Diabetic & Orthopedic Shoes | Supportive, Medical-Grade Footwear | MCB DME
“So many people think diabetic shoes are just about comfort, but they’re really about freedom. When we fit a patient with the right pair, we’re not just giving them footwear—we’re giving them peace of mind that they can keep moving, stay independent, and avoid the complications we see all too often.” — Michele Kattine, Co-Founder of MCB DME
When your feet hurt or feel unstable, every step can become a chore. As a family‑run durable medical equipment company in northern New Jersey, we at MCB DME regularly see how the right shoes can change a person’s life. Whether you live with diabetes, arthritis, plantar fasciitis or simply want to lower your fall risk, properly selected diabetic shoes and orthopedic shoes are more than just accessories – they’re tools for health and independence.
In this guide we’ll walk you through the benefits of these specialized shoes, how to choose the right pair, what features to look for and avoid, and how to get professionally fitted. We’ll even chat about some popular brands and styles, plus share tips on caring for your footwear. By the end you’ll feel informed and empowered to take better care of your feet and overall well‑being.
Note: Throughout this post we link to other MCB DME articles to dive deeper into related topics. If you haven’t read them yet, check out our posts on why legs swell and how to measure yourself for compression stockings. They’ll add context to your footwear journey.
Why Specialized Footwear Matters
Standard sneakers or dress shoes may work fine for people with perfectly healthy feet, but conditions like diabetes, arthritis, bunions and neuropathy dramatically change what your feet need. Diabetes, for instance, can cause peripheral neuropathy, meaning you might not feel cuts or pressure points. Poor circulation delays healing and makes you prone to ulcers. To reduce these risks, diabetic shoes are built with extra depth and width, seamless interiors, protective toe boxes, cushioned insoles, stable outsoles and breathable materialsfootcaregroup.com. These features help protect your skin, reduce friction and provide room for swelling or custom orthoticsfootcaregroup.com.
Orthopedic shoes, on the other hand, serve a broader range of foot issues. They’re recommended for people with plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, high arches, arthritis, diabetes or after surgery. A good orthopedic shoe will include built‑in arch support, ample cushioning (often memory foam or gel), motion control for stability, a roomy toe box, adjustable straps or laces, breathable materials and removable insolesdoingfootwear.com. By supporting your feet’s natural alignment and absorbing shock, these shoes can relieve pain, improve posture and reduce future problems like joint weardoingfootwear.com.
For older adults, proper footwear is also a cornerstone of fall prevention. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center notes that safe shoes have low heels (under one inch), a way to secure the foot (laces or Velcro), thin hard soles, slip‑resistant bottoms and a firm heel collarmskcc.org. Conversely, shoes with high heels, no closure (like flip‑flops or slippers), soft thick soles or slick/worn‑out soles are unsafe because they destabilize youmskcc.org. When you combine these insights with supportive features from orthopedic and diabetic designs, you can choose footwear that reduces falls, relieves pain and keeps you moving.
What Makes Diabetic Shoes Special?
Let’s zoom in on diabetic shoes. If you or a loved one has diabetes, you know that foot care isn’t optional – it’s essential. High blood sugar can damage nerves and blood vessels, leading to numbness or delayed healing. Small blisters or pressure points can turn into ulcers or infections. That’s why diabetic shoes focus on protecting the skin and evenly distributing pressure.
Key design elements:
Extra depth and width. Diabetic shoes are designed with extra room to accommodate swelling and allow space for custom insolesfootcaregroup.com. This reduces friction and keeps toes from crowding. Some shoes also have double‑depth or extra‑wide options for severe swelling.
Seamless interiors. Inside seams can irritate fragile skin or cause blisters. Diabetic shoes have smooth linings and minimal stitching to prevent rubbingfootcaregroup.com. Some even use padded, breathable fabrics to reduce moisture build‑up.
Protective toe box. A reinforced toe area shields your toes from stubbing or impactfootcaregroup.com. It also prevents deformation of the toe area when the shoe flexes.
