The 12 Best Sandals for Diabetics and Neuropathy
Diabetic sandals may not be the most protective of all diabetic shoes. But recent shoe technology and orthopedic design advancements have opened a new world of sandals perfectly suitable for diabetes and neuropathy patients.
When chosen carefully, a good pair of sandals offers plenty of protection, foot support, and comfort. Your new summer sandals for diabetes and neuropathy should be comfortable and provide adequate foot support and shock absorption.
Diabetic footwear is essential and can save your feet from many serious problems. To help you make an intelligent purchase decision, there’s a thorough buyer’s guide with 15 more diabetes-friendly features to look for in sandals for diabetics at the end of this article.
Table of Contents
The 10 Best Sandals for Diabetics in 2022
I’ve scrutinized detailed features from dozens of sandals, read hundreds of costumers reviews, and asked my podiatrists’ partners for recommendations. The results are here: a carefully chosen selection of summer sandals for people with diabetes to safely wear in 2022.
Diabetic Sandals for Women: Best Overall
- Orthofeet Malibu sandal shoes: Pros
- 60-days wear test and 100% money back guarantee if you buy on Orthofeet's website
- Professionally designed to alleviate foot pain from diabetes and neuropathy, as well as plantar fasciitis, heel pain, flat feet, arch pain, ball of the foot pain, knee pain, hip pain, low back pain, arthritis.
- Patented Ortho-Cushion™ system proven to reduce impacts
- Relaxed fit with no pressure points
- Stretchable protective foam padded interior
- Ergonomic multi-layers cushioning sole
- Anatomical arch support
- Premium orthotic insoles included
- Antimicrobial fabric and foam
- Slip resistant for optimum security
- Customizable fit with wide and extra-wide options
- Possibility to add an arch booster
- Premium quality durable shoes made to last
Orthofeet is the diabetic footwear company most recommended by foot professionals in the USA. Their shoes are specially engineered to alleviate foot pain and foot problems related to diabetes and neuropathy.
Malibu women’s orthopedic sandals are built to avoid any pressure points. They have a wide stretchable relaxed fit. Customers agree that they provide a “walking on cloud” experience that is highly comfortable to wear.
They come with premium orthotic insoles and several layers of cushioning to protect your feet, soften impacts, and smoothen every step. The insole foam is anti-microbial, which is quite lovely for summer sandals as it protects your feet against fungus growth and odor-causing bacteria.
Very easy to put on and off both sides of the sandals, thanks to a two-way strap design that opens widely. Oh, and as an additional pleasant feature: the sole is slip-resistant!
What I love most about Orthofeet is there are many customizable options for you to choose from and find the perfect comfortable fit. Naturally, all women’s sizes are available, but you also get to select the width of your shoes (regular, vast, or extra-width). You can choose different insoles and add an arch booster to enhance support and reduce pressure on the heel and ball of the foot.
Orthofeet currently has a 20% discount on their women’s therapeutic sandals. If you buy from their website, you also get a 60-day wear test and a 100% money-back guarantee.
- Orthofeet Malibu sandal shoes: Cons
- Quite expensive. These diabetic shoes cost $119.99 (20% off if you buy on Orthofeet Website)
Diabetic Sandals for Men: Best Overall
- Orthofeet Cambria sandal shoes: Pros
- 60-days wear test and 100% money back guarantee if you buy on Orthofeet's website
- Professionally designed to alleviate foot pain from diabetes and neuropathy, as well as plantar fasciitis, heel pain, flat feet, arch pain, ball of the foot pain, knee pain, hip pain, low back pain, arthritis.
- Premium orthotic insoles included ($40 worth)
- Wide design and opening for relaxed and comfortable fit
- Soft padded stretchy uppers with no pressure point
- Anatomical arch support helps ease pain on the foot and heel, all the way up the knees, hips and lower back.
- Pillow like support and unmatched cushioning on multiple layers
- Two-way strap system innovative design enables easy On/Off from both sides of the shoes
- Extended widths available for wider, swollen feet, edema
- Possibility to add an arch booster
- Antimicrobial insole fabric and foam
- Premium quality leather - durable shoes made to last
Again and without surprise, Orthofeet wins the point in the best men’s sandals for diabetes and neuropathy category. These leather sandals, available in black or brown, are the best choice for spring and summer.
