Diabetic Shoes

Experience compassionate, comprehensive podiatric treatment from our
board-certified physicians

Schedule Appointment

(724) 482-4192

30+ Years of Excellence

Serving the Butler area with exceptional podiatric care since 1994

Expert Physicians

Four board-certified podiatrists with extensive surgical experience

Emergency Care

Serving the Butler area with exceptional podiatric care since 1994

For patients living with diabetes, ordinary shoes can be the source of serious problems. The combination of nerve damage, reduced circulation, and changes in foot structure that often accompany diabetes makes the feet particularly vulnerable to pressure points, friction, and minor injuries that can quickly progress to ulcers and infections. Diabetic shoes, also known as therapeutic shoes, are specifically engineered to protect at-risk feet and dramatically reduce the chances of these complications. At Family Foot Care in Butler, PA, we are proud to offer a Medicare-approved diabetic shoe program, providing patients with high-quality footwear at little or no out-of-pocket cost.

Learn More

Diabetic shoes differ from regular shoes in several important ways. They feature a deeper, wider toe box that accommodates toe deformities such as hammertoes and bunions without rubbing. The interior is constructed without prominent seams that could create pressure points on insensitive skin. The materials used are typically softer and more flexible, with stretch zones over bony prominences. Soles are designed to be supportive and shock-absorbing, often with a rocker bottom that reduces stress on the forefoot during walking. These features work together to distribute weight evenly across the foot, minimizing the high-pressure areas where ulcers tend to form.

Equally important is what goes inside the shoe. Diabetic shoes come with custom-molded or heat-moldable inserts that further cushion the foot and accommodate any specific deformities. These inserts can be adjusted as the foot changes over time, and our office stocks a range of options to meet each patient's needs. For patients with significant deformity or a history of ulcers, fully custom-molded inserts can be fabricated.

Medicare and many private insurance plans cover one pair of diabetic shoes and three pairs of inserts each calendar year for qualifying patients. To qualify, the patient must have diabetes along with one or more risk factors such as a history of foot ulcers, neuropathy, calluses, deformity, poor circulation, or previous amputation. Our office handles the paperwork, including obtaining the required certification from the patient's primary care provider, so the process is as straightforward as possible.

At your fitting appointment, we measure both feet carefully — many patients have feet of slightly different sizes — and consider activity level, work environment, and personal style. Modern diabetic shoes look like ordinary athletic shoes, dress shoes, or casual loafers, and many patients are pleasantly surprised by the variety available. Once your shoes arrive, we ensure proper fit, demonstrate how to inspect them for wear, and discuss when to return for replacement. Properly fitted diabetic shoes are one of the most effective tools we have for preventing serious foot complications, and we are committed to making them accessible for every qualifying patient.