Cushioned insoles and shock absorption. To prevent skin breakdown, diabetic shoes use soft insoles that absorb shock and distribute pressure evenly across the footfootcaregroup.com. Many brands also include removable insoles so you can use custom orthotics or compression insoles if your doctor recommends them.
Stable outsoles with a firm base. A stable sole reduces the risk of twisting or rolling your ankle. Some diabetic shoes use rocker bottoms or mild motion control to improve balance and gait.
Breathable materials. Keeping feet dry is crucial to prevent fungal infections. Diabetic shoes use mesh panels or perforated leather to allow air flowfootcaregroup.com.
Because of these features, diabetic shoes are ideal for people with peripheral neuropathy, poor circulation, foot deformities or a history of foot ulcersfootcaregroup.com. They’re also prescribed for individuals with severe swelling (lymphoedema) or after foot surgery. Our team often sees patients who tried regular sneakers but still developed blisters or calluses. Once they switch to properly fitted diabetic shoes with extra depth and seamless interiors, their foot health improves dramatically.
Choosing and Wearing Diabetic Shoes
When selecting diabetic footwear, it’s tempting to order a pair online, but we encourage a professional fitting. The Hampton Roads Foot and Ankle Specialists emphasize that diabetic shoes require proper fit to accommodate individual foot characteristics and reduce discomforthamptonroadsfootandankle.com. At MCB DME we take measurements of your foot length, width and circumference, inspect any deformities or calluses, and may suggest custom orthotics or compression therapy. We also look at your lifestyle – do you need athletic shoes for walking, dress shoes for the office or casual shoes for daily use? Many manufacturers offer styles ranging from athletic sneakers to dress flats, so you don’t have to sacrifice style for functionhamptonroadsfootandankle.com.
A few tips for getting the most from diabetic shoes:
Break them in gradually. Even though they’re designed to be gentle, new shoes may need a few short sessions to conform to your foothamptonroadsfootandankle.com. Start by wearing them for an hour or two, then increase the time each day.
Check your feet daily. Inspect for redness, blisters or cuts after removing your shoes. If you can’t see the bottom of your feet easily, use a mirror or ask a loved one for help. This helps you catch any issues early and prevent complications.
Replace shoes when worn. Cushioned insoles and shock‑absorbing midsoles lose their effectiveness over time. If you notice signs of wear like flattening or less support, it’s time to replace them. Avoid wearing shoes with worn soles or loose stitchingmskcc.org.
Pair them with diabetic socks. Seamless, moisture‑wicking socks help prevent blisters and control swelling. Avoid tight bands or thick seams around the toes.
The Science Behind Orthopedic Shoes
While diabetic shoes focus on preventing injury and managing neuropathy, orthopedic shoes offer a wider set of benefits for many different conditions. They’re essentially the Swiss army knife of footwear – built to ease pain, improve alignment, protect the joints and keep you comfortable through long days. Doing Footwear’s comprehensive guide lists several features of orthopedic shoes, and we summarize them here for clarity:
Arch support and motion control. Built‑in arch support helps distribute weight evenly across the foot and prevents excessive pronation or supinationdoingfootwear.com. This reduces strain on ligaments and can alleviate pain from conditions like flat feet or high arches.
Ample cushioning. Memory foam and gel materials absorb shock and reduce impact on jointsdoingfootwear.com. They’re particularly beneficial for people with arthritis, heel spurs or plantar fasciitis.
Stability and motion control. Orthopedic shoes often include features like reinforced heel counters or midfoot shanks. This helps control foot motion and maintain proper alignmentdoingfootwear.com.
Roomy toe box. A spacious toe area lets toes move freely and reduces pressure on bunions or hammertoes. It also accommodates swelling or bandages.
Adjustable fit. Velcro straps, buckles or laces allow you to customize the fit throughout the day. This is useful if your feet swell or you need to accommodate orthotics.
Breathable materials. Many orthopedic shoes use mesh, knit or perforated materials to keep feet cool and dry.
Removable insoles. Being able to swap insoles lets you insert custom orthotics or replace worn padding.