They are specially designed by the best orthotic footwear company in the USA to alleviate foot problems due to diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. Their wide design and relaxed fit put no pressure point on your feet and help boost blood circulation. Customer reviews show they’re the most comfortable diabetic sandals for men. Trust me, I’ve read hundreds of them.
Orthofeet’s premium orthotic insoles are included with the shoes. They’re made with several layers of cushioning to protect your feet from impacts and to help soothe your steps. Their antimicrobial foam guards your feet from fungus growth and odor-causing bacteria.
Cambria men’s strap sandals are available for wider or swollen feet in regular, wide, and extra-wide. You can add an arch booster if you need to reduce more pressure on the heel and ball of the feet.
Orthofeet currently has a 20% offer on its men’s diabetic footwear. If you buy from their website, you also get a 60-day wear test and a 100% money-back guarantee.
- Orthofeet Cambria sandal shoes: Cons
- The price is high... These diabetic sandals cost $119.99 (20% off if you buy on Orthofeet Website)
- The sole is not slip resistant like in Orthofeet's women sandals
Most Comfortable Diabetic Neuropathy Sandals
- Mejormen's neuropathy sandals: Pros
- Most comfortable neuropathy sandals in 2022
- Orthopedic sandals with ergonomic design
- Comfortable non-binding fit with no pressure points
- Extra-wide design with adjustable strap closure
- Multi-layer cushioning
- Smooth inner lining
- Good arch support
- Easy to put on and off
- Lightweight and breathable material with elastic mesh on top
- Anti-slip skid resistant sole
- Perfect for summer outdoor activities
- Comes with 3 pairs of removable memory foam insoles
The most comfortable sandals for neuropathy I’ve found are from Mejormen. Mejormen is famous for its diabetic slippers and has recently released these new adjustable extra-wide indoor/outdoor sandals. Their design is non-binding and super soft on the upper of your foot. The adjustable strap closure and the three different insoles make it easy to customize and find the perfect fit.
Your feet are protected with multi-layers cushioning and good arch support. The closed-toe design is vital for neuropathy patients and provides increased protection from possible wounds. The thick flexible rubber sole is slip-resistant and impact-absorbent.
Lightweight and breathable, these are the perfect summer footwear for people with neuropathy, swollen feet, diabetes, or sensitive feet.
- Mejormen's neuropathy sandals: Cons
- This product is new and still has no costumers reviews on Amazon. Although Mejormen is a trustable recommended diabetic footwear brand, I'm looking forward to seeing what people say about these new summer sandals!
Extra-Wide Women's Sandals for Diabetes and Neuropathy
- Propét extra-wide summer sandals: Pros
- Great choice for neuropathy foot pain, swollen feet, wider feet, and sensitive feet
- Extended width options available
- Enhanced breathability - uppers with mesh lining
- Padded footbed with microfibre lining
- Cushioned insole
- Lightweight TravelTek™ flexible outsole for great durability and traction
- Adjustable hook and loop heel strap
- Extreme comfort!
- Affordable quality shoes for diabetics!
- Free return and free delivery on Amazon
Propét is a best-seller comfort footwear company in the USA. They make affordable orthotic shoes with diabetes-friendly features. What’s best about Propét is that all of their shoes are available in 6 different width options: regular, X-narrow, narrow, wide, X-wide, and XX-wide. When living with diabetes, you want to wear non-binding shoes that put no pressure on your foot and do not block your blood circulation. Wider shoes are usually recommended.
Propét offers an extensive catalog of shoes suitable for women with diabetes. These sport-style summer sandals are non-binding, stretchable, and adjustable for a great fit without squeezing or compressing your feet. Perfect shock absorption system thanks to a flexible, lightweight outsole and an extra-cushioned insole.
These sandals have a smooth interior that protects sensitive skin from frictions and blisters. The upper mesh makes them exceptionally breathable and ideal wear for diabetics during this 2022 season.
- Propét extra-wide summer sandals: Cons
- While perfect for feet that need enough width, the extra room for the foot's arch isn't ideal for people with rather 'flat' feet.
