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Do you remember those big, ugly, black, square-toed shoes diabetics used to have to wear?

Fortunately, you don’t have to resign yourself to such hideous footwear anymore if you’re a diabetic. Footwear has changed a lot. And it certainly improves your life with diabetes in many ways it couldn’t before.

So how do you find the right shoes if you have diabetes? Here’s some tips:

1. Have at Least a Yearly Checkup from Your Podiatrist

At minimum, you should see your podiatrist annually. If at any point they find peripheral arterial disease or peripheral neuropathy, agree to see them more frequently as requested so you make sure your footwear doesn’t cause you further issues.

If you don’t, you greatly increase your risk of a simple open wound or infection turning into the amputation of your lower leg. Diabetes is the second leading cause of lower leg amputations, right behind accidental trauma.

2. A Quick Checklist, Which Starts with Your Comfort

You should want to wear the shoes you buy. If you don’t find them comfortable, you won’t want to wear them.

Second, you want to find shoes with no seams because this reduces the chances of friction to your foot and blistering.

Lighter shoes also reduce your chances of tripping, falling, and getting an open wound.

You also want non-slip shoes to greatly reduce your chances of slipping and injuring yourself.

Your shoes should also expand to account for your foot swelling.

3. Have a Podiatrist Fit You – And Don’t Panic about Costs

When it comes to getting the right shoe, your podiatrist is your best friend. Diabetic shoes come in a range of sizes, from AA (narrow) to 6E (extra wide). You also may want a deeper shoe that accommodates orthotics for the best comfort and safety.

Custom shoes can be quite expensive. However, Medicare and health insurance can help you make the cost affordable. Make sure your podiatrist is aware of your ability to afford diabetic shoes.

4. Remember, It’s Okay to Consider Style Too

Today’s diabetic shoes come in as many styles as any other shoe. So, regardless of what you find the most attractive, you can certainly find a shoe you like.

Having diabetes is enough. You don’t have to add to your condition by wearing a hideous shoe you feel ashamed and embarrassed of on top of it.

You can absolutely have a shoe that gives your feet all the protection and comfort they need – along with a good-looking style.

If you have diabetes, finding the right shoe gets a little more complex. But, with the right help, it certainly gets much easier.