If you have peripheral neuropathy, choosing the right footwear can make a meaningful difference in your daily comfort, safety, and quality of life. Nerve damage in the feet can cause numbness, tingling, burning pain, and balance problems — all of which make shoe selection far more consequential than it is for most people. The right pair of shoes can help protect your feet, reduce pressure on sensitive nerves, and lower your risk of falls and injury.

What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord — known as peripheral nerves — become damaged or destroyed. When this happens, signals between the brain and the rest of the body can be disrupted, causing symptoms such as numbness, tingling, sharp pain, weakness, and changes in balance.

The feet are particularly vulnerable. Because neuropathy often reduces sensation in the feet, people may not feel blisters, cuts, or pressure sores forming. Left untreated, these injuries can lead to serious infections or complications, especially for those with diabetes. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), individuals with neuropathy should inspect their feet daily and wear appropriate protective footwear. If your symptoms are unclear or progressing, it may be worth exploring how to get a second opinion from a specialist to ensure you have the right diagnosis and treatment plan.

What to Look for in Shoes for Neuropathy

Not all comfortable shoes are created equal when neuropathy is involved. Here are the most important features to look for, as recommended by podiatrists:

1. Extra Cushioning: Shoes with padded midsoles — such as those made from gel, memory foam, or EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) foam — help absorb impact with every step. For someone with neuropathy, even normal ground contact can irritate damaged nerves. Extra cushioning acts as a buffer between your feet and hard surfaces.

2. Wide Toe Box: A roomy toe box allows your toes to spread naturally without being compressed or squeezed. Tight shoes can create pressure points that, in a person without sensation, may go unnoticed until blisters or sores have already formed. Podiatrists often recommend shoes with extra depth and a generous toe box for neuropathy patients.

3. Seamless Interior Lining: Rough seams, stitching, or tags inside a shoe can cause friction and skin breakdown. Shoes designed for neuropathy often use seamless, padded interiors to eliminate these risks. This feature is especially common in diabetic footwear.

4. Adjustable Closures: Neuropathy can cause swelling and changes in foot shape from day to day. Shoes with velcro straps, lace closures, or hook-and-loop systems allow you to customize the fit. This helps prevent both tightness and slipping, both of which increase injury risk.

5. Arch Support and Heel Stability: Proper arch support helps maintain natural foot alignment and reduces unnecessary strain on the plantar nerves, ankles, and knees. A firm heel counter — the structured back portion of the shoe — provides heel stability and helps prevent overpronation (rolling inward), which can worsen symptoms.

6. Non-Slip Outsole: Neuropathy can affect proprioception — your body's sense of its position in space — which increases the risk of falls. A wide, grippy outsole with good traction helps improve balance and stability, especially on uneven terrain.

Types of Shoes Commonly Recommended for Neuropathy

Podiatrists generally recommend the following types of footwear for people managing peripheral neuropathy:

• Athletic sneakers: Supportive running or walking shoes with built-in cushioning are often the top recommendation. Look for models with semi-rigid soles, not fully flexible ones that offer little support.

• Orthopedic shoes: Specifically designed for individuals with foot conditions, these combine structure, shock absorption, and ergonomic design to reduce pressure on sensitive nerves.

• Diabetic footwear: For those with diabetes-related neuropathy, specially designed diabetic shoes offer extra depth, seamless interiors, and removable insoles to accommodate custom orthotics.

• Rocker-bottom shoes: Research suggests that rocker-bottom soles can support feet with limited joint mobility, making them a useful option for some neuropathy patients.

Podiatrist-Recommended Brands and Shoes

While individual needs vary, several footwear brands are frequently recommended by podiatrists for neuropathy patients. Here are the top brands and specific models worth considering.

New Balance

New Balance is one of the most commonly recommended brands by medical professionals for neuropathy patients. Most models come in wide and extra-wide widths, which is especially useful when swelling is a factor.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 — The top pick from New Balance for neuropathy. This model has earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance and features a Fresh Foam X midsole that delivers superior cushioning and an Ndurance rubber outsole built for high-impact activity. Note that the toe box runs slightly narrower than earlier iterations of the 1080 line, so if a wide toe box is your top priority, consider another model.

