What kind of shoes should diabetics wear?

Diabetes in nerve damage and poor blood flow. The adverse impact of uncontrollable blood sugar levels is first observed in the lower limbs.

It is important to periodically go to a foot doctor and adhere to the strict regime of foot care. Wearing the right pair of diabetic footwear must be part of your foot-care routine. Let’s find out what works best for a diabetic and which features you must look for if you are searching for comfortable orthotic friendly shoes.

Why is it important to wear comfortable shoes when you are diabetic?

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that causes nerve damage. The condition is linked to your reduced ability to feel pain and heal wounds.

Lack of sensation in the foot can lead to the potential risk of infection or bacterial growth. When ignored for a long time, the bacterial growth can turn into a diabetic foot ulcer and might also lead to life-threatening complications where foot amputation becomes the only option left.

Wearing comfortable footwear is very important for diabetics because it helps maintain healthy blood flow levels. Ill-fitted shoes can trap moisture and invite infection-causing germs. Moreover, the design or the inner material of diabetic shoes is also helpful in preventing cuts and blisters from getting worse and helpingthem heal quickly.

What types of shoes are recommended for diabetics?

Shoe shopping for diabetics must be done after considering the below listed crucial design factors:

1. Closed toe and back: Pick a style that keeps the foot protected from both the front and the back. Avoid wearing sandals or flip-flops, as there will always be a risk of your toes getting scuffed on rocks. Moreover, the friction of sandal straps can be too much to handle for your dry and sensitive skin.It may lead to the risk of developing blisters.
2. Light in weight: Another key concern is the weight of the shoe. Pay attention to the material, it should be soft, flexible, breathable and light in weight.
3. Shock absorbing sole: The thickness of the sole makes diabetic shoes different from regular shoes. You shouldnot feel any sort of pressure on the bottom of your feet while wearing a shoe with thick enough cushioning. Another alternative is to invest in thick and supporting orthotic insoles. You may consult a foot doctor to prescribe the best suited orthotics that meet your cushioning requirements.
4.  Adjustable Velcro: Avoid picking a style that you cannot adjust from the top. After a while, even the comfiest shoe starts to feel tighter because of the uncontrollable swelling of the feet. The most suited option for diabetics is Velcro adjustable shoes. The straps allow you to quickly adjust the shoes and make enough room for your swollen feet throughout the day.
5. Flat shoe: Heels are definitely not a suitable option for diabetics. Rather, people with nerve damage or affected blood circulation should wear only flat shoes without elevated heels. The heightened heel basesare not a safe choice because they may increase the pressure on the toes and cause injuries.

Follow these tips and you will be able to find the most comfortable diabetic footwear. Moreover, keep in mind that your feet might swell throughout the day, so try on the new pair of shoes in the late afternoon or in the evening.

Where to find the best diabetic footwear?

It is best to consult a foot doctor before investing in diabetic footwear. A podiatrist can thoroughly assess the level of nerve damage and can carefully measure your feet to recommend the most suited options. With a thorough foot exam, you get the deepest insight into your feet condition and also find out if you need custom orthotics to manage diabetic foot care.

There are plenty of off-the-shelf options available for diabetics. The most popular style that is recommended and made available through Suncoast Podiatry is the Casual Double Depth shoes.

The manufacturers strategically increased the depth of the footwear to make it a comfortable option for diabetics even when the feet are swollen. Podiatrists highly recommend this style for diabetics because these shoes weigh only about 6.07 oz. Below are the key highlights that make these shoes a favourite option for both diabetics and foot doctors:

• A wide and roomy toe box, an apt choice for diabetics
• Extremely lightweight material to support your active lifestyle
• Padded collar and tongue for increased protection against blisters
• Antimicrobial treated seamless microfibre lining to keep your feet moisture free
• Flat shoe design with rigid heel counter for even distribution of body weight
• Hook and loop Velcro closure for easy adjustments when feet are swollen

Are you worried about nerve damage, a diabetic foot wound, or looking for a comfortable pair of diabetic footwear? For any of these, consult a highly experienced Podiatrist Sunshine Coast.

The top-rated choice is the Suncoast Podiatry Clinic. They have board-certified podiatrists who can conduct a thorough assessment of your feet. Their experience and top-class care are highly beneficial. You can get a personalised diabetic foot care regime; the foot doctors at Suncoast Podiatry can make the above mentioned Double Depth shoes available for you. Moreover, if required they may suggest custom orthotics to you.