Diabetic Shoes and Socks
What should Diabetics look for when choosing shoes and socks?
- Avoid high-heeled shoes and shoes with pointed toes.
- If you have any signs of circulation or sensation problems, avoid wearing open-toed shoes or sandals that offer little protection for your feet.
- Wear well-padded socks or stockings that are a good fit and aren't too tight. Don't wear stretch socks, nylon socks, socks with an elastic band or garter at the top, or socks with inside seams that can rub on feet.
- Don't wear uncomfortable or tight shoes that rub or cut into your feet.
- Shop for new shoes at the end of the day and don't depend on shoes stretching in time as they should be comfortable when you buy them. Note: People with neuropathy may not be able to feel if their shoes are comfortable and should get them fitted properly by someone who is experienced in shoe fitting. These people need to be very careful about their choices as they may not feel blisters or other problems caused by poorly fitting shoe wear. We generally recommend that these people check their feet regularly after buying new shoes just in case.
- Change socks and shoes every day.
- Look inside your shoes every day for things like gravel, nails or torn linings, as these could rub against your feet and cause blisters or worse.
- Keep active to keep the blood flow pumping to your feet!
Take the survey below to see if your shoes are suitable for your feet!
| diabetic_shoe_wear_suitablilty.doc |
