Last Updated on April, 2024
Individuals with peripheral neuropathy often have a hard time walking properly, and the chances of them falling is relatively high too. Not just that, many even experience pain during walks making it all the more difficult.
However, it’s very essential to walk during diabetic neuropathy as it’ll increase your chances of reducing nerve pain, and for that, you’ll need not just other shoes; you’ll need a shoe designed for your neuropathy feet.
Wearing shoes designed for diabetic neuropathy can do a whole lot of good. Not all shoes can help, though. According to researchers, there’s an increased chance of getting foot sores if the shoes aren’t comfortable enough.
So it’s vital that you get your hands on the right shoes to improve your foot health and increase your chances of recovering.
Below, we’ve reviewed 11 of the best shoes for neuropathy. Factors like cushioning, depth, arch support, and pressure were all taken into account when picking these shoes so that you get the best comfort.
Quick Navigation
- 11 Best Men and Women Neuropathy Shoes
- 1. Orthofeet Tacoma (For Men)
- 2. Orthofeet Quincy (For Women)
- 3. KURU ATOM
- 4. APEX Men’s Lace Walking Shoe
- 5. Dr. Comfort William X
- 6. Propét Women’s Tour Walker Strap Sneaker
- 7. Easy Spirit Women’s Romy Sneaker
- 8. Alegria TREQ Women’s Qwik
- 9. Skechers Go Walk Sneakers
- 10. New Balance WW813
- 11. ASICS GEL-Nimbus 24 Trail
- What is Neuropathy?
- What is a Neuropathy Shoe?
- Things to Look for Before Buying a Shoe for Neuropathy
- Fit
- Comfort
- Durability
- Other Important Features
- Do Shoes for Neuropathy Actually Work?
- Benefits of Getting Neuropathy Shoes
- FAQs
- What are the Symptoms of Neuropathy?
- Can Wearing a Poorly Fitted Shoe Take a Toll on the Nerve?
- What Relieves Peripheral Neuropathy Faster?
- Does Walking Help Neuropathy in Feet?
- Final Verdict: Best Shoes for Neuropathy in Feet
- Was this article helpful?
11 Best Men and Women Neuropathy Shoes
Best Shoes for Neuropathy at a Glance
- Best Overall for Men: Orthofeet Tacoma
- Best Overall for Women: Orthofeet Quincy
- Best Neuropathy Foot Pain Shoe for Walking: KURU ATOM
- Best Athletic Shoe for Neuropathy Pain: ASICS GEL-Nimbus 24 Trail
- Best Budget: New Balance WW813
When it comes to health, there are no second chances, so you’re better off getting the best ones right away. The shoes listed below can relieve pain, and with that, a better balance can be achieved, leading to, most importantly less, falls and decreasing injuries.
1. Orthofeet Tacoma (For Men)
Orthofeet has been doing this for a long time, and they surely know how to get things right.
Their Tacoma is our number one pick, mainly thanks to its pain-relieving effects. That’s just half of the story, though.
One reason as to why this shoe took the top spot is because of its comfort.
This is everything you’ll need to walk down the street without feeling even the slightest of pain.
With the Protective Interior Soft and foam-padded interior lining, the pressure and the friction against the skin are completely alleviated, leading to comfort like no other.
Apart from comfort, the level of pain the Tacoma eases is quite excellent. Premium Orthotic Insoles work harmoniously with the anatomical arch support to realign the foot and the body. This, in turn, takes pain off the foot, heels, knees, and even the hips and lower back which is just incredible.
If you have swollen feet, the Tacoma will not pose any problems either, thanks to its wide toe box.
All of these also contribute to the fit, eliminate irritations, reduce pressure off the foot, and on top of that, the Tacoma even enhances blood flow.
That’s not it, though. The Tacoma is fully customizable to fit your needs. Not only does it come in a variety of different sizes and widths, but it also lets you remove the arch booster and fitting spacers. That is excellent as the fit is very important for a neuropathy patient.
