What is the difference between diabetic shoes and regular shoes? Diabetic shoes, also known as therapeutic shoes, are specifically designed to provide comfort and protection for people with diabetes.
Diabetic shoes have a custom-molded insole to provide adequate support and reduce the risk of skin breakdown. On the other hand, regular shoes are not designed with these specific features and are mainly focused on fashion and style. In this article, you will get detailed differences between diabetic shoes and normal shoes.
What is a Diabetic Shoe?
People with diabetes have an increased risk of foot ulcers, so diabetic shoes are designed to reduce the risk of foot injuries. It is typically made with a wide, deep toe box to accommodate foot issues, a cushioned sole to absorb shock, and a low-heeled design to reduce pressure on the foot.
Diabetic footwear is designed to assist with loose feelings and blood flow to the feet. It may also have a non-binding upper to reduce pressure on sensitive areas and improve circulation. One of the primary side effects of diabetes is moderate to severe nerve damage. People with diabetes often experience and suffer from nerve damage to their feet.
What is the difference between diabetic shoes and regular shoes?
Here are some major differences between Diabetic shoes and Regular ones.
Increased Depth for Insoles/Orthotics:
Diabetic shoes have a deeper design to accommodate orthotics or diabetic insoles that provide extra cushioning for people with diabetes. Multi-density diabetic insoles are part of diabetic shoes. Regular shoes may need more depth to accommodate these inserts.
Smooth Interior for Blister Prevention:
Diabetic shoes have a smooth interior lining to prevent blisters and sores from forming on the feet. Regular shoes may have seams or rough materials that can irritate the skin.
Heel Counter to Keep the Foot in Place:
Diabetic shoes have a heel counter that helps to keep the foot in place and prevent slipping. Regular shoes may not have this feature, which can lead to instability.
Padding for Stability:
Diabetic shoes often have extra padding in key areas, such as the midsole and forefoot, to provide stability and comfort. Regular shoes may have less padding or may need to have them in the right places.
Increased Space and Protection for Toe Health:
Diabetic shoes have increased space in the toe box to prevent friction and pressure on the toes, which can lead to complications for people with diabetes. Regular shoes may not have enough space in the toe box, leading to foot diseases.
Non-skid Soles and Proper Fitting to Prevent Falls:
Diabetic shoes have non-skid soles to prevent slips and falls, and they are fit to the foot properly to ensure a secure fit. Regular shoes may not have a non-skid sole or may not fit the foot properly, which can lead to falls.
Increased Space and Protection for Toe Health:
Diabetic shoes have increased space in the toe box to prevent friction and pressure on the toes, which can lead to complications for people with diabetes. Regular shoes may not have enough space in the toe box, leading to foot problems.
Non-skid Soles and Proper Fitting to Prevent Falls:
Diabetic shoes have non-skid soles to prevent slips and falls, and they are fit to the foot properly to ensure a secure fit. Regular shoes may not have a non-skid sole or may not fit the foot properly, which can lead to falls.
What is the difference between diabetic shoes and regular shoes? Still, have any queries? Read the section again. You can easily differentiate it from ordinary shoes using these factors in mind.
What Type of Shoes is Best for Diabetics?
Some proper shoes that are recommended for people with diabetes are:
Orthopedic shoe:
Shoes are designed specifically for people with diabetes, which provide extra support, cushioning, and protection to help prevent foot problems.
Sneakers:
Shoes that are lightweight, flexible, and offer good arch support and cushioning.
Slip-on shoe:
Shoes that are easy to put on and take off provide good arch support and cushioning.
Wide and deep-wear shoes:
Shoes with a wider and deeper toe box reduce pressure on the toes and help prevent other foot problems such as ulcers, infections, and amputations.
What are the special features of diabetic footwear?
Some of the key features of diabetic footwear include:
Roomy Toe Box:
Allows for wiggle room for toes, reducing pressure points and preventing corns, calluses, and blisters.
Seamless Interiors:
To minimize the risk of friction and pressure injuries on the feet.
Adjustable Fit:
Many diabetic shoes have adjustable straps, lace-up, or velcro closures to ensure a snug, but not tight, fit.
Cushioned Insoles:
Provide shock absorption and help reduce pressure on the feet styles.
Rigid Soles:
Help prevent foot injuries and provide stability.
Breathable Materials:
To keep feet dry and prevent fungal growth.
Protective interior:
It is made from soft material and stitching that doesn’t protrude so as not to irritate.
Removable Insoles:
To accommodate custom orthotics, if needed.
Wider Widths:
Available in various widths to accommodate different foot shapes and sizes.
Non-Binding Upper:
Avoids constriction of the foot and ankle, reducing the risk of circulation problems.
Can people without diabetes wear these shoes?
Yes, non-diabetics can wear shoes designed for people with diabetes. These shoes can benefit individuals without diabetes, such as increased foot comfort and support.
So, even if you don’t have diabetes, you can still choose to wear these shoes for their added comfort and support. You can use custom-made, open-toed shoes to try for a pressure-free fit according to foot conditions.
Can I wear comfortable sneakers if I have diabetic neuropathy or related issues?
Yes, you can wear comfortable sneakers. However, it is important to ensure that the sneakers have a proper fit and provide good support for your feet to help prevent injury and protect sensitive areas. Diabetic footwear is often paired with specialized orthotic inserts to protect against sores and provide arch, heel, and metatarsal support where needed.
FAQs
What makes diabetic shoes different from other shoes?
Diabetic shoes provide a spacious toe box to offer extra room for the toes—especially important when considering deformities such as bunions or hammertoes.
Can diabetic patients wear normal shoes?
Diabetics can wear normal shoes, but choosing shoes that provide proper fit, support, and protection to avoid foot problems is important. Diabetic shoes decrease the risk of diabetic foot ulcers and thereby reduce amputations.
What type of shoes should diabetic patients wear?
People with diabetes should wear a shoe with good support, cushioning, and a proper fit to reduce the risk for foot health. Diabetic patients have high wound chances because of poor circulation. Wearing diabetic shoes is a good option and reduces pressure points on the feet.
What do diabetic-approved shoes mean?
Diabetic-approved shoes meet specific standards for comfort, support, and protection for diabetes patients. Remember that one pair should have a shock-absorbing sole, which will help relieve pressure on the bottom of your foot.
Conclusion!
In conclusion, what is the difference between diabetic shoes and regular shoes? The main difference is in their design and features, aimed at providing comfort and protection to those with diabetes.
Diabetic shoes have a wider and deeper toe box, a more stable sole, and added cushioning to reduce pressure on the feet, prevent blisters, and avoid injuries to the feet that can be caused by neuropathy. Therapeutic shoes are designed to reduce the risk of skin breakdown in people with diabetes.
On the other hand, ordinary shoes prioritize fashion and style over foot health, leading to discomfort and injuries for individuals with diabetes.
In light of this, those with diabetes need to invest in foot care health and prevent further complications. For this goal, you have heard of the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Bill. All the efforts are for human health. Medicare and other insurance programs cover the best shoes in extra depth.
