Your feet deserve better protection when you have diabetes. Poor circulation and nerve damage mean a simple blister or pressure point can turn into a serious wound. Regular shoes often create friction spots, squeeze your toes, or lack the cushioning your feet need to stay safe. Without proper footwear, you risk ulcers, infections, and complications that could have been prevented.
This guide walks you through seven proven footwear options for diabetic patients in 2025. You’ll find specialized medical fittings from Achilles Foot and Ankle Center, trusted brands like Dr. Comfort and Orthofeet, and budget picks that still protect your feet. Each section breaks down who the shoes work best for, what features matter most, and how to get the right fit. We also cover insurance options, Medicare coverage, and practical tips for choosing shoes that match your specific needs. Whether you need extra depth for swelling, seamless interiors to prevent rubbing, or just reliable everyday protection, you’ll find clear answers here.
1. Achilles Foot and Ankle Center diabetic footwear
Achilles Foot and Ankle Center provides medical-grade diabetic footwear directly through their Central Virginia clinics, combining professional fitting with specialized foot care. Their team evaluates your feet, prescribes the right shoes, and handles insurance documentation in one visit. You get custom-fitted diabetic shoes that meet Medicare standards, plus follow-up care from podiatrists who understand your specific foot complications. This approach works best when you need more than off-the-shelf options and want medical supervision throughout the fitting process.
Key diabetic footwear services at Achilles
The center stocks therapeutic diabetic shoes designed for high-risk feet, including extra-depth models that accommodate custom inserts and deformities like hammertoes or bunions. You can access their Diabetic Foot Care program, which pairs your footwear with wound management, nail care, and regular foot screenings. Their specialists measure both feet, assess your gait, check for pressure points, and select shoes that reduce your ulcer risk. Most patients receive their shoes during the same visit, eliminating multiple trips to different providers.
Who should choose a medical fitting first
You benefit most from a medical fitting if you have active foot ulcers, previous amputations, or severe neuropathy. Patients with significant swelling, Charcot foot, or custom orthotic needs should start here rather than buying shoes online. Your podiatrist can document medical necessity for insurance, prescribe specific shoe features, and adjust your footwear as your condition changes.
Medical fittings catch foot problems that standard sizing misses, reducing your risk of preventable complications.
What happens during a diabetic shoe evaluation
Your podiatrist examines your feet for deformities, circulation issues, and sensation loss before measuring both feet while you stand. They check how you walk, identify high-pressure areas, and determine if you need custom inserts or modifications. The evaluation includes documentation for insurance claims, fitting multiple shoe options, and teaching you how to inspect your feet daily.
Insurance, Medicare, and paperwork help
Achilles handles the Medicare paperwork that qualifies you for one pair of diabetic shoes and three pairs of inserts per calendar year. Staff members verify your insurance coverage before your appointment, submit claims directly, and follow up on approvals. Medicare Part B typically covers 80% of costs after your deductible, and the center accepts most major insurance plans for the remaining balance.
2. Dr. Comfort diabetic shoes
Dr. Comfort manufactures therapeutic shoes specifically designed for diabetic foot complications, earning recognition from podiatrists nationwide for their protective features. Their extra-depth construction and seamless interiors reduce friction while accommodating custom inserts, making them a reliable choice for footwear for diabetic patients who need medical-grade protection without sacrificing everyday wearability. You can find Dr. Comfort shoes through medical suppliers, podiatrist offices, and select retailers, with many models qualifying for Medicare reimbursement when prescribed by your doctor.
Standout features for neuropathy and swelling
Dr. Comfort shoes include gel inserts that redistribute pressure across your entire foot, protecting areas where neuropathy prevents you from feeling pain. Their breathable mesh uppers stretch to accommodate swelling throughout the day, while the no-tie elastic lacing systems eliminate tight spots that restrict circulation. Models like the Annie X and William X offer double-depth construction, giving you an extra quarter-inch of space for severe deformities or custom orthotics.
These shoes reduce pressure points that you might not feel until they’ve already damaged your skin.
