The 10 Best Shoes for Diabetics, According to Podiatrists
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Top Shoes for Diabetics of 2023
Best Shoes for Diabetics with Neuropathy
New Balance 990v4 Sneakers
Best extra wide shoes for diabetics
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Sneakers
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Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers
Skechers Slip-In Gowalk 6 Sneakers
Best shoes for diabetics with swollen feet
Orthofeet Lava Sneakers
Asics Gel Nimbus 25 Sneakers
Best work shoes for diabetics
Dr. Comfort Women’s Annie X Shoes
Saucony Triumph 21 Wide Sneakers
Best orthopedic shoes for diabetics
Dr. Comfort Women’s Refresh X Sneakers
Best Sandals for Diabetics
Naot Women’s Catania Sandals
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 for diabetics is one way to manage concerns like swelling and tingling, and there’s no shortage of comfortable options for men and women.
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“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, all the way to no sensation 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,” says Dr. Daughtry. But as problematic as neuropathy can be, the condition can be managed with the right footwear.
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 diabetes-related injuries. “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.
So what goes into a quality diabetic shoe for men and women? A wide fit, plenty of depth, and soft interiors and 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 top podiatrists for the picks they personally recommend. Shop these expert-approved diabetic shoes below.
Best Shoes for Diabetics with Neuropathy
New Balance 990v4 Sneakers
Size range: Unisex; 3.5 to 16 men’s; 5 to 17.5 women’s
Materials: Pigskin and mesh
Special features: Made of durable yet soft leather; well-padded tongue; wide toe box
New Balance Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Diabetics with neuropathy are especially susceptible to numbness in the feet — and for that reason, it’s especially important they choose shoes with a roomy fit that won’t cause harmful rubbing and chafing. The New Balance Made in USA 990v4 sneakers come recommended by Dr. Rushton and Dr. Cunha because they’re lightweight, comfortable, and durable. “They are cushioned and supportive with a well-padded tongue and collar for additional ankle stability and protection,” Dr. Cunha says. Plus, they have a firm, supportive midsole, and the toe box is very wide, which is ideal for neuropathic diabetics who need wide-fitting shoes. They’re also made of soft and flexible leather, and you can count on these kicks to effortlessly add street-style flair to any wardrobe.
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: $150
Best extra wide shoes for diabetics
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Sneakers
Size range: 7 to 15 men’s; 5 to 13 women’s
Materials: Recycled materials
Special features: Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths; cushioned arch support
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
“The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance, which recognizes these shoes as significantly beneficial to the maintenance of good foot health, especially for people with diabetes,” Dr. Cunha says. These sneakers are ideal for people with diabetes because they provide superior heel stability and soft cushioned arch support to prevent overpronation, or the inward rolling of the feet. When your feet overpronate, pressure accumulates underneath your metatarsals, or the long bones in your feet. Over time, this can lead to painful calluses that may ulcerate and cause infections, according to Dr. Cunha. What’s more, these comfortable sneakers for women and men have a wide toe box to reduce the constriction of blood vessels and help promote circulation in the feet.
What testers say: “These shoes are so comfortable. This Adrenaline style is all I’ve worn for the last 3 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: $140
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Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers
Size range: 7 to 16 men’s; 5 to 12 women’s
Materials: Recycled polyester
Special features: Supportive cushioning; wide toe box; rigid heel counter
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
One of Dr. Cunha’s favorite brands to recommend to patients with diabetes is Hoka. “These sneakers stand out compared to other brands because they have a wider toe box and can more comfortably accommodate a wide forefoot to minimize the formation or aggravation of common foot conditions associated with wide feet, including bunions, hammertoes, ingrown nails, and neuromas,” he says. On top of that, Hoka Cliftons come in a wide version, so you can add even more width, and are equipped with superior cushioning from specially engineered EVA foam that’s surprisingly lightweight. They have thick rubber soles that provide excellent support and shock absorption as well as a rigid heel counter, which provides structure and stability to support the foot and maintain proper mechanics with every heel strike, Dr. Cunha tells us. With all these stellar features, it’s no surprise that these top walking shoes for diabetics have the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, which means they promote good foot health.
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: $145
Skechers Slip-In Gowalk 6 Sneakers
Size range: 7 to 14 men’s; 5 to 11 women’s
Materials: Stretch knit upper
Special features: Stretchy and breathable material; available in medium and extra wide widths; good cushion
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
These slip-on sneakers have super-responsive cushioning with a high-rebound insole. Reviewers call them some of the best shoes for standing all day, thanks to their lightweight and flexible fit that’s easy to slip on. “The Skechers Go Walk shoes are a good option for diabetics due to the laceless fit design that offers a breathable athletic mesh upper, the responsive 5GEN cushioning, and a Goga Max high rebound response for assistance with propulsion,” Dr. Daughtry says. “Many older diabetics have trouble with lace-up shoes, so a laceless option is a very important shoe aspect that’s often overlooked.” The upper allows air to circulate, while the soft fabric lining ensures comfort at every angle. The outsole also has lots of traction and they’re available in extra-wide sizing, making these a great everyday shoe.
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: $75
Best shoes for diabetics with swollen feet
Orthofeet Lava Sneakers
Size range: 7 to 14 men’s
Materials: Stretchy knit upper
Special features: Available in wide and extra wide; cushioned sole; pressure-relieving rocker bottom
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
On Sale 11% off
These Orthofeet orthopedic shoes offer a wide toe box with a soft-padded fabric interior to alleviate pressure on swollen feet as well as pain from other common foot concerns, such as bunions and hammertoes. “The shoe has a cushioned sole with a mild rocker bottom to improve the ease of walking and propulsion but offers a rubber outsole to provide grip and improved stability, which is better for someone with balance issues or neuropathy,” Dr. Daughtry says. These come with an Arch Booster that you can pop in for added arch support — a bonus if you have flat feet.
