Diabetes itself cannot affect your feet; however, it does lead to nerve damage, which can affect your feet, as well as a condition called neuropathy.
Diabetes also affects your immune system, which can slow healing, especially in your feet.
That said, New Balance shoes for Diabetes do offer many solutions.
Firstly, New Balance has a Medicare-rated Diabetic A5500 shoe range, especially for diabetic-related diseases.[1] Secondly, many of our New Balance shoe ranges offer a comfortable fit, with smooth interiors, good underfoot cushioning, and a more protective, thick outsole that is ideal for feet affected by diabetes.
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.
Diabetes and Your Feet
Diabetes is a condition in which your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels are too high. You get Glucose and other sugars from the foods you eat, and cells need glucose for energy. However, there is a hormone called insulin that allows glucose to enter your blood cells, and when your body does not make enough insulin, or any at all, with Type 1 Diabetes, it builds up in your blood, causing high blood sugar levels.
With Diabetes Type 2, your body does not make insulin very well, which in turn, the glucose does not get into your cells as fast as it should, or not enough of it.
Diabetes often leads to foot problems like Neuropathy, so understanding foot health can help you feel empowered to take preventive steps and protect your well-being.[2]
Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage your nerves, which in turn causes a condition called Diabetic Neuropathy, which involves your feet becoming numb and having a tingling or burning painful feeling.[3]
Anyone with Diabetes also has a weakened immune system, which means if they do get hurt, it may take much longer for them to heal.
Thus, taking together Neuropathy that causes numb feet, a foot injury, even blisters from friction or an ill fit, and a compromised immune system, you can end up with serious injuries and infected ulcers in your feet.
Diabetes may also lead to instability when walking and swelling of the feet.
Protecting Your Feet When You Have Diabetes
By keeping your blood sugar levels in check, inspecting your feet daily for cuts, blisters, or swelling, and recognizing early signs of foot issues like redness or numbness, you can better protect your feet and seek timely medical help when needed.
- Keep Your Feet Well Groomed and Clean – Always ensure your feet are well cleaned and groomed. Cut your toenails, file them down, and have corns and calluses taken care of. Use a good moisturizer on your feet to prevent dry, cracked skin, and always keep them completely dry.
- Keep Your Foot Temperature Right – Ensure that your feet do not become too cold or overheat. Make sure to wear the right socks to wick moisture away and keep your feet dry, or to provide warmth and insulation when needed.
- The Right Shoes – Choose shoes with a wide, seamless toe box, good cushioning, and a thick, puncture-resistant sole to help lower the risk of injuries and accommodate foot deformities common in diabetics.
Never attempt to go barefoot with Diabetes, especially with neuropathy that causes numbness, to help you feel protected and reduce the risk of unnoticed injuries.[4]
Features of a Good New Balance Shoe for Diabetics
- Uppers -New Balance shoes for Diabetes have roomy uppers and a more relaxed fit with a wider toe box. There are wide-width options available. The uppers can be made of more durable leather or a softer, more flexible knit or mesh. New Balance shoes mostly come with a moisture-wicking lining.
- Support and Cushioning – Depending on the shoe model, New Balance shoes can have softer underfoot cushioning, such as the Fresh Foam Ranges, which are also usually thicker, or firmer and more lightweight midsoles. They generally have a supportive footbed and a removable cushioned insole. According to your arch type, you can choose a neutral- or stability-type shoe.
- Outsole – New Balance shoes do come with a thick and durable rubber outsole that will offer good traction, stability, and underfoot protection.
- Diabetic Ranges – New Balance also has a few shoe models available that are specifically designed for Diabetes and are Medicare-rated shoes.[5]
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| No. | Shoe | Type | Upper | Closure | Cushioning (as listed) | Outsole |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Balance 577V1 / 577 V1 (men's) | Not stated | Leather | Hook-and-loop | Abzorb | Not stated |
| 2 | New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V15 | Running Shoe | Mesh | Not stated | Fresh Foam X | Rubber |
| 3 | New Balance 928V3 / 928 V3 (men's) | Walking Shoe | Leather | Hook-and-loop | Not stated | Rubber |
| 4 | New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1 | Running Shoe | Not stated | Not stated | Fresh Foam | Rubber |
| 5 | New Balance Fresh Foam X 1440 V1 | Running Shoe | Not stated | Not stated | Fresh Foam X | Rubber |
| 6 | New Balance Made | Running Shoe | Mesh | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
– = 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 New Balance Shoes for Diabetics
These are some of our top favorite New Balance Shoe models for Diabetes.
1
Cushioned Leather Shoe for Everyday Wear
- Abzorb cushioning in the heel for exceptional shock absorption, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for diabetics.
- Polyurethane Midsole for stable cushioning, which helps keep long stretches of everyday wear comfortable.
- Reflective accents designed to catch the light, so the shoe does not feel heavy during 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
Supportive Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles
- All-new Infinion technology delivers premium underfoot cushioning with enhanced energy return, designed for long-lasting performance run after run, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for diabetics.
- Built with NDurance rubber in high-wear areas for increased durability, ensuring reliable traction and longevity through hundreds of miles, helpful on the surfaces you meet during running.
