Shoes for Diabetic Feet UK: NHS Guidance and What to Buy

Diabetes can cause two serious complications that directly affect the feet:

• Peripheral neuropathy: nerve damage in the feet that leads to loss of sensation. Cuts, blisters, and pressure sores can develop without you noticing.
• Peripheral arterial disease: reduced blood flow to the feet, which slows healing and raises the risk of infection.

Together, these make foot injuries far more dangerous. The NHS carries out roughly 135 diabetes-related amputations per week in England alone. Many are preventable with proper footwear, regular foot checks, and early intervention.

For people with diabetes, the right shoes aren't optional. They're a basic part of keeping your feet safe.

NICE guideline NG19 (Diabetic Foot Problems: Prevention and Management) sets out clear recommendations. Suitable shoes for people with diabetes should have:

• Seamless interior: no internal seams, stitching, or rough spots that could rub and cause blisters or ulcers.
• Extra depth: enough internal volume for swelling and orthotic insoles without compressing the foot.
• Firm heel counter: a structured heel cup that holds the foot securely and prevents excess movement.
• Wide toe box: room for toes to lie flat without overlapping. Especially important if you have bunions, hammer toes, or other deformities.
• Removable insole: so you can swap in custom diabetic orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist.
• Lightweight, breathable materials: soft leather or technical fabrics that reduce moisture and the risk of fungal infections.

NHS podiatry categorises diabetic foot risk into three levels, and each one needs a different approach to footwear:

• Low risk: normal sensation, good blood flow, no deformities. Standard wide-fit shoes with the features above are usually fine. Annual foot checks.
• Moderate risk: some loss of sensation or reduced blood flow, or foot deformities present. Specialist footwear recommended, and you should get an NHS podiatry referral. Foot checks every 3 to 6 months.
• High risk: significant neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, previous ulceration, or amputation. Bespoke therapeutic footwear prescribed and fitted by an NHS orthotist. Foot checks every 1 to 2 months.

When you're choosing shoes for diabetic feet, these are the specific things to check:

• No internal seams: seams create friction points that can break down fragile skin. Look for seamless linings or bonded construction.
• High, wide toe box: the toe area needs to be both wide and tall so there's no pressure on the tops of the toes. This matters a lot if you have claw toes or hammer toes.
• 20mm+ internal depth: extra depth for swelling (which can change throughout the day) and orthotic insoles.
• Adjustable upper: Velcro straps, laces, or hook-and-loop closures so you can adjust the fit as swelling changes.
• Cushioned sole: shock-absorbing midsole material to reduce impact on vulnerable feet.
• Lightweight construction: under 500g per shoe where possible. Heavy shoes add fatigue and make walking harder.

• Cosyfeet: extra-roomy footwear designed in the UK with healthcare professional input. Seamless linings, removable insoles, widths up to 6E. Good range including slippers, outdoor shoes, and boots.
• DB Wider Fit: British manufacturer with widths up to 8E. Many styles built specifically for diabetic feet with seamless interiors and extra depth. Strong men's and women's range.
• Sandpiper: extra-wide and extra-deep footwear designed for medical needs including diabetes. Soft stretch uppers that cope with swelling and deformities.
• Padders: wide-fitting shoes up to 6E with cushioned footbeds and removable insoles. Long-established UK brand, easy to find on the high street.
• Hotter: a mainstream comfort brand with removable insoles and cushioned footbeds. Not marketed for diabetes specifically, but many styles tick the boxes for low-risk diabetic footwear.
• Orthofeet: built specifically for medical conditions including diabetes. Seamless interiors, orthotic insoles, and wide deep toe boxes. Available online in the UK.

The NHS recommends daily foot checks for people with diabetes. This is especially important because neuropathy means you might not feel an injury. Each day, look for:

• Cuts, blisters, or grazes
• Swelling or changes in shape
• Changes in skin colour (red patches, bruising)
• Hot or cold spots
• Dry, cracked skin (especially on the heels)
• Signs of infection (warmth, redness, discharge)

A few more things the NHS advises:

• New shoes: wear them for a maximum of 1 hour initially, then check for pressure marks before wearing them longer.
• Never walk barefoot, even at home. Always wear supportive slippers or house shoes.
• Check inside your shoes before putting them on. Look for foreign objects, rough linings, or collapsed insoles.

These services can help with diabetic foot care and footwear:

• GP referral: your GP can refer you to NHS podiatry for foot assessment and, if needed, specialist footwear or orthotics.
• Diabetes UK helpline: advice and support on all aspects of diabetes management, including foot care. Call 0345 123 2399.
• Multidisciplinary foot teams: NHS trusts run specialist teams combining podiatrists, orthotists, vascular surgeons, and diabetes specialists. They manage moderate and high-risk patients.