New Balance 928v3 — A podiatrist-favorite for diabetic neuropathy. This shoe features a supportive, stable design with ample cushioning, extra depth, and a seam-free interior. The non-slip outsole provides excellent traction, and there is room to accommodate custom orthotics.

New Balance 860v14 — A strong option for people who overpronate, featuring dual-density medial posts to help control inward rolling of the foot, which can worsen neuropathy symptoms over time.

Orthofeet

Orthofeet specializes in therapeutic footwear and is one of the best truly orthopedic consumer shoe brands available. Their shoes combine a wide, deep toe box with medical-grade insoles, seam-free interiors, and ergonomic rocker soles that help move you forward with less strain on heels and forefoot.

Orthofeet Edgewater (Men's) — A top podiatrist pick featuring stretch uppers, a deep footbed, and seam-free lining, making it highly forgiving for sensitive or swollen feet. The Edgewater carries a Medicare A5500 code, meaning it may be reimbursable as diabetic footwear.

Orthofeet Coral (Women's) — The women's equivalent to the Edgewater, described by podiatrists as "an excellent everyday sneaker for foot or joint issues." It distributes weight evenly, offers deep heel cups and solid arch support, and includes an anatomical orthotic insole. An optional Arch Booster is included if you need additional lift.

Orthofeet Verve Tie-Less Athletic — A great choice for those who have neuropathy affecting both the feet and hands. Despite having laces for aesthetics, the shoe uses a simple pull system and velcro tabs to fasten — no fine motor skills required.

Orthofeet Gemini Sandals — For warmer months, these sandals offer orthotic insoles, a rub-free interior, and slip-resistant outsoles, making them a thoughtful open-toed option for neuropathy patients who prefer ventilation.

HOKA

HOKA is known for its maximal cushioning technology and rocker-style soles, which help absorb shock and promote a smoother heel-to-toe stride. Several HOKA models carry APMA recognition and are frequently recommended by podiatrists for neuropathy and other foot conditions.

HOKA Bondi 9 — HOKA's flagship max-cushion shoe and a top pick among podiatrists. The Bondi features a thick CMEVA midsole, a MetaRocker sole to reduce strain on the forefoot and arches, and an upgraded rearfoot frame for extra heel and arch support. A gusseted tongue helps prevent lace pressure on numb feet. This is an especially strong option for people who spend long hours on their feet.

HOKA Clifton 9 — A lighter, more streamlined alternative to the Bondi. The Clifton 9 offers a balanced amount of cushioning with a slip-resistant rubber sole and is a good neutral option for those who don't need advanced orthotics but want reliable daily comfort and stability. Available in regular and wide widths.

Dr. Comfort

Dr. Comfort shoes are available through medical and orthopedic retailers and are designed specifically for diabetic and neuropathic feet. Many styles are eligible for therapeutic footwear programs and Medicare reimbursement.

Dr. Comfort Don & Joy Quick-Fit — An excellent option for people with limited mobility or dexterity. An innovative Quick-Fit heel counter lets wearers slip their feet in without bending over or using their hands. The shoes feature certified slip-resistant outsoles, breathable mesh uppers with extra depth for orthotics, and a firm heel counter for stability — all critical features for neuropathy patients.

Dr. Comfort William X (Men's) — Frequently cited as one of the best wide toe box shoes for peripheral neuropathy, offering extra room for toes to spread without pressure or friction.

Propét

Propét offers a range of Medicare-approved therapeutic footwear with removable insoles, making it easy to swap in custom orthotics. Their shoes are widely available in multiple widths and are a practical choice for those navigating insurance coverage.

Propét Stability X Strap — A simple, functional design with an adjustable strap system for easy on-and-off wear. The padded interior has minimal seams, and the removable insole accommodates orthotics. A reliable choice for routine daily activities.

Propét Cush'n Foot — An A5500-coded, Medicare-approved shoe designed for at-home wear. Features a large hook-and-loop strap for a snug, customizable fit, a terry cloth insole for softness, and a non-slip PU outsole. Best suited for comfort at rest rather than extended walking.

