This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the disclosure.
If you have diabetes, your doctor may have advised you to wear protective footwear.
Complications from foot injuries can be fatal in diabetic patients, so it is extremely important to protect your foot injuries whenever possible.
For example, if a diabetic person works at a building site, they are at a higher risk of heavy tools dropping their legs and causing them to hurt their legs. One way to protect your feet from harm is to wear steel toe work boots.
Steel toes also help protect against toe injuries caused by falls, cuttings, and burns.
There are many steel work boots to buy.
To make this choice a little easier, we have researched for you and found the best diabetic work boots with safe steel toes.
You can also find a buying guide full of advice on what people living with diabetes should look for when choosing steel work boots.
However, steel boots can cause unwanted side effects that you need to be aware of, and certain precautions should be taken when wearing them.
These precautions can be found in the buying guide some general questions and answers regarding steel toe work boots for people with diabetes.
Best Diabetic Work Boots with Safe Steel Toes
Skechers Burgin-Tarlac Industrial Boot
These Skechers boots are made of aesthetically pleasing leather that fits a variety of work uniforms.
Despite being equipped with steel toes, the boots are lightweight and comfortable.
Memory foam insoles keep your feet comfortable for long periods of time.
The padded collar keeps the upper leg area safe for falling objects, and the padding itself prevents your skin from rubbing against the inner lining.
The toe box has plenty of room for the toes to spread out, which means you can wear thick socks without any problems.
Leather offers light protection against moisture, but if you prefer total waterproofness, you can treat the leather.
- Steel Toe – Can withstand pressure from falling/rolling items
- Memory Foam Insole – Keep your feet comfortable for a long time
- Spacious toe area – prevents toes from squeezing into shoes
- Leather is not 100% waterproof
Buy on Amazon
Oristaco Work Safety Steel Toe Boots
The Oristaco work boots consist of a steel toe cap and a non-slip tread pattern. This combination provides excellent traction and stability, but the highly breathable upper layer arrangement allows air to circulate through your feet.
This style of boots has a memory foam insole that provides comfort and support.
Their lightweight knit material weighs only 2 pounds, making it perfect for those who hate heavy work boots.
The boots also come with a heel counter and a midsole that can withstand punks.
They are available in both male and female sizes, so anyone can find the perfect fit.
- Heel counter – Provides additional stability
- Anti-slip rubber sole – prevents slipping and falling
- Lightweight – Perfect for those who don’t like wearing heavy work boots
- Synthetic materials are not optimal for absorbing moisture
Buy on Amazon
Rockrooster Work Boots, 6 inch steel toes, slipping safety shoes, static dissipation, breathable, fast drying
These boots are made with CoolMax technology, designed to blow moisture away from the skin.
It also has a static dissipation outsole. This allows static electricity to flow to the ground rather than accumulate on the surface of the sole.
They have the only anti-fatigue memory that relaxes and supports the feet, allowing the wearer to stay comfortable all day long.
The slip-on design makes it easy to put on and take off.
These boots can be worn at work and you won’t see the scene while you’re out.
- Anti-fatigue memory sole – keep your feet comfortable all day
- CoolMax Technology – Blows moisture from your feet
- Static Dissipation Outsole – Prevents electric shocks
- There is not much protective padding on the top
Buy on Amazon
Timberland Pro Direct Attach 6 Inch Soft Toe Insulation Waterproof Work Boots
The boots also meet ANSI safety standards and are suitable for a variety of industries, including mining, manufacturing, construction, and more.
Timberland’s comfort suspension technology makes the boots more comfortable than other similar shoes.
The rubber soles and cushions continue to support the foot arches while keeping your feet from getting tired during the day.
The outer leather material repels water well, and the rubber sole prevents the wearer from slipping and falling off.
- Meet ANSI Safety Regulations – Reliable Protective Boots
- Cushioned midsole – Supports foot arches and cushions midfoot from strikes
- Stylish design – Does not look out of place at home or at work
- There is not much protective padding on the top.
Buy on Amazon
Steel Work Boot Purchase Guide
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration orders that all people working in dangerous environments must wear safety work shoes to avoid foot injuries.
Workers are told to wear safe footwear if the following circumstances may occur:
- Rolling or falling objects
- Contact with electrical hazards
- Near or near a dangerous sharp object
This footwear should also follow the American Association for testing and materials regulation, which states that work-friendly footwear should be able to withstand impact and compression.
Footwear should also pass conductance tests so that the shoe provides ample protection for the bone between the ankle and toes and protects against electric shocks and static.