Who Dr. Comfort shoes are best suited for
You benefit most from Dr. Comfort shoes if you experience daily foot swelling, moderate to severe neuropathy, or need AFO brace accommodation. Patients with hammertoes, bunions, or previous ulcers find the extra room prevents new wounds from developing. The adjustable closures work well when you struggle to bend over and tie laces, and the protective toe boxes shield your feet from accidental bumps you might not notice.
Sizing, depth, and insert options
Dr. Comfort offers three width options (regular, wide, and X-wide) across most styles, with sizes ranging from 5 to 15 depending on the model. Their removable gel inserts provide cushioning out of the box, but you can swap them for your podiatrist’s custom orthotics without losing the shoe’s protective features. Most models run half a size large, so order accordingly or size down if you don’t need extra swelling room.
Cost, coverage, and where to buy
Expect to pay $120 to $165 per pair through retailers like Amazon, though prices vary by style and seller. Medicare Part B covers 80% of costs when your podiatrist documents medical necessity and the shoes meet A5500 classification standards. You can purchase Dr. Comfort shoes through medical supply stores, podiatry offices, or online retailers, and many models qualify for FSA or HSA reimbursement with proper documentation.
3. Orthofeet diabetic footwear
Orthofeet produces orthopedic shoes with built-in biomechanical features that combine medical-grade protection with everyday comfort for footwear for diabetic patients. Their American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal of acceptance validates their design effectiveness for foot health, while the soft, padded interiors and cushioned soles address common diabetic foot complications. You get therapeutic features without the clinical appearance, making these shoes suitable for work, errands, and casual activities where you need reliable protection throughout your day.
Cushioning and stability for everyday walking
The shoes feature premium orthotic insoles with anatomical arch support that absorb shock and distribute pressure evenly across your foot. Orthofeet includes a mild rocker bottom sole that reduces stress on your forefoot and makes walking easier when you have joint stiffness or limited ankle mobility. Their cushioning system combines multiple foam layers with gel pads in high-impact zones, protecting areas where neuropathy leaves you vulnerable to unnoticed injuries.
This cushioning prevents pressure buildup that could develop into ulcers before you feel any discomfort.
Who Orthofeet shoes fit best
You benefit most from Orthofeet shoes if you have bunions, hammertoes, or moderate swelling that makes standard shoes uncomfortable. Patients with balance concerns or peripheral neuropathy appreciate the stability features and grippy rubber outsoles. The Francis No-Tie Sneakers work especially well when you need easy on-off access without sacrificing proper foot support, and the padded heel cup prevents irritating friction on your Achilles tendon.
Widths, toe box design, and fit tips
Orthofeet provides three width options (regular, wide, and X-wide) in sizes 5 through 12, with the extra-wide fitting most bunion and swelling cases comfortably. Their spacious toe box allows your toes to spread naturally without cramping, while the stretch lycra uppers accommodate deformities and daily volume changes. Most reviewers report true-to-size fit in length, though you should order one width wider if you experience significant afternoon swelling.
Price range and buying options
Expect to pay $100 to $140 per pair depending on the style and where you purchase. You can buy Orthofeet shoes directly from their website, through Amazon, or from select medical supply retailers. FSA and HSA accounts cover these shoes when you provide a Letter of Medical Necessity from your podiatrist, though they don’t automatically qualify for Medicare’s diabetic shoe benefit unless they meet specific A5500 requirements your doctor must verify.
4. Anodyne therapeutic shoes
Anodyne specializes in extra-depth therapeutic footwear built specifically for high-risk diabetic feet, offering some of the deepest toe boxes available in medical-grade shoes. Their Two-Way Strap system and removable insoles provide exceptional adjustability for feet with severe deformities, ulcers, or post-surgical healing needs. You find Anodyne shoes primarily through medical suppliers and podiatrist offices, where fitting specialists can match your specific foot complications to the right model and depth configuration.
Extra depth and protection for high risk feet
Anodyne shoes feature up to three-quarters of an inch of extra depth compared to standard diabetic shoes, accommodating thick dressings, severe hammertoes, or bulky custom orthotics without compression. Their seamless bamboo-lined interiors wick moisture away while eliminating stitching that could create pressure points on fragile skin. The protective toe boxes extend higher and wider than most competitors, shielding your toes from accidental impacts you might not feel due to neuropathy.