Propét Vinn (Men's) / Mary Jane (Women's) — Dress-style options for those who need a more formal shoe without sacrificing therapeutic features. Both feature rounded toe boxes, soft inner linings, and removable footbeds. The Vinn has additional heel collar padding, while the Mary Jane uses a hook-and-loop strap.

Always try shoes on with the type of socks you plan to wear most often. Shop later in the day, when your feet are slightly more swollen, for the most accurate fit. The shoe should feel comfortable immediately — do not rely on "breaking in" shoes that cause discomfort from the start.

Does Medicare Cover Shoes for Neuropathy?

Medicare Part B may cover therapeutic footwear for people with diabetes-related neuropathy. To qualify, your doctor must document medical necessity, the shoes must meet specific criteria, and they must be purchased from a Medicare-approved supplier. Coverage generally applies to one pair of therapeutic shoes and up to three pairs of inserts per calendar year.

For non-diabetic neuropathy, coverage is more limited, but it is worth asking your healthcare provider about your eligibility. Understanding what a patient advocate does and whether insurance covers patient advocacy services can help you access the right support — particularly when navigating Medicare's documentation requirements.

If you need help navigating Medicare coverage for therapeutic footwear or other health needs, Aviator Health provides dedicated patient advocates covered by Medicare to help you get the care and equipment you deserve. This is especially valuable when it comes to choosing mobility and assistive equipment, where having an informed advocate in your corner can make a significant difference.

Tips for Daily Foot Care with Neuropathy

Choosing the right shoes is just one part of protecting your feet. Podiatrists and the APMA recommend these additional habits:

• Inspect your feet every day for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling — especially if you have reduced sensation.

• Avoid walking barefoot, even at home.

• Keep your toenails trimmed straight across to avoid ingrown nails.

• Wear clean, moisture-wicking socks with no tight bands or rough seams.

• Keep your feet clean and moisturized, but avoid putting lotion between your toes.

• Report any wounds, sores, or changes in skin color to your healthcare provider promptly.

If a family member or loved one is helping you manage neuropathy day-to-day, it's worth being aware of caregiver assistance programs that may provide additional support, and learning how to avoid caregiver burnout along the way.

When to See a Doctor

If you are experiencing symptoms of neuropathy such as persistent numbness, tingling, burning pain, or balance changes, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider. Neuropathy can progress, and early management — including proper footwear, medication, and physical therapy — may help slow progression and improve quality of life. If you ever feel your concerns aren't being fully addressed, remember that knowing what to do when doctors can't diagnose you is an important step toward getting the care you need.

You should seek prompt medical attention if you notice any wounds, blisters, or skin changes on your feet that are slow to heal, as these can become serious complications, particularly for people with diabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the wrong shoes make neuropathy worse?

Yes. Research suggests that ill-fitting shoes increase stress on neuropathic feet and can raise the risk of foot sores, blisters, and infections. Tight or unsupportive footwear can aggravate nerve pain and increase fall risk.

Do I need a prescription for neuropathy shoes?

Most neuropathy-friendly shoes are available over the counter. However, if you need therapeutic diabetic footwear covered by Medicare, a physician's prescription and documentation of medical necessity are required.

Are custom orthotics helpful for neuropathy?

Custom orthotics can provide additional support and cushioning tailored to your specific foot shape and needs. Many neuropathy shoes include removable insoles that can be replaced with custom orthotics. Your podiatrist can advise whether custom orthotics are appropriate for you.

How often should I replace my shoes?

Most footwear loses significant cushioning and support after 6 to 12 months of regular wear, or sooner if worn daily for extended periods. Check for visible wear on the soles, breakdown in cushioning, or any changes in fit.

Sources

• NINDS: Peripheral Neuropathy Fact Sheet

• American Podiatric Medical Association: What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?

• Medicare.gov: Therapeutic Shoes for People with Diabetes

• American Diabetes Association: Foot Complications

• American Podiatric Medical Association: APMA Seal of Acceptance

• CMS: Therapeutic Shoes for Persons with Diabetes

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition or treatment.