Dr. Ahmed The ideal diabetic shoe for preventing foot ulcers varies from one diabetic individual to another, as it depends on their unique foot characteristics. There is no universal solution that fits everyone’s needs.
A diabetic shoe should be soft, shock-absorbent, comfortable, and provide better mobility.
Diabetic shoes can also be used with extra insoles to prevent and heal ulcers at specific locations.
Know Foot Dynamics for Selecting the Best Diabetic Footwear:
Human gait is a combination of numerous movements. These movements combine to form a single step.
Each step results in different biomechanics and pressure effects that start from the foot and go up to the spine.
Walking barefoot is the most natural way, but it has numerous hazards. That is why numerous types of footwear were introduced over time.
When we walk barefoot feet there is a maximum area of contact between the ground and our feet.
Secondly, as the foot comes into contact with the ground, our foot spreads, reducing the point source pressure effect. There is also a reduced heel strike effect.
When we compare bare feet walking with shoes, there are differences in the biomechanics. Shoes with heels in more inclination of the foot result in a high heel strike.
This also results in less time of impact of the hindfoot with the ground, resulting in more pressure on the forefoot and metatarsals.
Shoes with high toes also increase pressure on the head of the metatarsals. The third type of shoe is those with narrow forefoot areas, which results in reducing the widening of the foot on impact, resulting in high pressure on pressure points.
Even if a normal person is choosing footwear, these factors should be kept in mind before selection.
Are you at risk of developing foot ulcers?
Diabetes affects every organ of our body. A diabetic person should care for their feet as much as he/ she care for his/her face.
Diabetes affects the joints, skin, nails, blood supply, and neuronal connections going to the feet. There are numerous changes in the foot architecture because of neuropathy and other effects of diabetes.
Because of these changes, patients with diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic foot complications.
These complications include callus formation, ulcers, and gangrene, which is why researchers have agreed on specialized shoes for diabetic patients.
Accordingly, patients are categorized into different risk classes:
Low risk for developing foot ulcers:
- Normal foot sensation
- No foot deformity
- No history of ulceration or amputation
Medium risk of developing ulcers
- Neuropathy
- No foot deformity
- No history of ulceration or amputation
High risk of developing foot ulcers
- Neuropathy
- Foot deformity
- No history of ulceration or amputation
Very high risk of developing foot ulcers
- Neuropathy
- Foot deformity
- History of ulceration and amputation
Selecting a diabetic shoe should be based on the various risk categories mentioned above.
What is a good Diabetic Shoe (Footwear)?
Normal shoes usually have high heels and hard soles. Some of the shoes have narrow toe areas. Tight-fitting shoes also result in a narrow space for the foot, resulting in high friction.
Diabetic shoes must have soft soles and adequate room for the foot to be comfortable. because fitting shoes will result in a lot of forming a blisters.
The same goes for loose-fitting shoes. When choosing shoes for any diabetic patient should have at least these properties to avoid complications.
- adequate room for the foot
- Soft insoles
- Smooth inside is
- Breathable shoes
- Highly shock absorbent
- No high heels
Why should you wear Diabetic Shoes?
This footwear is highly important for diabetic patients. The main reason is that this kind of not only reduces the risk of ulceration but also its recurrence.
When diabetic footwear is used risk of ulceration is reduced by 58% over 1 year. if their usage is stopped, the risk of ulceration becomes high. Studies showed that regular shoes have high pressure which results in ulceration and other complications.
- Provide better movements
- Increases foot circulation
- Reduces skin breakdown and callus formation
- Prevents pressure sores in high-pressure areas
Choosing the Right Footwear:
Choosing footwear, especially for diabetic patients, is very difficult. That is why we will use the stratification method for shoe selection. Material use in shoemaking is important.
Microcellular rubber with insole foam is one of the best for diabetic footwear, as it has the most durability and shock-absorbing capacity. Other materials used are polyurethane and ethylene-vinyl acetate.