- Stylish molded mesh upper provides a breathable, supportive fit with a modern aesthetic that transitions easily from run to daily wear, a feature worth weighing when comparing New Balance shoes for diabetics.
- Plush cushioned tongue and heel tab deliver added comfort and easy on-off convenience, reducing pressure points during long runs, which helps keep long stretches of running comfortable.
- All-new Infinion cushioning delivers long-lasting performance with enhanced cushioning and energy return, providing a plush yet responsive ride mile after mile.
- Built for daily road running with a balanced combination of soft cushioning and responsive energy return that runners have come to rely on in the 1080 series.
- Breathable Upper Design: lightweight, ventilated upper keeps your feet cool and dry during long runs, with a secure fit that moves naturally with your stride.
3
Leather Walking Shoe for Everyday Walks
- Hook-and-loop closure provides a secure fit that’s quick and easy to adjust, so it is easier to get a secure, comfortable fit for walking.
- Removable polyurethane footbeds, which adds step-in comfort for walking.
- Engineered with motion control technology to provide superior stability and alignment for walkers who need extra support with each stride, the kind of support many people look for in New Balance shoes for diabetics.
- ROLLBAR technology reinforces the medial and lateral sides of the midsole, reducing rear-foot movement and promoting a stable, controlled walking gait, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for diabetics.
- ABZORB cushioning absorbs impact at the heel and forefoot, delivering all-day comfort that reduces fatigue during extended walks.
- Leather Upper Support: premium leather upper provides a polished, professional look with structured support that holds up through daily wear and maintains its shape.
4
Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles
- Plush Fresh Foam cushioning absorbs impact and delivers a soft, comfortable ride for road runs and everyday wear, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for diabetics.
- Targeted heel support provides a secure, locked-in fit that keeps your foot stable and comfortable throughout your run, the kind of support many people look for in New Balance shoes for diabetics.
- Ndurance Outsole: durable NDurance rubber outsole technology handles road miles and daily wear while maintaining reliable traction on multiple surfaces, a practical detail for running.
- Bootie Construction: soft, sock-like bootie wraps your foot for a smooth, comfortable feel with no irritating seams against your skin, which helps keep long stretches of running comfortable.
- Removable Arch Support: the removable insole with built-in arch support adapts to your unique foot shape for personalized comfort all day.
- Truly Unique: the New Balance Fresh Foam Roav v1 running shoes are the ultimate in casual athletic style.
- Feel like you’re running or walking in the clouds.
5
Cushioned Supportive Running Shoe for Daily Miles
- Fresh Foam X midsole delivers the brand’s most cushioned Fresh Foam experience for incredible comfort, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for diabetics.
- Wrapped rubber outsole for a bold look, helpful on the surfaces you meet during running.
- Bootie upper construction hugs your foot for a snug, supportive fit, a feature worth weighing when comparing New Balance shoes for diabetics.
- Due to variances created during the development and manufacturing processes, all references to 8 mm drop are approximate.
- These running shoes are made with a knit mesh upper to keep your feet comfortable, which helps feet stay comfortable through running.
- 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.
6
Mesh Stability Running Shoe for Daily Miles
- Premium Performance Running Shoes: the 1540v3 Running Shoe is crafted with premium materials and technologies for discerning consumers who are serious about athletic style and performance.
- Cushioned Support: the ENCAP midsole technology in these cushioned running shoes combines lightweight foam with a polyurethane rim to help deliver all-day support and impressive durability.
- These comfortable running shoes feature a ROLLBAR stability post system designed to control rear-foot movement for enhanced support with every stride, the kind of support many people look for in New Balance shoes for diabetics.
- Your feet are sure to look as good as they feel in the stylish and breathable uppers of these premium running shoes, made of mesh and synthetic materials, which helps feet stay comfortable through running.
- As of April 2021, the 1540v3 will no longer be produced in the United States.
- With the performance-inspired updates, the New Balance Classics Made in USA 990v6 sneakers will elevate your everyday style while providing cushioned comfort, a useful trait in New Balance shoes for diabetics.
- Breathable textile lining, which helps feet stay comfortable through running.
Index Table: Top Rated New Balance Shoes for Diabetics
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Balance® - Cushioned Leather Shoe for Everyday Wear |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 2 | New Balance® - Supportive Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 3 | New Balance® - Leather Walking Shoe for Everyday Walks |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 4 | New Balance® - Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 5 | New Balance® - Cushioned Supportive Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 6 | New Balance® - Mesh Stability 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.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: Therapeutic Shoes for Persons with Diabetes – Policy Article (A52501)
- MedlinePlus (NIH): Diabetic Foot
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH): Diabetes & Foot Problems
- MedlinePlus (NIH): Diabetes – taking care of your feet
- Medicare.gov: Therapeutic shoes & inserts
Update History
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 577V1 to a current in-stock listing
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 680V7 to New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V15
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 928V3 to a current in-stock listing
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 880V11 to New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 813V1 to New Balance Fresh Foam X 1440 V1
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance 1540V3 to New Balance Made
- Jul 2022: First published
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