After being diagnosed with diabetes, you must make many lifestyle changes. One of the best changes you can make is the shoes you choose to wear. This may seem small, but it’s important given the fact that people with diabetes heal from wounds more slowly. Check out our tips for how to find the right diabetic shoes.
People with diabetes should concern themselves with two different lacing styles—balmoral and blucher style. Balmoral style is front laced and meets at a “V” shape at the bottom of the laces. Men’s dress-style shoes take on this appearance. The blucher style is easy to work with when customizing your shoe. They allow for more room in the front portion and minimize the possibility of irritation or ulceration.
A podiatrist, orthotist, pedorthist, or Certified Fitter can order customized inserts/orthotics for women’s and men’s diabetic house shoes and outdoor shoes. Usually, the process involves them taking a 3D scan or foam impression mold of your foot. This is the best way to go if you want an ultra customized fit. Visiting your podiatrist regularly is great for finding the right fit for your diabetic shoes, but it’s also important to check your feet and foot health.
The toe box covers the balls of the feet and toes. The toes should not hit the front end of the shoe, as this leads to irritation, blisters, and corns. You should be able to wiggle your toes without any issue, but the shoe shouldn’t be so wide that your foot moves easily inside it. Finally, the toe box should be breathable. If the toe box locks in moisture—which can happen in any season—it can cause fungal or bacterial infections. This is something you’ll want to avoid.
We hope that you’ll take our tips to heart. At Anodyne, we sell many shoes for people with diabetes that are perfect for your needs. Shop Anodyne today!