Definition: There are 2 ways to look at the definition of a diabetic shoe:
- Shoes permitted to be issued under the Medicare diabetic shoe program
- Shoes that are good for the diabetic foot
Fewer shoes qualify as diabetic shoes under the Medicare program. This is because shoe manufacturers have to submit shoes to Medicare for approval and only those approved are provided to diabetics on Medicare. Many shoe manufacturers make shoes that are very good for diabetics but do not participate in Medicare’s program.
Diabetics need shoes that:
- Protect their feet – soft leathers, mesh or stretchable materials, well cushioned
- Are comfortable enough they can be active in them
- Meet other conditions of the best shoe attributes – come in widths, have firm heel counters, steel or plastic shank, toe box is deep enough for the toes to wiggle and have at least a mild rocker sole
Along with the above characteristics, the shoe should match the diabetic’s foot shape, whether it be a straight, curved or semi-curved last. The shoe should be the means by which the foot moves forward at heel strike, midstep and toes off in the optimal foot motion and rotation.
Pedorthic stores carry diabetic shoes that are approved for diabetics on Medicare but shoes that are good for diabetics to wear are not exclusive to the Medicare program or these kinds of stores. However, Pedorthists and podiatrists are most schooled in what kind of shoes are best for diabetics and a diabetic should either get some or all their shoes with the guidance of these professionals. Diabetic shoes come in all styles – dress, casual, and athletic.
Benefits: Diabetics have special medical need to protect their feet and stay active. Diabetic shoes are a proven means to these ends.
Text: 2011 Copyright Carole Romig