Benefits of steel work boots
There are several advantages to wearing steel work boots.
The steel boots are designed to withstand 75 pounds of luggage, protecting your feet from heavy rolling or falling items.
The boots have been melted with reinforcements to protect against sharp items that can cut or sting your legs.
The boots have steel lining, so they are heavy and hold your feet tight.
Enhanced toe boots are generally waterproof and are an important point for people with diabetes who need to dry out their feet.
Disadvantages of steel work boots
Steel work boots may have several advantages, but they also have drawbacks.
The reinforced toe boots are lined with heavy steel. This makes wearing boots a hassle, but this isn’t very comfortable.
Steel caps may absorb the effects of rolling or falling items, but the shoes may be distorted after a strike.
If the object is applied sufficient pressure, the cap can puncture the skin and cause injury.
Steel conducts both cold and heat. This means that steel caps are not completely isolated during hot months or cold months. Instead, steel caps may transfer feet and heat to your feet from the external environment.
Do you recommend that diabetics wear steel toe work boots?
Steel boots offer most of the protective diabetic footwear needs that you need, except for a few features. these are:
- They don’t fully protect against electric shocks
- We do not provide effective insulation in cold or hot weather.
- The impact can lead to holes in the toes, but this is only in extreme cases.
Apart from these points, steel toe footwear is an effective way for diabetics to protect their feet, especially those working in potentially dangerous conditions.
However, you should always consult a doctor or medical professional before wearing these boots, especially if you are living with the following diabetes-related conditions.
Things to consider when choosing work boots for diabetes
Now that we’ve covered the advantages and disadvantages of steel toe boots, here are the features that diabetic footwear needs:
- Additional space in the toe area for free movement of the toes.
- It is made from protective material, especially in the toe area.
- Made of shock absorbing material.
- Protects against electric shocks.
- A defensive metal plate inside the sole.
- Made from moisture-absorbing fabric for excellent breathability.
- A thick heel cup that completely relaxes your heels.
- The insole cushions the padding to soothe your feet.
- Made of waterproof material.
- There are no internal seams to avoid blisters forming.
- Supportive midsole and ankle area.
- It’s completely slippery.
All diabetic people have different foot conditions, but here are some common diabetic work boots to look out for.
Heel height
If you don’t have foot issues, such as hammer taws, bunions, or foot bone issues, you’ll find that quality walking shoes are doing well.
However, all diabetics should ensure that these shoes do not have heels larger than 2 inches tall and that the outer shoes are made of soft fabric. The optimal heel height for diabetic footwear is less than 3/4 inches.
Also, people with diabetes should stay away from the flimsy leather soles. Because these do not provide sufficient protection for the underside of the foot.
Deeper depth
Not only people with diabetes, but everyone gets swollen all day.
Go to work footwear where you can loosen their fit in just in case your feet bulge over a few hours. It’s also helpful to buy work boots deeper.
A lot of space around your feet means your feet won’t be squeezed tightly in your boots, allowing blood to circulate freely.
Diabetic work boots are usually available in two depths. These are extra depth, 1/4 inch, super depth, 1/2 inch.
Be careful of lace and velcro closures too. But try new shoes late in the afternoon.
Insoles and inserts
People who live with neurological disorders may notice that even if you are small in size, their footwear feels big.
By obtaining prescription insoles for these shoes, you can find peace of mind. Most people who need more padding will do well with flatter insoles.
These have about 1/8-1/4 inch filling, but change this insole every six months.
Neuropathic patients may also notice that orthopedic inserts relieve some of the pain. These items are designed to change the way your feet hit the floor.
This can be a more comfortable everyday action, such as walking or running.
You can obtain a correction insert by consulting with a qualified foot care provider.
Absorbent lining
A moisture-absorbing lining within the toe area is an important thing to be aware of.
People with diabetes need to remove fluid buildup between their toes. This is because it can lead to infectious diseases that are difficult to cure.
When water enters your work boots, the lining that absorbs moisture absorbs moisture, so it does not affect your feet.
Foam padded collar
Foam padded collars are also ideal when working in harmful environments.
This will allow the upper area of the foot to puncture the tool with the foot that will cause the nails, slips and falls.
The collar also receives pressure from heavy loads such as bricks and punching bags.
Professional fitting
The feet will not remain the same throughout our lives. Their shape, size and shape will change over the years.
Make sure your feet are measured by a sales professional every time you go shopping, especially if you haven’t bought new shoes in a while.
You need to choose the right shoes for your condition.
