If you’re in the market for diabetic shoes, it might be good to know some of the basics of what makes a good diabetic shoe.

As you know, people with diabetes are at a much greater risk for serious foot complications — especially if they don’t properly take care of their feet. 

You should inspect your feet at the end of each day looking for abnormalities, skin breakdown, etc.. One thing that will help reduce the likelihood of unnecessary foot injuries due to diabetes, is a good diabetic shoe.

But what should you be looking for? What makes a good diabetic shoe? 

In this article, we will go over the special features of diabetic shoes, as well as some tips for making the purchase. 

If you need more help, our doctors of podiatric medicine are ready to assist you. Why not make an appointment with us and get personalized advice regarding your diabetes foot treatment?

What is Special About Diabetic Shoes?

Shoes specifically made for diabetes foot care are intended to offer protection and reduce the risk of skin breakdown. Diabetes patients are especially susceptible to poor circulation in the feet, neuropathy, and foot deformities such as hammertoes and bunions.

Here are some special features of diabetic shoes:

• Deep — Diabetic shoes should have added depth. Some refer to them as “depth shoes” because of the extra space for custom orthotic insoles. This also helps to relieve pressure by providing a looser fit.

• Stretchable — Stretchable features make rather than rigid shoes work best for diabetics because they can contour to your foot shape and reduce pressure points as well as skin irritation.

• Protective — The interior of the shoe is designed to completely protect your foot from even the smallest unnecessary prominence that can cause skin breakdown. This means that the inside of the shoe will be made with a soft material with no protruding stitching.

• Supportive — Diabetic shoes are designed with supportive orthotic support and anatomical insoles that contours to your foot and reduce pressure points.

• Wide — Most people with diabetes should wear a wider shoe than normal to give them a looser fit with less pressure. Most diabetic shoes come in variable-width sizes as well as a deeper toe area. This feature also accommodates swelling after a day of being on your feet.

• Functional — From the soles to the uppers, prescribed diabetic shoes in Fresno will facilitate mobility and improve foot motion rather than restrict it.

Tips for Buying Diabetic Shoes in Fresno

When you’re searching for a shoe that can enhance your diabetic foot health and safety, Canyon Oaks Foot & Ankle offers these tips for buying new diabetic shoes in Fresno:

• Make sure the shoes are made of soft, stretchable material.

• Since feet can swell throughout the day, try to shop for shoes later in the day to ensure an accurate fit.

• Look for a cushioned sole with extra depth for orthotics.

• Use your shoes gradually. Try just a couple hours at first, and then check your feet for discolored spots or blisters.

Everyone has a unique situation when it comes to their diabetic foot health. If you have relatively healthy feet with no deformities, your needs for diabetic shoes may be different. 

However, if you are prescribed a pair of diabetic shoes in Fresno, you should continue to wear them religiously. If you choose to ignore our doctor’s advice, it can lead to serious injury and even amputation.

Do I Need Diabetic Shoes?

Not every person with diabetes will need special diabetic shoes. In order to be absolutely sure of what kind of shoes you should be wearing, you should make an appointment with us at Canyon Oaks Foot & Ankle in Fresno to get professional advice.

For some patients, it is absolutely necessary to wear special shoes at the risk of losing their feet to amputation. For other diabetics whose foot health is in good order, women may even be able to wear high heel shoes for a short period of time. However, if you notice any foot damage, you should always make the switch to more supportive and safe shoes.

On the other end of the extreme, some diabetics already suffer from serious foot deformities. In this case, a custom-molded shoe or protective boot is necessary. 

While you may be able to properly guess what kind of diabetic shoes you need, a professional opinion from a foot doctor in Fresno will be able to clarify your specific needs and help you avoid any unfortunate injuries or accidents. 

Don’t take any risks when it comes to your foot health. Diabetic shoes are a simple way to prevent serious complications, and they may very well be covered by Medicare or your insurance.

Diabetic Footwear Advantages

There are cases of patients who, after just one day of not wearing their protective footwear, suffered irreversible damage to their feet and ended up needing an amputation.

Diabetic footwear features a host of advantages for diabetics in Fresno over regular shoes. On top of offering more comfort, it also offers the following advantages:

• Prevents skin breakdown
• Prevents calluses
• Provides an improved range of motion
• Promotes better circulation
• Reduces the likelihood of serious complications
• May be covered by Medicare or insurance

Contact Canyon Oaks Foot & Ankle in Fresno For Help With Diabetic Shoes

If you have any additional questions regarding diabetic shoes such as:

• Where can I find the best diabetic shoes in Fresno?
• What else do I need to know about my diabetic foot health?
• Do I need Diabetic shoes?

Just make an appointment with us, and we will be able to answer all of these questions and more. We take your foot health very seriously, and we are staffed by the best foot doctors in Fresno. Your feet are safe in our hands.