Choosing shoes

Unless you have feet that are misshapen, because of bunions or other problems, you probably won’t need to buy special shoes just because you have diabetes. However, you may have to make some changes to the kind of shoes you wear. For shoes that you will be wearing often, follow these guidelines when you’re shopping.

• Always try your shoes on before you buy them. The best time of day to buy is in the afternoon because your feet will have swollen a little and will be at their largest.
• Try not to buy shoes that you think need ‘breaking in’ or that need to be stretched to fit
• If you can, have your feet measured every time you buy shoes. Your feet can change shape with diabetes so it’s important to make sure you’re always buying the right size shoe. There should be 1cm of room between the end of your longest toe (which may not be your big toe) and the end of your shoe.
• Shoes should be at least as wide as your foot and have a deep and rounded toe area. Choose shoes that have a covered toe, rather than an open toe, to protect your feet from injury.
• Try to choose shoes which have heels no more than 2cm high. Test that the heel is firm enough to support your weight. Hold the heel between your thumb and forefinger – if you can squeeze it and it ‘gives’ then it’s too soft. If you can, choose shoes with a closed in heel.
• Shoes with laces, buckles or elastic can help prevent your feet from sliding about and hold your shoes firmly on.
• Choose shoes with the upper part made from a breathable material, like leather, or specially made breathable fabrics. This helps air to get in and out of your shoes and prevents fungal infections like athletes foot.
• Check the inside of shoes to make sure there are no seams or rough areas which could rub on your skin.
• Cushioned insoles for your shoes can help to protect your feet from pressure. Check that the sole of the shoes is sturdy and made of a stiff material.
• Consider wearing trainers. Trainers are good shoes to choose if you have diabetes. They usually fit well and have thick flexible soles. They are also a great choice for walking or exercising.

If your feet change shape, for example if you develop a bunion, then your best option may be to have some shoes custom made for you. If you need custom made shoes then choose a style that you can wear everyday and do wear them - they’re no good sitting in the hall or in a cupboard! If you do need to get shoes specially made then your podiatrist, nurse or doctor will tell you.

If it’s a special occasion and you want to dress up, for example if you’re going to a party or a wedding, then your everyday shoes probably won’t be right to go with whatever you’re wearing.

However, the kind of shoes you may want to wear could cause damage to your feet so it makes sense to try and reduce the chances of that happening. The following tips may also help to reduce your chances of damaging your skin:

• Wear special occasion shoes for the shortest time possible. Take your everyday shoes to wear before you arrive and after you leave.
• Choose styles that are wide across the widest part of your foot
• If you have bought new shoes for the occasion then wear them a few times before the event, rather than putting on unworn shoes on the day
• If you want to wear high heels, go for something in between your everyday shoes and very high heels – don’t choose highest ones there are.
• Pick shoes that have straps to keep them on properly or are closed in at the sides and back.

Everyone, whether they have diabetes or not, needs to wear the right shoes to play sport or take part in activities like walking or jogging. Just as with the shoes you wear everyday it’s important to have sport shoes or trainers that fit well and which protect your feet from injury or skin damage.

If you can, go to a specialist sports, walking or running shop to buy your shoes. There you can be measured properly and can make sure that you get the right shoes for the activity you want to do. Different activities need different shoes depending on the kind of surface you’re running, walking or playing on, and the kind of movements you will be making.

As with your everyday shoes, make sure that the shoes you use for activity or sport:

• are the right size
• are made out of natural fabrics like leather or breathable man-made materials.
• have laces or straps to keep your feet in place and to stop them sliding around have cushioned insoles to protect your skin from pressure and prevent damage