1. Avoid Walking Barefoot in Thongs Or Sandals If Your Feet Are Insensitive (Numb)

Diabetic Footwear

1. Avoid walking barefoot in thongs or sandals if your feet are insensitive (numb).

2. Avoid wearing open-toed shoes or sandals unless specifically prescribed by a health care provider.

3. Never walk barefoot on surfaces such as hot sandy beaches or on the cement or asphalt around swimming pools, which are often hot; you may not be able to feel the increased temperature. Turn on the lights at home when walking at night. Do not walk barefoot in the dark.

4. Wear properly fitting socks or stockings. Avoid wearing mended socks or stockings. Avoid socks or stockings with seams. Change socks or stockings daily. Always wear socks or stockings with your shoes.

5. Avoid wearing garters, elastic bands on socks, and/or rolling hose. Avoid crossing your legs; this can cause pressure on nerves and blood vessels.

6. Shoes should be properly measured and should fit at the time of purchase. Do not depend on them to stretch out. Do not wear new shoes for more than a few hours at a time for the first two weeks.

7. Do not wear the same pair of shoes every day. Shoes should be made of material that breathes, such as leather. Avoid pointed toes or high heeled shoes. If your feet have decreased sensation, rotate your shoes three to four times per day.

8. Before putting on your shoes, check the insides of shoes by hand to ensure that there are no rough surfaces (e.g., nail heads) and no small objects e.g. pebbles, coins) in your shoes.

9. Wear appropriate shoes for the weather. Avoid wearing wet shoes. In winter, take special precautions such as wearing socks and protective footgear, e.g. fleece lined boots.

10. Your health care provider may prescribe special shoes to protect your feet.