Work shoes are diabetic shoes that are approved by the American Diabetes Association are labeled with the A5500 label. Shoes wearing this symbol are safe and appropriate for someone living with diabetes. So what are the best work shoes for diabetics? I'll share my favorite brands in this blog post.

In this Diabetic & Me article you will learn about:

  • What is the Diabetic Approved A5500 label?
  • What are diabetic work shoes?
  • How can I protect my feet?

What is the Diabetic Approved A5500 label?

The A5500 label is a symbol of approval from the American Diabetes Association. Work shoes that are approved by the ADA and labeled as diabetic shoes with this symbol are safe for someone living with diabetes.

What are the most comfortable slip-resistant shoes?

The most comfortable slip-resistant shoes are those that have an anti-slip sole made of rubber and the lining is made of leather to ensure your feet stay dry and cool all day long. While these shoes are comfortable, they're also appropriate for people living with diabetes. All pairs of shoes below have great arch support as well.

When looking at your shoe size, some people may be tempted to purchase them in a half-size smaller than their normal foot size believing it will provide more support or safety. But the truth is you want your feet to have enough room so they're not too tight on your toes when wearing socks or stockings. Plus, if there's no wiggle room within the toe box of the shoe then all sorts of problems can arise such as pinching and blisters which could lead to serious infections!

What are the benefits of slip-resistant diabetic shoes?

Research has shown that slip-resistant diabetic shoes are safer for those living with diabetes. Work shoes that reduce the risk of falls, such as those that are certified by the A5500 label, provide a greater level of safety and quality in a shoe than non-slip shoes. These shoes are not only safer but also more affordable. Work shoes on the A5500 label also come in different styles which makes them easier to find!

The benefits of slip-resistant diabetic shoes are that they reduce the risk of slipping and falling by nearly one-third.

How does diabetes affect your feet?

People living with diabetes have a higher risk of suffering from foot problems such as corns, heel spurs, or other foot deformities. Diabetes can also lead to nerve damage in your feet, which could make you less aware of injuries. If left untreated, these problems could develop into a more serious foot problem called neuropathy.

This, in return, ends up causing harm to your feet because nerve damage can cause your feet to become numb so that you don't feel any pain or any other feeling. Feet that are numb can get injured and damaged, as you won't feel an ill-fitting shoe, any blister, or a pebble in your shoes.

Diabetes can also lead to poor blood flow all over your body which means that not enough blood will flow through your feet and legs which will slow down the process of healing of an infection or an injury on your feet. Infections end up not healing and result in the death of body tissue which can end up causing a limp in your feet.

The nerve damage can also lead to other issues with the joints and tissues of your feet which is known as Charcot's foot.

When you can't feel anything in your feet, you will continue walking even if your feet are hurt or injured which can lead to other issues like Bunions, hammertoes, Plantar fasciitis, and other foot conditions.

This is why it's important for people living with diabetes to have good shoes that provide support and protection for their toes and arches. Work boots and work shoes are especially recommended because they protect both the top and bottom of the foot while standing or walking all day long on hard surfaces such as concrete floors. 

Best working shoes for diabetics

The best work shoes for people with diabetes are ones that offer safety, approval, and A5500 labeling. Work shoes should provide safety from slipping, diabetic-approved shoes (A5500), and are slip-resistant. Work shoes should be found in many styles including wide insoles and colors. Work shoes can be found online at various retailers such as Amazon. Work shoes also come in different sizes including men, women and, children's sizes. Work shoes may help with foot pain caused by neuropathy or swelling feet due to diabetes. 

The Skechers anti-slip work shoe for women is perfect for any career woman, especially if your profession requires you to be on your feet. The sturdy synthetic soles provide lightweight and flexible comfort with a memory foam footbed that feels like walking on clouds. To keep you from slipping or being an electric hazard, the sole of this shoe contains slip-resistant properties along with electrical hazard protection in case danger arises on the job. These shoes come with a breathable mesh and with a synthetic upper.