Now that we’ve taken a look at everything inside, what about the outside? How do the shoes look while on your feet?
All of the Orthofeet shoes I’ve come across have looked good, and the Tacoma is no exception. This athletic type of sneaker will look good no matter who’s wearing them.
If you are still determining whether it’ll look good on you, you can try it absolutely free, as you’ll get a 60-day money-back guarantee.
If you are not happy with the way it looks, you can simply return it and get the money back.
With all things considered, there are no better shoes for neuropathy than the Orthofeet Tacoma. The Premium orthotic insoles, Wide toe-box, and Soft, padded fabric interior all make this the best shoe for neuropathy patients.
KEY FEATURES:
- The Stretchable Upper takes away the room for any pressure points and offers comfort fit throughout.
- The Ortho-Cushion System adds a springy feel to each of your steps, leading to longer walks.
- The Anatomical Arch Support keeps you stable during walks.
- The Smooth and Padded Interior promotes little to no friction at all, ensuring maximum protection.
- Rubber Outsole allows for an overall increase in stability and grip.
Pros
Cons
2. Orthofeet Quincy (For Women)
Shoes from Orthofeet are recommended by various podiatrists and are praised by diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients. Quite rightly so, and that shows off with the Orthofeet Quincy, which is specialized exclusively for women, while the Tacoma, as you may know already, is designed for men.
The Quincy is broadly similar or almost too similar to the Tacoma with all the bells and whistles present there in here too.
Comfort, this is a given with the Orthofeet shoes, and Quincy, out of all, deserves special praise. And that you might have guessed is from the foam-padded interior lining, which alleviates pressure and friction, leading to superior comfort and protection for your diabetic foot.
The orthotic insole makes a comeback here, too, and works just the way it does on the Tacoma.
Arch support realigns your foot and maintains your body posture, and it’s a game changer, I’d say, as it leads to fewer falls and which in turn means fewer injuries.
The cushioning is excellent, and the support it provides to your feet while walking cannot be understated. It adds a springy feel to each of the steps you take, and that’s not an experience many other diabetic shoes are able to provide.
Like the Tacoma, this is also customizable, which is excellent.
Design-wise, the Quincy is no worry for casual wear; it looks quite lovely from the outside.
Hard to believe?
No worries, thanks to the 60-day money-back guarantee, you can try the Quincy on yourself, and if it doesn’t fit you well, you’re given the luxury to return it and get your money back.
Orthofeet, undoubtedly, makes the best shoes to combat the damage in your peripheral nervous system.
I’m not the only person to say that; podiatrists, neurologists, and many patients with neuropathy recommend Orthofeet and Orthofeet only.
KEY FEATURES:
- Wide Toe Box allows your foot to stay in its natural shape.
- The Soft Foam Padded Interior gets rid of all the pressure points and offers much-needed comfort.
- The Strap makes the Quincy a lot more adjustable and lets you quickly decide how tight you want your shoes to be. A strap can come in a lot more handy.
- Arch support enhances stability and, at the same time, reduces pain in the foot and heel.
- The Moisture-wicking Fabric absorbs all the sweat produced, leading to little to no smell.
Pros
Cons
3. KURU ATOM
What’s a better shoe for neuropathy than Orthofeet?
KURU is your answer for that. Patented to free you from foot pain, you can’t go wrong with this shoe; excellently comfortable and a joy to wear.
KURUSOLE is the star of the shoe here. It is basically the backbone of this excellent piece of footwear. It is what makes the shoe excellently comfortable.
As mentioned above, the KURUCLOUD midsole, on the other hand, enhances the comfort even further and, on top of that, gets the shoe to fit perfectly in your feet and protects it.
The ATOM, just like the Tacoma and Quincy, improves your alignment and posture, and you should thank the KURUSOLE for that too.
