Advice about your footwear
Department of Diabetes
Information for Patients
University Hospitals of Leicester
NHS Trust
Introduction
Diabetes is a lifelong condition that can cause foot problems.
These problems can occur because the nerves and blood vessels
supplying your feet are damaged.
This can affect:
• the feeling in your feet (peripheral neuropathy) and
• the circulation in your feet (ischaemia)
Often these changes can be very gradual and you may not notice
them. This is why it is essential that you receive a foot screen and
assessment by a trained professional on a yearly basis. They will
then agree a treatment plan to suit your needs.
This leaflet gives you advice about wearing the most appropriate
shoes, taking into account the shape of your feet and your
diabetes.
Unsuitable shoes or shoes that don’t fit properly are the most
common cause of foot problems in people with diabetes.
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Footwear advice
Check your feet every day
Check your feet every time you remove your shoes. Also
remember to remove your socks, stockings or tights and check for
any redness or blisters.
Check your shoes
Check the bottom of your shoes before you put them on to make
sure nothing sharp has pierced the outer sole. Also, run your
hand inside each shoe to check that no small objects such as
stones have fallen into them.
The shape of your feet
Your feet can change shape over time. So when you buy new
shoes always check their fit carefully.
Socks, stockings and tights
You should change your socks, stockings or tights every day. They
should not have bulky seams and they should not have
elasticated tops. If you are not sure about any shoes, socks,
stockings or tights you are wearing your podiatrist or orthotist
will be happy to advise you.
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Buying new shoes
Get your feet measured
If possible have your feet measured and your shoes fitted
properly. Make sure your shoes are long enough, deep enough,
and wide enough for your feet. If your shoes are too tight they
will press on your toes and could cause problems. Always try
both shoes on as most people have feet of slightly different sizes.
Types of shoes
A well-fitting shoe, boot or trainer with laces or a strap fastening
will give your feet the best support, as they help keep your foot
firmly in place inside your footwear, which will prevent rubbing.
Heels should not be more than 3 centimetres (1 ¼ inch). Where
possible the uppers (top) of your shoes should be made from a
material such as soft leather. Leather will fit your foot without
causing rubbing and will help to prevent your feet from sweating.
Prescription shoes
If you have been supplied with shoes, they will have been made to
a prescription. You should follow the instructions your orthotist
(the person who makes your shoes) or podiatrist gives you.
Wear new shoes around the house
It is very important that you wear your new shoes around the
house for short periods (30-45 minutes) and then remove the
footwear and your socks and look for problems, such as redness
caused by rubbing or pressure. If this happens and the marks do
not disappear after 5-10 minutes there is a problem with the shoes
and you should not wear them until they have been assessed.
If there are no problems following a break of approximately 30
minutes, put your shoes back on and wear them for a further 3045 minutes. Repeat this procedure every day, increasing the wear
time by 15 minutes each time.
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Buying new shoes (continued)
When you can wear the shoes for 3 hours with no marking the
bedding-in process has finished. When the person who
prescribed your shoes is happy with the comfort and fit of the
first pair they will supply you with a second pair.
These should be the only shoes you wear.
Shoes will normally be prescribed with insoles. These are part of
your footwear and should only be removed if you are advised to
do so. It is important that you check the inside of your shoes
every day to make sure that no small objects have fallen in and
that no damage has occurred to the insole or lining.
Repair of footwear
If you notice any problems or wear to the shoe or insole, you
should contact your orthotist or podiatrist.
Whoever provided your shoes will carry out all repairs or
alterations to make sure they still match your prescription.
If you discover or experience any problems, or are concerned
about your feet or footwear, please contact your orthotist or
podiatrist immediately by telephone.
Individual advice
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Contact numbers
Podiatrist
City
County
0116 295 4655
01455 200449
Orthotist
Leicester Royal Infirmary
DSC (Leicester General Hospital)
Loughborough and Coalville
Melton
Rutland
Market Harborough
Hinckley
0116 258 5200
0116 258 4401
01509 564201
01664 855583
01572 772027
01858 438185
01455 441564
Foot Clinic
LGH
LRI
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0116 258 4766
0116 258 5666
Questions
7
Haddaad rabto warqadan oo turjuman oo ku duuban cajalad
ama qoraal ah fadlan la xiriir, Maamulaha Adeegga Sinaanta
0116 258 8295.
Eĝer bu broşürün (kitapçıĝın) yazılı veya kasetli açıklamasını
isterseniz lütfen servis müdürüne 0116 258 8295 telefonundan
ulaşabilirsiniz.
Adapted from the Scottish Diabetes Group - Foot Action Group Produced: January 2011
Review: January 2013 (Dowling)2113208KR MED056-0211
If you would like this information in another
language or format, please contact the
Service Equality Manager on 0116 258 8295