If you’re not sure about your purchase, you can consult a healthcare professional who understands foot care for diabetes to check the fit.
If you live with current foot problems, choosing the right footwear can be a problem.
If these conditions are not serious, slight adjustments may be required, such as more depth within toe space.
However, if your foot problems are more severe, you may need to buy the right diabetic work shoes with special features.
These may have flexible materials that stretch with your feet. High-end options can be particularly molded to the shape of the foot.
Those with diabetic foot problems should get a 3/4 inch dense, specific insole.
Those who feel pain or pressure when walking may also need a slow, outer sole to relieve painful areas.
If your doctor says certain footwear is needed for diabetes, Medicare usually covers the cost of paying a pair of shoes each year.
This coverage depends on several factors, including whether or not you live under the following conditions:
- Complete or partial foot amputation
- Foot ulcer
- Callus from the past that could have led to an ulcer
- Nerve damage to callus in the lower limbs and feet
- Blood flow in the legs and legs has decreased
- Leg abnormalities
All diabetic work boots should fit well from the first seconds you wear them. However, even if they feel comfortable, they will have to gradually infiltrate over time.
Start by wearing shoes for an hour in the morning and three days in the afternoon/evening.
You can then add more time until you work, usually until you put on your shoes.
Foot experts recommend getting two pairs of shoes during the intrusion process.
If you need to change shoes, take off your socks and look at your feet for pain and red areas. If the red spots do not disappear within 15 minutes, consult your podiatrist for a shoe evaluation.
One of the main causes of amputation is foot ulcers that are triggered by wearing inappropriate work shoes.
Rules for wearing diabetic work boots
Here are some things you should and shouldn’t when wearing diabetic work boots.
Always wear the right size
Shoes that are loose around your feet will prevent your feet from moving naturally and will later injure you.
You should also avoid footwear that is too tight. This is because they can continue to rub against the skin and lead to bruises, blisters and callus.
These wounds can take a long time to heal for diabetics.
Do not wear synthetic fabrics
Artificial materials such as plastic, PVC, and polyester do not allow air to flow freely in the shoes, sweating and heat build up inside the boots.
People with diabetes should avoid fluid accumulation.
It is best to avoid shoes with synthetic lining.
Avoid shoes that are not cushioned
Padding and cushioning protect your skin from friction by preventing it from rubbing against the inner lining of the work boot.
Work boots may have great designs, but if there is no cushion on the inner sole and tongue, you should avoid them at any cost.
Always replace worn shoes
As shoes get older, they start to wear out. This means you won’t be able to provide enough protection for your feet like you used to.
The inner sole, outer collar and inner lining all begin to deteriorate over time.
This can increase the risk of falls, cuts from sharp tools, and blisters from materials that rub against the skin.
Always wear socks
Wearing socks with work boots is one of the best ways to prevent your feet from stretching out blisters.
The socks absorb moisture, reduce pressure, and act as light padding for the feet. It also protects your skin from friction against the inner lining of your boots.
Do not wear heeled boots
High heels create more pressure on the balls and toes of your feet. More pressure on these support areas can cause swelling, which leads to callus.
Furthermore, if you live with a neurological disorder, nerve damage can be responsible for balance issues.
A poor heel and balance will increase the risk of injury from a fall, so you will want to avoid the heel at all costs.
FAQ
Do people with diabetes need special shoes?
People with diabetes should make sure their footwear is comfortable and fit well.
If the patient has diabetes-related foot problems, they should wear specially made shoes that will help protect them from further injuries.
These may have deeper depth and padding to protect your feet.
If patients work in particularly dangerous environments, such as building sites, diabetes work boots can help prevent ulcers, pain and friction-related callus.
Can diabetics wear steel toe shoes?
Steel boots can provide protection against falls and rolling items, but can also cause foot injuries.
People with diabetes can wear steel toe boots, but certain precautions must be taken beforehand.
Make sure the toe box of your boots is wide enough so that the toes can spread freely.
You also need to wear thick socks to protect you from the hard surface of the steel.
People with diabetes should avoid wear and old footwear. These are because they don’t protect your feet well.
Always wear shoes and shoes to make your shoes last longer. This is because it absorbs moisture.
Always ventilate your shoes after wearing them. Loosen the lace or strap to allow fresh air to circulate through the material.
You can also spray the shoes with a waterproof spray so that the shoes protect the shoes from liquids, rain and spills.
Other products that help protect your yOur feet
We have reviewed several other products that will help protect your feet and keep them healthy.
