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These shoes feature a pull-to-tie system and an adjustable heel strap to ensure ease of dexterity and accommodation for swelling. Read More
These Skechers Slip-Ins are supremely comfortable. They require no hand dexterity at all and are made of a sock-like, flexible material. Read More
Hoka's Clifton 9s are a lightweight, no-frills footwear option that offers comfort and a slip-resistant rubber sole. Read More
If you want to protect your foot from injury, this shoe's roomy, hard-sided toe box may be exactly what you're looking for. Read More
These specialized sandals have orthotic insoles, a rub-free interior, and slip resistance in a very familiar formfactor. Read More
Most people have experienced the strange sensation of pins and needles in their extremities when they’ve been sitting too long. However, for those with peripheral neuropathy, these symptoms are often just the tip of the iceberg. Put simply, neuropathy is classified as any numbness, muscle weakness, and/or pain. Peripheral neuropathy specifically refers to these symptoms in extremities like the hands and feet.
No one likes the feeling of uncomfortable shoes. But for those with neuropathy, it’s especially important to find the right footwear to support good foot health and to avoid unnecessary injury. Even minor issues like blisters and rubbing can become serious problems for those who can’t feel their feet, as they may not become aware of foot pain caused by their shoes until the injury is severe.
When my mother developed peripheral neuropathy as a side effect of chemotherapy, I saw firsthand how tricky it was to find comfortable footwear that reduced her chance of injury and made her feel safe. Finding shoes with these qualities that didn’t look specifically like clunky medical-specific footwear was even more difficult.
In recent years, more and more companies have created solutions to fit needs like these, leading to a decent selection of options if you know where to look. We’ve sorted through the best shoes for diabetics and others with pain and numbness in their feet.
These are the six best shoes for neuropathy, according to reviewers.
Editor's Note: The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.
If you need a shoe with a traditional look that doesn't require tying, these Verve sneakers are great. Swelling is no match for this heel strap design.
Athletic shoes are some of the best shoes for foot pain when it comes to supporting the wearer, providing strong traction, and offering flexibility. However, these same styles typically feature laces that are difficult to tie for people who have neuropathy in their hands as well as their feet. Luckily, Orthofeet has a clever workaround in its Verve Tie-Less Athletic shoes.
While they have laces for cosmetic purposes, these shoes feature a simple pull system to “tie” the laces, and an adjustable heel strap at the back, making them ideal for those with neuropathy. Velcro tabs on the inside and outside of the shoe allow the user to essentially "tighten" the laces from the top using a familiar Velcro method.
For anyone who frequently deals with swollen feet or who has trouble sliding their foot in and out of shoes, these adjustments can be a huge help and make the whole process a breeze. Plus, because the shoes are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) to support overall foot health, you can wear them with confidence knowing they’ll keep you going pain-free.
These are sized for women, but there’s a men’s Monterey style as well that’s basically the exact same.
Flexible heel spacing with heel strap
Orthotic insoles with arch support
Expensive compared to traditional shoes
The Skechers Ultra Flex 3.0 shoes require little to no dexterity to slip on. Its sock-like comfort could be great for those dealing with medical conditions in their feet.
When it comes to neuropathy shoes, Skechers offers a great option with its Ultra Flex 3.0 Smooth Step Slip-ins. This shoe design is made to slip on without any need to bend down or use your hands.
This is ideal for those who have balance challenges caused by their neuropathy, those who also have neuropathy in their hands, and those who just want a faster time getting out the door. (And if you’re loving the hands-free concept described here, be sure to check out our list of other great hands-free shoes.)
One of the best features of this shoe is its flexible outer material, which feels sock-like in its comfort. For those who have intermittent swelling or those just looking for a rub-free, chafe-free material, this can be an ideal setup. However, if you often find yourself bumping into hard surfaces or plan to be in crowded spaces frequently, a shoe with a more protected toe box might be ideal.
Memory Foam cushioned insole is comfy and hugs heel
Stretch Fit design allows for more space
Flexible outer material means toes are less protected
The Hoka Clifton 9 is a modern classic for its lightweight feel and carefully made construction. Hoka shoes have become a favorite amongst medical professionals.
For those who prefer a more classic sneaker and don’t struggle with laces, these Clifton 9 athletic shoes from Hoka are a great choice.
One of their best features is their lightweight construction. They weigh just 7.3 ounces, which for those (like me) who can’t imagine weights well in their head, is about the same as a cup of sugar or an adult hamster. If you struggle with heavier and clunkier shoes, making tripping more likely, this is a great shoe that will leave you feeling like you’re wearing nothing at all.
In addition, the Clifton 9’s slip-resistant rubber sole has been crafted for an inherently stable shape, helping you keep your balance even when neuropathy makes it more difficult. Though it doesn’t offer the advanced orthotics of some others on this list, if adaptations like extra arch support cause you more pain than they save, this is a great neutral option that supports good foot health without extra bells and whistles.
The shoes linked below are sized for women, but you can buy a men’s version of the Clifton 9 as well.
