Type 1 Diabetes Forum

There are shoes made for diabetics, did you know?   To help prevent foot problems typical for diabetics, there are walking shoes and even socks available.  Diabetes can lead to neuropathy (nerve damage) and reduced blood circulation in the feet.  

Other common foot problems are:
Hammertoes
Calluses
Blisters
Ingrown toenails
Bunions
Corns
Ulcers (sores) that will not heal

As well, more severare foot problems can develop for the diabetic, if left untreated.  Charcot foot is a foot condition where the joints collapse and the foot takes on a peculiar shape such as a rocker-bottom appearance.  This happens because the bones are weakened enough that they fracture.  Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage that not only affects the feet, but the arms, legs, and hands too.  This can include damage to several nervous systems, including autonomic (involuntary nerves), motor (muscle), and sensory (pain, sensation, temperature).

Diabetic shoes are based on each person’s foot shape.

When acquiring shoes for a diabetic, you need to have custom fitting.  Therefore, two sets of insoles (removeable) and orthotics are included with each pair of shoes.  Since every individual has a unique feet, orthotics are usually heat-molded according to the shape of each of their feet.  These shoes are very supportive, and have features such as layered insoles, extra-large toe boxes, increased width, deep beds, and are made of genuine leather.  Diabetic patients need these one-of-a-kind fitted shoes.

How can special shoes help those with diabetes?

When you have diabetes, you should look for a shoe that:
Restrict joint movement – not only does limiting joint movement increase foot stability and functionality, but helps eliminate foot swelling and pain.
Shock and Shear Elimination – shock is when you have great downward pressure on your feet; shear is when your feet have too much sideways movement.
Fit your feet closely – when it conforms to your feet, they will help you avoid foot pain as well as damage to your feet from such diabetic conditions as loss of toes, hammertoes, or loss of fatty tissue.
Relieves the pressure put on your feet by tight fitting shoes, stiff stitching, or bone dislocation.  Excessive pressure on the feet leads to skin breakdown or ulcers.
Provide plenty of inside room – the length and width of each foot should be considered so no part of the shoe rubs the foot when walking.   There should be a 3/8-inch to 1/2-inch space between the end of the shoe and the longest toe. The widest part of the shoe should be at the base of the toes.

Summary

Even if a diabetic has no foot pain, his/her doctor may recommend that he/she wears special shoes before problems develop later.  Those who have recently been diagnosed with diabetes and have no foot pain can wear shoes made of soft materials and contain a shock absorbing sole.

Pay more attention to fit rather than the size marked inside the shoe.  Shoe sizes can vary from brand to brand or even by the country they were manufactured in.  Thus, all shoes marked size ‘10’ for example are not the same exact size.

Walking shoes versus running shoes

Most people believe that the same shoes can be used for both walking and running.  This is not true.  Both are not created equal and should not be confused when shopping for shoes.  Running shoes are created with more durability in the midsoles since they take more pounding when coming in contact with the ground than walking shoes do.  To better facilitate a rolling movement from heel to toe, walking shoes have a thinner midsole.  This gives each foot a more natural feeling.  Running shoes have stiff outsoles (bottom of the shoe), while walking shoes have a thinner outsole to facilitate more natural movement.

Top TIps for Selecting Walking Shoes

I cannot overstate the importance of knowing what to look for in a walking shoe.  Taking your time can mean a world of difference – from wanting to walk all the time in your favorite shoes to not wanting to walk at all in a pair that hurts.  Hence, it is advisable to look for the following:

A heel that is round or beveled makes for ease of motion and a more natural roll from one end of the foot to the other.

A flexible forefoot, which allows for movement and bending at the ball, not the arch of the foot.

A lightweight and breathable shoe – not some clunky heavy thing.

A forgiving “upper” – the upper is the top part of a shoe.

The importance of proper fit

The most comfortable shoe is the best fitting shoe.  A comfortable shoe means not the most expensive shoe, but one you love the feel of wearing.  For proper fit, please:

Try on the shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are the most tired and swollen.

Try shoes that are a size larger than you normally wear.

Wiggle room is important, as is never touching the end of the shoe with your toes.  

Try on many pairs.

Walk on hard floor as well as carpet with each.

Wear the same socks you will use when you exercise.

Many people are choosing walking as a healthy, low-impact alternative to running for exercise.  Walking is very different from running, and requires different shoes.  By taking the time to find the right, most comfortable walking shoe, you will ensure that you get the most benefit from every step you take.