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The Best Shoes if You Have Diabetes, According to Podiatrists

The proper footwear can help manage foot problems caused by diabetes.

3 shoes on a designed background
Photo: New Balance / Skechers / Kane Footwear

If you have diabetes and struggle to find comfortable shoes, you're not alone. Diabetes can cause many conditions, including foot problems that make wearing shoes painful.

"People with diabetes must take extra caution and care with their feet," says Pamela Mehta, M.D., owner of Resilience Orthopedics in San Jose, California. That's because things like nerve damage, hammertoe and poor circulation are all more common in people with diabetes. Mehta adds that it's important to inspect your feet daily and check for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling or nail problems, even using a magnifying hand mirror when necessary to examine the bottoms of your feet. It may sound obvious, but keeping your feet clean by washing them daily is imperative, and you should always use moisturizer to avoid dry skin and cracking of the feet, which can be more prevalent among those with diabetes. Also, properly managing your diabetes can reduce your risk of these foot problems.

Foot issues that can come along with diabetes can make shoe shopping feel a lot less fun. It doesn't have to be impossible, though. After looking at shoes for such things as arch support, material, cushioning, width and toe box size, we then talked to podiatrists (and tested out a few ourselves) to bring you our top shoe picks.

Our Diabetes-Friendly Shoe Recommendations

Best Classic: New Balance 990

New Balance Men's FuelCell 990 V6 Sneaker
Amazon

What we like: These come in many different widths—from extra narrow to extra extra wide.

What to know: Black, navy or gray are the most common color selections in this shoe.

"This classic style, available for both men and women, offers a lot of stability and is ideal for everyday wear," says Daniel Geller, D.P.M., a foot and ankle surgeon in Los Angeles. They're secure, supportive and accommodate a variety of foot shapes while protecting your arch. These shoes typically come in a limited color selection (think: black, navy, gray and sometimes a pink colored version for women). They are made from leather, fabric and mesh, offering your foot breathability and comfort.

The level of cushioning will vary, contingent on the version you select. They typically have a roomy toe box area so your toes can move around. It's nice that these shoes come in several widths (including extra narrow and extra extra wide) to accommodate those that have slimmer or wider feet.

Available sizes: Men 7 to 16, women 5 to 13 | Width options: Standard, extra narrow, narrow, wide, extra wide, extra extra wide | Fit: True to size | Cushion level: Varies depending on version/style | Materials: Varies depending on version/style

Best Shock Absorption: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080

New Balance Men's Fresh Foam X 1080 Unlaced V1 Running Shoe
Amazon

What we like: There is a lot of selection in styles, colors (unlike the 990), as well as sizes and widths.

What to know: The fit will vary depending on the version and style you select.

"A soft, light shoe, these have a wide toe box and supportive midsole for easy transfer of pressure," says Geller. They provide better shock absorption than other pairs from New Balance and are a good option for those with less severe diabetes. Available in men's and women's sizes and different versions, there's a wide selection of colors, sizes, widths and styles, including laced and slip-on. During tests, however, we found the lighter colors to get dirty quickly.

The fit of these shoes seems to vary depending on which version of the Fresh Foam 1080 you get; some seem tighter and narrower or bigger in the heel area. These shoes sport Fresh Foam X cushioning, which we found during tests to be a great balance of cushion and stability.

Available sizes: Men 7 to 16, women 5 to 13 | Width options: Standard, wide | Fit: True to size | Cushion level: Plush, Fresh Foam X foam | Materials: Hypoknit upper, rubber sole

A person stands on a wooden floor while wearing the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 1080v13 Running Shoes

EatingWell / Chantia Murphy

Best Walking Shoe: Skechers Go Walk

Skechers Go Walk
Skechers

What we like: There are many different styles, including slip-on and laced, to choose from.

What to know: Material, price, color and widths are dependent on the style selected.

The Skechers Go Walk shoe line has earned high praise among our EatingWell editors, and it's easy to see why. These comfy walking shoes come in a variety of colors and styles, from slip-on to laced to loafer-like pairs. And, along with being super comfortable, Geller says these shoes provide room for sensitive feet and allow for an easy heel-to-toe gait that can help with balance.

These shoes have good arch support and some styles have additional arch support (called the Go Walk Arch Fit, which is certified by podiatrists) and extra room in the toe box area for a comfy fit. They come in medium, wide and even extra-wide widths, but we'll note that this is dependent on the style you select. Price, color selection, cushion level and material will also vary depending on the shoe.

