The high glucose levels caused by diabetes can cause poor blood circulation in the feet and make it difficult to feel sensations while walking. Diabetic shoes are meant to protect feet from ulcers, nerve damage, and other conditions that often occur for those with the condition. Here’s a closer look at how to find the right footwear to keep feet healthy. 

How to Shop for Diabetic Shoes

1. Try on Shoes Later in the Day

As you walk throughout the day, gravity forces blood downward into leg veins. Tissue in legs and feet absorb some of the water in the blood, which is why feet tend to be swollen later in the day. This is actually the best time to try on shoes. Since the feet are swollen, you’ll get a more accurate sense of how the footwear will feel on a daily basis.

If you try on diabetic shoes in the morning, you could end up with a fit that’s too tight hours later. The rubbing of your feet against the inside of the shoes could cause wounds that lead to infection.

2. Remember to Wear Socks

For a better idea of how your new shoes will feel after walking around in them for hours, put on socks. Pick out a few well-worn pairs from your sock drawer. Pay attention to whether seams rub between your foot and the inside of the shoe, whether the fabric is breathable, and anything else that will influence your purchasing decisions.

3. Measure Both Feet

Your feet aren’t necessarily the same size. Wearing one shoe that’s too loose could cause skin to scrape against the inside, while diabetic shoes that are too tight will cut off blood circulation.

To prevent these issues, measure both feet and choose shoes based on the larger foot. You can use an orthotic device to secure the smaller foot in place, if necessary.

For diabetic shoes to protect and support your feet, visit Professional Pharmacy in Dalton, GA. For more than 50 years, residents throughout Whitfield County have been visiting the pharmacy for medical supplies to manage their diabetes. Call (706) 278-2490 to ask questions about the footwear selection or find additional information online.