This extra depth makes Anodyne the go-to choice when other diabetic shoes still feel too tight or restrictive.
Who benefits most from Anodyne shoes
You need Anodyne shoes if you have active ulcers requiring wound dressings, severe Charcot foot deformities, or recent amputations that standard footwear for diabetic patients cannot accommodate. Patients with extreme swelling, post-surgical healing, or multiple toe deformities find the adjustable straps and generous depth essential for comfortable protection. The shoes work well when you require significant orthotic modifications or need to change insert thickness as swelling fluctuates throughout your recovery.
Getting the right size and insert combination
Anodyne offers multiple depth grades within each style, so your medical provider measures your foot with any dressings or orthotics you will wear regularly. Their removable cork and latex inserts come in varying thicknesses, letting you adjust the interior volume as your healing progresses or swelling changes. Most fitters recommend starting with the deepest option if you are between sizes, then using thicker inserts to fine-tune the fit rather than risking a too-tight shoe.
Cost considerations and where to order
Expect to pay $150 to $200 per pair through medical suppliers, though prices vary based on depth grade and customization level. Medicare coverage applies when your podiatrist documents medical necessity and the shoes meet A5500 standards for therapeutic footwear. You typically purchase Anodyne shoes through your podiatrist’s office, certified pedorthic facilities, or specialized medical equipment suppliers rather than general retailers.
5. Naot Catania orthopedic shoes
Naot Catania shoes bridge the gap between medical necessity and presentable appearance, offering diabetic-friendly features in a casual leather shoe that works for social occasions and semi-professional settings. Their removable cork and latex footbed accommodates custom orthotics while the hand-sewn construction and adjustable hook-and-loop strap provide reliable protection without the clinical look of typical therapeutic footwear for diabetic patients. You get APMA-accepted foot health benefits in a shoe suitable for occasions where athletic sneakers feel too casual.
Diabetic friendly features in a dressier shoe
The Catania features soft leather and suede uppers that mold to your foot shape over time, reducing pressure points that could damage sensitive skin. Naot includes a padded heel cup and 1.25-inch polyurethane sole that absorbs shock while maintaining stability on various surfaces. The wide width construction accommodates moderate swelling and bunions, while the slip-resistant sole prevents falls that become more dangerous when neuropathy affects your balance.
Who Naot Catania works best for
You benefit most from these shoes if you need diabetic protection for events, dining out, or workplace environments where athletic shoes seem inappropriate. Patients with mild to moderate foot deformities, removable orthotic prescriptions, or circulation concerns find the adjustable closure and roomy fit work well for daily wear. The shoes suit those who want footwear that protects their feet without broadcasting their medical needs to others.
This styling flexibility helps you maintain your social confidence while protecting your foot health.
Fit, leather break in, and orthotic use
Naot Catania shoes run wide in their standard width, accommodating most moderate swelling and bunion cases comfortably once the leather softens. Expect a two-week break-in period where the leather conforms to your foot contours, though you should never tolerate pain or rubbing during this adjustment. The removable footbed creates enough depth for most custom orthotics without requiring the next size up.
Pricing and availability
Expect to pay $150 to $180 per pair through retailers like Amazon and specialty shoe stores. These shoes do not qualify for FSA, HSA, or Medicare reimbursement despite their diabetic-friendly features, so budget for the full out-of-pocket cost. You can find Naot Catania shoes through online retailers, comfort shoe stores, and some podiatry offices that stock dressier therapeutic footwear options.
6. Skechers Go Walk Joy sneakers
Skechers Go Walk Joy sneakers deliver basic diabetic foot protection at an accessible price point, making them a practical entry option for footwear for diabetic patients who need cushioning and comfort without specialized medical features. Their laceless slip-on design and lightweight construction address common mobility challenges, while the responsive cushioning helps reduce pressure on your feet during daily activities. You sacrifice some specialized features found in medical-grade shoes, but gain affordability and widespread availability that makes replacement pairs easier to obtain when needed.
Why these budget shoes make the list
The Go Walk Joy sneakers include 5GEN cushioning technology and Goga Max insoles that provide shock absorption and pressure distribution across your foot. Their breathable mesh upper promotes air circulation, reducing moisture buildup that increases infection risk when you have diabetes. The laceless design eliminates tight pressure points from laces and helps when you struggle with bending or fine motor tasks, while the flexible sole supports natural foot movement without restriction.
