Diabetic shoes

The diabetic shoe is a development of what is often termed an orthopedic or comfort-fit shoe where ergonomics, high quality materials and high standards of design and manufacture produce a function designed shoe. Shoes of this type are meant to be comfortable and supportive and they should not leave the feet feeling tired or aching.

The thing that sets the diabetic shoe apart from any general comfort-fit shoe is the breathability and internal lining of this type of shoe and there are some very important reasons for this.

One of the big concerns for people with severe diabetes is the risk of a cut, abrasion or damage to the skin becoming ulcerated. In the case of the feet this risk naturally becomes greater because, firstly, all parts of the feet are in constant contact with the socks and shoes (with a potential for rubbing) and secondly, because the environment in which the feet find themselves (enclosed within a shoe) is comparatively humid.

This combination of increased likelihood of injury combined with a damp and moist micro environment means that a shoe can be a potentially hazardous place if it is not designed and manufactured in the right way.

Features of a diabetic shoe

The way in which a diabetic shoe overcomes the potential dangers of a footwear injury is two fold.

Firstly, this type of shoe has a seamless internal lining. This means that there are no seams or projections within the shoe that can rub or catch on any part of the foot. This significantly reduces the risk of abrasive or scratching damage to the skin.

Secondly, a diabetic shoe will normally have a build and fitting quality that combines highly adjustable fastenings with a breathable fabric that allows moisture to escape from inside the shoe, i.e. keeping the shoe ventilated.

The shoe's fastenings may be of the Velcro style hook and loop type and there should be two or three separate fastening points along the shoe to allow multiple adjustments and an evenly pressured fit.

The types of fabric that a diabetic shoe can be made from vary, but ideally some part of the shoe, e.g. the quarter, should include a breathable (or wicking) material like Gor-tex, Coolmax or an equivalent, so that any moisture vapour within the shoe can escape.

The general build quality of a diabetic shoe should be very high with a quality sole and a well shape and cushioned insole. Ideally this insole should be interchangeable or replaceable.

All the features of a diabetic shoe mean that, given today's fashion for chunky and functional looking footwear, it should still be stylish and fashionable.

Back to Health and orthopedic shoes main page.

Back to the Home Page