When it comes to minimizing foot problems brought on by diabetes, choosing the best shoes for the job is key. Not only do they have to provide enough cushioning and support, but they also have to offer enough room to avoid any friction points. As it advances, diabetes progressively affects circulation. Since the feet are the body's furthest point away from the heart, they're most likely to be damaged by this worsening circulation. For a non-diabetic person, a stubbed toe or a blister would heal fairly quickly. For someone with diabetes, though, this small injury could turn into a life-threatening infection. The good news? There are a few common-sense ways in which a woman can drastically reduce the chances of this happening. By choosing the proper diabetic shoes for women, she can keep her feet injury-free.
How to choose orthopedic shoes for diabetes
A diabetic woman's feet need some special shoes to keep them safe. Not only do they have to be roomy, but they require a specific kind of support. Here's what to look for when choosing your next pair of shoes.
- Breathable materials
Bacteria love growing in hot, damp environments, and that describes the average sneaker to the letter. Unfortunately, this increases the chance of developing an infection from even the smallest cut. That's why a breathable shoe is so important - to make them suitable for feet, not bacteria.
- Arch support
On an average foot, the main pressure points rest on the heel and the ball, and that's usually fine. For diabetics, though, those pressure points need to be more evenly distributed. That's what arch support does, which makes this a necessary feature in diabetes-friendly shoes.
- Wide toe boxes
One of the fastest ways to injure a diabetic's foot is to wear tight shoes, even if they're only marginally too narrow. Find any shoe that's marked "wide" or "extra-wide", and you're on the right track. Some diabetic shoes even come with extra depth as well, to accommodate feet that are swollen or for replacing with custom orthotics.
- Cushioning
Avoiding friction of any kind on the feet is crucial for a woman with diabetes, and cushioning helps significantly with this need. It's usually found in the insole, and could be made up of multiple layers of various materials. From foam to gel, there are several different ways to effectively cushion a shoe. Some options even feature extra foam in the toe box, which protects the toes from getting bumped or stubbed. Want some suggestions? Here you go!
SAS Tempo These sneakers are on the upper end of the price range, but since they're covered by Medicare Plan B, they may still be affordable. How does this work? Medicare covers one pair per year of diabetes-friendly shoes for anyone who's been formally diagnosed with the disease. This shoe has a proprietary design for the heel stabilizer, cushioning, and midsole; this protects from blisters that would otherwise come from chafing. There's also a "wide width" style, for even better protection against unnecessary friction. The feet are also safer against bumps and trips, with a thick tongue and upper layer.
Slow Man Women's Walking Shoes Here's a slip-on sneaker that's much more reasonably priced, but still hits all the necessary characteristics for someone with diabetes. It's Amazon's top-rated walking shoe for women, with more than 17,000 gushing 5-star reviews. The sole is thick but flexible, with additional support in the arch and heel. As for the toes, they'll be covered (but not smothered) by the box-toe construction. Plus, it's available in 21 different colors, so there's something for every style.
Propet Women's TravelActiv Mary Jane Flat Many diabetic-friendly shoes are sneakers, because of the additional support that's needed. However, these TravelActiv Mary Jane Flats buck the trend to deliver both style and comfort. The brand is recommended by experts, and this particular shoe is available in six different colors - and three different widths! Customers can choose between wide, extra-wide, or extra-extra-wide. Although the shoes are designed to suit feet affected by diabetes, it's possible to remove the supportive insole and substitute customized orthotics. Another key feature is the weight. Clocking in at just five oz. each, they're perfect for anyone who has problems getting around in heavier shoes. Since diabetes can cause nerve damage in the feet, this makes trips and falls more likely. Combine that with clunky shoes, and you have a recipe for the type of injury that most diabetics can't afford.
Brooks Addiction Walker V-Strap Here's another pair of shoes that's recommended by experts for diabetic women. The sole of these walking sneakers has multiple layers that build support for the feet, positioning them for a stable, natural stride. The outside of the sole is slip-resistant, which makes it perfect for both outdoor and at-home use. And with Velcro straps, they're easy to slip on and off and adjust as needed.
Vionic Shawna Bootie The company that produces this shoe works with podiatrists to design every piece of footwear, with a secondary focus on producing fashionable shoes that anyone can be proud of wearing. These booties offer the best of both worlds, with a sleek leather silhouette that hides supportive cushioning and an easy-to-use side zipper. Prioritizing style again, these booties are available in five different colors.
Orthofeet Orthopedic Walking Shoes With more than 1,200 perfect reviews on Amazon, you can bet that these sneakers will deliver. They're lightweight for improved stability and stylish enough to wear with any casual outfit. They provide both support and comfort and are available in wide and extra-wide options. The orthotic insoles are a big reason why these shoes are recommended by experts, with ergonomic support for the sole, arch, and heel.
The takeaway
Shoe-shopping with diabetes may be a bit more complicated than the average trip to the shoe store, but it doesn't have to be discouraging. If you aren't finding the right options in the store, look online; you're sure to find something there. Your feet deserve comfortable shoes, and you deserve stylish ones; make sure you don't settle for anything less!
You can book an appointment with the best orthopedic doctors in Chennai.
Reviewed by