If you’re concerned about what all this KURUCLOUD and KURUSOLE even means, here’s what you need to know. Both KURUCLOUD and KURUSOLE are two of the three patented techs present in all of the shoes from KURU, and some of the advantages they provide are mentioned above.
The third patented tech in the ATOM is its ULTIMATE INSOLE which is a Contoured, dual-density foam that provides superior arch support improving your balance and reducing pain.
That’s not it, though. The ATOM also sports a rounded heel cup which contributes to the comfort by providing cushioning and support.
ATOM is a sneaker with a sleek design and has an athletic-looking style to it which is very nice.
Since it’s made for both Men and Women, it comes in a variety of colors, too, and you can’t go wrong with any of them.
A 45-day money-back guarantee is provided if you think the shoe’s design is not your cup of tea or if it does not fit.
That means the purchase is entirely risk-free.
When it comes to the outside and the inside, KURU ATOM is a superb pair of shoes with impressive comfort and protection, making it one of the best walking shoes available. If you’re experiencing diabetes with neuropathy, then this is something that you can absolutely consider.
KEY FEATURES:
- The Three Patented Technology provides all-day comfort, protection, and many other benefits.
- Built-in Arch Support supports your arches and helps you place your feet in the ideal position, which in turn allows you to walk comfortably.
- Rounded Heel Cups provide additional cushioning, and if you have heel pain, these can help treat it.
Pros
Cons
4. APEX Men’s Lace Walking Shoe
APEX has a wide range of shoes to help with your foot problems, and the one that caught our attention is this Lace Walking Shoe.
First of all, this particular pair is designed for Men, but a version for women is available too.
APEX shoes are known for the stability they provide, and this one is no exception. The stability you get in your midfoot and rearfoot when the shoe is on is unmatched.
The material used to make this Lace walking shoe is highly stretchable, and that means zero pressure points. Firm heel counter located in the rear of the shoe delivers superb rearfoot stability.
Toe box in this APEX shoe, when compared to even the ones above, is a tier higher, and that’s not something I thought I’d say. It’s high, wide, allows your foot to spread out, and offers extra room for toe movement.
Extra Foam Padding in the heel collars also makes a difference when it comes to comfort and does a great job of supporting your heel and Achilles tendon. The difference it makes during running is enormous too.
Customization is a big part of all APEX’s shoes. You can easily customize the fit and comfort of the shoe by trimming the insole of the areas of pressure. If you want additional depth, you can also remove the insole altogether.
Design, on the other hand, is refined, not eye-catching, but it does its job. It’s perfectly fine for casual wear, running, and those types of stuff.
Money back guarantee is, however, different from the shoes we looked at above. You get only 15 days, and there are a lot of conditions you’ll need to follow. With that in mind, make sure you get the perfect size.
Apart from that, though, there are no real downsides, and the APEX can be an excellent pick and can serve really well in the long run.
KEY FEATURES:
- Padded Collar and Tongue offers cushioned comfort and stop heel slippage.
- Contoured EVA Insole supports cushioning and shock absorption.
- Moisture-wicking Polyester, Antimicrobial Mesh Lining keeps the sweat on the surface and prevents the absorption of odors.
- Multi-Dimensity Midsole placed for firmer, medial arch support.
Pros
Cons
5. Dr. Comfort William X
Dr. Comfort is very well known when it comes to shoes for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Their William X is the best if you want an excellent pair of shoes to fight against the nerve damage.
As in the name, Dr. Comfort is supremely comfortable because of its extra depth design.
The shoe is built ¼ inch deeper for excellent comfort and pillow-like support, and that makes it perfect for individuals with neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, plantar fasciitis, and all other sorts of leg injuries.
Furthermore, the William X is lightweight, and that is something important for a diabetic foot as it’ll improve mobility and function.
The anatomical orthotic insoles in the shoe also come with an ergonomic sole, which increases protection and improves foot posture. On the other hand, the wide, roomy toe box delivers an even more comfortable, non-binding fit.
