Walking Shoes for Diabetics - How to Choose Proper Shoes

People with Type 2 diabetes need to be vigilant about proper foot care. Diabetics are more susceptible to poor blood circulation and nerve damage that can lead to rapid infection, severe pain and even amputation. Proper walking shoes for diabetics will help reduce the chance of small cuts and foot ulcers escalating into a more serious condition.

Choosing Walking Shoes

"Diabetic shoes" -- shoes specially made for people with diabetes -- are available. They're typically made so that there are no seams inside, constructed to minimize the risk of getting foot ulcers or calluses. If you cannot find diabetic shoes or they are not within your price range, then here are a few tips on choosing walking shoes:

• Buy well-fitting shoes that are not too tight or too loose. Everyone is unique so there is no one type of shoe that is recommended for all diabetics. Try different types until you find what's best for you (i.e. cross-trainers, tennis or running shoes).

• Go to a respected athletic shoe store to get a proper fit. The price is a bit more but the sales people are usually more trained in shoe fitting. They can check how you walk and recommend shoes that specific to your gait.

• Allow ample room for toes without allowing slippage. Toes should not be cramped.

• Add shoe inserts to create a more comfortable fit. Toe pads may correct a shoe that is too long; thicker socks may correct for shoes that are too wide; inserts may provide more arch & heel support.

• Higher prices do not necessarily mean more comfort. Try many different types and styles that do not chaff, rub or allow your foot to slip.

• Boots - Ensure that there are no sharp edges or buckles that could cut the skin.

• Hiking boots - Good ventilation is needed that allows moisture to escape. A damp or wet foot is prone to fungal infection and even gangrene.

• Sandals - Try to avoid sandals, since they are open and expose more of the skin to injury, including sunburn and abrasion.

• Slippers - Slippers are warm and comfortable for indoors but do not protect your feet from injuries from chair legs & bed-posts. A comfortable running shoe worn indoors will provide more protection from sharp-edges and impact.

• Your doctor may suggest therapeutic shoes if extra support is needed to help alleviate severe foot disease.

Specially designed socks for diabetics are also available and can help provide better fit and form. They allow better moisture control to reduce the risk of infection, are made without seams to reduce pressure points and are less-wrinkle-prone to avoid chaffing. The tops are non-binding so blood circulation is not constricted from the foot. These socks are available in different colors and are generally indistinguishable from regular socks.

People with diabetes are more likely to have foot problems than those without the disease. Daily diabetes foot care can help to minimize or prevent infection and injury. Following proper foot hygiene and choosing proper walking shoes for diabetics can provide more comfort as well as reduce foot complications from diabetes. Also be sure to follow an overall diabetes treatment plan to keep your diabetes well-managed.