Neuropathy is a condition that can affect your legs and feet mostly, causing pain and discomfort, and even loss of feeling in many cases.
A comfortable and protective shoe for Neuropathy is required to protect the feet and reduce pain and symptoms.
If you have a foot condition or ongoing foot pain, talk to a doctor or podiatrist. Shoes can add comfort and support, but they are not a medical treatment.
Why do You Need Specialized Shoes for Neuropathy
Neuropathy is a common condition that affects the body’s nerves, mostly faced by individuals with diabetes.[1]
Neuropathy can cause the following symptoms that affect your feet;
- Skin Deterioration – Neuropathy caused by Diabetes can affect your skin’s healing process and overall health.[2] The skin may be more sensitive and prone to sores and chafing, particularly in the feet when wearing shoes, and sores may not heal fast or properly.
- Pain and Burning Sensation – Peripheral Neuropathy causes pain and burning in the legs and feet, and feet may be more sensitive and prone to pain.
- Loss of Feeling and Pins and Needles – Some individuals suffer a complete loss of feeling in their feet, hands, or legs as well, and this can be quite dangerous as they may not know when shoes are hurting them, or when they have stepped on a sharp object causing and injury.
- Immobility and Lack of Balance – Neuropathy also can create a lack of balance and immobility in more severe cases.
- Foot deformities – Foot deformities and conditions such as Bunions and Hammertoes may develop due to uncomfortable footwear and the individual not feeling it or because of Diabetes causing Neuropathy.[3]
What to Look for in a Shoe for Neuropathy
- Closed Design – For individuals with a lack of feeling in their feet, a closed-design shoe is much more protective and safer to wear with Neuropathy.
- Extra Room – In some cases, there may be swelling and foot deformities, and this is where an extra depth, wider with or roomy toe design shoe, is more advisable when you have neuropathy. A smooth upper design and seam-free will not squeeze, irritate or chafe the feet.
- Breathable – Breathability is essential to keep the feet cool and comfortable, especially in a closed-design shoe. Mesh inserts or perforations in leather help to improve ventilation.
- Cushioning – Cushioning is essential for comfort and shock absorbency, so look for a cushioned insole and EVA midsole or even better Gel cushioning in the heel and forefoot.[4]
- Protection – Protection such as an underfoot plate or shank, EVA midsole, and thick rubber outsole provides shock absorbency, stability, and underfoot protection.
- Stability – Stability features such as a contoured footbed or heel cup offer better balance in those who struggle with balance and mobility.
Features of a Good Neuropathy Shoe
- Uppers – Breathable and lightweight upper. Seam-free moisture-wicking interior linings. Extra-depth and roomy toe area. Adjustable fit options.
- Widths – Wider width availability.
- Cushioning – Comfortable cushioned and arch support insole. Gel heel and forefoot cushioning. It has cushioned, lightweight EVA midsole.
- Outsole – Durable a high traction rubber outsole.
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| No. | Shoe | Type | Upper | Closure | Cushioning (as listed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Skechers Go Walk 5 / Energy Afterburn (men's) | Sneaker | Mesh | Slip-on | ULTRA GO |
| 2 | Birkenstock Arizona | Sandal | Suede | Not stated | Not stated |
| 3 | New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4 | Running Shoe | Mesh | Lace-up | Fresh Foam |
– = not stated on the Amazon listing. Specs as stated by the listing, not tested by us; check the listing before you buy.
Reviews: The Best Neuropathy Shoes
Below are some superb options in comfortable and supportive shoes for individuals who suffer from Neuropathy;
We hope you love the products we recommend! We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.
1
Supportive Cushioned Sneaker for Everyday Wear
The Skechers Energy Afterburn (men’s) and Go Walk 5 (women’s) are matching sneakers from Skechers, and both are worth a look for shoes for neuropathy.
- Breathable Mesh Upper: soft heathered mesh fabric upper with a pull-on style provides breathable comfort, a useful trait in shoes for neuropathy.
- Durable Traction: durable rubber dual-density traction outsole delivers stability for walking, the kind of support many people look for in shoes for neuropathy.
- Machine washable design keeps these running shoes for women fresh with minimal effort.
- Cushioned Comfort: lightweight ULTRA GO cushioning midsole and Air-Cooled Goga Mat insole provide responsive cushioning, which helps keep long stretches of everyday wear comfortable.
- High-rebound Comfort Pillar Technology offers added support for womens sneakers, a feature worth weighing when comparing shoes for neuropathy.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
2
Sandal for Neuropathy
The Birkenstock Arizona has an anatomical footbed and comfortable and protective open upper design for an individual with Neuropathy who still has some feeling in their feet.
- Soft and Smooth Birko-Flor leather upper with a fabric lining and adjustable buckle two straps.
- A comfortable suede-lined footbed that wicks away moisture and is cushioned with cork.
- A durable rubber outsole for good traction and medium-width design.
- Available in a few color selections that you can choose from.
3
Cushioned Lightweight Running Shoe for Daily Miles
The New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for shoes for neuropathy.
- Precision-engineered Fresh Foam midsole cushioning helps deliver a soft, cushioned, lightweight ride, which helps keep long stretches of running comfortable.
- Designed for all-day wear and everyday running, this women’s shoe blends soft cushioning with neutral support, a useful trait in shoes for neuropathy.
- Breathable Mesh Upper: a mesh upper with no-sew overlays helps create a sleek fit and feel with breathable comfort, so it is easier to get a secure, comfortable fit for running.
- Durable Rubber Outsole: durable rubber outsole construction supports daily wear, workouts, and everyday athletic activity, a feature worth weighing when comparing shoes for neuropathy.
- Fresh Foam Midsole: soft Fresh Foam cushioning delivers a responsive, comfortable ride that absorbs impact mile after mile on the road.
- Breathable Mesh Upper: lightweight mesh with suede and knit accents promotes airflow and keeps feet cool during runs and daily wear.
- Smooth no-sew overlays reduce irritation and keep weight down while adding midfoot structure and lasting support.
Index Table: Top Rated Shoes for Neuropathy
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Skechers® - Supportive Cushioned Sneaker for Everyday Wear |  |  |
| Skechers |
| 2 | Birkenstock® - Sandal for Neuropathy |  |  |
| Birkenstock |
| 3 | New Balance® - Cushioned Lightweight Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
Sources
General background on foot health and footwear. This is not medical advice; see a doctor or podiatrist about foot pain or a foot condition.
- NHS: Peripheral neuropathy
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH): Diabetes & Foot Problems
- MedlinePlus (NIH): Peripheral Nerve Disorders
- Cleveland Clinic: Orthotics
Update History
- Oct 2026: Updated Skechers Go Walk 5 Prized to Skechers Go Walk 5
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 420V4 to New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4
- Oct 2026: Removed Apis MT. Emey, Orthofeet Celino, Propet Stability ST, Orthofeet Naples, Hoka One Clifton 8 and Adidas EQT (unavailable)
- Nov 2022: Added Hoka One Clifton 8
- Jul 2021: Added Birkenstock Arizona
- May 2020: Added New Balance 420V4 and Adidas EQT
- Feb 2020: First published
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