Shoe selection basis of risk for ulceration or recurrence of ulceration.
Low-risk patients:
For patients who are at low risk of developing foot ulcers, it is recommended to use normal shoes with specialized features. These include soft soles and breathable components, with a heat-sensitive upper part.
Medium-risk patients:
In this category, clinicians recommend using a well-fitted shoe with a soft insole and heat-sensitive upper. Care should be taken not to use the same pair for a very long time
High-risk patients:
Special custom-made shoes for diabetes are to be used. Footwear shall have features of recessed heels and rigid rock bottom soles.
Very high-risk patients:
This category needs a multi-layered shoe with a rocker bottom sole.
Available Brands of Diabetic Shoes:
NewBalance Made in USA 990v5:
- This is best designed for diabetic patients with neuropathy. It provides wide toe room and firm soles.
Skechers Women’s Go Joy Walking Shoe:
- These have rebound soles and breathable uppers. These shoes are made of lightweight and flexible material.
Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam QR Racer
- This is another breathable that comes with extra softness and a cushioning effect
Nike Zoom Winflo6 running shoe:
- These shoes have arch support and are lightweight
Brooks Catamount Sneaker:
- These shoes are designed for women with soft and smooth anterior with a wide space to avoid blister formation and injuries
Altra Footwear Escalante 2.5:
- The wide toe box and thick soles are the unique features of these shoes. which is another good option for diabetic patients
New Balance Men’s 577V1 walking shoe:
- It has a unique extra sole cushion in heels and extra-thick mid-shoe cushioning. These features are best for walking.
Hoka One One Sky Kaha hiking boot:
- These are the best hiking shoes, as they have soft inner and durable soles, making them perfect for hiking
Vionc Relax Slippers:
- These slippers are covered with soft material, which makes them perfect for daily use and walking.
Yibobay Diabetic Shoes:
- These are laceless shoes that are best for elderly patients. These have a wide, roomy interior and are extra padded.
Skechers Arc Fit:
- It has a removable insole and breathable outer. It provides adequate room for the foot and is an air-cooled shoe
Skechers GO WALK Arch Fit-Clancy:
- This is another product of Skechers, which is best designed for diabetics.
- Premium Ingredients: Our tea blend features high-quality Berberine, aromatic Oolong, and refreshing Mint, all organicall…
- Mint Flavored: Enjoy the cool, crisp taste of mint that perfectly complements the robust flavors of Berberine and Oolong…
- Unsweetened with Zero Calories: Crafted for those who appreciate the natural flavors of tea, our blend is completely uns…
- The top flap closure instead of laces makes it easier to put the mens diabetic shoes on and off. Can adjust how tight yo…
- Pain relieve- Anyone who is having problems with diabetes, neuropathy pain, leg problems, or backache, these men’s shoes…
- Extra wide shoes- There’s plenty of room in the toe for comfort, this mens extra wide diabetic shoes provide the maximum…
- Diabetes Friendly – Seamless interior prevents friction caused by stitches that leads to irritation. Protective and soft…
- Design for Swollen Feet – The FitVille Diabetic Shoes features wide and extra wide toe box to provide the maximum level …
- Adjustable Strap Closure – EasyTop Wings V2 features a wide-open adjustable strap closure for an flexible, secure fit.
- The slipper features a fully adjustable hook-and-loop closure on both the upper and the heel, making it easy to put on a…
- Designed with a breathable waffle knit upper and a soft terry lining, our slippers provide a soothing environment for fe…
- The adjustable triple-layer removable insole allows for personalized volume control – remove layers for more space or in…
- Wide Width Derby Shoes Design: A spacious 4E toe box ensure cozy comfort, especially for people suffering from foot prob…
- 8 Hours Comfort: The 58°Hardness advanced EVA sole hugs your feet and eases foot pain; Slip-Resistant thermoplastic rubb…
- Ergonomic Support: Natural gait correction from a firm counter, padded collar and cushioning insole with arch support an…