Interiors of the William X’s are soft foam padded, which in turn alleviates all the pressure upon wearing the shoes. That is another reason as to why this shoe is top-notch for a variety of leg injuries.
Dr. Comfort William X is a shoe with a simple design with no laces. It just has a single hook and loop adjustable strap. With that in mind, if you’re considering using these shoes for running and other athletic activities, it’s better to go with an alternative option, as this is more suited for dress wear or casual wear.
KEY FEATURES:
- Leather Uppers, being a natural material, helps regulate heat and keep the feet cool and dry.
- Wide and Protective Toe Box for extra protection from toe stubbing.
- Built With Double Depth for extra comfort and support while at the same time alleviating pressure.
- Gel Insoles offer arch support along with shock absorption and more comfort.
- Firm Heel Counter in the shoe provides rear foot stability.
Pros
Cons
6. Propét Women’s Tour Walker Strap Sneaker
Propét is one of the oldest shoemakers on this list, and their variety when it comes to shoes for foot problems cannot be understated. You’re provided with a sea of options no matter the situation.
Out of all, their Tour Walker Sneaker is what caught our eyes. This is an excellent pair of shoes with a ton of helpful features for people with foot problems.
First of all, like all the best shoes for neuropathy, the Tour Walker is superb when it comes to comfort. That is because of the smooth and seamless interior and topped with complete padding.
You can also expect increased stability and less pressure and pain during walking.
Insole in the Tour Walker is doubled in order to provide superior cushioning, and heel cushion on top of that takes the moisture away from the foot, leading to a healthier and cooler footbed.
Support and stability the Tour Walker provides is top-notch, the firm heel counter is the reason for that.
The cushioned EVA midsole does an outstanding job of softening the impact as you walk, but that’s not the only benefit. EVA midsole also makes the Tour Walker perfect when it comes to durability, as it can withstand extreme temperatures.
With all that considered, Tour Walker from Propét is for sure one of the best shoes for neuropathy, everything about it screams to give it a shot, and it’s no doubt something worth considering.
KEY FEATURES:
- Adjustable Velcro Straps make it instant when it comes to putting on and taking off the shoes.
- Extra Depth allows for maximum fit, support, relief, and comfort for your feet.
- Removable Footbed lets you replace the insoles with custom orthotics.
Pros
Cons
7. Easy Spirit Women’s Romy Sneaker
Easy Spirit shoes are on the affordable side, but that does not mean they are bad. These are excellent walking and running shoes made for those suffering from peripheral neuropathy.
Containing 95% leather and 5% mesh upper, the comfortability of this sneaker is exceptional compared to most available. The padded collar only adds to that comfort, and on top of that, it delivers enhanced ankle support.
The Romy Sneaker also has cushioned foam sock liner, which is something most sneaker miss out on, but it has quite a few benefits up its sleeve; a notable one is its ability to prevent hot spots or friction zones.
Not only that, though, the foam sock-liner can also warm the shoes in cold weather and absorb the moisture of the foot while wearing the shoes.
The Thick Rubber outsole of the Romy is another reason why it has made the cut on this list. Unlike regular rubber outsoles, these thick ones offer more grip on treacherous surfaces making the shoes slip-resistant and more durable.
Insole, on the other hand, can be replaced with custom orthotics similar to Propét, and that’s great, considering how helpful it can be for some. It’s pretty underrated too. I think more shoes should do it.
The design of the Romy is something that needs praise; apart from everything, I think the design is what delivers that all-day comfort. It’s actually a nice-looking streamlined design that no one can go wrong with.
Pros
Cons
8. Alegria TREQ Women’s Qwik
Alegria, like all the others on this list, make one of the best shoes for neuropathy pain, and TREQ from them is one of those.
This simple yet elegant shoe can be one of the great picks for a woman with diabetic foot thanks to its excellent features.
Before we get into that, though, unlike any other shoes on this list, the TREQ has the SEAL of acceptance of the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association).
Even though the seal has no benefits, it’s just reassuring to have it.
