. Diabetic shoes are prescribed by your podiatrist. That means a real foot expert is there to help ensure you get the perfect fit with the perfect combination of foot-healthy features you need.

You can probably get them for free. Medicare and most insurance plans will often fully pay the cost of your diabetic shoes, or at least cover most of it. It’s a great investment for you and them, since they provide high quality preventative care and help you prevent nasty skin breakdowns, wounds, and even amputations.

Designed with the unique needs and concerns created by diabetes in mind, diabetic footwear offers features such as extra depth, additional cushioning and support, and even seamless interiors that don’t scratch or snag.

Whether you need new diabetic shoes or not, we strongly recommend that you get a comprehensive diabetic foot checkup at least once per year. (It’s not just us, either—the NIH, ADA, ACFAS, APMA, and just about every other organization of diabetes, podiatry, or general medical professionals agree.) This helps us catch the warning signs of neuropathy, circulatory issues, or skin breakdown early and take the necessary preventative or corrective actions. It may just save your feet!

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Elenburg, please give us a call at (405) 418-2676. You can also fill out our contact form online, and we’ll get in touch.