Guide · Diabetes
Therapeutic diabetic shoes: how they help and what to look for
Therapeutic shoes aren't just comfortable footwear — they're designed to reduce the pressure and friction that cause diabetic foot ulcers. For many people with diabetes, they're a simple, covered way to prevent serious problems.
Educational overview; coverage details verified against Medicare (CMS) sources.Educational information, not medical advice — talk with your physician about what's right for you.
What makes a shoe 'therapeutic'?
Therapeutic shoes have extra depth and a soft, protective interior with no irritating seams, and they're built to hold custom inserts that redistribute pressure. That combination protects insensitive or high-risk feet far better than regular shoes.
Depth shoes vs. custom-molded
- Depth shoes — extra room for inserts and foot changes; the most common choice.
- Custom-molded shoes — made from a mold of your foot for severe deformities that off-the-shelf shoes can't fit.
The role of inserts
The insert does much of the protective work — cushioning and redistributing pressure away from at-risk spots. Medicare's benefit includes inserts along with the shoes.
Getting fitted
Fit should be done by a trained fitter, often a podiatrist or pedorthist, who accounts for your foot shape, any deformities, and pressure points. A good fit is what makes the shoes protective rather than just comfortable.
How Medicare coverage works
Medicare Part B covers one pair of therapeutic shoes plus inserts per calendar year for people with diabetes and a qualifying foot condition, when prescribed and fit appropriately. Details are on our coverage page, and you can check your eligibility below.
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Common questions
How often will Medicare pay for diabetic shoes?+
Once per calendar year — one pair of shoes plus the covered inserts — when you continue to meet the criteria.
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