For many, choosing almost any pair of popular brand name shoes, and wearing them whenever possible, is a fashion statement. However, for someone who is diabetic, the situation is much different. Not just any pair of shoes will do. A diabetic purchasing the wrong pair of shoes may lead to nerve, and vascular damage to the feet. Horribly enough, in the worst case scenario, a doctor may have to amputate the diabetics foot.

The only way a diabetic can prevent this type of situation is by shopping for a special pair of diabetic shoes. Diabetic shoes are not that easy to find; being a product that is exclusive for those who suffer from diabetes they are not available in many stores. A doctor is the best place to start when gathering information on diabetic shoes.

After careful examination, a podiatrist will be able to tell if the patient is at high risk for diabetic related foot problems. Examples of these potential foot problems are abnormal nerve function, as well as foot deformities such as bunions, or hammertoes.

Shoe inserts, available at most retailers, may be recommended for those diabetics who only require moderate modification of their foot wear. For others with more serious foot problems, or those who have had no luck with the inserts, a special shoe will have to be made. The patient should realize that these shoes are not made with fashion in mind. You won't find labels like Reebok, or Nike.

For those diabetics who are enrolled in Medicare there may be a discount. Members who are diabetic are allowed to get one free pair of diabetic shoes every year.

Here are some tips to help the diabetic patient select the right kind of shoes.

1. The patient should wear the type of socks that are regularly worn. This will help to determine how comfortable the shoe will be when walking.

2. While a patient may be aware of any number of websites that offer diabetic shoes, it is best to stay away from these online stores. A diabetic patient should always "test fit" their new diabetic shoes first before buying.

3. It is generally more advisable to try on a pair of new shoes in the late afternoon rather than in the morning. Why? As the day goes on, our feet tend to "spread out" a little. Trying on and purchasing the shoe in the morning may cause a problem. Later on in the day the shoe may become uncomfortably tight.

4. A quality pair of diabetic shoes should last approximately 2 or 3 years before having to be replaced. It is strongly recommended that the patient remeasure both feet before buying a new pair. Do not rely on the old size because a gain or loss of a few pounds may change the size of the shoes.

5. The patient should take the time to walk around the shoe store as much as possible to make sure the shoes feel comfortable.

6. Select a pair of shoes with laces, as opposed to those that slip on. This makes any necessary adjustment, either tightening, or loosening much easier.

7. Avoid shoes that are made of plastic, or synthetic leather. These shoes do not allow the foot sufficient air to breathe.

8. Diabetic shoes should always be flat. Any type of higher heel will put more pressure on the foot and the toes.

Diabetics have special needs that must be recognized and accepted. Wearing the correct diabetic shoes is something that the patient must learn to live with. In a diabetics case, fashion consideration falls far behind health considerations.

Carl DiNello is an Article Author whose articles are featured on websites covering the Internet's most popular topics.