Shoes

By: Jeanne Bellezzo

When you’re living with diabetes, you know it’s important to take especially good care of your feet. Keep them clean, dry and protected – and make smart decisions about your footwear.

The shoes you wear can help make a big difference in your foot health and comfort. Footwear that offers little or no support, compresses your feet or toes, or puts pressure on vulnerable areas can contribute to potential problems ranging from blisters and toe deformities to ulcers and serious infections. Researchers in an Australian study recommended people with diabetes should be advised to wear footwear that fits, protects and accommodates the shape of their feet.¹

“That’s where therapeutic footwear comes in,” says Brian Lane, Director of Education at Dr. Comfort®.  “Specially designed and constructed to help protect your feet and provide exceptional comfort, diabetic footwear offers important features and benefits for people with diabetes.”

And despite their name, modern therapeutic shoes look anything but therapeutic. In fact, Dr. Comfort was founded on the belief that footwear for people with diabetes (and other conditions that affect feet) can be both healthy and stylish. Our shoes combine comfort and protection with fashionable designs in a wide range of attractive styles and colors that you’ll want to wear – because if you don’t wear them, they can’t help you.

Features to look for

When you’re shopping for diabetic footwear, keep the following features in mind:

• Extra-wide widths: Extra width provides plenty of room for foot comfort, so the shoe doesn’t pinch or constrict nerves or impair circulation.
• Large toe boxes: A wide toe box helps reduce pressure on the foot and gives the toes room to stretch and relax without feeling cramped or restricted. It also helps reduce the risk of injury.
• Easy on/off closure systems: Laces, straps and hook-and-loop closures provide a secure, customizable fit, so the shoe is easy to slip on and off and adjust for comfort.
• Firm heel counter: A solid heel provides extra protection, support and stability.
• Padded tongue: Soft padding on the tongue helps prevent friction and improve overall fit.
• Extra-depth options: Extra depth accommodates custom insoles and orthotics comfortably.

“In addition, look for approval by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA),” says Lane.

Comfortable shoes for every occasion

Dr. Comfort offers diabetic shoes for almost any need: casual, athletic, dressy and more – even boots and sandals. We use only the finest materials, technology and craftsmanship to help ensure quality and comfort.

Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional about whether Dr. Comfort shoes are right for you. In many cases, diabetic footwear may be covered by Medicare and supplementary insurance.

1. van Netten JJ, Lazzarini PA, Armstrong DG, Bus SA, Fitridge R, Harding K, Kinnear E, Malone M, Menz HB, Perrin BM, Postema K, Prentice J, Schott KH, Wraight PR. Diabetic Foot Australia guideline on footwear for people with diabetes. J Foot Ankle Res. 2018 Jan 15;11:2. doi: 10.1186/s13047-017-0244-z. PMID: 29371890; PMCID: PMC5769299.

The contents of this blog were independently prepared, and are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the views of any other party. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors.

By: Jeanne Bellezzo

Ahhh, wool. There may be no more stylish way to keep your feet warm, dry and comfortable. Combine wool with a casual athletic design and therapeutic features, and you have a great shoe for foot problems associated with diabetes, arthritis and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).

The new Dr. Comfort® wool shoes for men and women offer modern, fashionable styles with all the benefits of high-quality Merino wool. In addition to being soft and cozy, wool helps maintain body temperature. The natural fibers wick away moisture to keep socks and feet snug and dry, and let air circulate for breathability. Plus, wool provides antibacterial protection and natural odor resistance for a fresh, comfortable feeling even after hours of wear.

Our go-anywhere wool shoes not only look good and feel great, they provide the support and stability your feet need. EVA and rubber outsole and extra depth help reduce movement, so you feel more secure. They slip on easily and offer convenient lace-up and hook-and-loop closures for a flexible fit.

Put a sock on it

Wearing other shoes or just want to keep your toes toasty around the house? Pull on a pair of our wool crew socks.  Made from 60% Merino wool and designed for therapeutic comfort, these comfy mid-weight socks feature non-binding stretch tops to allow circulation and seamless toes that don’t irritate skin. Built-in arch support and protective padding on the leg and foot help keep the sock in place, reduce friction and help protect skin from pressure and impact. Like our wool shoes, these socks are naturally breathable, odor-resistant and moisture-wicking. They’re perfect for everyday wear – with or without shoes.

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Looking and feeling fantastic has never been easier.

The shoe can add a little extra to an outfit. So, it’s time to spring clean your wardrobe and put away the winter boots and bring out the bright colors and open-toe shoes. Allow your feet to be the staple this season without sacrificing comfort for fashion. Spring into style this season with these Dr. Comfort® picks.

Women’s Shoes

Katy

Bright and bold like the longer days of spring, the Katy is a vibrant athletic shoe that packs in comfort, support and style. Whether you want to head to the gym, walk around town, or run some errands, the Katy knows how to add pizazz to your casual outfits.