Moving on, this shoe has tech baked into it, and that’s not something you see in many shoes.
The “Q-CHIP” within the shoe, synced with the Allegria step counter app, lets you keep track of the steps you’ve taken throughout the day.
Comfort-wise, the TREQ is outstanding, and that was something I wasn’t sure about before getting my hands on it. Alegria’s Dream Knit fabric deserves all the praise for this; it not only fits well to the feet but also enables top-notch comfortability.
Comfort is not the only thing this shoe gets right. Stability, cushioning, and support are other areas where the TREQ excels at. While the interlocking footbed increases the aforementioned benefits, the polyurethane and memory foam make the shoe skid resistant and deliver an exceptional level of arch support.
TREQ comes in a variety of colors and sizes, and as for the design, be it casual or dress wear, you can’t go wrong.
Pros
Cons
9. Skechers Go Walk Sneakers
If you’re into shoes, you probably know about Skechers, known for comfortable and, most importantly, affordable shoes in different styles and designs; their Go Walk is an impressive pair of shoes for peripheral neuropathy.
Even though the shoes aren’t specifically made for peripheral neuropathy, the comfort and support they provide as walking shoes are incredible.
That’s the reason Go Walk is one of the favorites and is recommended by many podiatrists.
First of all, this shoe is very lightweight, and you can feel it by looking at it.
Comfort is a given when it comes to shoes from Skechers, and the Go Walk is no exception. The high rebound insoles, which are well-cushioned along with the soft padded collar, are the reason for that; this enhances the protection too.
Furthermore, the thick, padded tongue takes away any hotspots in the top of your foot, plus the midsole is what makes the difference.
Skechers Arch Fit system is certified by podiatrists, and the arch support it offers is truly fantastic. On the other hand, the outsole is made of Goodyear rubber, and the traction and stability it provides are excellent.
Skechers always provide variety when it comes to colors and sizes, and the same can be said for the go walk, and for its starting price, it indeed is something worth considering.
Pros
Cons
10. New Balance WW813
Would you believe New Balance, one of the well-known athletic shoes brands, is now making medicare approved diabetic shoes?
You better now because the 813 from New Balance is exactly that. When it comes to shoes, any type, New Balance has always been excellent and consistent, and the 813 is a clear example of that.
When it comes to comfort, the 813s are great because the collar is well cushioned; the lightweightness of the shoe also contributes to that.
Interior of the shoe is well padded and soft, plus the insole, even though fixed, offers good arch support and prevents discomfort.
The patented ROLLBAR® technology of New Balance provides stability and reduces rear-foot movement. On the outside, the outsole is capable of delivering excellent traction.
Compared to other shoes on the list, the New Balance 813s aren’t that feature-rich, but it does get the job done. The plush comfort and quality construction are all more than enough to keep your foot healthy.
Pros
Cons
11. ASICS GEL-Nimbus 24 Trail
For the final shoe, we have ASICS, a brand that is similar to New Balance that specializes in athletic shoes. Even though it does not bring too much in terms of benefits for neuropathy, it still is an excellent pair of shoes.
The Nimbus 24 is made for runners, but that does not mean they cannot be used as walking shoes. The shoe, even though it looks bulkier, is very lightweight, and the cushion it has makes both walking and running a joy.
The midsole of the Nimbus is very well balanced while also making the bottom feel less heavier. Not just that, the OrthoLite™ X-55 sock liner in the Nimbus 24 takes comfortability to another level.
Shock absorption, support, and stability are the areas where this shoe excels, though. When it comes to neuropathy, limiting excessive movement and balanced walking during neuropathy is essential, and this shoe is more than capable of providing, and that is the reason why this shoe secured its name on this list.
Pros
Cons
What is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy, also known as peripheral neuropathy, is a condition where your peripheral nerve is damaged or fails to function normally. Peripheral nerves are all the nerves located outside of your brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral neuropathy can happen in a variety of ways, not only diabetes but also through nerve injury, illness, trauma, or medications.
