1) This is referring to an othodic insole. The most common version is a heat-moldable version made from a material called Plastazote. Plastazote® foam is a closed cell, cross linked, polyethylene designed to be heat formed at 285°F to a positive model or directly to your foot. Its comfortable feel, light weight and conformability make Plastazote the standard for diabetic and arthritic foot management. The constant dynamic molding of an orthotic with Plastazote® will distribute pressure to the surrounding areas of a sore spot or ulcer.

When you come to our clinic, we will have you step onto the insole (after we heat it with a proper source) for approximately 4 minutes. This process will allow the insole to "form" to your foot.  Each foot is unique. Sometimes you need extra arch support and sometimes you need space to accommodate an ulceration on the foot.

Medicare provides for 3 pairs of these insoles per year. The insole is the part of the shoe that does the most to protect the diabetic foot. For best results, rotate the insoles every 30 days. This will not make them last longer, but it will make them provide a more effective and efficient care of the foot.

2) Leather (calfskin) is the best material for protecting the foot. So much of the footwear made today is from manmade materials that simulate leather, but they lack the protective nature, breathable element, and quality of true calfskin. Payless Shoe Source is a great example of shoes that are made of faux leathers. While this process will help keep the prices down, the shoes are neither lined on the inside (an important element in protecting the foot) and the materials lack the natural pores of the calfskin which can flex and breathe appropriately.

Plus, leather can be cared for and provide a longer life than the manmade materials.  Which makes for a better investment for you.

3) We all love slip-on shoes. The only problem is that without a proper enclosure, the shoe is allowed to move freely around the foot and worse yet, allows the foot to move freely within the shoe. The important aspect here is to keep the foot moving in a forward motion and not rolling of the side of the foot. It is very common for someone to have a condition known as pronation. This condition is a result of the foot rolling out when the person walks. This rollover is especially dangerous when the person has neuropathy since they are not getting good feedback from the foot to let them know when there is a problem.

The shoe you should wear must have an enclosure that covers the vamp of the foot. This enclosure can be either a traditional lace oxford or the more popular Velcro strap. But you have shoes on your site that do not have either, you say. Yes, you are correct. Some people are still stuck on having a slip-on shoe and so we try to provide for everyone.

We always recommend a shoe with an enclosure. In fact, if you are trying to get your shoes through Medicare, they must have an enclosure.
 

4) Size and fit are the ultimate test of a quality therapeutic shoe. This is why we feature 10 different brands in our stores and on our website - to make sure that you get the best fit. Our passion is simple - the right shoe on the right foot at the right time.

For answers to more of your diabetic shoes questions, click here.