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Shoes and Trainers

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J

JoeJOns

Active Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Hi guys,

I have read a lot about shoes, trainers and boots recently. It seems that a lot of people say there are specific trainers you should wear if you are diabetic due to the foot complications that can happen? If this is the case what are the shoes/trainers you wear? I recently bought a pair of New Balance trainers with a lot of room for my feet to move and added gel insoles.
 
If (and when) you have some problems with your feet then worry about special shoes and socks. I never have though, and nobody's seemed worried in coming up to 40 years of having type 1.

Just buy shoes that seem comfortable and suitable for what you want them for.
 
I agree with Bruce... and it’s never been mentioned to me either...no problems so far.
 
I was told to go for lace-up shoes, but I think they just wanted me to make sure I wore something comfortable and sensible, which didn't pinch or rub my feet. So long as you're not a fashion victim you should be fine 🙂
 
You only need special shoes or socks if you already have problems with your feet.
What you need to do is ensure your shoes etc fit well, don’t cause blisters and are comfy , keep tootsies clean and moisturised but don’t put it between the toes as Athletes foot adores warm moist conditions and give them a daily check over.
Foot problems with diabetes is not a given.
 
I think that a lot of the information you may read online simply refers to ‘diabetics’. These do not include a reference to which type, length of diagnosis, complications at diagnosis, management of their condition, .... They are general statements.

No need to worry unless you have problems with your feet for other reasons. Just be nice to your feet, and wear shoes that fit. That applies to everyone.
Look after your diabetes, as you are.
 
Agree with others. Choose shoes that are comfortable, supportive and fit well. And that you like the look of.

Some podiatrists would advise against flip flops, and there are always recommendations to ‘check your feet every day’ but these are far FAR more important if you have lost sensation and begun to develop circulation problems after many years IMO.

You are just at the start of your journey. And it’s good that you are looking for information. But an awful lot of it can be distressing.

I’m nearly 30 years further on from you and have no complications to show for my journey so far.

Try not to upset yourself with worst case scenarios and just concentrate on trying to balance your BG levels with a lifestyle that suits you.
 
There are some very comfy trainers out at the moment funnily described as "dad shoes" wide fitting and with deep cushioning soles,a few brands have done that style,I got a pair of Adidas for £30 reduced from £100 they are like slippers they are that comfy,mine were Adidas Yung 96
 
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Just remembered, one thing I was told was not to go around barefoot (or in open-toed sandals, along the same lines as Mike's mention of flip flops) - just to be on the safe side, in case of stepping on something sharp. But as Mike says, this sort of thing is more important for someone who has lost sensation in their feet (and therefore might not know if they've stepped on something sharp), it is not so relevant for someone newly diagnosed who is unlikely to ever lose sensation in their feet!
 
I've always had to buy special shoes even before I had diabetes - the ball of my foot is wide but my ankle narrow, so it's always been a bit of a challenge since anything I wear on my tootsies needs to be stylish and comfortable - but I've never been tempted to wear Doc's. Neither do I wear flipflops (which a friend pointed out years ago should really be called flop flips, if you bother to listen to em!) cos I hate that ruddy toe post.

Any shoes I buy have to be special then, in order to attract my investment in the first place!
 
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