Available sizes: Men 7 to 13, women 5 to 11 | Width options: Varies depending on style | Fit: True to size | Cushion level: Varies depending on style | Materials: Varies depending on style

Most Breathable: Kane Revive Active Recovery Shoe

Kane Revive
Kane

What we like: They come in standard and bold, bright colors.

What to know: It only comes in standard width.

Described as "active recovery" shoes, these are designed and shaped to give your feet superior arch support from the heel to the toe area. They incorporate a special foam made from sugarcane, making them as sustainable as they are breathable.

A versatile choice for anyone with diabetes, says Geller, these machine-washable kicks are well cushioned and perforated to allow your foot to breathe and prevent moisture buildup. They also come in tons of colors. However, these shoes only come in standard width, so those with narrow feet should get one size down, and those with wider feet should order one size up.

Available sizes: Men 3 to 16, women 5 to 18 | Width options: Standard | Fit: True to size | Cushion level: Generous, dual-density | Materials: Sugarcane-based EVA foam

Best Lightweight: Brooks Ghost 15

Brooks Women's Ghost 15 Neutral Running Shoe
Amazon

What we like: They are lightweight, comfortable and stable.

What to know: Not all colors are available in all widths.

Another shoe that's loved by our editors and writers, the Ghost 15 is cushiony-soft and lightweight, yet it provides stability, which is something we loved when we tested this shoe. (It also made our list for best walking shoes). The Ghost 15 comes in several different (and unique) colors to suit your style—so you might decide to get more than one color. (But heads up: Not all colors are available in wide or narrow widths).

"The support offered by a neutral, cushioning shoe, such as this pair, can help overall joint alignment of the body from the feet up, maximizing comfort while you're on your feet—especially for extended periods of time," says Mehta. Made from engineered air mesh, they're breathable. During testing, we found the toe box area to be wide enough to give toes room to spread out naturally.

Plus, the Ghost 15 has the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance. The seal isn't an endorsement, but designed to help consumers identify shoes that the AMPA believes are beneficial to foot health (e.g., it allows normal foot function and promotes quality foot health). The Ghost 15 is also PDAC A5500 Diabetic certified, which means you may be able to receive a healthcare reimbursement from Medicare (if your doctor takes Medicare) when you purchase this shoe.

Available sizes: 5 to 13 | Width options: Medium, wide, narrow | Fit: True to size | Cushion level: Ample, High energized DNA Loft V2 | Materials: Engineered air mesh, rubber sole

brooks ghost 15 shoes on wood floor

EatingWell/Jessica Fleming

Best Sandal: Revere Portofino Closed Heel Sandal

Revere Sandal
Revere

What we like: They work with casual and dressy outfits.

What to know: They are only available in two colors.

Here's another pair of breathable footwear for warmer weather. Mehta recommends these well-crafted sandals, which offer much better support than typical flip-flops. Made with a leather upper, they come in standard and wide widths and offer cushioning and just enough protection, helping to prevent bruising and cuts that would be detrimental, especially to those with diabetes, says Mehta.

Available in two colors—navy lizard and onyx—we like that these sandals work well with everything from jeans and shorts to dresses and skirts.

Available sizes: 5 to 12 | Width options: Standard, wide | Fit: True to size | Cushion level: N/A | Materials: Leather upper, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) sole

Best Stretchable: Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit

Orthofeet
Amazon

What we like: It comes in a nice selection of colors.

What to know: This shoe is specifically for women.

This pair comes recommended by Irene Evuleocha, D.P.M., a double board-certified podiatrist practicing at Ochsner Health Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. These shoes have lightweight, ergonomic soles for maximum comfort and arch-support, as well as extra foam padding tucked inside a seam-free fabric interior. They're ideal for people with diabetes as the wide toe box enables extra room for movement without rubbing and alleviates any pressure on bunions and hammertoes. Also, the stretchable knit upper provides comfort and no pressure on the feet.

This shoe comes in a number of colors, including black, white, lavender and turquoise. It is true to size and has superior cushioning to encase your tired, sore feet in the ultimate comfort. It's designed for women, and is available in standard, narrow, wide and extra-wide widths. Bonus: the Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit has the APMA Seal of Acceptance.

Available sizes: 5 to 12 | Width options: Standard, narrow, wide, extra wide | Fit: True to size | Cushion level: Superior | Materials: Stretchable knitted upper, rubber sole

Best for Men: Orthofeet Alamo

Orthofeet Alamo
Amazon

What we like: The wide toe box provides room for toes to move around, and is available in extra extra wide.

