Many doctors recommend patients purchase shoes specifically designed for diabetics. Footwear and orthotics play an important role in diabetic footcare, so when looking for a pair of shoes, you want to make sure it has proper ventilation, which allows the feet to reduce dampness and heat. Sweat often is an ideal environment for bacteria and infection to grow.
You want to make sure your diabetic shoe to have a high and wide toe box to prevent chafing and pinching that can harm the toes. The shoe should also be lightweight and seamless to prevent any irritation like calluses, infection or blisters. Your diabetic shoe should also fit well. A diabetic shoe with adjustable closures – like with velcro – often provides the best fit, since you can make the fit larger or smaller as needed.
Remember to do your shopping for a diabetic shoe in the afternoon. If you buy a diabetic shoe in the morning, and your feet swell up – as most do – in the afternoon, then your diabetic shoe will feel too tight.
A diabetic shoe that is "seamless" will also take into the fact that your feet are extra sensitive. Your diabetic shoe should have conforming removable insoles to give you extra support. You want removable insoles in your diabetic shoe so you can take them in our out as needed if you want a particular fit.
It's also important to remember to wear seamless diabetes socks and stockings along with your diabetic shoes to keep moisture away from your feet. These are necessary steps to protect yourself from foot problems that arises with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