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: $120
Asics Gel Nimbus 25 Sneakers
Size range: 6 to 16 men’s; 5 to 13 women’s
Materials: Knit upper
Special features: Stretchy, breathable materials; soft and responsive cushion
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Cushioned sneakers are an important addition to a footwear wardrobe for people with diabetes, and the Asics Gel Nimbus (as their name aptly suggests) are so plush, you’ll feel like you’re walking on a cloud. “When people with diabetes lose the ability to feel pain from neuropathy, it impairs their ability to detect harmful stimuli that may lead to the formation of potentially dangerous foot ulcers and wounds,” Dr. Cunha says. “The Asics Gel Nimbus 25 features a full-length Gel cushioning system that absorbs shock and minimizes pressure on key areas, such as the heel and forefoot, reducing the risk of developing wounds.” The cushioning is extra soft and responsive, which is ideal if you are on your feet all day. And the knit material is very breathable and stretchy, giving your feet the room they need to move freely.
What testers say: “I just got the lime Gel-Nimbus 25 shoes, and they are the most comfortable shoes I have ever had. I am type two diabetic and these shoes have great comfort on my feet.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $160
Best work shoes for diabetics
Dr. Comfort Women’s Annie X Shoes
Size range: 5.5 to 11 women’s
Materials: Lycra and leather
Special features: Available in wide and extra wide; stretchy materials; can fit molded brace
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Dr. Comfort’s Annie X shoe is the ultimate in comfortable, accommodative diabetic orthopedic shoes for women. “It is double-depth, which means that is enough room for deformities such as hammertoes and bunions,” Dr. Daughtry says. And if you still find that you need more room, these come in regular, wide and extra wide widths. “They are deep enough to accommodate any type of custom molded AFO brace if needed,” Dr. Daughtry explains. Stretchy lycra material in the upper also works to accommodate and protect prominent toes, and the velcro closure allows ease for slipping on and off. These are some of the best dress shoes diabetics, and they’re versatile enough to wear while running errands or heading to the office.
What testers say: “I buy this shoe every year. It is the only shoe that will fit my feet! I buy it in extra wide and it has a deep toe box which I need. I have severe neuropathy in both feet and they stay very swollen. I also get the diabetic insoles for them. They were extremely well and are covered by my insurance benefits for diabetic shoes.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $117
Saucony Triumph 21 Wide Sneakers
Size range: 7 to 15 men’s; 5 to 12 women’s
Materials: Recycled materials
Special features: Cushioned footbed; wide toe box; breathable materials
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Saucony Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
Saucony is known for making some of the most comfortable running shoes, and the Triumph’s soft cushion and wide toe box make them especially fit for people with diabetes and other foot conditions. “These AMPA-approved shoes are formulated to have the softest footbed from Saucony, to give superior cushioning that is plush and springy with every step and minimize diabetic nerve pain associated with overpronation,” Dr. Cunha says. “These shoes are also wide to accommodate your forefoot comfortably by minimizing pressure that may contribute to numbness and tingling associated with diabetic neuropathy.” These Saucony shoes are done in an ultra-breathable material that won’t leave you feeling constricted, too.
What testers say: “These are wonderful shoes for my wide width, problematic feet. They fit my orthotics and I have had no issues while wearing these for a variety of runs.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $160
Best orthopedic shoes for diabetics
Dr. Comfort Women’s Refresh X Sneakers
Size range: 4 to 12 women’s
Materials: Mesh upper
Special features: No-tie style; wide and deep; breathable mesh material
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
On Sale 27% off
“This particular Dr. Comfort shoe is my favorite for diabetics that have swelling in their feet as it is a versatile and stylish cross-trainer shoe that is high-performance,” Dr. Daughtry says. “This double-depth shoe offers a no-tie elastic lace system and is built one-fourth of an inch deeper to accommodate for those severe toe deformities or excessive swelling, or the use of an AFO brace and diabetic insoles,” she says. The lace-free style means they’re easy to slip into, and the protective toe box means a lower risk of injury if you stub your toe. Constructed with breathable mesh uppers, these shoes will also keep your feet sweat-free.
What testers say: “I was diagnosed with CMT, a genetic neurological condition that affects feet and legs, arms and hands. It was so hard that I was pretty much home-bound as it hurt to walk. Since the shoes I have my life back and will continue to wear these kind of shoes forever.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $101
Best Sandals for Diabetics
Naot Women’s Catania Sandals
Size range: 4 to 11 women’s
Materials: Leather
Special features: Adjustable straps; removable footbed; wide width; soft leather
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
On Sale 5% off
These Mary Jane shoes are some of the most fashionable shoes for diabetics. We love that the Catania sandal has a removable footbed that adds support, as well as a hook and loop strap you can adjust for swelling. “The removable anatomic cork and latex insole does mold to the shape of the foot with wear but also allows for the ability to use custom orthotics,” Dr. Daughtry says. This APMA-accepted sandal has a wide width, a soft leather upper, and is slip-resistant. Not to mention, it offers a lightweight but durable polyurethane sole that’s slightly elevated (1.25 inches) to help reduce pressure on the achilles and calf muscles.
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: $185
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, a popular feature in running shoes. Too much midsole cushioning can make it harder for people with diabetes to “feel the ground” to assist with proprioception and proper balance, Dr. Daughtry says. “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 says. 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 for 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 to protect the skin from bony protrusions and pressure points,” she says. And if you’re buying online, always try on shoes and walk around with them 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.
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