The 11 Best Shoes for Diabetics, According to Podiatrists
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Extremities far from the heart — such as the feet — are first to be affected by poor circulation, and that’s especially true for people with diabetes. Wearing specific shoes is one way to manage diabetes-related concerns like swelling and tingling, and there’s no shortage of comfortable options for men and women.
“People with diabetes are prone to foot and leg problems because they’re more likely to develop poor circulation and nerve damage known as neuropathy,” says podiatrist Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM. Neuropathy can cause anything from odd sensations (such as swelling, numbness, tingling, burning, or even coldness) to no sensation at all in the feet, aka “losing protective threshold.” Someone with reduced circulation and sensation could step on an object, get injured, and not feel a thing.
“You won’t notice it until you’ve already started to have issues,” says podiatrist Mike Rushton, DPM. What would be a small annoyance — say, a rock in a shoe — can lead to severe injury. Dr. Rushton has seen this occur with items as minor as a feather or apple seed stuck in a shoe, or objects as severe as a metal nail that a patient didn’t feel. Diabetes can also reduce blood flow to the feet, making it even more difficult to heal an injury or resist infection. “Poor circulation will subsequently compromise the flow of oxygen, nutrients, and white blood cells necessary to fight off infection,” Dr. Daughtry offers. But as problematic as neuropathy can be, the condition can be managed with the right footwear.
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A 2019 review published in the Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders found that therapeutic and orthopedic shoes specifically made for diabetics can help reduce the risk of developing ulcers and other injuries tied to diabetes. “Picking the right shoes is important for people with diabetes because, if you don’t protect your feet appropriately, you could develop a non-healing wound that may subsequently put you at risk for an amputation or even a life-threatening emergency,” says podiatrist Miguel Cunha, DPM.
What exactly goes into a quality diabetic shoe for men and women? A wide fit, plenty of depth, and soft interiors plus linings are key to avoiding rubbing and chafing that can lead to sores and injuries, says Dr. Rushton. There are plenty of diabetic shoes on the market — including slippers for diabetics, slip-on sneakers, walking shoes, and comfortable sandals — that boast all these qualities.
To narrow down this list of the best shoes for diabetics, we researched top options on the market and spoke to industry-leading podiatrists, who provided picks they personally recommend. Shop these expert-approved diabetic shoes below.
Materials: Mesh upper
Special features: Wide toe box; extra depth; removable insole; stabilizing heel counter; available in wide and extra-wide
The No. 45 Women’s Sport Joggers also boast the A5500 Diabetic Shoes certification, which means they meet Medicare and other health insurance provider specifications for coverage (see more about this in our FAQs below). The fact that the shoes are free of laces makes them a trusty choice for older individuals with mobility issues, too, and the three colorway options ensure the supportive kicks are anything but boring.
Price upon publish date of this article: $159
Materials: Pigskin leather and mesh upper
Special features: Made of durable yet soft leather; well-padded tongue; wide toe box
What testers say: “These are the most comfortable shoes… period! I suffer from fibromyalgia and have to wear extremely lightweight diabetic socks. Their shoes are lightweight and provide adequate support (with the proper ortho insert). I wear these shoes every day and I have owned nine pairs. They made several improvements, but the best is the slip-proof tongue.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $185
Materials: Recycled materials and mesh upper
Special features: Cushioned support aids feet, knees, and hips; available in wide and extra-wide
What testers say: “These shoes are so comfortable. This Adrenaline style is all I’ve worn for the last three years. I’m a hairstylist, so I wear these every day at work. I’m diabetic also and need the support.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $139.99
Materials: Recycled polyester
Special features: Supportive cushioning; wide toe box; rigid heel counter
What testers say: “I bought these for my mother who has diabetic neuropathy and she absolutely loves them. She said she feels like she is walking on clouds!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $144.95
Materials: Stretch knit upper
Special features: Stretchy and breathable material; good cushion
What testers say: “I wear these shoes around the house when I’m doing housework or cooking. They have very solid support for when I’m moving or standing in place. I have less aches and pains and they help me maintain good posture while standing.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $64.98
Materials: Stretchy knit upper
Special features: Cushioned sole; pressure-relieving rocker bottom
What testers say: “I got a new pair of OrthoFeet Lava Stretch Knit shoes a few weeks before a trip to Spain. Over seven days in Madrid, Toledo, and Segovia, I walked an average of 25,000 steps a day, with several 10 mile days. One thing to know about Madrid before you go is that it is HILLY! My OrthoFeet shoes kept me comfortable and pain-free for the whole trip. No hot spots, no arch pain. I’ve only bought OrthoFeet shoes since they relieved my plantar fasciitis in 2020. This trip validates my choice — I’m a customer for life.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $109.99
Materials: Jacquard mesh upper
Special features: Stretchy, breathable materials; soft and responsive cushion; extra-wide option for some sizes/colorways
What testers say: “Have worn out my trusty shoes from a physically intensive job and have been dealing with aching feet for months on end. Since having these new shoes, my feet have been healing and it’s been helping a lot with managing everything else. Love the wider toe box, breathable fabric, and great support. Absolutely recommend!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $164.95
Materials: Lycra and leather
Special features: Available in wide and extra-wide; stretchy materials; can fit molded brace
