Although diabetes doesn't require you to wear a different set of clothes, your condition does require you to wear shoes specially made for diabetics. If not, you run the risk of experiencing foot injury and other problems.

Why Are There Special Shoes Made for Diabetics?

Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common complications of having diabetes and refers to the loss of sensation in affected parts of the body. In the case of diabetics, the wrong pair of shoes could lead to peripheral neuropathy since the shoes subject the person's feet to excessive rubbing or a pinched sensation.

Shoes for diabetics are usually deeper and wider because of its insoles. The insoles of shoes for diabetics are designed to provide the owner with better ventilation and fit as well as reduced rubbing. Shoes for diabetics also make sure that users enjoy even weight distribution on their feet.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Shoes for Diabetics

Buying shoes for diabetics for your loved one is a thoughtful gift that will enable the recipient to go about his routine more comfortably and safely.

Fit. This is the most important factor when it comes to choosing shoes for diabetics. If you buy a pair that has everything but the perfect fit then your purchase will still be considered useless. To ensure that the shoes have a perfect fit, make sure that it's spacious enough for the user to enjoy better circulation and avoid peripheral neuropathy. Secondly, it must not cause the foot to get deformed in any way. Thirdly, consider asking around to know what your loved one's problems are with his previous pair and making sure that the new pair won't contribute to the same trouble.

Material. As much as possible, look for shoes for diabetics using dry fit fabric. If not that, look for shoes made from heat moldable fabrics or similar materials like deerskin.

Size. When it comes to size, buy shoes for diabetics as if you're buying for kids - look for something that's a tad bigger because bigger is always better than smaller. If you buy the exact size and it turns out that the manufacturer uses a different measurement system, the shoes you've bought could still end up pinching the user's feet. In any case, a bigger pair of shoes could still be used if socks of the appropriate thickness are worn.

Protection. This is especially important if your diabetic loved one is quite old in age. Skin around the feet always thin with age, but more so for diabetics; as such, you need to look for shoes with more padding than usual to give adequate protection to your recipient. If the user accidentally falls, trips, or damages his foot, the extra padding will definitely reduce the impact caused by the accident.

Grip. Again, this is an increasing concern for diabetics of old age. Look for shoes that have low soles and wide solid heels in particular. Such a design would provide the user with better balance and control over his shoes. As for the outer grip, consider investing in two pairs of shoes for diabetics: one with treads and to be used in wet slippery conditions while the other one should be without treads to reduce chances of tripping.

Supports. Once more, this is an especially important feature for diabetics of old age. Look for shoes that provide additional heel lifts and control as well as greater arch support. These will help them walk more steadily and make turns more easily.

Lacing. Although having to lace up your shoes can be tedious, it's a welcome task for diabetics. Lacing will allow them to adjust the fit of their shoes according to the present condition of their feet. It is not unusual for diabetics to suffer from swelling or temporarily deformed feet.

Types of Shoes for Diabetics and Shoe Accessories

The pair of shoes you're looking for may be a specific type depending on your loved one's needs. Healing shoes are used for individuals who had just come out of surgery or any similar procedure. Shoes for diabetics may be modified externally to make them more stable. Lastly, they may also be thoroughly customized to fit already deformed feet.

About the Author

Visit Learn-About-Diabetes.com for useful information and resources about shoes for diabetics, diabetic foot pain and diabetic doctor.