Extra-Wide Men's Sandals for Diabetes and Neuropathy
- Propét extra-wide leather slide sandals: Pros
- Great choice for neuropathy foot pain, swollen feet, wider feet, and sensitive feet
- Extended width options are available
- Fully adjustable for perfect fit
- Loop straps at forefoot and instep for secure feet support
- Neoprene smooth lining
- Foam-padded footbed with microfiber sock lining
- Ergonomical contoured sole
- Thermal rubber outsole
- 100% quality leather
- Best value for money
- Free return and free delivery on Amazon
Propét wins the competition in the extra-wide sandals for men category. These comfortable shock-absorbing sandals are a great summer choice.
Made with premium quality durable leather for durability, these slide sandals are easy to put on and off. You can fully adjust the straps for optimum fit. The foam-padded footbed and ergonomically contoured sole make an excellent combination for foot comfort, protection, and pain relief.
The interior lining is smooth to avoid skin friction and blistering. You can choose between 3 different width options: regular, wide, and extra-wide.
It’s probably one of the best value for money you can find. Browse Propét’s men’s sandals catalog for more choices, including closed-toe and hiking sandals.
- Propét extra-wide leather slide sandals: Cons
- These are open-toe sandals, but Propét also has closed-toe sandals for men.
- Due to the thermal rubber sole, these sandals are a bit heavier than others
Women's Best Walking Sandals for Diabetics - Outdoor and Hiking
- Verona orthopedic hiking sandals: Pros
- Professionally designed to alleviate foot pain from diabetes, neuropathy, plantar fasciitis
- #1 recommended diabetic footwear company in USA
- The wide toe box, non-binding design, no pressure point
- Closed-toe to protect from injuries on rough terrain
- Removable fitting spacers included (1/16" and 1/8" thick) to reach optimum fit
- Adjustable padded heel back strap
- Adjustable uppers with extra foam padding
- Lightweight cushioning sole to absorb impacts and soften steps
- Premium orthotic insoles with anatomical arch support prevent foot from rolling inwards and ease foot and heel pain
- Anti-microbial fabric to prevent fungal growth and odor-causing bacteria
- 60-days wear test and 100% money back guarantee when you buy on Orthofeet's website
There is no need to insist more on the importance of physical activity for type 1 or 2 diabetics as well as people dealing with pre-diabetes.
Regular physical exercise helps lower blood glucose levels by increasing our cells’ sensitivity to insulin. Walking 30 minutes a day (around 1.2 miles, 2400 steps) is the minimum recommendation to keep healthy.
However, higher physical activity usually comes with higher stress on our feet. Accordingly, fans of hiking and long walks need to protect themselves primarily. Wearing appropriate walking diabetic shoes is crucial and can save you from a lot of serious complications.
These women’s orthopedic, diabetic sandals from Orthofeet are the best ones you can find today. They offer total feet protection against blisters, irritations, and injuries. Their ergonomic design is mainly thought for people with diabetes and neuropathy. Thanks to their fully adjustable features and width options, you can reach the perfect fit.
You benefit from unsurpassed cushioning and shock-absorption systems engineered to relieve pain from the feet, heels, up to the knees, hips, and low back. Lightweight and anti-microbial, these sandals are the perfect spring/summer outdoor footwear choice.
Plus, if you’re not satisfied with them at the end of the day, send them back! Orthofeet offers a 60-day wear test and a 100% money-back guarantee.
- Verona orthopedic hiking sandals: Cons
- The price. Orthofeet diabetic and neuropathy shoes cost $119 (20% off if you buy on their website). But you're guaranteed they'll last for years and take good care of your sensitive feet!
