In support of World Diabetes Day, 14 November 2026.
Choosing footwear when you have diabetes is about individual fit and needs, not simply a label. This guide explains features to discuss with your footwear fitter or healthcare professional. No shoe can guarantee protection from foot complications.
This is general buying information, not medical advice or a substitute for assessment by your healthcare professional or podiatrist.
Enclosed construction and interior finish
Look for shoes that cover the toes and heel, with enough room for your foot and a smooth interior. Check for seams, rough edges and anything inside that could rub. An enclosed shoe still needs to fit correctly; the label alone does not establish suitability.
Removable insoles
Removable insoles can allow space for an appropriate replacement footbed or prescribed orthotic. Check compatibility and the fit with the intended insole in place. Removing an insole or adding an orthotic changes the space inside a shoe, so do not assume either will improve your fit.
Rocker soles
A rocker sole has a curved profile intended to help the shoe roll through a step. It changes how the shoe feels during walking and is not suitable for everyone. If you have reduced sensation, balance concerns or specialist footwear requirements, ask your healthcare professional whether this design is appropriate. We do not promise that a rocker sole will prevent ulcers or treat a condition.
Fit comes first
Check length, width, toe room, heel hold and internal depth, wearing your usual socks and any prescribed orthotics. Adjustable fastenings can help fine-tune the fit, but extra width is not automatically the right choice. Do not buy a tight shoe expecting it to stretch into a suitable fit. Choose the size and model that suit your actual foot shape.
Products to explore
The following products were active with positive total stock when this guide was prepared. Availability varies by size and can change. These are options to discuss, not a prescription or a guarantee of suitability for every person with diabetes.
- Rocker Sole Leather Functional Shoe: the product description lists a leather upper, smooth interior and extra depth. Confirm the footbed arrangement when fitting.
- Rocker Sole Velcro Shoe Women's: the description lists an extra-wide fit and removable cushioned insole.
- Rocker Sole Shoe Women's, dark blue: the description lists an extra-wide fit and removable cushioned insole.
- Rocker Sole Shoe Women's, alternative style: the description lists a smooth interior, extra-wide fit and removable cushioned insole.
- 97910 Rocker Sole Velcro Shoe: the description lists adjustable Velcro fastening, generous internal volume and a rocker-style sole. Alternative footbed compatibility should be checked; the alternative footbed listed is not included as standard.
When professional assessment is appropriate
If you have reduced sensation, known circulation problems, previous ulcers, significant changes in foot shape or prescribed footwear requirements, consult your healthcare professional or podiatrist before choosing new footwear.
A wound, new redness, warmth, swelling or a sudden change in your foot needs prompt clinical advice, not simply a different shoe or a routine shop fitting. Contact your healthcare team rather than waiting for a footwear appointment.
For help exploring footwear fit, book an appointment with Step Right. A retail fitting does not replace medical assessment.
