Anyone with Diabetes must check their health and feet regularly for symptoms.
There is so much to manage when you have Diabetes, making healthy food choices, taking medication, getting proper exercise, and the last thing on your mind may be your feet.
Yet many people with Diabetes also have diabetic neuropathy, which generally affects their hands and feet, causing nerve damage that can make you lose feeling in your feet.[1] Your feet are also more prone to ulcers and sores, which may not heal or heal quickly.[2]
Thus, it is important to keep your feet healthy and check them for signs of neuropathy symptoms.
Our research suggests that the Hoka Bondi is the best shoe for Diabetic feet due to its memory foam collar and a full compression-molded EVA midsole that cushions, supports, and protects your feet.
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.
How Diabetes Affects Your Feet
One of the main ways Diabetes affects your feet is by causing nerve damage. This means you will have little to no feeling in your feet and may feel numbness, tingling, or pain, though some individuals may have no symptoms.
Living with pain is one thing, and it can be managed. However, in Diabetics, pain is a way of telling your body something is wrong. Pain in your feet and body should never be ignored, especially if you have Diabetes.
If you have had Diabetes for a long time, struggle to control your blood sugar levels, are overweight, or have high blood pressure or cholesterol, you are at high risk of developing nerve damage.
Nerve damage and poor blood flow, another symptom of Diabetes, can place you at risk of developing sores and ulcers or suffering an injury without knowing.[3]
If these injuries and sores get infected, it may become quite serious, and as we have said, generally, persons with Diabetes take longer to heal and are much more prone to infections.
Keeping Your Feet Healthy
To protect and keep your feet healthy, it is an absolute must to have Diabetes, especially when there is already nerve damage.
Besides wearing proper footwear, which we will discuss further, here are a few more tips to keep your feet healthy when you have Diabetes;
- Check Your Feet Daily – Make sure to check your feet daily for sores, blisters, corns, calluses, swelling, or any discoloration, and get medical assistance or information should you pick up something.
- Wash Your Feet – Make sure you wash your feet daily, in warm and not hot water, dry them properly, and apply lotion to your feet. Never soak your feet. Keep Your Toenails clean and trimmed, and never try to remove corns or calluses yourself. Get help from your doctor.
- Never Go barefoot – If you have neuropathy osteopathy or some nerve damage, never go barefoot if you have Diabetes. Any injury or puncture to your feet can be serious. Also, ensure your shoes and slippers are clear of pebbles or anything that could hurt or chafe your feet.
- Feet Friendly Activities – take part in safe activities that do not place impact and injury risks on your feet. Cycling, walking with proper footwear, and swimming is good choices.
- Circulation – Do not sit down or stand up for long periods. Give your feet a rest and elevate them for a while. Or try to move around a bot after sitting for a long period.
- Proper Footwear – Last and most important, you must wear proper closed footwear, especially if you have nerve damage or neuropathy. It would be best to have good underfoot protection and a comfortable fit and cushioning shoe. Also, look for something that does not have tags and seams that may cause friction or discomfort.
Features of a Good Hoka Shoe for Diabetics
- Uppers – Most Hoka shoe models have lightweight and flexible mesh or open-engineered mesh uppers that breathe well and keep your feet comfortable. For structure, there will be either TPU or 3D print overlays.
- Midsole – Cushioning differs in the Hoka shoe range for Diabetics. Firmer support cushioning with a full EVA compression molded Midsole, lighter and more balanced support for stability foam midsoles, and the plush layered cushioned Profly midsole design.
- Technology – Some models have a supportive internal heel counter or a J-Frame midsole cushioning in the midfoot for lateral stability. The general design inside is seamless and smooth, with nothing that can cause friction or irritation.
- Tongue and Collar – Some models have a memory foam cushioned collar and anatomical or gusseted tongue, which is much more comfortable for diabetic feet.
- Outsole – The outsole is a rocker design with early or late-stage meta-rocker technology that takes some pressure off your feet. In the trail models, the outsole can consist of rubber, EVA, or Vibram Mega Grip rubber.
- Options – Hoka shoes have most models available in wider widths. Full and half sizes are available, and some color variances depending on the specific model.
- Fit – Most Hoka Shoe models have a wide forefoot and a more snug-fitting heel, perfect for diabetic feet. The midfoot is designed to fit like a bucket seat to cradle and support your feet.
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| No. | Shoe | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | HOKA Gaviota 5 | Not stated |
| 2 | Hoka Clifton 9 | Running Shoe |
| 3 | Hoka Arahi 9 | Stability Running Shoe |
| 4 | Hoka Kaha 3 Low GTX | Hiking Shoe |
| 5 | Hoka Rincon 5 | Running Shoe |
– = 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 Hoka Shoes for Diabetics
You can use these models from Hoka if you have feet affected by Diabetes;
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
Shoe for Everyday Wear
- The sole has been produced with a Durabrasion rubber compound that provides a secure grip on the ground, helpful on the surfaces you meet during everyday wear.
- Designed to complete distances up to half marathon on asphalt with excellent protection.
- Redesign of a new tongue and a new engineered mesh that is lighter and more breathable, which helps feet stay comfortable through everyday wear.
- 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.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
2
The Hoka Clifton 9 is a women’s running shoe that is worth a look for Hoka shoes for diabetics.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
3
The Hoka Arahi 9 is a women’s stability running shoe that is worth a look for Hoka shoes for diabetics.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
4
The Hoka Kaha 3 Low GTX is a women’s hiking shoe that is worth a look for Hoka shoes for diabetics.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
5
The Hoka Rincon 5 is a women’s running shoe that is worth a look for Hoka shoes for diabetics.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
Index Table: Top Rated Shoes for Diabetics
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HOKA® - Shoe for Everyday Wear |  |  |
| HOKA |
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.
- MedlinePlus (NIH): Diabetes – taking care of your feet
- MedlinePlus (NIH): Diabetic Foot
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH): Diabetes & Foot Problems
Update History
- Oct 2026: Removed Hoka Arahi 6 (limited sizes in stock)
- Oct 2026: Added Hoka Gaviota 5, Hoka Clifton 9, Hoka Arahi 9, Hoka Kaha 3 Low GTX and Hoka Rincon 5 (in stock)
- Oct 2026: Switched Amazon listings to colours with more sizes in stock; Hoka Arahi 6 replaced with Hoka Gaviota 5
- Oct 2026: Updated Hoka One Arahi 5 to HOKA Arahi 6
- Oct 2026: Removed Hoka Bondi 8, Hoka One Speedgoat 4, Hoka One Clifton 8, Hoka One Ora and Hoka One Elevon 2 (unavailable)
- Dec 2023: Added Hoka Bondi 8
- Nov 2022: Added Hoka One Clifton 8
- Jan 2022: Added Hoka One Arahi 5
- Jun 2021: Added Hoka One Speedgoat 4 and Hoka One Elevon 2
- Apr 2021: First published
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