Diabetic shoes are everyday shoes built to three rules: nothing presses, nothing rubs, and nothing is hidden. In practice that means a smooth, seam-free interior, a toe box wide and deep enough to clear the toes without contact, an adjustable closure that opens to take the day's swelling, and a removable footbed so a prescribed insole can go in. Orthopeca USA stocks 44 such styles for men and women, with wide-fit options across the range.

What to look for, by what you deal with

• Swelling and edema — adjustable hook-and-loop or buckle straps plus extra depth, so the fit can change as the day goes on.
• Reduced sensation in the feet — a smooth, seam-free lining with no internal stitching across the forefoot, because pressure you cannot feel is pressure you cannot report.
• Bunions, hammertoes or overlapping toes — an extra-wide, rounded toe box and a stretch upper.
• Prescribed custom orthotics — two removable insoles, which free up the depth an orthotic needs.
• Long hours standing — a shock-absorbing midsole and a slip-resistant outsole.

Frequently asked questions

Are these medical devices?

No. These are comfort and wide-fit shoes. They are not medical devices, they are not therapeutic footwear dispensed under a medical plan, and they do not treat, prevent or cure diabetes or any of its complications. If you have been referred for prescription footwear, follow that referral.

What is the difference between diabetic shoes and orthopedic shoes?

Mostly overlap. Orthopedic styles lead on arch support and shock absorption; this selection leads on interior smoothness, depth and adjustability — the features that matter when the skin of the foot is the thing at risk. A good number of pairs qualify as both.

Can I put my own orthotics in them?

Yes, on any model with a removable footbed. Take the supplied insole out first, otherwise you lose the depth the orthotic needs and the shoe will feel half a size too small.

How do I pick the right size?

Measure both feet in the evening, when they are at their largest, and fit to the larger one. Width matters more than length here. The size chart has the measuring steps.

Do they come in extra wide?

Yes. See wide fit shoes for the full extra-wide and wide-toe-box range.

Related: orthopedic shoes, orthotic insoles, and our guide to what causes foot pain and how to take care of it.