What is a Neuropathy Shoe?
Neuropathy shoes, unlike your regular shoes, are built differently. Comfort is the name of the game when it comes to shoes for neuropathy, and that is achieved with a fabric upper that is capable of expanding and contracting.
Plus, these shoes have wide widths for perfect fit, and on top of that, insoles of the shoes for neuropathy are often removable so that you can attach your own orthotic insole.
The Orthotic insoles also support the arch and prevent excessive pronation, which can lead to injuries.
Likewise, shoes for neuropathy have a lot of exclusive benefits you can’t get on other shoes, and they provide excellent support for your foot.
Things to Look for Before Buying a Shoe for Neuropathy
Picking up the right shoe is crucial when buying a shoe for neuropathy, but that’s not the only factor. Apart from that, there are other factors too. So below are some of the essentials to look for in a neuropathy shoe.
Fit
As mentioned above, picking the shoe with the right fit is the single most important thing when it comes to buying a shoe for neuropathy. A shoe without a proper fit can lead to all sorts of trouble, including discomfort, and can even harm your foot. Proper fit is crucial if you want to see improvements, so make sure the shoe you get fits you properly.
Comfort
Comfort is the next big thing. Walking is crucial for neuropathy, and with an uncomfortable set of pairs, you’ll not be able to walk enough. Make sure to get a shoe that’s supportive and is cushioned with extra room for your toes to move.
Some shoes also come with removable insoles too, which means you can fit in your own orthotic insoles, which can be a huge advantage.
Durability
Wearing sturdy and protective footwear is something that you need to consider, as getting a shoe with inferior materials can wear out much faster. High-quality materials for the upper lining outsole are all vital if you want your new pair of shoes to last longer.
Other Important Features
Protective and soft interior lining, moisture-wicking materials, and arch support are all features you don’t want to miss out on. The interior linings provide more padding around the foot, and the moisture-wicking materials, on the other hand, prevent all of the bacterial infections, fungus, and other skin problems associated with wet feet.
Arch support has a lot of benefits, too; it can improve the balance by properly aligning your feet, hips, knees, back, and body.
If you want a shoe to alleviate this terrible pain, it’s vital that you get one with all this.
Do Shoes for Neuropathy Actually Work?
These shoes have a lot to them that’ll benefit a person with neuropathy big time. Take the soft padded interior, orthotic Insoles, wide toe box as examples, these are all highly beneficial for neuropathy. These shoes will also help people walk more steadily and will put a stop to further damages to your neuropathy feet.
Benefits of Getting Neuropathy Shoes
Below I’ll list some of the biggest benefits you can experience with a neuropathy shoe:
- Improved blood flow
- Reduces foot pain
- Provides a lot more room for the foot to move freely
- Also helps minimize foot problems other than neuropathy
- Neuropathy shoes provide excellent foot support
- The cushioned and roomy fit improves mobility
- Comfort while walking with neuropathy shoes are class-leading
FAQs
Final Verdict: Best Shoes for Neuropathy in Feet
Neuropathy isn’t something to be taken for granted. Crucial attention and care are needed if you’re to relieve that dreadful pain. The right shoes play a big part, and you may already know their importance.
Shoes from Orthofeet are undoubtedly our top pick, and you might as well know the reasons for that, too; it simply brings more to the table than its competitors.
Since this is about your health, a small but thoughtful decision can take everything a long way, and I hope you make a wise one.
Having said that, if you were having trouble choosing shoes that actually work, you now know, as we’ve provided you with the best possible options available.
Discover the Optimal Diabetic Footwear for You:
- Best Diabetic Boots
- Best Diabetic Slippers
- Best Crocs for Diabetics
- Best Sandals for Neuropathy
- Best Sneakers for Diabetics
- Best Work Shoes for Diabetics
- Best Skechers Diabetic Shoes
- Best Shoes for Chemo Induced Neuropathy
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