Walking is considered the most useful exercise to help control blood sugar levels, which suits people of all ages.
Therefore, a diabetic person who starts to walk to control blood sugar must choose an appropriate walking diabetic shoe that must meet certain criteria to protect a diabetic foot.
Despite just for walking, you want the best diabetic shoes for men and women that can be worn for running, dress up, work, and other purposes.
Why You Need Good Shoes for Diabetes
When you have diabetes, your feet may also become more sensitive, and you may suffer certain foot conditions that are predominant in persons who have diabetes;
- Swollen Feet – People with diabetes often experience swelling or edema in their feet. Therefore, they need more flexible shoes with a roomy toe box to accommodate swelling.
- Skin Sensitivity – People with diabetes generally do not heal very fast when they have suffered an injury-causing open wound. Chafing and blisters on the feet of a person with diabetes can become severely infected and take longer to help ease. Therefore, shoes that are seamless and do not cause friction are desirable.
- Neuropathy – Neuropathy is a condition that mostly occurs in diabetics, especially Peripheral Neuropathy. This can cause your feet to tingle and numb, which means you need good foot and underfoot protection from your shoes.
How do Proper Diabetic Shoes Help
You get Medicare-rated shoes specifically for wear by those with diabetes.
Generally, you are looking for shoes that offer good depth, a roomy toe box to accommodate swelling, and an upper that does not cause friction or pressure on your feet.
Underfoot protection, such as a thick sole or shank, is ideal for those with peripheral neuropathy who cannot feel anything.
Comfort is key when you have diabetes, so cushioning and a shock-absorbing midsole can help.
Features of a Good Shoe for Diabetes
these guidelines are there for most shoe types, so depending on the type of shoe, always look for these comfort features when you have diabetes;
- Uppers – The upper should be soft and flexible with no added seams or areas that can chafe and irritate your feet. There needs to be a moisture-wicking interior lining and smooth edges. A padded collar is likewise ideal.
- Fit – Look for a comfortable fit with a very roomy toe box and maybe extra depth.
- Cushioning – Cushioning provides comfort and shock absorbency. Cushioning can be a padded or cushioned insole and a foam or EVA midsole.
- Outsole – Beside an outsole that ensures good traction and slip resistance, consider a thicker outsole for underfoot protection. An internal shank can help protect you against sharp objects and provide stability.
Key Specs
| No. | Shoe | Type | Closure | Width options | Drop / Cushion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Balance M1540v3 / W1540v3 (women's) | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – |
| 2 | New Balance 928v3 | Walking | Lace-up | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | ABZORB |
| 3 | Asics Gel Cumulus 28 | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | FF BLAST MAX |
| 4 | Reebok Work 'N Cushion | Casual sneaker | – | Medium | DMX |
| 5 | Propet TravelFit | Walking | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | EVA |
| 6 | Orthofeet Asheville / Charlotte (women's) | Shoe | Hands-free slip-in | Medium, Wide | – |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.
Best Running Shoes for Diabetics
1Running Shoes for Diabetics
New Balance M1540v3 - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance W1540v3 - Women
Currently unavailable
They are highly durable shoes and an excellent choice for people with diabetes who are overweight.
The New Balance M1540v3 has symmetrical ROLLBAR technology for ultimate lateral and medial rearfoot stability.
- This is a very high-quality shoe made from the best quality leather, and it is also very comfortable and breathable.
- These shoes are known for their ground-gripping blown rubber outsole for added traction.
- Dual-density collar foam adds a great feel, while traditional lacing closure allows a precise fit.
- A wider sole provides a more stable base and motion control.
- Natural rubber soles increase grip and help distribute the foot’s weight evenly, thus lowering the risk of injuries for people with diabetic feet.
- Medicare / HCPCS code = A5500, eligible for Medicare reimbursement.
Best Walking Shoes for Diabetics
2Diabetic Walking Shoes
New Balance 928v3 - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance 928v3 - Women
Currently unavailable
The New Balance MW928 is designed to provide day-long comfort and is a designated A5500 diabetic shoe.
- The outsole is made of rubber, and the upper is made of leather.
- This pair is a wide-toe box walking shoes, designed for wiggling toes, as well as helping accommodate swollen feet.
- Available in an extensive range of sizes and widths, these have garnered comprehensive reviews from users who find these comfortable and fashionable among the New Balance diabetic walking shoes.
