Finding the right diabetic shoes matters more as we get older. Reduced sensation, changes in circulation and feet that swell through the day all make footwear harder to get right — and more important to get right. This guide explains what diabetic footwear actually does differently, the features worth paying for, and how to judge a pair before you buy.
Why Diabetic Footwear Is Different
Diabetes can reduce sensation in the feet, which means rubbing or pressure may not be felt until it has already caused damage to the skin. Diabetic footwear is built around that problem: a seam-free lining so there is nothing inside to rub, extra depth so nothing presses on the top of the foot, and a wider fitting so the toes are not squeezed.
For older wearers there is usually a second set of needs alongside — easier fastenings for stiff hands, a stable sole for confidence underfoot, and enough room to take a prescribed orthotic. Good diabetic shoes handle both.
Footwear supports the foot care advice you get from your podiatrist or diabetes team; it does not replace it. If you have been given specific guidance or prescribed insoles, bring them along when you are being fitted.
Key Features to Look For
1. Wide and deep toe box
Space across the front of the foot means nothing presses on the toes, and room for bunions, hammer toes or swelling that builds through the day.
2. Seamless interior
A smooth, seam-free lining is the single most important feature for a foot with reduced sensation. Internal stitching is what rubs.
3. Adjustable fastening
Touch-fastening straps or laces let you change the fit as swelling varies. Straps are usually easier if grip or dexterity is limited.
4. Cushioning and support
Cushioning softens each step; a supportive footbed spreads load rather than concentrating it on the heel and ball of the foot.
5. Breathable materials
Natural leather or mesh let the foot breathe, keeping it cooler and drier through the day.
6. Removable insoles
Take the footbed out and you have the depth for a prescribed orthotic. Shoes without this are usually too shallow once an orthotic goes in.
7. Non-slip sole
A grippy, stable outsole matters on wet UK pavements, particularly if balance is not what it was.
8. Extra depth
Depth is the feature most often missing from “wide fit” high street shoes. Width alone does not help a foot that is swollen across the instep.
Our Diabetic Shoes
We handmake our footwear on orthopaedic lasts, with a seam-free leather lining, cushioning and a rocker sole through the range. These are the models we fit most often:
- Glide – Wide Fit Diabetic Shoes (606) — our classic leather rocker shoe, EE fitting: women’s (606-W) · men’s (606-M)
- Ashby – Wide Fit Diabetic Shoes (616-W / 615-M) — plain front with a single easy strap and nothing over the toe joint: women’s (616-W) · men’s (615-M)
- Ashby – Extra Wide Fit Shoes (615.20) — the same plain front in a 6E fitting, for feet that swell: women’s · men’s
- Kendal – Extra Wide Fit Shoes (902) — opens right out, the easiest option with heavy swelling, bandaging or an AFO: women’s · men’s
- Glide – Breathable Mesh Shoes (611) — lighter and cooler for warm weather: women’s (611.19-W) · men’s (611.09-M)
All come with removable insoles and fittings from EE to 6E. Our Fitting Guide explains the fittings, or book a free fitting at our Farnham showroom where we measure width and depth as well as length.
Buying elsewhere?
Several brands make wide-fitting comfort shoes, and for a foot with normal sensation and no swelling they may be perfectly adequate. What is worth checking on any pair, whoever makes it: is the lining genuinely seam-free, does the insole come out, and is there depth as well as width? Those three answers tell you more than the label does.
Buying Tips
- Get measured, both feet. Foot size changes with age, and one foot is often larger. Length alone is not enough — width and depth matter more here.
- Try shoes on later in the day, when feet are at their most swollen.
- Expect comfort straight away. Diabetic shoes should not need “breaking in”; a shoe that rubs on day one will still rub on day ten.
- Check the fit. About a thumb’s width at the toes, a heel that does not slip, and no pressure across the instep.
- Choose adjustable fastenings so you can loosen the shoe as the day goes on.
- Bring your orthotics to the fitting and try the shoes with them in.
- Avoid narrow toes and heels, which concentrate pressure exactly where you do not want it.
- Check the returns policy if you are buying online, so you can exchange for a different fitting.
Everyday Foot Care
- Check your feet daily for cuts, redness or swelling — use a mirror for the soles, or ask someone to help.
- Wash and dry carefully, especially between the toes.
- Moisturise the skin, but not between the toes.
- Trim nails straight across and file the edges.
- Wear seamless, moisture-wicking socks with your shoes.
- Avoid going barefoot, even indoors.
- See your podiatrist promptly if you notice redness, swelling, or any break in the skin — do not wait to see if it settles.
- Keep your regular check-ups; annual foot reviews are part of NHS diabetes care.
FAQs
How are diabetic shoes different from regular shoes?
The differences are structural: a seam-free lining, extra depth, wider fittings and a removable insole. Ordinary shoes are built to a shape; these are built around what a sensitive foot needs.
Can I get diabetic footwear on the NHS?
In some cases, yes. If you are under the care of a podiatry or diabetic foot service they can assess whether you qualify for prescribed footwear. Many people buy privately instead, either because they do not meet the criteria or because they want more choice of style.
How often should they be replaced?
Typically every 12 months with regular wear, or sooner if the sole is worn or the cushioning has flattened.
Should I wear socks with them?
Yes — seamless, moisture-wicking socks. They reduce friction and help keep the foot dry.
How do I know they fit properly?
They should feel comfortable immediately, with about a thumb’s width at the toes, no slipping at the heel, and no pressure across the top of the foot.
Can I use my own orthotics?
Yes. Our shoes have removable insoles — take the supplied footbed out and put yours in.
What should I look for if my feet swell?
Adjustable fastenings, extra depth, and a fitting that opens wide enough to get the foot in without forcing. Our shoes for swollen feet are built around exactly this.
