7 Best Shoes For Diabetes, 20+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Keeping the feet free from wounds and pain is one of the top treatment plans for diabetic patients. Since they predominantly suffer from damaged nerves on their feet, people with diabetes seldom feel any irritations, calluses, or ulcers caused by improper footwear. With that said, wearing the right pair of walking shoes is vital to lower their risk from these kinds of foot issues.
To help them out, we researched more than a dozen pairs of shoes for diabetic patients and assessed them for different elements. We came up with our recommendations that we consider the best under various categories.
How we test walking shoes
We carefully checked more than a dozen pairs of walking for diabetics to help you find the best solemate. For an honest and unbiased review, we:
- Buy these walking kicks using our own money.
- Thoroughly test these shoes to check their cushioning, stability, arch support, and many more parameters.
- Accumulate all available feedback from the users of these walking shoes.
From the results, we assign CoreScore for each model. Ranging from 1-100, this scoring system will determine the overall performance of the model.
Best shoes for diabetes overall
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all walking shoes.
- Top 24% in walking shoes
- Top 8% in New Balance walking shoes
- Top 15% most popular walking shoes
Pros
- Supportive midsole
- Stylish
- Good color selection
- Relieves foot issues
- Reasonably priced
- Fits perfectly
Cons
- Upper and sole durability issues
Verdict
After sifting through more than a dozen pairs of walking shoes for users who have diabetes, the New Balance 623 v3 quickly bagged our top pick as the best on the list. We've got gobs of reasons why this shoe must be in your walking shoe rotation.
Boasting its outstanding comfort level, the NB 623 v3 is perfect footwear when you plan to walk for an extended period. It uses the Abzorb cushioning that effectively absorbs shock and impact, thus avoiding discomfort on the lower extremities, which is a big NO for diabetic patients.
Also, its full-length EVA midsole feels so light and stable, as it accommodates the foot's natural motion. With this kick, ankle-twisting has never been a problem.
Found on its upper are perforations on the heel and forefoot. This feature keeps our feet dry and cool as it allows free air movement in and out of the sneaker.
While walking all day, we enjoyed it as this model kept our feet locked and secured. Thanks to its heel counter and padded collar, we did not experience heel slippage at all.
The New Balance 623 v3 is our best bet when you're looking for everyday walking shoes, especially when you have diabetes. It will keep your feet protected from pain, injuries, and wound formation while keeping you in style.
Best shoes for diabetes for flat feet
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all walking shoes.
- Top 20% in New Balance walking shoes
- Top 19% most popular walking shoes
Pros
- Comfortable sole unit
- Different width choices
- Sufficient sole stability
- Alleviates foot discomfort
- Lightweight
- Ample ankle support
Cons
- Inferior quality-looking materials
- Short and narrow tongue
Verdict
After going through oodles of walking shoes for flat-footed diabetic patients, we chose the New Balance 928 v3 as our best bet. We've tested it ourselves and came up with plenty of reasons why this kick is on our top list.
This shoe offers comfort, durability, and stability suitable for flat-footed diabetic or non-diabetic walking shoe enthusiasts.
Comfort-wise, this shoe is a beast! In fact, it can also alleviate other foot problems, such as arthritis and neuropathy. Its Phantom liner delivers irritation on the feet and avoids any formation of blisters, which is essential in every diabetics' footwear.
Also, the synthetic overlays found on the toe box prevent any abrasion from impacts and constant contact with the skin. This element is beneficial to the health of diabetic's feet.
Its midsole, meanwhile, compresses just enough to absorb shock while providing ample stability in every step. With this kick, you can be protected from overpronation and supination.
While it displays a chunky profile, this shoe is amazingly light on feet! It did not drag our feet down! It made our steps easier and a bit faster.
If you have diabetes and have flat feet, we highly vouch for this kick's effectiveness in protecting you from injuries and discomfort.
Best shoes for diabetes for all-day wear
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all walking shoes.
- Top 23% in shoes for diabetes
Pros
- Versatile
- Available in wide options
- True to size
- Alleviates foot and leg pain
- Appealing style
- Good quality-price ratio
- Lightweight
- Accommodates custom orthotics
- Breathable
Cons
- Side stitching durability issues
- Lacks arch support
- Bulky
Verdict
Best diabetic (a5500) New Balance walking shoes
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all walking shoes.
- Top 13% most popular walking shoes
Pros
- Great cushioning
- Multiple widths available
- Wide and deep toe box
- Good quality-to-price ratio
- Helps to relieve foot pain
- Breathable
- Approved by Medicare
- True to size
Cons
- Short tongue
- Heavy for some
Verdict
Best shoes for diabetes with strap
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all walking shoes.
- Top 27% in New Balance walking shoes
- Top 17% in velcro walking shoes
Pros
- Quick to wear
- Satisfactory fit and sizing
- Improves gait
Cons
- Durability issue
- Stiff
Verdict
We checked a lashing number of shoes for diabetic users secured with straps, and we picked the New Balance Hook and Loop 813 as our top choice on our list.
We highly praise the comfort we experienced while wearing this walking shoe. It delivered an incredible amount of comfort, thanks to its motion control features. Our gait problem was addressed, too! We truly enjoyed walking in these shoes!
If you're looking for a daily kick to don, this is your solid option. With its easy-to-wear design, you can quickly head out of the door without the need to fix laces. On and off is indeed breezy with this model.
Worry not about securing your feet as the Propet doubled the straps in this model. This model not only maximizes the snug fit but also enhances the overall durability.
As we walked in these kicks during the humid days, we felt comfortable, too. Thanks to its mesh lining on the tongue and collar, airflow can be felt and enjoyed.
If you've been suffering from supination or overpronation, this model is the one for you. It has the rollball technology found between the midsole and outsole that holds the heel to stabilize it.
Best value shoes for diabetes
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all walking shoes.
- Top 12% in Propet walking shoes
Pros
- Comfortable for extended periods
- Versatile stylish design
- Adequate lateral support
- Easy to put on and remove
- Great quality-price ratio
- Lightweight
- Accommodates heel inserts
- Stable arch support
- Non-marking outsole
- Breathable
Cons
- Closure mechanism issues
- Durability concerns
- Limited colorways
Verdict
Most popular shoes for diabetes
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all walking shoes.
- Top 3% most popular walking shoes
Pros
- Comfortable for walking
- Available in multiple widths
- Helps to relieve pain from plantar fasciitis
- Affordable
- Fits well with orthotics
- No slipping or sliding
- Good for moderate gym use
- Approved for diabetes (A5500 code)
Cons
- Laces are too long
- Not many colorways