Features:

  • Electrical hazard tested for safety
  • Memory foam cushioned inside sole
  • Casual slip-resistant sole
  • Soft mesh inside for breathing
  • Synthetic upper with a stretch-laced front look
Skechers Women's Anti Slip Work Shoe

4.5/5 stars and 21,704 ratings

Pros

  • Comfortable enough for you to wear all day long
  • Breathable
  • Durable so doesn't wear off that quick
  • True to size

Cons

  • Some people claim it has poor cushioning

You have to put in the work, day after day. But when you’d rather have your feet up at the end of your shift than aching from working all day, these shoes will suit any industrial setting you may find yourself in. And while they offer full-day protection and support, with their sleek and sportive design and vibrant colorways, these New Balance shoes strike just the fashion balance that can make us hardworking men proud.

You don't need heavy-duty work boots to thrive in a tough environment. ABZORB cushioning, slip-resistant outsoles and an internal shank make these non-slip shoes the ideal choice for staying on your feet long into the night or during a grueling shift that can last all afternoon

It may say "new balance" across the front but it has got some spunk behind it!

Features:

  • Squeezing molded midsole
  • Upper made of leather
  • Non-marking outer sole
  • Slip resistance to provide safety on various surfaces
New Balance Men's Slip-Resistant Industrial Shoe

4.5/5 stars and 5,627 ratings

Pros

  • Truly comfortable
  • Slip-resistant
  • Perfect fit
  • Durable
  • Great for all-day-long shifts

Cons

  • It may not be wide enough

The AIGU steel toe shoes are a great way to take on the tough jobs at your work with confidence. You can be reassured in knowing that each shoe will support you for hours on end, and they meet safety standards worldwide.

The steel toe shoes are a low-key, no-frills choice for strong and hardworking people who don't need to draw attention with flashy designs or elaborate laces. They might not be the prettiest work shoe on the block but they are tough enough to brave whatever you throw at them. Not to mention how comfy they are! Pssst.. don't tell anyone but this stuff is so light it's like walking on air.

Take them home today to tackle all of your toughest job needs!

Aigu Steel Toe Shoes For Men And Women

4/5 stars and 3,127 ratings

These steel toe shoes for men have extra depth and are built with advanced fly needles and the slip-resistant sole is like walking barefoot, while the breathable design keeps you soothe in all day long. Plus, these sneakers for men & women also have anti-piercing protection to keep your feet safe from danger and an insole that can protect you from injury during a tough workday. They are made from durable material and are padded to soothe pains from plantar fasciitis.

Being lightweight footwear and with bulletproof Kevlar, these steel-toe shoes are perfect for your comfort while working. You'll stay light on your feet as well as have the protection you need no matter what the job is.

Kcvtd Steel Toe Safety Work Shoes For Men &Amp; Women

4/5 stars and 1,712 ratings

Proudly sporting a sleek, all-black composition with embossed text at the heel and toes, this sneaker is fit for any occasion! Tested to meet the toughest standards against oil and slip-resistant education, you don't have to worry about your step. There's also an ultra-comfortable gel cushion that absorbs shock from tough city streets with every step you take so it feels like butter on your feet! And while we're talking about how comfortable these are - slip resistance + indoor protection = perfect shoes.

Dr. Scholl's Women's Drive Slip-Resistant Sneaker

4/5 stars and 1,056 ratings

The Steel Toe 627 can kick your day up a notch. Do you need the right shoe for all the weather you've got coming in this fabric and durable man-made upper that offers breathability, steel toe protection, and an ABZORB® cushioning system to conquer any job on the docket without breaking a sweat? With rubber soles and ITEP (Injection Textile) midsoles, you've got the tough guy sneaker with unmatched flexibility!

New Balance Men's Steel Toe Suede Industrial Shoe

4/5 stars and 1,293 ratings

A working man doesn't need to sacrifice comfort for construction, or style for steel-toe protection. The Propét® Men's Seeley Construction Boot is both fashionable and functional. This boot will keep you going all day long with its cushioned insole, anti-fatigue design, safety toe composite to guard against injury, and a serious grip rubber sole on the bottom that won't let you slip at all in wet conditions. And just because this shoe was designed as a work glove doesn't mean it can't also be your weekend look!

Above all, it's A5500 Medicare-approved!