- This great-looking New Balance orthopedic shoe is available in four shades.
- You are also protected with free and return shipping if it does not fit you.
3
Diabetic Running and Walking Shoe
Asics Gel Cumulus 28 - Men
Currently unavailable
Asics Gel Cumulus 28 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Asics Gel Cumulus 28 is the newest in-stock version of this shoe on the web and replaces the Gel Cumulus 24. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- FF BLAST MAX cushioning: One of our most energetic midsole foams that’s complemented with cloud-like softness and a responsive energy return in each step.
- PureGEL technology: Softer, updated version of our GEL technology that maintains all the acclaimed properties that have made GEL technology famous.
- Engineered mesh upper: A lightweight, breathable mesh material that reduces the need for additional overlays.
- FLUIDRIDE outsole: The outsole material is blended with EVA and rubber to help provide comfort and traction without sacrificing durability.
4
Diabetic Work Shoes
Reebok Work 'N Cushion - Men
Currently unavailable
Reebok Work 'N Cushion - Women
Currently unavailable
As the name suggests, it helps your feet feel like it floats in the air while walking in these diabetic shoes for men and women of this kind, even for a long time.
- The oil and slip-resistant sole will give you a great feeling of balance and ground grip.
- The beveled heel generates a forward momentum that helps your gait.
- These work shoes are designed for walking, and you can carry all the routine works with them; even for an outing, they will suit you well.
- The only downside to this shoe is that it comes in black or white.
5
Walking Shoes for Diabetes
Propet TravelFit - Men
Currently unavailable
Propet TravelFit - Women
Currently unavailable
The Propet TravelFit is a lightweight shoe with a wider width option to accommodate Edema.
- The Upper is a soft and flexible mesh, and there is also a flexible and durable rubber outsole.
- With the wider width options, it is easy t accommodate swelling.
- There are also a few neutral color options from which to choose.
- Likewise, these shoes are medicare A5500 rated for diabetic feet and conditions such as Edema and bunions.
Best Dress Shoes for Diabetics
Best Boots for Diabetics
Best Slippers for Diabetics
6Comfort Orthotic Slippers for Diabetics
Orthofeet Asheville - Men
Currently unavailable
Orthofeet Charlotte - Women
Currently unavailable
The Orthofeet Asheville is a comfortable and warm pair of slippers that you can slip on and off easily with some exceptional support and comfort features.
- An orthotic contoured insole for superior support and comfort.
- Snug and comfortable uppers with seamless construction for less irritation.
- Featuring an extra depth design with ergonomic stride technology.
- Durable and slip-resistant outsole.
Index Table: The Top Rated Diabetic Shoes
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Balance® - Running Shoes for Diabetics |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 2 | New Balance® - Diabetic Walking Shoes |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 3 | Asics® - Diabetic Running and Walking Shoe |  |  |
| Asics |
| 4 | Reebok® - Diabetic Work Shoes |  |  |
| Reebok |
| 5 | Propet® - Walking Shoes for Diabetes |  |  |
| Propet |
| 6 | Orthofeet® - Comfort Orthotic Slippers for Diabetics |  |  |
| Orthofeet |
In Conclusion
To protect your feet against the pain and symptoms associated with Diabetes, it is vital to wear the correct footwear.
From the list we have chosen, you can see some excellent and unique features promised by every shoe to provide the necessary comfort and relief.
Sources
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have a foot or health condition, talk to a doctor or podiatrist before choosing footwear.
- NHS: Walking for health
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Prevention of Slips, Trips and Falls
- National Institute on Aging (NIH): Falls and Fractures in Older Adults: Causes and Prevention
- NHS: Falls
Update History
- Oct 2026: Updated Asics Gel Cumulus 24 to Gel Cumulus 28
- Oct 2026: Removed Rockport Pro Walker, Skechers Performance Go Walk 4, New Balance MW577, Dr. Comfort Performance, New Balance 680V6, Clarks Tunsil, Orthofeet Monterey, Skechers Go Walk Slip On Max, Dream Pairs Adventurous, Dr. Comfort Stallion, Propet Commuterlite, Rockport Eureka and Orthofeet Diabetics Boots (unavailable)
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs table and a Sources section; checked availability of every product
- Jun 2015: Published