Beyond the features, orthopedic shoes deliver tangible health benefits. They can reduce foot pain associated with plantar fasciitis, arthritis or diabetes, enhance mobility and balance, and help prevent the progression of foot deformities. They improve posture by aligning the feet, ankles and knees. Many models can be customized with orthotic inserts, providing personalization for specific needs. Don’t think they’re just for older adults either – orthopedic footwear can benefit anyone experiencing foot pain, sports injuries or developmental deformities.
Types of Orthopedic Shoes
Orthopedic shoes aren’t one‑size‑fits‑all. They come in a variety of styles so you can find something that fits your personality and lifestyle. Here are some common categories:
Dress orthopedic shoes. Designed for work or formal events, these shoes look like typical office footwear but include supportive features like arch support, cushioned insoles and roomy toe boxes
Athletic orthopedic shoes. Ideal for walking, running or gym workouts, they offer shock absorption, stability and reinforced toe caps for extra protection.
Sandals and slippers. Perfect for warm weather or indoor use, these shoes still provide arch support and cushioning.
Diabetic orthopedic shoes. Combining orthopedic design with diabetic‑friendly features, they offer extra depth, soft materials and a roomy toe box.
Post‑surgical shoes. Built for recovery, these shoes provide stability and protection while allowing easy access for bandages and swelling.
Regardless of type, consult a professional before choosing orthopedic shoes. The Doing Footwear article advises seeing a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist to assess your foot type and recommend appropriate shoes. They’ll consider whether you have flat feet, high arches or neutral arches, and suggest features like arch support, cushioning and adjustable straps accordingly.
How to Choose the Right Pair
Now that we’ve covered the features and benefits of diabetic and orthopedic shoes, let’s talk about how to choose the right pair. The process isn’t complicated, but it does require attention to detail. Here are some factors to consider:
1. Get Professionally Fitted
Even with general guidelines, every foot is unique. A proper fit is critical for preventing blisters, ulcers and foot pain. The Family Foot Care Group emphasises professional fitting as part of their diabetic shoe services, pointing out that custom orthotics and education are integral to their care. At MCB DME we follow similar steps:
Measure both feet in length, width and girth.
Note any deformities (bunions, hammertoes, high arches) or pressure points.
Assess swelling at different times of day.
Discuss your lifestyle and mobility needs (e.g., walking, working, dancing).
Provide trial pairs so you can walk and feel how the shoes support you.
Recommend custom inserts if necessary.
By using this approach, we can match you with shoes that relieve pain and ensure long‑term comfort.
2. Consider Your Foot Type and Condition
Understanding your foot type helps narrow down options. If you have flat feet or overpronation, look for shoes with strong arch support and motion control. High arches need cushioning to absorb shock and relieve pressure points. Bunions or hammertoes require a wide toe box to prevent rubbing. If you have diabetes, extra depth and a seamless interior are non‑negotiable.
For conditions like plantar fasciitis or heel pain, focus on shoes with ample cushioning and heel supportdoingfootwear.com. Arthritis sufferers may prefer rocker soles or shoes with shock‑absorbing midsoles to reduce joint strain. Balance issues call for wide bases and low heels.
3. Look for Key Features
Earlier we discussed features like arch support, cushioning, roomy toe boxes and adjustable straps. When shopping, actively check for these elements. Caringseniorservice recommends prioritising proper fit, supportive insoles, sturdy arch support and non‑slip soles. They also highlight breathable materials and padded collars for comfort.
4. Avoid Unsafe Footwear
Just as there are shoes that promote safety and comfort, there are shoes to avoid. Memorial Sloan Kettering warns against heels higher than one inch, slip‑on or backless shoes, soft thick soles and worn‑out or slippery soles. Caring Senior Service adds high heels, wedges, backless sandals, unstructured slippers and shoes with slick soles to the no‑go list. These models compromise stability, shift your weight forward, increase the risk of tripping and provide inadequate support.
