To explain what diabetic shoes are, we should first consider why we need to wear shoes at all.
The reason, of course, is that shoes protect our feet from objects which may hurt us. They are an important barrier to foot injuries such as punctures, cuts, scrapes, burns, and even frostbites.
What are the benefits of diabetic shoes?
Each diabetic design feature offers different unique benefits. Some features are always important and should be present in any diabetic shoe (like the ones we have shared below), while others are more specific.
Arch Support
diabetic shoes feature orthotic insoles that provide good arch support. The main purpose of the arch support is to eliminate excessive pronation, which affects foot function and is one of the main causes of foot and heel pain.
Orthotic insoles help reduce pressure on the heel and the ball of the foot, by transferring a substantial portion of body weight to the arch.
In shoes without good arch support, the arch area doesn’t participate in distributing the pressure under the foot. Excessive pronation causes the leg to internally rotate, putting stress on the knee, hip, and lower back.
Orthotic insoles with good arch support play an important role in alleviating stress on the knees, hips, and lower back, as well as in improving foot and leg alignment.
Variety of Widths
Contrary to most shoes that are designed for the average foot and are available in medium widths, diabetic shoes are made in a variety of widths to offer a precise fit and accommodate more foot sizes, shapes, and problems.
Most of these shoes are available in medium, wide, and extra wide, but you can also find shoes in narrow and extra extra wide sizes.
Extra Depth
diabetic shoes are constructed on a special shoe last with extra depth, to accommodate thick insoles and orthotics. They also offer a relaxed, comfortable fit, which eliminates pressure points on the foot. A bonus for those that love wearing thick cushioned socks that require more space.
Wide Toe Box
A wide toe box offers pressure relief for bunions and hammertoe deformities and allows extra room for toe movement.
Protective Interior
diabetic shoes are normally made with a soft, smooth interior, designed to provide gentle contact with the foot and eliminate pressure points. Some are even seam-free, preventing irritation to sensitive feet.
Stretchable Uppers
A stretchable upper design allows the upper area of the shoe to stretch and shape to the contours of the foot, easing pressure on bunions and hammertoes, and eliminating pressure points on the foot.
Plus, if your feet tend to swell throughout the day, the stretch adjusts itself so it feels like you bought two different shoe sizes!
Special Soles
Diabete shoes are made with lightweight soles and a mild rocker bottom design that soften impacts and help facilitate foot motion.
In addition, a wide sole design enhances stability while walking.
Advantages of orthopedic footwear
We can now see that the construction and design of orthopedic shoes offer many advantages compared to ordinary shoes:
- Help alleviate pain at the heels, feet, knees, hips, and lower back.
- Improve mobility and stability.
- Provide a better fit.
- Provide essential protection for those with diabetes, neuropathy, and other foot conditions.
When should you wear diabetic shoes?
The word “orthopedic” is formed from two Greek roots: ortho, which means correct; and pedic, which means foot. Therefore, the two roots together mean “correct foot”, so diabetic shoes are literally good for your feet by definition!
In other words, wearing diabetic shoes is highly recommended for people with foot problems - such as hammertoes, bunions, flat feet, arthritis, overpronation, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, and more.
But, even if your feet are healthy they will benefit from shoes that were specifically designed to promote biomechanical motion, support, and cushion your feet and alleviate or eliminate pain, while preventing future foot conditions.
Check out our extensive collection of shoes for arthritis to find the best shoes for your feet. Look through our most-sought-after styles to get the right pair for you today with DiabeticShoe.in.