What testers say: “Bought these for my mother who suffers from diabetic neuropathy and has sore feet. Great support, keeps her feet comfortable and offers protection.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $132
Materials: Recycled materials
Special features: Foam-powered, cushioned footbed; wide toe box; breathable materials
What testers say: “The Triumph fits my foot well and the Wide version allows my ‘Freddy Flintstone’ wide feet plenty of toe box room. The heel cushioning really absorbs the shock of each step, and there is also ample cushioning under the balls of my feet. I had virtually no break-in time.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $160
Materials: Mesh upper
Special features: No-tie style; wide and deep; breathable mesh material
What testers say: “These shoes are perfect in every way. From the second I started putting the first shoe on, I could tell they were going to meet all my expectations, and they have! They fit magnificently, with the right arch support, great tie space, and perfect width. I have to add an orthopedic lift to the heel, and that worked out well also.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $132
Materials: Leather
Special features: Adjustable straps; removable footbed; wide width; soft leather
What testers say: “My dream come true — a pair of comfortable Mary Janes. Room for my toes and with just enough arch support. Love them.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $194.95
What to Look For in the Best Shoes for People With Diabetes
- Cushioning in the forefoot: The most comfortable shoes for diabetics will include extra cushioning. This helps to relieve pressure on the feet and therefore reduce the risk of friction, sores, or blisters. Cushion in top sneakers and the best tennis shoes for diabetics is especially important for older people with diabetes, because they often experience a loss of fat padding in the feet that can cause thinning of the skin, bony protrusions, or pressure points, according to Dr. Daughtry. Look for extra cushion in the forefoot of the shoe, specifically. You’ll also want to avoid too much cushion in the midsole of the shoe, which can make it harder for people with diabetes to “feel the ground” and thus maintain proprioception and proper balance, Dr. Daughtry says. She adds the following: “In diabetics with neuropathy, this is one of the first and most commonly lost sensations, therefore increasing the risk of falls in patients that already have a high rate and risk of falls.”
- Wide toe box: Many people with diabetes have toe and foot deformities that need to be accommodated with a wider toe box. Having the extra space can help avoid friction, shoe irritation, and subsequent potential for skin breakdown, ulceration, and infection, Dr. Daughtry tells Footwear News. A wider toe box is especially important for diabetics with neuropathy because they often have a difficult time feeling any friction or pressure in their feet. Some of the best open-toe shoes for diabetics, such as comfortable walking sandals, make for a stellar option in the sunny months.
- Stretchy materials: Look for shoes with a stretchy mesh material in the upper and toe box area to accommodate any foot deformities. This also helps the feet breathe and better regulate skin temperature, per Dr. Daughtry. She also recommends a soft non-abrasive shoe lining to avoid any pressure issues when wearing closed shoes like sneakers. If you love the great outdoors, many of these features can be found in the best water shoes for diabetics, too.
- Comfortable fit: Pick shoes with plenty of cushioning (especially in the forefoot area) and with plenty of heel and arch support, Dr. Daughtry recommends. “Ideally, diabetics should wear extra-depth diabetic shoes with custom molded diabetic insoles,” she says. And if you’re buying online, always try on shoes in your home to make sure they make for a truly comfortable fit before deciding to keep them.
Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Shoes?
Per calendar year, Medicare Part B covers either one pair of custom-molded shoes and inserts or one pair of extra-depth shoes — in addition to either two extra pairs of inserts for custom-molded shoes or three pairs of inserts for extra-depth shoes. However, you may have to pay a bit out of pocket: After you meet your Part B deductible, you’ll be responsible for 20 percent of the total cost.
It’s worth noting that in order to qualify to receive these benefits under the diabetic shoe program, you must meet certain guidelines, such as having poor circulation or a history of foot concerns like calluses and ulcers. The specific shoe must also meet certain requirements to be able to qualify as a “diabetic shoe,” Dr. Daughtry says. Evaluate the full list of criteria here.
How We Chose the Best Shoes for Diabetics
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
We spoke to three top podiatrists on the specific features to look for in the best shoes for diabetics to help prevent sores and promote good circulation, as well as features to avoid in a shoe. We also asked our podiatrists to share the go-to shoes they personally recommend to their diabetic patients. Armed with this knowledge, we researched countless styles from popular brands, including New Balance, Naot, HOKA, and more, as well as read hundreds of customer reviews to help narrow down our picks. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist based in North Carolina. She’s on the executive board of the North Carolina Foot and Ankle Society and of the American Association for Women Podiatrists.
Miguel Cunha, DPM, is a Podiatric Surgery Specialist and founder of Gotham Footcare in Manhattan. Cunha has years of experience as a foot and ankle surgeon, treating issues ranging from minor ailments to full-on reconstructive procedures.
Mike Rushton, DPM, is a co-founder and medical director of Forward Motion Orthotics in St. George, Utah. He’s helped improve orthotics nationwide and is considered a trailblazer in podiatry.
Meet the Author
April Benshosan is a health journalist and editor who’s interviewed countless doctors and other medical professionals and tested many orthopedic shoes throughout her career, which informed her curation of this list of the best shoes for diabetics. She’s dedicated to arming people with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health. Her work has been published in both print and digital outlets, including Women’s Health, SHAPE, VeryWell Fit, Health.com, LIVESTRONG.com, and more.
Fairchild Media Group Senior commerce writer Stacia Datskovska contributed to the February 2025 update of this article with new product selections.
