Updated on Sep. 30, 2020
Diabetic foot care doesn't have to be plain and boring. Reap the therapeutic benefits of diabetic sandals without sacrificing comfort or style. Here are our experts' picks for walking, travel, and more.
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Women living with diabetes may think that they need to wear bulky shoes or athletic sneakers to prevent foot problems like blisters, particularly if they have pain and numbness due to the diabetes-related nerve damage known as neuropathy.
But when chosen carefully, a pair of sandals can offer plenty of protection, support, and comfort—plus the style and versatility lacking in a more athletic shoe.
“When choosing a sandal, you need to make sure that they are not squeezing the toes or causing any blisters to form,” says Sheri Colberg-Ochs, exercise physiologist, diabetes motion expert, and author of The Athlete’s Guide to Diabetes. That means an extended width or extra depth toe box and lined and/or thick straps that won’t rub on the top or sides of the feet. Sandals that cover the toes are also a great choice, as they can provide added protection against injuries like cuts that can lead to foot ulcers.
To help you find a pair of comfortable and supportive sandals, we spoke with experts and rounded up some of the best diabetic sandals for women available. (Also, check out the best diabetic shoes for women.)
$120
“The Verona sandals from Orthofeet are great for women with diabetes,” says podiatric surgeon Rebecca Pruthi, DPM, owner of Foot Care of Manhattan in New York City. These sporty, closed-toe sandals feature a soft, adjustable fabric upper and a Velcro heel strap to ensure that the foot doesn’t slide around inside the shoe, while a removable insole offers extra depth as needed in the toe box. Wide and extra-wide sizes round out the offerings from this highly-rated diabetic shoe brand. (Skip the lacing and try on these slip-on sneakers for women.)
$43-$50, depending on size and color
The thick bands of leather on this Clarks sandal won’t dig into the upper part of the foot, while the adjustable heel strap maintains a snug fit and the cushioned Ortholite footbed helps maintain proper foot alignment and comfort. “Absolutely loved this shoe,” writes one of over 2,000 five-star Amazon reviewers. “Most comfortable ever and I have a very hard time with shoes because my feet are sensitive/diabetic but could walk in them from the get-go with pure comfort. Bought a second pair and going to buy a third in a different color.” (For at-home comfort, try the best slippers for your feet.)
$99
The leather straps on this sandal are lined with an ultra-soft microfiber to prevent rubbing and blister formation. The style is perfect for dressing up or down and Kuru’s patented sole technology provides extra padding where it’s needed to eliminate foot soreness. “I suffer a lot with feet pain and I usually can’t wear sandals for a long period of time,” writes one happy customer. “With these sandals, I have no problems wearing them all day. Leather is very soft and they have great support. I need many, many more of these!!” (These are the shoe mistakes that are hurting your feet.)
$54-$120, depending on size and color
All three of the leather straps on these Vionic sandals are adjustable to accommodate wide feet and prevent sliding. A slightly higher heel beneath a microfiber-covered footbed provides the perfect amount of arch support and dreamy cushioning. Finally, four color options mean that there is a pair of these podiatrist-designed sandals to go with every single outfit.
$70-$129, depending on size and color
All of SAS’s shoes are designed with comfort for every person in mind, which is why these sandals come in wide and double wide width options for sizes from 5 up to 12. Dual density insoles and outsoles provide layers of smooth microsuede, cushy memory foam, water-resistant polyurethane, and flexible rubber that combine to offer a molded, durable shoe perfect for any and all activities. (Here’s why you should avoid flip flops.)
$139-142, depending on size and color
The full coverage style of these sandals protects the feet from potential injuries while the spaces between the straps offer a cool and comfortable open-air design. A thick, padded heel provides snug support, wide and extra-wide options, and a deep toe box meaning there is ample room to prevent blisters. “These shoes were comfortable from the very first moment that I placed them on my feet and they have been the only shoes I have worn all summer,” says one purchaser. “I have neuropathy and I choose to only use Dr. Comfort shoes because my doctor recommends them.” (Try the best shoes for neuropathy to limit nerve damage.)
$45
Recommended by Colberg-Ochs, this version of the beloved Birkenstock sandal provides plenty of room for the toes to spread out and the soft rubber sole offers cushioning with every step. What’s more, the raised toe bars and contoured footbed encourage injury-preventing proper foot alignment and weight distribution as you walk despite the open slide style. Over 11,000 five-star reviewers rave about their light weight, comfort, and arch support. (Don’t forget to check out the best walking shoes for your feet.)
$75
Designed with diabetics in mind, these Propét sandals offer 11 color options, three extended widths, and a thick, foam-padded footbed. “I need to begin by saying that I have diabetes with neuropathy in my feet. I also have wide feet and problematic toenails. It’s very difficult to find shoes that fit my feet and that are comfortable,” shares one customer. “I’ve been wearing Crocs for years and although I love them, they aren’t the most attractive. I wanted sandals. I was skeptical that these Propét sandals would work for me but I ordered them anyway. They were Amazon Prime available plus free returns were offered. They are incredibly comfortable for my painful feet. They are cushioned perfectly. The straps are smooth and don’t rub on my skin badly. The best part is that they come in a variety of wide widths.” (Stock up for next summer with the best shoes for flat feet.)
$118-$120, depending on size and color
These sandals from orthopedic and diabetic shoe company Drew offer a supportive style with a touch of feminine flair. A hook and loop closure at the back keeps the heel aligned over the leather-lined, memory foam footbed (which you can replace with a custom orthotic if needed) and the thick leather straps are precisely placed to prevent rubbing. (Here are some diabetic foot care tips to keep in mind.)
$60
All the shoes from Oasis are Medicare-approved to ease diabetic nerve pain and the Zoe sandals are no exception. Offering full foot coverage to avoid cuts and scrapes, two extended width options, extra depth in the toe box, and adjustable straps at the ankle and heel, they have everything you need in a diabetic sandal.