Men's Best Walking Sandals for Diabetics - Outdoor and Hiking
- Alpine therapeutic walking sandals: Pros
- Professionally designed to alleviate foot pain from diabetes, neuropathy, and plantar fasciitis
- Closed-toe design for enhanced feet protection against injuries
- Non-binding shoes - no pressure on sensitive feet
- Fully adjustable features for a customizable fit
- Removable fitting spacers included (1/16" and 1/8" thick)
- Multi-layers cushioning sole absorbs impact and soften steps
- $40 worth premium orthotic insoles with anatomical arch support included
- Blister-guard foam padded uppers and heel straps
- Lightweight and anti-microbial fabric - ideal for summer hikes
- 60-days wear test and 100% money back guarantee when you buy on Orthofeet's website
Product Description
These men’s walking sandals for diabetes and neuropathy have the same features as the women’s model above. There’s not much point in repeating the same description. For a change, I’m going to quote more customer reviews. They’re pretty eloquent enough as to what you can expect from this product!
- Alpine therapeutic walking sandals: Cons
- The price. These men's walking sandals cost $119 (20% off if you buy them on their website). But you get what you pay for, and they'll last you for years!
Best Crocs for Diabetics: Neria Pro II LiteRide Clogs
Crocs’ famous foam clogs are known to be very comfortable footwear. Crocs shoes can be a good summer choice for people with diabetes or neuropathy, providing good arch support, a wide toe box, and cushioned footbeds.
The Neria Pro II LiteRide is the most protective one for diabetics. It was launched recently and featured great diabetes-friendly options.
The removable LiteRide foam insoles are very soft, antibacterial, and deliver optimal support and cushioning. Unlike Classic Crocs, Neria Pro II LiteRide’s toes and heels are enclosed for more excellent feet protection. Enclosed Crocs are especially suited for neuropathy, sensitive, blistering, slow-healing skin. It prevents foreign objects from entering your shoes and hurting you.
Crocs’ Croslite foam outsoles are slip-resistant, lightweight, supportive, and long-lasting. These clogs have a relaxed fit that doesn’t squeeze your feet. They are wide at the back, so they’re easy to put on and off, and they have extra room for the toes, so you avoid friction.
Birkenstock Soft Footbed Sandals for Diabetics
Birkenstock is that world-famous German sandals company you’ve probably heard about before. They have become enormously popular and are now worn in droves even by young people.
While not all Birkenstock Sandals are suitable for diabetics, one model is quite interesting for us: the soft footbed sandals.
Birkenstock sandals all feature an anatomical footbed that naturally contours your feet and evenly distributes your body’s weight evenly over your sole. For more sensitive feet, Birkenstock has designed an optional integrated softer footbed. An extra foam layer creates durable padding with high repositioning value and shock absorption capacity.
Moreover, Birkenstock sandals are designed with pronounced arch support, a deep heel cup, and a roomy toe box. Arizona sandals’ lining is made with soft suede. The sole is a lightweight EVA sole with cushioning and shock absorption. And you can choose different widths for optimum fitting.
All in all, Birkenstock Arizona Soft footbed sandals can perfectly suit diabetics’ feet.
Prettiest Women's Sandals for Diabetics
- Therafit therapeutic sandals: Pros
- Prettiest women sandals for diabetes and neuropathy in 2022
- Orthopedic sandals professionnally designed to alleviate foot pain and heel pain due to diabetes, plantar fasciitis, neuropathy
- Patented comfort system
- Customizable fit with three removable PCS adapters in the heel
- Soft uppers with cushioning lining
- Shock absorbing midsoles
- Superior arch support
- Deep heel cups - enhanced stability and comfort
- Velcro closure - easy to put on and off
- Premium quality leather durable shoes made to last
Product Description
It’s not easy to find stylish shoes when living with diabetes. Because of their orthotic design, most diabetic shoes have a dull medical look. And, of course, design and style depending on personal preferences.
But Therafit has managed to create pretty summer sandals that won’t do any harm to our diabetic feet.
Therafit is an orthotic footwear company designing shoes to alleviate foot pain. These summer sandal shoes are crafted in premium leather and come in 6 different colors. Therafit patented comfort system allows you to find the perfect fit with three removable adapters in the heel.
They are designed to provide women with optimum foot stability and arch support. The soft interior lining is smooth and made to avoid skin friction and blisters. Therafit offers a wide range of diabetic sandals choices.
- Therafit therapeutic sandals: Cons
- These leather sandals are expensive (starting at $139), but you get what you pay for: orthopedic premium quality diabetic shoes made to last!