Propét Men's Seeley Construction Boot

4/5 stars and 141 ratings

I know, I know. You already have five pairs of work shoes back at home. But I'm going to tell you why none of them come close to the JACKSHIBO Lightweight Steel Toe Indestructible work shoes. They're comfortable and breathable, so your feet don't get all sweaty or smelly while you work all day long - which is important if you find yourself on your feet for hours a day with only short commute breaks in between. The high-quality steel toe cap won't let any crazy accidents happen. And it's got a built-in puncture-resistant Kevlar sole that lets you walk around with peace of mind, knowing that those thick rubber souls are protecting your feet.

Https://Amzn.to/3Ahaa0V

4/5 stars and 11 ratings

Are Dr. Comfort Shoes slip-resistant?

Dr. Comfort Work Shoes are slip-resistant and have a wide insole which is helpful to those with diabetic feet or orthopedic problems, who may need more space for their foot inside the shoe. They also offer full coverage shoes as well as many styles and colors of dressy heels that are appropriate for workwear occasions if you do not want your go-to pair of sneakers on days when you must dress up. Dr. Comfort Work Shoes can be found online through various retailers such as Amazon. So it should be easy to find what type of style suits your tastes best even without leaving home!

Does New Balance have slip-resistant shoes?

Yes! New Balance work shoes have a slip-resistant design that will keep you from slipping and hurting yourself. Work shoes can be found in many styles and colors, including their steel toe industrial line which comes with a durable sole to provide slip-resistance and is approved by the A5500 label.

New Balance work shoes are also diabetic-friendly so they may help diabetics manage foot pain caused by neuropathy or other conditions that lead to swelling of the feet. New Balance offers a wide range of sizes for men, women, and children as well as orthotics insoles which you can purchase separately if needed!

Other ways you can protect your feet from complications related to diabetes-related nerve damage

There is not always much that can be done to prevent complications related to diabetic nerve damage. However, the prevention of diabetic issues may require a change of lifestyle that includes living with diabetes and making healthy choices.

Working with your doctor or podiatrist may also help you establish a plan for preventing complications related to diabetes. Your doctor or podiatrist may recommend that you wear shoes that have more space in them and can accommodate your swollen feet. These should also offer safety, approval A5500 labels which allow for slip resistance. Work shoes should also come in different styles and should allow room for wide insoles if needed.

Other ways to protect your feet are options such as wearing diabetic socks or buying insoles or insert that provides arch support and absorbs shocks. Before wearing your socks you can use protective foot cream to moisturize your feet.

Different Types of Diabetic Work Shoes

Depending on your needs, your endocrinologist may recommend the following type of shoes:

Healing Shoes

Healing shoes are recommended if you are recovering from a foot sore or a surgery and can be either an open or closed sandal. Closed-toe healing sandals are more preferred because they provide great protection to your feet.

In-depth Shoes

In-depth shoes are a type of diabetic shoe that are more deeper than regular shoes. This extra space makes room for inserts to give extra depth and stability. It will also help with foot conditions like hammertoes and calluses.

Custom-made Shoes

To make sure that you'll be comfortable with a perfect fitting diabetic shoe, you can get a pair of diabetic shoes custom made for yourself that will be created from the pattern of your foot. This is specifically useful if your foot has any kind of deformation. Unlike regular diabetic shoes, the custom ones would be pricier than the ones available in the market.

Conclusion

If you're looking for comfortable, supportive work shoes that are also appropriate for those living with diabetes or other foot problems, the above list is there to help. Whether you wear a size 6 or 12 shoe in women's sizes (or whatever your size is), these slip-resistant shoes will be sure to keep your feet feeling dry and cool all day long as well as offer plenty of arch support. I can't wait to hear what type of pair best suits your needs!

About the Author

Ely Fornoville

Hi, I'm Ely Fornoville, and I am the founder of Diabetic & Me. Being a type 1 diabetic since 1996, I developed a passion to help people learn more about diabetes. I write about diabetes and share stories from other diabetics around the world. I currently use a Medtronic Guardian 4 CGM and a MiniMed 780G insulin pump with Humalog insulin.

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