Diabetes and your shoe choice

If you have diabetes yourself, you’ve probably heard of it. Many people with diabetes suffer from their feet. It’s called “diabetic feet”. But how does this arise, and does it affect your shoe choice? We’ll tell you all about it. A spoiler? Wolky has a special collection filled with shoes for diabetic feet. Soft and comfortable, especially designed for diabetic feet.

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Diabetic feet

Uncontrolled diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerve fibers, causing less blood to flow to your legs and feet. As a result, many diabetics might not feel heat, cold, or pain. The medical term for this is called “sensory diabetic neuropathy”. This means that people with diabetes don’t always feel pain as quickly. For example, they don’t often notice in time that their shoe pinches. This creates wounds and blisters that unfortunately heal with difficulty because you do not know they are there. In addition, wounds can easily become infected and then ulcerate.

Choose your shoes wisely

There are many things you can do to prevent diabetic feet. Besides checking your feet regularly, not walking barefoot, and cutting your nails short; the choice of shoes is an important aspect.

The shoes shouldn’t pinch and it’s important that they don’t have pressure points. We recommend you wear shoes made of soft and supple leather with as little stitching as possible. In any case, the inside should be as smooth and soft as possible. But also pay attention to the material! Preferably choose shoes that are made entirely of leather – except for the sole. Leather is a strong material that naturally breathes and absorbs perspiration. This way your feet stay nice and dry!

A flexible rubber sole is also very nice. In addition, it is important to have the right fit: both shoes must fit like a glove so that your feet do not slide in. Count at least one-centimeter extra toe space at the front, because each foot stretches during walking and otherwise bumps the nose of the shoe with every step. Lastly, we recommend trying on your new shoes at the end of the afternoon. During the day, feet retain some moisture. But even then – if they are a bit swollen – your shoes should of course be comfortable.

Diabetic shoes

Many diabetics may experience having sensitive feet. A hard edge or annoying stitching on the inside of the shoe can exasperate any sensitivity.

Truth DB – beige nubuck

£179.95

Truth DB – denim nubuck

£179.95

Holland DB – offwhite/green nubuck

£169.95

Holland DB – blue effect leather

£169.95

Get advice

Not sure if you are wearing the right shoes? Then let us advise you in our store. Our employees know exactly what to look out for and ensure that you leave the store with well-fitting shoes. Don’t have time to go to a store? Contact our customer service, they are happy to help!

You can find more information about shoes for neuropathy here.