Features to Look for in Diabetic Neuropathy Sandals
Perhaps none of the recommended models is to your taste. Or, you would like to know whether sandals may be suitable.
Therefore, we address the question of what qualities should have sandals for people with diabetes and other people with peripheral neuropathy. No shoe is perfect, but the more factors cover, the better.
And do not forget: Even better than sandals are closed shoes that ultimately protect the foot.
When buying sandals, pay attention to the following points:
Lightweight Sandals for Diabetics
Diabetic shoes should be as light as possible to improve traction and mobility. Lightweight sandals are more breathable, don’t interfere with your feet’ movements, and carry less weight for every step you walk.
But lightweight sandals are suitable for people with diabetes only if they complement more important protective features such as cushioning and arch support.
The main difficulty that shoe manufacturers face is crafting diabetic shoes that are both protective and lightweight simultaneously!
Soft, Flexible Shoe Materials
Sandals crafted in soft, flexible shoe material will cause less friction and pressure points on your feet.
One of the essential things in shoes for diabetes is a loose and comfortable fit that never constricts your ankles or feet. Plus, flexible shoe fabrics such as leather, canvas, or suede are more easily accommodating for inserting additional orthotic insoles when necessary.
Non-binding Stretchable Upper Straps
The upper straps of your diabetic and neuropathy sandals should be soft and without any overlay. It’s even better if they’re stretchable.
Again, when living with diabetes, you want to avoid any pressure points on your feet that could cause irritations, blisters, or impede your blood circulation. Ideally, when they’re stretchable, sandals’ upper straps gently conform to the contours of the unique shape of your own feet.
Diabetic Footwear Width Variety
You might have noticed that specialized diabetic footwear companies such as Orthofeet offer different width options for each shoe. That’s because non-constricting footwear is so important when living with diabetes that most diabetics should wear wider shoes than usual. Depending on the width of your feet and the tendency they have to swell more or less during the day, you can choose different widths for your shoes.
Swollen feet are often a problem with other diseases as well. A wider footbed in the sandals helps to avoid pressure points, pain, or a feeling of tightness.
Look for Extra-depth Orthopedic Sandals
This is not fundamental, but you should know that diabetic and neuropathy shoes are often extra-depth shoes.
As the name would suggest, extra-depth shoes have extra room on the inside and are more profound than average shoes. It would help if you had extra-depth diabetic sandals in two cases.
- If you want to insert additional orthotics or insoles inside your sandals.
- Number two, if you suffer from foot deformities often caused by diabetes that won’t fit into regular shoes. Otherwise, regular-width sandals should suit you.
Closed-toe Vs. Open-toe Sandals
Closed-toe shoes are more protective for diabetes and neuropathy patients. A closed design protects your toes from injuries and banging. It also prevents stones and uninvited surprises from entering the sandals and causing irritations and blisters. It’s usually recommended people with diabetes wear closed shoes.
But during hot summers, we all know we’re not going to do that! Our feet must also be able to breathe; nobody likes sweaty feet. However, studies also suggest that people with diabetes with neuropathy generally sweat less – but at the end of the day, only our individual experience counts.
Sandals are ok for people with diabetes. But I prefer closed-toe sandals, especially if you walk long distances on rough terrains or have sensitive, complicated feet.
Deep Toe Box for Extra Room
Of course, this only applies if you’re choosing closed-toe diabetic sandals. A deep toe box has a higher shoe tip around the toe area. This guarantees a pressure and friction-free environment and extra room for your toes to move.
When walking or standing up, you should be able to wiggle your toes comfortably in the toe box. It helps boost blood circulation, which is often weaker in the diabetic population.
Fully Adjustable Straps and Customizable Fit
Again, having a comfortable fit should be your priority when buying your new diabetic summer shoes. Look for the ones that have the most adjustable features. Our feet swell and become more prominent as the day goes by, especially during hot summer days. Adjusting your sandals, straps, and laces accordingly is a must.
Orthopedic sandals like the ones from Orthofeet often come with removable spacers between the insole and the outsole that you can put on and off to get a snugger or looser fit.
Back-Strap Sandals Improve Traction
The problem with sandals and diabetes is that these shoes usually don’t support your feet enough. You might have noticed that when you wear sandals, you have a weird unusual walk.
