Charcot foot is a rare complication of diabetes-related neuropathy, the nerve damage that makes you lose feeling in your feet. Cleveland Clinic says that because you cannot feel an injury, a small injury or an infection can lead to severe complications, and that the joints of the foot can collapse and permanently change its shape.[1]
Charcot foot needs medical treatment, and Cleveland Clinic says the most important part is stopping walking on the foot to take weight off it.[1] This guide covers what the guidance says about footwear and eight pairs of everyday shoes for men and women that are in stock on the web US.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not medical advice. Charcot foot is a serious condition. If your foot is red, warm, swollen or has changed shape, see a doctor or podiatrist right away and do not rely on shoes from this list. These are everyday shoes, not prescription footwear.
Charcot foot and footwear
- Cleveland Clinic says treatment starts with taking weight off the foot using a cast or brace, crutches, a walker or a wheelchair.[1]
- After that, it says your provider will recommend orthotics or special shoes with extra depth to relieve pressure on your feet and support you when you walk.[1]
- NIDDK says that if your feet have changed shape, such as from Charcot’s foot, you may need special shoes or shoe inserts called orthotics, and that Medicare Part B and other insurance may help pay for them.[2]
- NIDDK advises wearing shoes and socks at all times and checking the inside of your shoes before putting them on.
What Charcot Foot Needs
Cleveland Clinic lists these common treatments:[1]
- Taking Weight Off the Foot – A cast or brace, crutches, a walker or a wheelchair, to reduce swelling and stop injuries such as fractures from getting worse.
- Orthotics and Footwear Changes – Custom-made inserts or an ankle brace, and orthotics or special shoes with extra depth.
- Physical Therapy – A customized set of exercises.
- Surgery – For severe symptoms, including collapsed bones and joints or ulcers, or an infection that might spread.
Cleveland Clinic also says your foot’s shape may permanently change, which can make it hard to fit into most shoes.[1] Our hammertoes guide covers shoes for toe deformities.
Choosing Everyday Shoes
NIDDK says walking shoes and athletic shoes are good for daily wear when you have diabetes because they support your feet and let them breathe. It advises against vinyl or plastic shoes and against pointed toes and high heels, which put too much pressure on the toes, and says to buy shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are largest.[2] It adds that if you have bunions or hammertoes you may need extra-wide or deep shoes.[2]
Cleveland Clinic says to make sure your shoes fit properly and to wear socks and shoes or slippers all day.[1] NIDDK suggests wearing new shoes for only a few hours at first and then checking your feet for sore areas.[2]
Features to Look For
- Depth and Width – Extra depth and width leave room for the foot’s shape and for orthotics. Cleveland Clinic says special shoes with extra depth help relieve pressure.[1]
- Removable Insole – Room for a custom insert or orthotic that your provider prescribes.[1]
- Smooth Interior – A lining with no seams or pebbles that can rub the skin. NIDDK says to check that the lining is smooth.[2]
- Fit – A shoe that fits well and protects the foot, with a low heel and a rounded toe.[2]
How We Chose These Shoes
We do not test shoes ourselves. We compared each model’s depth, width options, insole and fit using the makers’ descriptions and The web product pages, and we kept only pairs that are in stock on the web US. Brands do not pay to be included, but we may earn a commission from purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Shoes for Charcot Foot
- What is Charcot foot?
Cleveland Clinic describes it as a rare complication of diabetes-related neuropathy that can make injuries or infections much more serious. If it is not treated soon enough, the joints in the foot can collapse.[1] - Can I walk on a Charcot foot?
Cleveland Clinic says you need to stop walking on the foot before injuries or issues get worse, and that treatment includes taking weight off the foot.[1] Follow your provider’s advice. - Does insurance pay for special shoes?
NIDDK says Medicare Part B and other health insurance programs may help pay for special shoes or inserts, and suggests asking your plan if it covers them.[2]
Key Specs
| No. | Shoe | Type | Closure | Width options | Drop / Cushion | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vionic 23Walk 2.0 | Walking | Lace-up | Medium, Wide | EVA | – |
| 2 | Propet TravelFit / TravelActiv (women's) | Casual sneaker | Lace-up | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – | – |
| 4 | Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 | Shoe | Lace-up | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – | 10.2 oz |
| 5 | New Balance 608 V5 | Casual sneaker | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | ABZORB | – |
| 6 | Under Armour Charged Assert 10 | Walking | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | 10 mm drop / Charged Cushioning | 9.5 oz |
| 7 | adidas X_PLR Path | Running | Lace-up | Medium | Cloudfoam | – |
| 3 | Orthofeet Lincoln Center / Springfield (women's) | Dress | Strap / Slip-on | Medium, Wide | – | – |
| 8 | adidas Response Pace | Running | Lace-up | Medium | Cloudfoam | – |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.
Reviews: Everyday Shoes for Charcot Foot
Here are our picks. Each pair is in stock on the web US. We may earn a commission if you buy through the links on this page, at no extra cost to you. They are everyday shoes, so ask your provider before wearing them if you have an active Charcot foot.
Walking Shoes for Charcot Foot
1Lace-Up Walking Sneaker
Vionic 23Walk 2.0 - Men
Currently unavailable
Vionic 23Walk 2.0 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Vionic 23Walk 2.0 is a lace-up walking sneaker with the APMA Seal of Acceptance. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- It received the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance.
- An EVA midsole has a built-in half-inch elevation for a smooth heel-to-toe transition.