Features:

• No-Tie Elastic Lace Closure: Easy-to-adjust toggle closure—no tying or untying required—and seamless design to help prevent skin irritation
• Mesh Uppers: Breathable material to help regulate heat and keep feet cool and dry
• Removable Insoles: Footbeds can be removed to help accommodate your own orthotics
• Protective Toe Box: Protective toe box helps provide extra protection from toe stubbing
• Long-Lasting Shoe: Use of top-quality materials and construction helps prevent wear and tear and makes for a longer lasting shoe
• Firm Heel Counter: Help provide extra medial and lateral support and stability for day-to-day activities

Shop the Katy

Mallory

Clean lines and sophistication, the Mallory casual shoe elevates style while delivering comfort (our secret). These sleek-looking loafers go beyond the 9 to 5 look. The Mallory’s rich details and eye-catching design pairs well with just about any outfit from an evening out or casual coffee dates. Breathable and comfortable, these slide-on shoes are great for spring weather.

Features:

• Removable Insoles: Footbeds can be removed to help accommodate your own orthotics
• Arch Stability: Use of rigid shank in the mid-foot of the outsole helps deliver arch stability
• Improved Comfort: Reduced seamlines, soft micro-suede lining, and uppers with reduced stitching deliver comfort and help prevent skin irritation
• Added Support and Improved Fit: Firm heel counter for support, padded heel counter, and padded tongue to help reduce irritation
• Easy On/Off Application: Slip-on style allows this for easy on/off application
• Genuine Leather: Constructed with genuine leather for comfort and good foot support

Shop the Mallory

Breeze

Step out in style with our Breeze, a wear-anywhere sandal that pairs nicely with a dress or jeans. Crafted in full-grain leather and an open-air design, these sandals deliver luxurious comfort, breathability and that easy-going casual look that’s perfect for spring.

Features:

• Full-Grain Leather: Durable leather that helps prevent skin irritation and helps keep the foot comfortable during long hours of wear
• Customizable Fit: Adjustable contact closure allows for easy adjustability and personalized comfort.
• Open-Air Design: Breathable, open design to help keep feet cool and dry
• Protective Toe Box: Protective toe box helps provide extra protection from toe stubbing
• Top-Quality Shoe: Use of top-quality material and construction helps prevent wear and tear
• Firm Heel Counter: Helps provide extra medial and lateral support and stability for day-to-day activities

Shop the Breeze

Spring Men

Fisherman

Keep your feet cool and comfortable this spring in the Fisherman. An easy-going, casual sandal, the Fisherman combines soft leather, durable construction, and plenty of ventilation. Pair this with shorts or jeans for your outdoor adventure or casual outing with friends and family.

Features:

• Full-Grain Leather: Durable leather that helps prevent skin irritation and helps keep the foot comfortable during long hours of wear.
• Customizable Fit: Adjustable contact closure allows for easy adjustability and personalized comfort.
• Open-Air Design: Breathable, open design to help keep feet cool and dry.
• Protective Toe Box: Protective toe box helps provide extra protection from toe stubbing
• Top-Quality Shoe: Use of top-quality material and construction helps prevent wear and tear
• Firm Heel Counter: Helps provide extra medial and lateral support and stability for day-to-day activities.

Shop the Fisherman

Patrick

You can’t have spring without a classic boat shoe. The Patrick is a sophisticated, modern-day men’s casual boat shoe featuring top-grain leather that helps relieve pressure while aiding in all-day comfort. With a moccasin toe and detailed stitching on the outside, your foot will feel cushioned on the inside with its soft smooth, leather. From work to dinner, the Patrick pairs well with just about any outfit.

Features:

• Removable Insoles: Footbeds can be removed to help accommodate your own orthotics
• Supportive Insoles: Removable insole features a supportive polyurethane layer, gel pods in the forefoot and heel and polyethylene cushioning from heel to toe.
• Protective Toe Box: The extra width and depth in toe-box and forefoot helps reduce pressure on feet and helps prevent toe stubbing
• Leather Uppers: Breathable material to help regulate heat and keep feet cool and dry
• Lightweight Construction: Manufactured to stringent medical grade specifications, the lightweight outer sole is long lasting, light and has a non-skid finish
• Added Support and Improved Fit: Firm heel counter for support, padded heel counter and padded tongue to help reduce irritation

Shop the Patrick

Jason

A contemporary and bold athletic shoe delivering comfort during activity that is perfect for all your outdoor activities this spring. The Jason athletic shoe helps deliver support and flexibility no matter what activity you do. And with a virtually seamless design, the Jason is packed with foot solutions so you can go about your day with protection.

Features:

• No-Tie Elastic Lace Closure: Easy-to-adjust toggle closure—no tying or untying required—and seamless design to help prevent skin irritation
• Mesh Uppers: Breathable material to help regulate heat and keep feet cool and dry
• Removable Insoles: Footbeds can be removed to help accommodate your own orthotics
• Protective Toe Box: Protective toe box helps provide extra protection from toe stubbing
• Long-Lasting Shoe: Use of top-quality materials and construction helps prevent wear and tear and makes for a longer lasting shoe
• Firm Heel Counter: Helps provide extra medial and lateral support and stability for day-to-day activities

Shop the Jason

The contents of this blog were independently prepared, and are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the views of any other party. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors.

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