You need strong foot support to avoid foot, knee, and hip problems in the long run. Ideally, your foot and sandal become one and stick together without separating at every step. The best sandals are the ones with back-strap or heel straps. Heel straps secure the sandals, hold the back of your feet and improve traction.
Arch Support Solves Many Foot Problems
Arch support is often the best non-invasive treatment for many foot, knee, hip, and back pains. Most of our lower-limb pests come from our posture and how our feet are supported. Good arch support is essential for diabetics, neuropathy patients, and especially people suffering from plantar fasciitis.
Some sandals for people with diabetes are designed with built-in arch support, while others come with additional arch support inserts. In any case, I’d recommend you never wear sandals that do not have arch support.
Your Sandals Should be Shock-absorbent
You want your sandals to absorb impacts on every step to reduce foot pain and pressure. Sandals for people with diabetes should feature a shock-absorbing sole or insole with multi-layers cushioning. Shock absorbing soles or insoles are usually made with lightweight vitro-absorbent elastomer. They significantly help reduce foot pain while walking and play a preventive role against numerous foot injuries. Shock-absorption diabetic footwear is highly recommended, whether you walk long distances or go to a nearby store.
Comfort Shoe Lining & Seamless Protective Interior
The lining is the material inside the shoe that directly comes in contact with your foot. For diabetic and neuropathy feet, you need extra comfortable and protective shoe linings. People with diabetes have a slower healing process, and tiny wounds can quickly get infected, leading to severe complications such as foot ulcers. To avoid skin irritations and blisters, your shoe’s interior should be seamless and cushioned. Look for sandals with foam padded straps, and avoid posts between the toes. If there’s a toe post, be sure it’s soft woven.
Consider Adding Diabetic and Neuropathy Insoles
Orthotic insoles are molded shoe inserts scientifically designed to improve comfort and mobility while reducing foot, heel, leg, knee, hip, and back pain.
Orthotic inserts for people with diabetes and neuropathy reduce pressure on the foot, providing extra cushioning and enhanced shock absorption. They spread the pressure evenly around the bottom of your feet and ensure your feet hit the ground at the right angle. Most diabetic insoles and neuropathy insoles also provide arch support, which is useful when your shoes don’t.
Diabetics should avoid Heeled Sandals
Finally, diabetic women – or diabetic men, I’m not judging – should steer clear of high-heel sandals.
Heels do not allow even the pressure distribution on the bottom of your foot. All the pressure is put on the ball of the foot, which can cause sores and calluses and balance and posture problems in the long run.
If you want to wear high heels with diabetes, stay below 2 inches. Ideally, you should avoid shoes with heels, as they diametrically contradict the recommendations for people with diabetes.
Sandals for Diabetics and Neuropathy: Frequently Asked Questions
Sandals are not the best diabetic footwear, especially if you have neuropathy. The open-air design of these summer shoes does not protect your feet enough from banging toes, small rocks getting inside, etc… That being said, everyone should have the right to enjoy sandals in the summer, people with diabetes included! Just take extra precautions: choose quality orthotic sandals specially designed for people with diabetes and neuropathy. Inspect your feet daily, and take the best care of even the tiniest little wounds.
There is no such thing as the best diabetic sandals or even the best diabetic shoes. Everyone’s feet are different and need different shoe features. However, when you have diabetes, you should choose top-quality orthotic sandals designed with diabetes-friendly features. There’s a list of the best sandals for diabetics at the beginning of this article.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy, you should take better care of your feet. Choose sandals that are non-binding, extra-wide, with a soft, seamless interior and a well-cushioned insole.
Flip-flop thong-style sandals are not recommended for diabetics, especially if you have neuropathy. They’re too open and don’t protect your feet enough from injuries. If you want to wear flip-flops, choose quality orthotic ones that provide good arch support, soft woven toe posts, seamless padded straps, and thick shock-absorbent midsoles. Forget about the cheap $5 beach store flip-flops.
Crocs foam clog shoes are therapeutic shoes that provide long-term relief from foot pain. In 2008, the U.S. government Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved a model of Crocs with molded insoles for as diabetic footwear to help reduce foot injuries.