Slip-resistant rubber outsole provides strong stability
Cushioned midsole and breathable knit outer material
Laces may be difficult for some wearers to tie
Flexible outer material means toes are less protected
The William-X shoes from Dr. Comfort provide a wide and protected toe box to prevent accidental damage. An adjustable fit keeps wearers feeling comfy and blister free.
Because diabetic neuropathy (and similar symptoms with other causes) can make it hard to tell when your foot has been injured, a protective outer layer on a shoe is extremely important. This Dr. Comfort William-X shoe is beloved by those with neuropathy, as well as other conditions like arthritis, because of its solid build and strong design.
The William-X has a roomy, hard-sided toe box to give your feet space while also shielding them from harm. Its adjustable fit is ideal for those who need extra room to maneuver as well as those who struggle with laces, and its seamless liner is ideal for keeping your feet blister free. Its all-black look and slip resistance make these shoes perfect for many workplaces and formal situations. Perhaps best of all, they can be purchased using an HSA or FSA account if you have one.
The biggest disadvantage to this shoe is its clunky, heavier weight compared to others on this list. Though this is often the natural tradeoff for a well-protected outer material, it does mean that for anyone who finds heavier shoes to be an extra challenge to walking, these shoes may not be the best fit.
No-tie fastening and easily adjusted fit
These sandals from Orthofeet have orthotic insoles and slip resistance, making them a surprisingly solid fit for those with neuropathy.
At first glance, it may seem strange to include open-toed sandals on this list, but as a caregiver I found sandals like these to be one of my mother’s favorite go-to options when managing her neuropathy.
These Gemini Sandals from Orthofeet are a great example of well-designed sandals that feel as good as they look. They offer the most important elements of neuropathy-friendly shoes such as orthotic insoles, rub-free interior, and slip resistance, while also providing the functionality of sandals.
When wearing open-toed shoes like these, it’s vital to keep in mind where you’re wearing them and how you plan to keep your feet safe from external bumps and bruises. However, because the wearer can see the most easily damaged parts of their feet, it’s possible to keep an eye on how they’re doing in a way that caged-toe sandals don’t allow.
One of the reasons my mother loved this style so much was that it allowed her feet to exist comfortably in a shoe even when they were at their most swollen. They also eliminated pain from other chemo-related symptoms and provided a cooler alternative in summer when more enclosed shoes felt unbearable.
The sandals linked below are sized for men, but you can also buy a women’s design called the Venice Sandal.
Orthotic Insoles with optional arch support booster
Open toe area and padded fabric prevent rubbing
Two-way strap system for easy on and off
Exposed feet and toes leave higher potential for injury
These Margot Square-Toe V-Cut Flats are among a very small group of dress shoes made with neuropathy in mind.
Dress shoes are notorious for being uncomfortable and tight, especially those designed with women in mind. These Margot Square-Toe V-Cut Flats from Vivaia are a great alternative to others on the market. With a wide toe box, cushioned but supportive insole, and slip-resistant outer sole, these shoes are ideal for those with neuropathy.
One of the best features of these shoes is their stretchy outside material which prevents rubbing and accommodates even the worst swelling days. You can learn more about the neuropathy-specific research and design factors that went into creating these shoes on Vivaia’s website.
Stretchy outer fabric and wide toe box
Cushioning foam insole and soft heel padding
Anti-bacterial removable insole with arch support
Flexible outer material means toes are less protected
Finding the right shoe to fit your neuropathy needs requires consideration of many factors such as the type of toe box, slip resistance, and shock absorbency.
In most cases Medicare will cover any treatment for neuropathy, including specialized supportive shoes, as long as they’re prescribed as a medically necessary treatment from a qualified podiatrist, orthotist, prosthetist, pedorthist, or similar expert. If covered, the patient typically pays 20% of the total cost.
Of course, like all insurance matters, this answer may not apply in every single case. Our words can be used as strong guidance, but they’re still no match for the advice of your chosen medical professional.
When choosing the best shoe for managing peripheral neuropathy in the feet, it’s important to consider a variety of factors. While it’s always best to choose shoes that are beneficial to overall foot health, when you have neuropathy, it becomes a must.
Finding footwear that supports good balance and gentleness on the feet is essential to avoiding injury. Plus, because neuropathy often means you cannot feel your feet well enough to tell when an injury such as a blister or cut is starting to occur, it’s important to plan ahead and ensure any shoes you wear provide proper protection.
Though no shoe will be “one size fits all,” there are certain qualities that are worth prioritizing when shopping for neuropathy-friendly shoes.
Whatever shoes you end up settling on, remember that you know your feet best. If something has consistently caused problems for you in the past or worked especially well, apply that same logic here.
A shoe doesn’t need to have all of these features to be the best neuropathy shoes, it just needs to have a design that lets you live your life to the fullest in whatever form that looks like to you.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time. The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews, and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews, and more.
Anna Wenner is a freelance writer and photographer with nearly a decade of editorial experience. Anna's work always has one thing in common: helping her readers live safe, fulfilling lives.
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