Selecting The Right Shoes for Diabetics

Continued From << Shoes For Diabetics

1. Get the right fit

If at all possible, have a trained sales person check the fit of your shoes in the store. Bad fitting may cause blisters or calluses, which can be big problems when infected. Diabetics do not heal wounds fast either.

2. Stay grounded

High heels are not good for your feet and can cause blisters. The idea is to prevent shoes that will trigger such conditions in order to avoid infection.

3. Breathing room

Leather or canvas uppers are your best bet for shoes that allow your feet to breathe, not sweat.

4. On your toes

Open-toed shoes also present a hazard, as they leave a good portion of your foot exposed. Skip the sandals and stay safe.

5. Wiggle room

Properly fitting shoes should leave room for your toes to move freely, and be wide and long enough for a firm yet comfortable fit.

Shoes by Prescription

If you have existing foot problems, you will probably need something a little more customized. Depth shoes are special therapeutic footwear that have extra room for the toes and for any orthotic inserts. If you have foot problems like hammertoes (deformity in the toes) or bunions (inflammation of the joints between the bones of the big toe and the foot), depth shoes may be appropriate for you.

Orthotics are prescription devices that are inserted into shoes to relieve pressure and provide extra cushion and support. To produce a custom fit, your podiatrist may take special casts of your feet.

Sidebar: Another article on the series of continuing diabetes education: diabetic gift baskets.

Some newer orthotics production technology uses a sensor mat that you walk on to provide a computer-generated view of what portions of your feet bear the greatest load. Special software then designs the specifications for orthotist or pedorthist (a person trained in the design, fabrication, and fit of orthotic inserts) can help fit you for orthotics.

Custom-molded shoes may be required for some people with diabetes-related foot deformities, such as cases of Charcot foot. Again, these customized shoes are obtained through a podiatrist or orthotist, who performs a special casting to fit the shoes properly.

The bottom line is: comfort should be a prerequisite when choosing shoes for diabetics to avoid blisters or any other foot problems.