On November 16th, World Diabetes Day, we’ll be joining thousands of other health professionals and patients to help raise awareness of diabetes – from initial symptoms leading to diagnosis, to underlying causes, prevention, and best practice in treatment and care.
We’ll be getting our best (meaning most comfortable and suitable) shoes on and encourage you to do the same. But we also want to clear something up — diabetic footwear doesn’t have to mean bulky, beige, Velcro-heavy shoes. You’ve got more options than that, so don’t panic.
The Best Men’s Shoes for Diabetics
We’ll start with the lads — the choices here are fairly straightforward.
Sports Shoes
If they fit properly, it’s hard to go wrong with a good-quality trainer or sports shoe. These are typically designed to support your feet and knees while reducing pressure through shock absorption.
Try to avoid tennis-style shoes and trendy baseball boots if you’ll be doing a lot of walking. They usually have flat, hard rubber soles that offer poor arch support. If you really want that style, consider adding a thick, supportive insole.
Also, watch out for rubber toe caps — they can rub against your toes and cause bunions or blisters. Always try shoes on properly and walk around in them before buying. A similar style without the rubber toe can be a safer option.
Running shoes are generally a strong choice. Most styles offer solid support and cushioning, making them suitable for everyday wear.
Smart Shoes
If you need something more formal, there’s a middle ground. Thin-soled dress shoes aren’t ideal as they lack support. Instead, go for real leather over synthetic materials — leather is softer, more flexible, and moulds to your feet over time, reducing friction.
Boots with thicker, cushioned soles can also work well.
Another good option is smart trainers in darker colours, such as black or brown. They combine the comfort of sports shoes with a more polished look.
The Best Women’s Shoes for Diabetics
For women, there’s a wide range of options available. As with men’s footwear, real leather is usually the better choice over synthetic materials.
Avoid completely flat shoes where possible — or at least use supportive insoles. Many retailers now offer “wide fit” ranges, which are well worth trying for added comfort.
For winter, boots with a slight wedge or chunky heel are ideal. Just avoid anything too heavy, as this can put extra strain on your joints and may lead to issues like shin splints.
For more formal occasions, low-heeled court shoes are a safe and stylish option. If you’d rather skip heels altogether, a well-designed flat with a bit of detail or sparkle can still work perfectly for a night out.