What to know: This shoe is specifically for men—no women's sizes available.

While these are probably the least stylish shoes on this list, these kicks provide plenty of comfort and come recommended by Evuleocha for their removable orthotic insoles with arch support. Available specifically for men, these shoes also have a wide toe box and cushioning sole, plus soft fabric inside and adjustable Velcro straps for easy removal.

These shoes only come in two colors, black and white, and while they do coordinate well with whatever you wear, they don't give you much variety. They're made from 100% leather for the upper and have a rubber sole. A nice bonus is that these shoes come in extra extra wide and have a wide toe box for those feet that need a bit more room.

Available sizes: 7 to 14 | Width options: Standard, wide, extra wide, extra extra wide | Fit: True to size | Cushion level: Superior | Materials: Leather upper, rubber sole

Choosing a Shoe if You Have Diabetes

Comfort and Fit

First, look for a shoe style with soft insoles and a soft arch support system for maximum comfort and to alleviate pain. Avoid shoes with flat soles, flip-flops and high heels because they don't allow for even distribution of foot pressure, says Mehta. It may be worth visiting a shop such as The Good Feet Store to get more information on your shoe's fit and to ensure that nothing is rubbing your foot in an uncomfortable way that may cause a blister or ulcer, says Mehta.

If you can't find a perfect fit, custom insoles can be a key way to manage foot pain due to diabetes. "These help prevent shifting of bones and soft tissues and offset many of the orthopedic problems we see, as well as provide stability and balance," says Geller. Always discuss shoes with your doctor if you're experiencing any of the aforementioned issues due to diabetes, he adds.

Wide Toe Boxes

Shoes with wide and deep toe boxes are good choices for people with diabetes because they can help prevent friction and rubbing, says Geller. Watch out for how your foot is positioned in a shoe when trying on pairs, as you don't want misshapen hammertoes or bunions to cause excess friction.

Breathable Material

The material is important, too. Choosing shoes made with leather, canvas, or suede will allow for adequate air circulation, says Mehta. If you have trouble getting shoes off or on, look for a pair with Velcro straps that can be easily adjusted.

Common Questions

Why do people with diabetes need special shoes?

Wearing supportive and properly fitted shoes can help you manage the foot conditions and problems caused by diabetes. For instance, nerve damage—or neuropathy—is a loss of sensation that can occur due to uncontrolled diabetes. "[Neuropathy] can then result in calluses, which can lead to diabetic ulcers," says Evuleocha. In severe cases, this can also cause foot infections that may even lead to amputations if not managed in a timely manner.

Other foot problems caused by diabetes can include hammertoe deformities due to an imbalance with tendon and nerve muscle, poor circulation that may cause irreversible damage such as gangrene, and skin disorders like cracked skin or fungal infections due to an immunocompromised state, says Evuleocha.

It's important for people with diabetes to be extra cautious with their feet, and that includes choosing the right shoes.

What else should people with diabetes wear on their feet that will help?

Your sock choice is also important. Look for socks with with extra cushioning, without elastic tops, that are higher than the ankle and are made from moisture-wicking fibers, says Mehta. Don't go barefoot around the house, either (try supportive house shoes instead).

How do you know when to replace your shoes?

Worn-out shoes can result in more than just achy feet: They can also leave you susceptible to injury, and impact your knees, hips and back. Generally speaking, you'll want to replace your shoes every 300 to 500 miles (this is especially true for running shoes). But apart from mileage, how else will you know? Besides visible signs of wear and tear on the outsole or midsole, listen to your body: If your knees or feet start to ache, it's probably time for a new pair.

Our Trusted Expertise

Kelsey Ogletree is a writer and editor and has written for many national print and digital publications on topics from travel, health, wellness, and food to golf. For this article, she interviewed three podiatrists, and with their expertise and knowledge, determined the best shoes for people with diabetes. Those experts were:

We also tested some of the recommended shoes in our lab and included those insights where appropriate. This article was reviewed by Jessica Ball, M.S., RD, nutrition editor for EatingWell, who devotes her time and knowledge to writing, reviewing, and editing food, nutrition, sustainability, and health articles. An update of this article was edited and reviewed by Brierley Horton, M.S., RD, senior commerce editor, who has 15 years of experience reporting, writing and editing nutrition and health content.

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