This combination of comfort features makes them suitable for mild diabetic foot concerns at a fraction of medical shoe costs.
Who should and should not choose Skechers
You should consider these shoes if you have early-stage diabetes without significant neuropathy, mild circulation concerns, or need an affordable everyday option for low-risk activities. Avoid Skechers Go Walk Joy if you experience severe swelling, active ulcers, significant deformities, or advanced neuropathy requiring medical-grade protection. The standard width and limited depth cannot accommodate custom orthotics or serious foot complications that demand therapeutic footwear.
Fit, cushioning, and wear considerations
These sneakers weigh only 6.2 ounces, reducing fatigue during extended wear periods. The cushioning provides adequate comfort for light walking and daily errands, though it compresses faster than therapeutic shoe padding. Expect true-to-size length fit, but limited width accommodation means you need different shoes if you have bunions or moderate swelling.
Price point and where to find them
You pay $40 to $45 per pair through retailers like Amazon and Skechers stores. FSA and HSA accounts do not cover these shoes since they lack medical-grade certifications, so plan for full out-of-pocket payment.
7. Silverts diabetic slippers
Silverts manufactures adaptive slippers designed specifically for indoor safety and foot protection when you need reliable footwear around your home. Their extra-wide construction and adjustable closures accommodate severe swelling, bandages, and foot deformities that make traditional slippers dangerous or uncomfortable for footwear for diabetic patients. You get slip-resistant soles, easy access openings, and protective coverage that reduces your fall risk and shields your feet from household hazards you might not notice due to neuropathy.
Safety features for indoor and around the house
Silverts slippers include non-slip rubber soles with tread patterns that grip tile, hardwood, and carpet surfaces where typical slipper bottoms create fall hazards. Their closed-toe designs protect your feet from dropped objects, furniture corners, and temperature extremes that could damage your skin before you feel the injury. The cushioned insoles reduce pressure on your heels and balls of your feet during standing activities, while the seamless interiors prevent friction that leads to blisters on fragile diabetic skin.
These safety features turn your home into a protected environment rather than an injury risk zone.
Who Silverts slippers are ideal for
You benefit most from Silverts slippers if you have limited mobility, severe foot swelling, or need footwear that accommodates bandages and compression wraps. Patients who struggle with balance, experience frequent edema, or require easy bathroom access find the wide openings and secure closures essential for independent living. The slippers work well when you need protection throughout the day but cannot tolerate the structure of enclosed shoes.
Fit, closures, and sock choices
Silverts offers sizing up to 5X-wide to accommodate extreme swelling and bulky dressings. Their hook-and-loop strap closures adjust quickly without requiring you to bend over or manipulate small fasteners. Pair these slippers with non-binding diabetic socks that wick moisture and provide additional cushioning without constricting your circulation.
Price range and how to buy
Expect to pay $25 to $45 per pair depending on style and width. You can purchase Silverts slippers through their website, Amazon, and medical supply retailers. These slippers typically do not qualify for Medicare or insurance coverage, so budget for the full cost out of pocket.
Keep your feet protected
Your choice of footwear for diabetic patients directly impacts your long-term foot health and complication risk. Each option in this guide addresses specific needs, from Achilles Foot and Ankle Center’s medical fittings for complex cases to budget-friendly Skechers for mild concerns. The right shoes reduce pressure, accommodate swelling, and protect your feet from injuries you might not feel until damage occurs.
Start by assessing your current foot health. You need professional evaluation if you experience numbness, active wounds, or significant deformities. Mild circulation concerns and early-stage diabetes often respond well to therapeutic shoes from established brands like Dr. Comfort or Orthofeet. Remember that Medicare covers one pair per calendar year when your doctor documents medical necessity, making professional fittings financially accessible.
Schedule a diabetic foot evaluation at Achilles Foot and Ankle Center to determine which footwear level you need. Their podiatrists measure your feet, check for complications, and handle insurance paperwork while fitting you with appropriate protection. Your feet carry you through life, so invest in footwear that keeps them healthy.