- A moisture-wicking mesh liner reduces friction against the skin, and the rubber outsole grips. Wear a new pair for a few hours at first.
2
Wide Travel Walking Shoe
Propet TravelFit - Men
Currently unavailable
Propet TravelActiv - Women
Currently unavailable
The Propet TravelFit is a walking shoe sold in wide widths. The men’s pair is the TravelFit, and the women’s pair is the TravelFit Prestige.
- Both pairs come in wide widths, which suits feet that need extra room.
- The sole is flexible, and the women’s pair has a breathable mesh upper.
- The men’s pair is coded for Medicare A5500 footwear, which matters if you shop for therapeutic shoes.
4
Breathable Running Shoe
Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 - Men
Currently unavailable
Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 is a neutral trainer that balances cushioning and flexibility. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The mesh upper has leather overlays that add midfoot support, and at least 30% of the upper is recycled content.
- Charged+ midsole cushioning is soft, and the rubber outsole has flex grooves for toe-off.
- It weighs about 10.2 oz and comes in medium, wide and extra-wide widths.
5
Casual Cross Trainer
New Balance 608 V5 - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance 608 V5 - Women
Currently unavailable
The New Balance 608 v5 is a casual cross trainer that works as an everyday walking shoe. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- An Abzorb heel crash pad absorbs impact, and a molded insert adds cushioning underfoot.
- The suede upper breaks in to your foot, and dual-density collar foam steadies the ankle.
- A Phantom Liner interior has few seams to rub, and the EVA midsole has an internal shank for midfoot stability.
6
Cushioned Athletic Shoe
Under Armour Charged Assert 10 - Men
Currently unavailable
Under Armour Charged Assert 10 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Under Armour Charged Assert 10 is a light everyday trainer. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The breathable mesh upper has synthetic overlays for durability and support.
- An EVA sockliner adds soft step-in comfort, and the Charged Cushioning midsole uses compression-molded foam.
- The solid rubber outsole covers high-wear zones, the offset is 10 mm and the shoe weighs about 9.5 oz.
7
Light Everyday Sneaker
adidas X_PLR Path - Men
Currently unavailable
adidas X_PLR Path - Women
Currently unavailable
The adidas X_PLR Path is a lightweight, running-inspired sneaker for everyday wear. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The mesh upper is light and breathable, and the textile lining feels soft.
- A Cloudfoam midsole gives step-in comfort and cushioning.
- The rubber outsole has good grip and a low-profile look.
Dress Shoes for Charcot Foot
3Orthopedic Dress Shoe
Orthofeet Lincoln Center - Men
Currently unavailable
Orthofeet Springfield - Women
Currently unavailable
The Orthofeet Lincoln Center (men) and Springfield (women) are orthopedic dress shoes with an orthotic insole.
- The men’s Lincoln Center is a leather oxford with an adjustable pull strap and a wide toe box, which makes it easy to put on and lets you adjust the fit for swelling.
- The women’s Springfield is a slip-on Mary Jane with an all-stretch fabric upper and a smooth, padded interior that has no seams to rub.
- Each pair includes a premium orthotic insole with arch support and multilayer cushioning, and both are true to size with a wide toe box.
Running Shoes for Charcot Foot
8Cloudfoam Running Shoe
adidas Response Pace - Men
Currently unavailable
adidas Response Pace - Women
Currently unavailable
The adidas Response Pace is a lace-up running shoe with Cloudfoam cushioning. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The Cloudfoam midsole cushions each step.
- An Ortholite sockliner adds comfort inside the shoe.
- The textile upper has a regular fit and a lace-up closure.
Index Table: Top Rated Shoes for Charcot Foot
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vionic® - Lace-Up Walking Sneaker |  |  |
| Vionic |
| 2 | Propet® - Wide Travel Walking Shoe |  |  |
| Propet |
| 4 | Under Armour® - Breathable Running Shoe |  |  |
| Under Armour |
| 5 | New Balance® - Casual Cross Trainer |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 6 | Under Armour® - Cushioned Athletic Shoe |  |  |
| Under Armour |
| 7 | adidas® - Light Everyday Sneaker |  |  |
| adidas |
| 3 | Orthofeet® - Orthopedic Dress Shoe |  |  |
| Orthofeet |
| 8 | adidas® - Cloudfoam Running Shoe |  |  |
| adidas |
Conclusion
Charcot foot needs treatment from a provider, and Cleveland Clinic says that includes taking weight off the foot and wearing orthotics or special shoes with extra depth.[1] Everyday shoes with extra room, a smooth interior and a removable insole can be part of your daily footwear once your provider agrees.[2]
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic. Charcot Foot. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Diabetes and Foot Problems. Accessed October 27, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Rewrote the article around Cleveland Clinic and NIDDK guidance, added a disclaimer, takeaways, How We Chose section and FAQ, removed the claims that shoes treat Charcot foot symptoms and prevent bone damage, removed the unsourced treatment tips and the NHS walking source, and regrouped the shoes under correct headings
- Oct 2026: Replaced Vionic Walker with Vionic 23Walk 2.0; replaced Drew Warren with Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11; replaced Vionic Ryder with New Balance 608 V5; replaced Orthofeet Lava with Under Armour Charged Assert 10; replaced Drew Barcelona with adidas X_PLR Path; replaced Adidas Cloudfoam Ultimate with adidas Response Pace
- Oct 2026: Removed Apis Mt Emey 728-E and Skechers Afterburn (unavailable)
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs table and a Sources section; checked availability of every product
- Jan 2020: Published
