Diabetic Shoe Program – FAQs
What is the Diabetic Shoe Program?
The Diabetic Shoe Program helps people with diabetes get specialized shoes and therapeutic insoles designed to protect their feet and prevent complications.
For those who qualify, Medicare may cover one pair of diabetic shoes and up to 3 pairs of insoles each year.
Why are diabetic shoes important?
Diabetes can affect circulation and nerve function, increasing the risk of:
- Foot ulcers
- Infections
- Skin breakdown
- Amputation
Diabetic shoes are designed to:
- Reduce pressure points
- Improve stability and balance
- Prevent irritation and injury
- Accommodate foot deformities
When combined with routine podiatric care, they can significantly reduce serious complications.
How effective are diabetic shoes?
Studies show that proper footwear, regular foot exams, and preventive care can reduce the risk of amputation by up to 50% in people with diabetes.
Who qualifies for diabetic shoes?
You may qualify if you:
- Have been diagnosed with diabetes
- Have certain risk factors such as neuropathy, poor circulation, or foot deformities
A comprehensive foot exam is required to determine eligibility under Medicare guidelines.
What happens during a diabetic foot exam?
During your visit, our podiatrists will evaluate your:
- Circulation
- Nerve function (neuropathy)
- Foot structure and pressure points
- Skin health (including corns, calluses, or ulcers)
This exam helps identify risk factors and determine if you qualify for diabetic footwear.
How often should I have my feet checked?
If you have diabetes, you should have your feet examined at least once a year—or more often if you are at higher risk.
What does Medicare cover?
For qualifying patients, Medicare typically covers:
- One pair of diabetic shoes per year
- Three pairs of diabetic insoles per year
Our team will help guide you through the qualification and documentation process.
What are the risks if I don’t take care of my feet?
- Over 29 million Americans have diabetes
- About 86 million have prediabetes
- 60% of non-traumatic lower limb amputations occur in people with diabetes
- 85% of diabetes-related amputations begin with a foot ulcer
Preventive care is key to avoiding these complications.
Where can I get diabetic shoes?
At Sol Foot & Ankle Centers, we make the process easy—from evaluation to fitting.
You can also visit our in-house shoe store, Foot Traffik, where we offer a wide selection of supportive, medical-grade footwear.
What types of shoes do you offer?
We carry a variety of styles to fit your needs, including:
- Work shoes
- Dress shoes
- Casual shoes
- Athletic shoes
Available in wide, extra-wide, and extra-extra-wide sizes for the best fit and comfort.
Brands we carry include:
Apex • Aetrex • Brooks • Drew • Orthofeet • Dr. Comfort • Spenco
How do I get started?
Getting started is simple.
Schedule your diabetic foot exam today to see if you qualify for diabetic shoe coverage and take the first step toward protecting your feet.