Diabetes and Natural Step

Diabetes is a condition not to take lightly. One simple measure that can be taken by diabetics is the purchase of diabetic shoes. Diabetic shoes are designed with a deeper heel counter and a wider toe box. This allows for the custom inserts to fit properly and cause less foot irritation.

Diabetic shoes are made with a variety of material which include leather, mesh, and neoprene. The shoes should tie up or have velcro straps. Diabetic shoes should have no seams on the inside of the shoes to avoid rubbing and irritation. Be sure to feel the inside of the shoes and ask how they were constructed. Your local podiatrist and certified shoe fitter will work together to ensure the right shoe type are provided for your foot type.

When purchasing diabetic shoes it is very important to get the right size of shoe that will fit your feet the best. Make sure that you have your feet measured prior to purchasing any shoes. Even as we get older and we stop growing are feet still grow. It is common to have a change in the length and/or width of a persons feet as they get older. You should also keep in mind that each shoe company is different. A size 8 of one brand may fit while a size 8 of a different may not. Some shoe companies have their own measuring devices that are custom the their product. It is not uncommon to have different size feet. For example, the left foot may be a size 7.5 while the right foot is an 8. If this is the case, you should always fit shoes to the longer of the two. As a general rule, you should have your feet measured at least once per year.

When being fitted for shoes it is important to ask questions. Just because you are in a therapeutic shoe store does not mean the person fitting you is qualified. A proper shoe fitting is crucial to your feet staying happy and healthy. Here are a few sample questions you should ask when being fitted:

• “What is your experience with fitting diabetic patients?



• ”Are you certified to fit diabetic shoes?"



• ”What is your level of certification?"



• Ask the person questions about the shoes - "Tell me about the construction of the shoe?" "What size did my feet measure?" You should be told the length and width of each foot

We, at the Advanced Foot Care Clinic, highly recommend Natural Step diabetic shoes. Natural Step shoes have a 2 times narrower heel than the toe box. This narrow heel helps to reduce the slipping of the shoe. No other shoe company has this feature. Natural Step offers both tie up and Velcro shoes for your convenience. There is a wide variety of color and style of shoes. Pictured below is one of our best selling women's shoes, Gabriella.

Pictured below is one of many men's styles of shoes called Palermo:

If you are diabetic and are interested in a new pair of diabetic shoes we can be reached by calling 419-423-1888. You can also visit us on the web at www.vailfoot.com . Our website has information regarding diabetic foot care, as well as, other foot problems you may be experiencing. You can also find a large selection of diabetic shoes on our website by clicking on our "Step Alive Shoes" link.