Is it okay to walk barefoot if I have diabetes? (2024)

FAQs

Is it okay to walk barefoot if I have diabetes? ›

Never go barefoot. Wear appropriate shoes to protect your feet. Avoid injury by wearing well-fitting, protective shoes – do not wear open-toed shoes. Keep toenails trimmed.

What starts as a tiny abrasion can become a life-altering problem if it isn't discovered and treated early. It's much easier to take steps to avoid getting a wound in the first place than it is to deal with an extreme medical emergency down the line. Simply put, if you are diabetic, you should avoid walking barefoot.

Don't put shoes on without socks.

Doing so can cause your foot to rub (more friction and pressure points) and can make it more prone to fungal infections because socks help absorb excess moisture. In the warmer months, refrain from going barefoot, wearing flip flops, or other open shoes.

A proper diabetic shoe provides comfort, but more importantly, protection. Diabetic shoes keep ulcers from forming and prevent foot strains and calluses. The interior is made from soft seam-less materials with no stitching as to prevent irritation caused by materials rubbing against the foot as you move.

Government sources recommend cotton and wool socks for diabetic patients to help keep feet dry. 4,5 They also reinforce the need to wear socks at all times. Many do not make specific fabric recommendations, but they do suggest that people avoid tight socks.

Brisk walking is the best walking workout to manage diabetes. If you are still in doubt, consult your doctor or healthcare provider to know the best physical activity for your body and the advantages of brisk walking for diabetic people.

It's also important to note that supplements and other herbal supplements should never replace medical treatment. The five supplements mentioned above – vitamin E, St. John's wort, ginseng, niacin, and chromium – all have the potential to interfere with blood sugar control or interact with diabetes medicines.

Patients of diabetes should be very cautious while consuming over-the-counter pain medications like Advil as these drugs are associated with a high risk of a coronary event. The increased risk for a heart disease in diabetics is further worsened if the patient consumes medications like Ibuprofen.

Why shouldn't you walk barefoot? ›

Going barefoot in public places, especially those that are unfamiliar, puts feet at risk in several ways, Priesand says. Stepping on foreign bodies – think glass, dirt, or other debris on the ground – can create cuts, blisters, or scrapes that can become infected.

Patients with neuropathy should wear shoes that fit properly. Protect your feet by not walking barefoot. There is no cure for neuropathy. Treatment goals are to slow the progression of the disease while maintaining foot health.

No flip-flops or open-toed shoes: Flip-flops and open-toed shoes provide minimal protection and support. These types of footwear can increase the risk of injuries and infections. Don't rely solely on fashion: While fashion is important, prioritize function over style when choosing diabetic footwear.

Walking without foot protection can be especially dangerous for those with diabetes and suffer from peripheral neuropathy. Not wearing shoes puts you at risk for injuries to the bottoms of your feet that you may not feel due to the loss of sensation from nerve damage.

Most patients with diabetes qualify for footwear and inserts under the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Bill. Medicare covers patients for one pair of shoes and three inserts per year.

They Definitely Should Wear Shoes at Home

This part is straightforward: it's beneficial to wear diabetic shoes in the house. Leaving your feet unprotected, even in the comfort of your own home, can come back to haunt you because foot injuries are more serious for those with diabetes.

“Socks that are too tight are going to impair circulation,” Tina said. On the other hand, loose socks are more likely to move around and cause friction. Fit is especially important for people with diabetes who have poor circulation and experience swelling in the feet or legs.

Diabetic socks can be made from many types of fibers. We recommend merino wool for a variety of reasons, including its natural thermoregulating and moisture control properties. Merino wool simply offers a wider range of benefits that allow it to outperform cotton or synthetic fibers.

Leather and canvas shoes are ideal because they are durable, flexible, and breathable. Avoid shoes made entirely of rubber, which can trap moisture and lead to infection. Check for a cushioned sole. Your ideal shoe should have a thick shock-absorbing sole and reduce pressure on the bottom of your foot.