Does Nike make Diabetic Shoes? Tips on Athletic Shoes for Diabetes

Active individuals often look to popular sports brands when picking a pair of sneakers, so they may find it challenging to find the right diabetic shoe at first. Well-known brands are often a dead end for those whose feet require special care; for example, Nike diabetic shoes are not a widely available option for buyers across the United States. The question is, then, what options do exist for active people with diabetes looking to protect their foot health?

As a Medicare-approved supplier carrying multiple therapeutic shoe brands, we know a thing or two about picking diabetic shoes for athletic activities. The purchase of a diabetic shoe is slightly different than that of a typical sports shoe, as they are custom-fitted and come with inserts for added support. For this reason, it’s a good idea to move beyond logos when picking your perfect pair.

Do I really need diabetic shoes instead of “regular” athletic shoes?

wide diabetic shoes sneakersFoot health is a serious concern for people with diabetes – 60 percent of non-traumatic amputations in the United States each year involve diabetic patients, who often lose their feet as a result of diabetic neuropathy. One of the best ways to prevent these serious complications is to wear therapeutic shoes. This is such an effective preventative method that Medicare even covers them for many diabetics.

Those who live an active lifestyle should be particularly aware of the shoes they are wearing. While regular movement and exercise can be extremely helpful in managing diabetes, it can also put feet at added risk for sprains, blisters, cuts, and other issues. These can be more serious for people with diabetes for a few reasons:

  • Diabetic neuropathy can cause numbness in the feet, hindering the ability to feel an injury. Those who don’t feel a sprain, blister, ulcer, or other issues right away are at high risk of making it much worse before getting medical attention;
  • Poor circulation can be caused by blood sugar issues. This can make it difficult for the foot to heal properly from an injury, increasing the likelihood that even a small blister or infection could become a major ulcer or other condition that requires amputation;
  • People with diabetes are more likely to have hammertoes, bunions, corns, and fungal infections. Diabetic circulation and nerve issues make these issues difficult to treat, so avoiding them in the first place and/or treating them with care when they do occur is a must.

Those who have foot issues combined with diabetes will be able to attain a Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) from their doctors. This will provide Medicare coverage for diabetic shoes.

Even if they do not qualify a CMN, active people should consider purchasing a pair of diabetic athletic shoes as soon as possible after receiving a diabetes diagnosis. If purchased through the right channels, custom-fitted athletic shoes for people with diabetes are no more expensive than a pair of Nikes – in fact, No Cost Shoes (that’s us!) has all pairs on sale for $99 right now!

What are the best diabetic athletic sneakers?

There are quite a few diabetic shoe brands to choose from (you can read our full list of the best brands here). However, here is a rundown of the most popular shoe lines for active lifestyles:

New Balance
new balance best diabetic shoes

Those who enjoy shoes from companies like Nike or Adidas often gravitate to New Balance due to the familiar brand name. New Balance is probably the most well-known brand to offer a line of therapeutic sneakers. Both velcro and laced options are available, and the design of many New Balance shoes are optimized for an active lifestyle. Just be careful to confirm that the New Balance shoe you are buying is Medicare-approved for diabetic care, since not all shoes from this brand carry this approval – to be sure of this, you can order your shoes directly from a diabetic shoe supplier like nocostshoes.com.

Dr. Comfort

dr. comfort running shoes for diabetics

We’ve been referring to an “active lifestyle” a lot in this article, but the reality is that this term can mean a lot of different things. For example, one person might enjoy hiking and camping while another may frequent the gym. One might be a runner, while the other prefers rock climbing. As any athlete knows, these activities are significantly more safe and fun with the right pair of shoes.

Dr. Comfort is a great option for people seeking shoes that are “just right” for their favorite sport or physical activity. With multiple lines of Medicare-approved sneakers, hiking boots, gym shoes and more, many choose Dr. Comfort due to its wide range of options and styles. You can see their full lineup on our website here.

Anodyne

anodyne running shoes diabetes

Maybe the reason you were seeking Nike diabetic shoes wasn’t brand name or options, but style. In that case, Anodyne might be a good fit for you. Anodyne’s sleek design in its Walker, Jogger, and Runner shoes have found a way to make velcro fasteners appear stylish, a welcome relief for style-conscious diabetic shoppers with limited mobility. They also offer Trail Boot options for hikers, as well as a few lace-up options for good measure. For shoppers aiming to combine comfort and style, Anodyne is a great option. See the full line-up of shoes here.

A final word on exercise and diabetes

We’ve written quite a bit about exercise and diabetes on our blog  – it is an important topic, and one we are careful to educate people about as a supplier of diabetic shoes.

For more tips on exercise and diabetes, we invite you to read our 6 Tips on Going to the Gym for Diabetics or to take a peek at our infographic below for a summary of our top advice for physical activity with diabetes.

For more information about athletic diabetic shoes from nocostshoes.com, click here.

6 critical tips about exercise for people with diabetes

What are the Best Medicare-Approved Diabetic Shoe Brands?

There are a lot of things to consider when buying diabetic shoes. Besides the usual considerations of style and comfort, Americans with diabetes should also be concerned with finding a pair that is covered under Medicare and/or private insurance. This means that shoes must be purchased from an approved supplier, be properly fitted, and be custom-molded by a reputable diabetic shoe brand.

But, which companies are the most reputable in the diabetic shoe world? What are the best therapeutic shoes on the market right now? Those who are new to shopping for this kind of footwear may need some help finding a brand and look that works for them. Here is an introduction to the 7 most popular, Medicare-approved diabetic shoe brands on the market today.

