Foot Care Tips

Shoe Fit Tips for Diabetics

• Try on shoes late in the day when feet are bigger.

• Have both feet measured, as you stand, each time you buy shoes.

• Allow 3/8" to 1/2" room between the end of the longest toe and the end of the shoe; your foot continues to move forward inside the shoe even when the ground stops the shoe from moving.

• Select the shape of shoe which matches the shape of your foot. Styles with lace closures, rounded toes. soft leather uppers and shock absorbing outsoles are preferred.

• The size your foot measures is your foot size. The shoe size may be different; each style and pattern fits differently - Judge each shoe by how it fits.

• The ball of the foot (first met across to fifth met) should fit at the widest part of the shoe. This is where the shoe is designed to flex. Walk in the shoe to make sure it fits without pressure to the front of the foot.

• Excessive heel slippage should be avoided. Some heel slippage may be unavoidable due to the inflexibility of new shoes. Heel slippage can be reduced without making the shoe too tight in front. Never wear shoes that are too tight, expecting them to stretch.

• Inspect feet for pressure and redness twice each day.

• Alternate footwear daily to reduce the risk of repetitive pressure and shear that can build up when wearing one pair of shoes. It is unlikely that different pairs will cause the exact same pressure.

• Wear new shoes no more that one hour the first day, increasing the time worn each day by one hour. This will reduce the impact of new stresses which may occur as a result of wearing the new footwear. Check for any redness or hot spots which the new shoes may cause.

• Maintain shoes in a hygienic manner to maintain optimum shoe fit. Use cedar wood shoe trees when shoes are not being worn to absorb moisture and maintain shoe fit and shape. Regularly repair heels, soles, and upper linings. Alterations will help increase comfort, durability and fit.

• A shoe fit evaluation should be conducted on a regular basis to make sure that shoes haven't become too tight due to change in the foot shape and size. Also, make sure the shoes have not stretched and become loose, which can cause excessive shear, or the linings haven't worn out at points of excess pressure.