The best thing you can do for diabetic feet is to buy socks that fits properly. Watch the seams that they don't rub the tops of your toes. Make sure also that your shoes are deep enough and wide enough and make sure that you don't pull the laces too tight. A good shoe store should help you find the best fit.

I find diabetic socks are very comfortable and fit wonderfully, while they still are able to let your feet breathe. You can get them at Wal-Mart. They are a little expensive $5-$6.00 a pair, but worth the money.

HUGS,
Donna

Make sure that there is plenty of padding in the shoes, that they are wide enough, and long enough. There is a possibility that you may have one foot bigger than the other. So make sure to try on both shoes.

Hello Darrell, I also have neuropathy in my feet. I have not as yet lost total feeling yet. I try to get shoes that are not too narrow in the toe area. Some womens shoes have pointy toes and they are a no, no for me. The rounded or square toes are much better for me. Birkenstocks is a perfect example of a comfortable shoe for me. Good luck, Shirl

I too have neuropathy in my feet & my hands,so I know what you are talking about, with the loss of feeling.
The first info,is do not try to get away with buying cheaper shoes,because that will not work.
Once you find a store where you can get what you need,then you know,next time you can go back & the help you,need next time.
I always go back to the same store,because the other stores here, do not have anyone who is trained in Diabetes Footcare.
Plus it is so nice ,to have someone who knows which kind of shoes , will be best for your feet & you know when you go there,you will come away with shoes that will fit your foot,the way you need them too.
I find it just makes it easier.
You need special shoes & or you will have problems & unfortunately,they will be expensive.
Having said that,they should last, for quite a while longer than the cheaper ones do.
The only shoes, I will by are called SASS. (They do have them for Men too)
They are about $180,for the ones ,I get,I like the ones, with velcro,as I have a hard time trying to tie the laces,due to the arthritis & neuropathy in my hands.
Tell the sales person,who is helping you that you have no feeling in your feet & you need to make sure there is enough,room at the top & toe area, so they will not rub in those spots,therefore will not get sore spots there.
The thing you need to ask ,is if there is anyone ,who works at the store,who is trained in Diabetes Footcare.
They are the ones, who really know how to fit shoes,for Diabetics.
I hope this helps.
Sincerely.
Snow Owl
PS: Please do let us know how you make out with your shopping & what brand of shoes you get.

All good advice.

For me problems are compounded with a nearly zero budget. For me $50 for a pair of shoes is too expensive. Consequently I am seeing out budget shoe stores where they don't have much in the way of staff.

The last pair I bought were Etonic Superlite shoes which are leather and synthetic materials. They have two velcro fasteners. Previously I had a pair of nearly identical Naturestep shoes.

I normally only have the one pair of shoes so I chose the black leather running shoe now because they will pass for semi dressy shoes as well as being lightweight and good for walking. I like the velcro because it is easier for me to adjust the tension with.

I read years ago in Scientific American that it is actually best to have separate tensioning at the top and bottom of the shoe. With just the single lacing you tug on the top to tighten the full shoe. With dual velcro you tighten the top and bottom separately. They also recommended tightening the top first and then the bottom.

Normally I wait for the shoes to drop down to below $50 like around $37. It is a budget thing. I am careful about sock thickness because I have problems with the depth of the shoe from sole to top and getting enough width without getting them too long.

I know they are important too. I just need a shoe budget somehow.

I heard that Croc's are the best to wear for diabetics. That is what I wear. Take a pair of your old shoes with you when you go and the clerk should be able to tell. They cost about $35.

I bought myself some waterproof slip on clogs at LLBean. Fantastic, then I had to add special foot insoles from my planter facitis (200.00)now I slide those inside my clogs and I am off an running.

Do you have health insurance? If so, I think it may cover diabetic supplies & shoes. My insurance covers 1 pair of diabetic shoes & 3 pairs of diabetic inserts per year. Needles to say I wear diabetic shoes & inserts. I get pescriptions for them from my podiatrist. You should see a podiatrist if you don't already. I think they're the best kind of doctor to help you with your problem. I also wear diabetic socks even though my doctor says I don't have to. I still have some feeling in my feet & I have neuropathy in them. I hope this helps you. Good luck!

My suggestion is to start buying shoes with the adjustable velcro grip across the top. You can just wear theose loosely. Especially look for Dr. Scholl's brand shoes, which are made to be comfortable and non-binding.

Another trick is to buy half a size smaller, but one width up -- say, if you wore a nine regular, buy a size 8.5 wide. They will still fit but with a lot more give across the top.