Diabetic Shoes

The purchase of diabetic shoes has become an important preventative measure for people suffering from diabetes, especially type 1.

In extreme cases, one of the most severe symptoms of diabetes is gangrene in the lower limbs and in the most serious instances, this can result in amputation of the foot or lower leg.

The start of this highly unpleasant chain of events can however be quite innocuous. What ultimately manifests itself as an untreatable symptom, does in fact start off as nothing more than a blister or chaffing around the heal, toes, or the ball of the feet. This small sore then becomes aggravated and ultimately develops into an ulcer, potentially leading to gangrene.

What is a diabetic shoe

Diabetic shoes are designed to reduce the likelihood of blisters, sores and chaffing occurring by creating an environment within the shoe that has sufficient room for movement whilst removing pressure and abrasive points. Typical features of good diabetic shoes include.

• Roomy toe boxes that allow the toes to wiggle and that do not have any lining stitching or seams that can cause abrasions.
• Thick, cushioned and contoured in-soles, often featuring extra levels of padding, particularly around the balls of the feet and the heal area. These are the zones most likely to be at risk.
• Seamless linings that are smooth and offer no projections or rubbing areas that could cause blisters or sores. The avoidance of seams should be a feature of the entire internal surface of the diabetic shoe.
• The incorporation of good ventilation, both through the shoes design and as a consequence of the materials that the diabetic shoe is made from. If feet are allowed to overheat, a number of problems can arise from the inflammation of existing blisters and sores, to fungal infections. All of these can potentially become serious problems for some people who suffer from diabetes.
• Easy fit or comfort fit designs that allow a level of elasticity, especially around the upper surface of the foot. These flexible areas allow the foot to expand and avoid pressure points.
• Simple adjustment for tightening, loosening or changing in-soles. Many people adjust their shoe laces a some point during the day, but the ability to relax the pressure along the whole of the collar area is far more beneficial.

Most on-line retailers who advertise orthopedic shoes will also sell diabetic shoes.

Many regular orthopedic shoes more than satisfy the requirement listed above and good quality comfort fit shoes may also offer similar characteristics. There are however a number of manufacturers who produce specialized diabetic shoes and the additional investment involved in their purchase is a small price to pay in alleviating the risk of serious foot infections.