Orthofeet – the neuropathy and pain relief solution

orthofeet logo diabetic shoes

Orthofeet has earned its reputation as the #1 brand recommended by podiatrists. These shoes are all about medical technology, with pain relief at the forefront of their design. For who have multiple foot or pain issues alongside diabetes, Orthofeet’s scientifically-informed designs can make a huge difference in day-to-day comfort.

Features at-a-glance:

  • Tie-less laces and heel straps for easy fastening
  • Biomechanically engineered designed to maximize pain relief
  • A high level of cushioning inside the shoe to help the whole body, including the lower back and legs
  • Stretchable material for maximum comfort

Reviews of Orthofeet shoes:

orthofeet shoes reviews diabetes
Reviews from Judge.Me/Facebook
Browse Orthofeet Diabetic shoes for women

Browse Orthofeet diabetic shoes for men

orthofeet diabetic shoes men best


Apex – the original therapeutic shoe

Apex released its first therapeutic shoe, known as “the healing shoe,” in 1971. The comfort of “the healing shoe” appealed to both people with foot conditions and those without, prompting Apex to double down on manufacturing high-quality therapeutic shoes. With a wide range of shoes of many styles and international distribution, Apex is a brand that continues to be trusted by consumers across the U.S.

Features at-a-glance:

  • Trusted brand with nearly 50 years in the therapeutic shoe industry
  • Multiple, removable layers to customize your shoe depth and easily get the perfect fit
  • Molded external heel counter
  • Padded collar and tongue to prevent heel slippage

Reviews of Apex shoes:

buyer reviews apex diabetic shoes

Browse APEX shoes for women

Browse APEX shoes for men

Apex diabetic shoes bestsellers


Anodyne – the new brand on the block

anodyne shoes logo diabetic shoesAnodyne is one of the newest diabetic shoe brands on the market. Launched in 2015 and based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Anodyne’s story is no doubt a fascinating one – launched by a former VP of Dr. Comfort, the company aims to add fashion-forward sleekness to the diabetic shoe market.

Features at-a-glance:

  • Fashionable, modern design
  • A variety of shoe types including hiking boots, Mary Janes, and sneakers
  • Mirror sticker in every box to help with self-inspecting feet
  • A unique line of comfortable trail boots and running shoes for active diabetics

Reviews of Anodyne shoes:

Anodyne reviews best diabetic shoes

Browse anondyne shoes for men

 

Browse anondyne shoes for women

anodyne womens sneakers diabetes bestsellers


Dr. Comfort – the king of therapeutic inserts

dr comfort diabetic shoe brandDr. Comfort has earned its place as one of the most popular diabetic shoe brands. Founded in Mequon, Wisconsin in 2002, the company’s use of 3D technology has made it a particularly popular choice for custom inserts. Dr. Comfort’s wide range of styles and customization options has made it a podiatrist favorite.

Features at-a-glance:

  • The highest volume producer of custom diabetic inserts, with 3D printing technology used to get the fit just right
  • A great brand for first-time diabetic shoe buyers, with both prescription and non-prescription options
  • Very wide range of shoes, from athletic wear to dress shoes
  • Offers machine washable options

Reviews of Dr. Comfort shoes:

dr comfort diabetic shoe reviews

Browse DR. COMFORT shoes for women

Browse dr. comfort shoes for men

dr. comfort diabetic shoes


New Balance – the active diabetic shoe

new balance diabetic shoesWho says you need to buy diabetic shoes from specialty brands? The well-known New Balance brand also offers Medicare-approved therapeutic options for fans of its athletic shoes. Simple and designed with activity in mind, New Balance offers diabetic shoes with both laces and velcro options. A word to the wise, however – since New Balance makes shoes for non-diabetics as well, be sure to double check with your diabetic shoe provider that the shoe you’re seeking is covered.

Features at-a-glance:

  • Diabetic shoes from an athletic shoe brand, with a design optimized for movement
  • Multiple width options to fit a diverse range of foot sizes and types
Browse New Balance Diabetic shoes for women

Browse New Balance Diabetic shoes for men

new balance best diabetic shoes


Surefit – the doctor designed approach

Founded by a doctor in 2000, Surefit is a guaranteed safe bet when it comes to Medicare compliance. They seek to make great shoes accessible to medical professionals and patient alike, with several straight-forward and reliable designs that combine style, practicality and medical technology.

Features at-a-glance:

  • Prioritizes medical technology and education, with many resources for patients and podiatrists
  • Stylish, work-friendly designs
  • Variety of fastening types depending on preference and ability
Browse SUREFIT Diabetic shoes for women

Browse SUREFIT diabetic shoes for men

surefit diabetic shoes


Where to buy the best diabetic shoe brands?

Ideally, you should try to buy diabetic shoes from a supplier that:

  • Provides multiple different brands, colors, and styles to choose from;
  • Will directly bill Medicare or insurance for your shoes;
  • Provides convenient shoe fitting (our fitters can even come to you!);
  • Has a wide distribution network, so they can provide the best price for any shoes you need to pay for out-of-pocket (for example, because of our U.S.-wide distribution and large inventory, all our shoes are all on sale for $99).

No Cost Shoes checks these boxes and many more! We welcome you to order a color catalog of all the shoes we offer – with options from all the above-listed brands, you’re sure to find one you love!