Diabetic Shoes
Certified therapeutic footwear fitted by experts — protecting your feet and your independence.
Call 1-855-632-8988Helpful Diabetic Shoe Resources
Explore these trusted footwear producers to learn more about therapeutic footwear, diabetic foot care, and finding the right shoes for your needs.
Protecting Your Feet Starts with the Right Fit
For people living with diabetes, foot health is critical. Peripheral neuropathy, poor circulation, and foot deformities can make ordinary footwear dangerous — leading to blisters, ulcers, and in severe cases, amputation. Properly fitted therapeutic shoes are one of the most effective tools for preventing these complications.
UnitedCare's certified fitters work with your physician to select, fit, and deliver the right diabetic footwear for your needs. We handle all Medicare and insurance paperwork — most qualifying patients pay nothing out of pocket.
Why Diabetic Footwear Matters
Reduce Ulcer Risk
Properly fitted diabetic shoes redistribute pressure away from high-risk areas, significantly lowering the chance of skin breakdown and ulcer formation.
Improve Circulation
Roomy toe boxes and non-constricting designs support healthy blood flow to the feet — critical for patients with peripheral neuropathy or vascular disease.
Enhance Stability
Firm heel counters, wider bases, and supportive insoles improve balance and reduce fall risk, helping you stay active and independent.
Protect Sensitive Feet
Seamless interiors, soft linings, and extra depth eliminate friction and pressure points that can cause blisters and wounds in insensate feet.
Our Diabetic Footwear Products
Depth-Inlay Shoes
Depth shoes feature extra depth throughout the shoe to accommodate custom or prefabricated inserts. They reduce pressure on sensitive areas and are ideal for patients with hammertoes, bunions, or other foot deformities.
Custom-Molded Shoes
For patients with severe foot deformities or ulcers, custom-molded shoes are fabricated directly from a cast or scan of the foot to provide a precise, protective fit that off-the-shelf footwear cannot offer.
Prefabricated Inserts
Prefabricated diabetic inserts cushion the foot, redistribute pressure, and reduce friction. Medicare covers up to three pairs of inserts per calendar year with qualifying diabetic footwear.
Custom Orthotic Inserts
Custom orthotics are fabricated from a mold of your foot to address your specific biomechanical needs — providing superior support, pressure relief, and protection compared to standard inserts.
Diabetic Socks & Hosiery
Non-binding, seamless diabetic socks reduce pressure points and improve circulation. We carry a range of styles and compression levels to complement your therapeutic footwear.
Protective & Post-Op Footwear
Surgical shoes, healing sandals, and cast boots protect wounds and surgical sites during recovery while allowing for dressing changes and monitoring.
Medicare Part B covers one pair of therapeutic diabetic shoes and up to three pairs of inserts per calendar year for qualifying patients. UnitedCare handles all claim forms — no up-front costs for eligible patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Medicare-covered diabetic shoes?
Medicare Part B covers one pair of therapeutic shoes and up to three pairs of inserts per calendar year for patients with diabetes who also have at least one of the following: peripheral neuropathy with signs of callus formation, history of pre-ulcerative calluses, history of foot ulceration, foot deformity, previous amputation, or poor circulation. Your physician must certify medical necessity.
Do I need a prescription?
Yes. A prescription from your treating physician (typically your primary care doctor or endocrinologist) is required. A podiatrist, orthotist, or pedorthist must then fit and provide the footwear. UnitedCare coordinates the entire process.
How are the shoes fitted?
Our certified fitters measure both feet, assess your gait, and evaluate any deformities or pressure areas. We then select the appropriate shoe style and insert to match your clinical needs and personal preferences.
How often can I get new diabetic shoes through Medicare?
Medicare covers one pair of shoes and up to three pairs of inserts per calendar year (January 1 – December 31). If your inserts wear out sooner, additional pairs may be covered in some circumstances.
What if I have a severe foot deformity?
Patients with severe deformities may qualify for custom-molded shoes instead of depth shoes. Our fitters will assess your needs and, if custom shoes are appropriate, take a cast or scan of your foot to fabricate a precise fit.
Get Fitted Today
Contact UnitedCare to schedule your fitting. We will verify your insurance, coordinate with your physician, and ensure you receive the right footwear — at no out-of-pocket cost for most Medicare patients.