5. Try Before You Buy
Whenever possible, try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet may be slightly swollen. Walk on different surfaces and pay attention to any pressure points or slipping. Orthopedic and diabetic shoes should feel secure yet roomy. If something feels off, don’t assume it will improve. Comfort out of the box is essential.
6. Check Quality and Customization Options
Investing in quality footwear pays off. High‑quality materials last longer and maintain support. Look for reputable brands with good warranties and reviews. If you require custom orthotics, choose shoes with removable insoles and enough depth to accommodate inserts. Many orthopedic and diabetic shoes are also available in different widths, allowing further customization.
Footwear to Prevent Falls
Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults and people with mobility issues. Choosing the right shoes is one of the simplest interventions you can make. Memorial Sloan Kettering summarizes what makes a shoe safe: heels under one inch, a way to secure the shoe around your foot, thin hard soles, slip‑resistant treads and a supported heel collar. These features keep the foot stable, reduce the chance of catching on surfaces and improve balance.
Caringseniorservice expands on this with a few more tips:
Ensure shoes fit properly with a secure heel. Avoid shoes that are too loose, as they can cause tripping. Shop in the afternoon when feet are slightly larger to account for swelling.
Prioritize shoes with adequate support and arch cushioning. This reduces stress on joints and improves balance.
Easy fastening is important. Velcro closures or elastic laces make it easier to put shoes on and off. However, avoid backless slip‑on shoes or slippers that can slide off.
Focus on breathability and comfort – soft, breathable materials with padded collars reduce skin irritation and maintain comfort.
Choose designs with low heels (less than one inch) and a wide base for stability. Lightweight shoes are easier to lift and don’t encourage shuffling.
In addition, replace shoes when soles become worn or traction is compromised. Worn shoes don’t provide adequate grip and increase fall risk. A maintenance routine – cleaning shoes regularly, inspecting for damage and replacing insoles – ensures they continue to perform.
Conditions That Benefit from Specialized Footwear
Diabetes. Diabetic shoes protect against ulcers by providing extra depth, seamless interiors, soft materials and room for custom orthotics. Patients with neuropathy or poor circulation particularly benefit from these features.
Peripheral neuropathy. People with nerve damage often have numbness or decreased sensation. Specialized shoes reduce friction and help prevent accidental injuries. They also accommodate foot deformities like Charcot foot.
Plantar fasciitis. A condition that causes heel and arch pain can be relieved by orthopedic shoes with cushioning and arch support.
Arthritis. Joint inflammation affects mobility and comfort. Stability sneakers with dense, cushioned midsoles reduce motion and overpronation. Rocker soles or shoes with mild motion control take weight off the forefoot and relieve pressure.
Bunions and hammertoes. Extra depth and a wide toe box prevent pressure on deformities. Adjustable straps or laces can accommodate changes in swelling or shape.
Balance issues. Shoes with wide bases, low heels and non‑slip soles improve stability. Reinforced soles and supported heel collars further reduce the risk of falls.
Post‑surgical recovery. After foot or ankle surgery, specialized shoes protect the incision site and provide support. Some models have open toes or removable inserts for bandages.
By understanding your condition, you can prioritize the features that will benefit you most. Combining this with professional fitting ensures your shoes address your specific needs.
Popular Brands and Styles
Many manufacturers produce diabetic and orthopedic shoes. Here are some of the popular brands and models recommended in fall‑prevention and foot‑health communities:
New Balance 928v3 Walking Shoe. Known for excellent arch support and cushioning, the 928v3 features a Rollbar technology that helps control rear‑foot movement – ideal for those with balance issues.
Orthofeet Shoes. Orthofeet specializes in shoes for seniors with various foot conditions. Their designs offer extra depth, cushioned orthotic insoles, soft interiors, ergonomic soles and wide toe boxes – making them perfect for people with diabetes or arthritis.
Skechers GOwalk 5. A lightweight slip‑on shoe that offers breathable materials, great cushioning and flexible soles. It’s ideal for those who struggle with laces and need something easy to put on.
Hush Puppies Power Walker. Designed for durability and comfort, the Power Walker has a shock‑absorbing midsole and cushioned insoles, with a leather upper and padded collar for sensitive feet.
Propet Stability X. Known for stability and cushioning, these shoes feature hook‑and‑loop closures for easy adjustability and are Medicare‑approved, making them cost‑effective for certain health conditions.
Beyond these, brands like Dr. Comfort, Apex, Drew, Brooks and New Balance offer a range of diabetic and orthopedic shoes in athletic, dress and casual styles. When choosing a brand, consider fit, warranties, style, user reviews and whether they offer multiple widths. Our team at MCB DME can advise you on brands that suit your condition and lifestyle. We also encourage you to read our blog comparing compression brands to understand how different materials and designs affect performance.
Proper Fitting and the MCB DME Experience
If you’re in northern New Jersey, let us treat you to a proper shoe fitting. MCB DME has been serving the community for decades, and we pride ourselves on expert service and a large selection of shoes for every lifestyle. Our commitment to quality care, fast local service and personalized guidance has earned us a reputation as New Jersey’s #1 DME solution. Here’s what to expect when you visit us:
Personalized Consultation
We begin with a conversation about your health history, lifestyle and goals. Do you spend your days at work, enjoying the Jersey Shore or chasing after grandkids? Do you need a shoe for walking, hiking, dancing or formal events? Your answers help us guide you to the right category.
Measurement and Gait Analysis
Our fit specialists take precise measurements of your feet using a Brannock device and digital scanners. We check for differences between your left and right foot, evaluate arch type and look for calluses, bunions or swelling. We might ask you to walk so we can observe your gait and identify pronation or supination. This analysis ensures the shoes we recommend address your specific mechanics.
Trying on and Customization
Next we bring out a selection of shoes that fit your measurements and preferences. You’ll try them on and walk around our fitting area. We’ll ask how they feel, check for pressure points and make adjustments with inserts or lacing techniques. If standard insoles don’t provide enough support, we may suggest custom orthotics or compression garments (see our post on pneumatic compression pumps).
Education and Care Tips
We don’t just sell shoes; we teach you how to maintain them. We’ll show you how to inspect your feet daily, clean your shoes, replace insoles and decide when to retire a pair. We also answer questions about insurance reimbursement or Medicare coverage (some diabetic shoes may be covered if you meet certain criteria). You’ll leave with confidence and knowledge.
Wide Selection for Every Lifestyle
From rugged hiking boots to elegant dress shoes, slip‑on casuals to sporty sneakers, we carry an extensive range of diabetic and orthopedic footwear. Our collection is curated to provide options for every lifestyle, whether you’re an active outdoor enthusiast, a working professional or someone who just wants comfortable everyday shoes. If we don’t have your size in store, we can order it. We also stock complementary products like compression garments, orthotics, socks and foot‑care supplies.
Local pride: Many of our customers appreciate that we’re a local New Jersey provider. We offer fast delivery, personal follow‑ups and a community‑oriented approach. Supporting a local business means supporting your neighbors and ensuring the money stays in our community.
Conclusion: Step Into a Healthier Future
Foot pain, balance issues and fear of falling don’t have to limit your life. Diabetic and orthopedic shoes are powerful tools that can restore comfort, protect your feet and keep you moving. By choosing shoes with the right features – extra depth, seamless interiors, arch support, cushioning, roomy toe boxes, adjustable straps, slip‑resistant soles – you can address conditions like diabetes, neuropathy, arthritis, plantar fasciitis and more. Avoiding unsafe shoes (high heels, backless sandals, slick soles) and keeping your footwear well‑maintained further reduces your fall risk. Most importantly, don’t go it alone – get professionally fitted by experts who understand your unique needs.
At MCB DME, we’re passionate about helping our neighbors live more comfortably and confidently. We invite you to schedule a fitting or visit our Hawthorne location to see our wide selection of diabetic and orthopedic shoes. Reach out through our contact page or stop by our showroom. We’re here to answer questions, provide guidance and help you take your next step towards better foot health.
