When it comes to hiking, choosing the right footwear is crucial for a comfortable and safe experience. This is especially true for diabetics, who need to take extra care of their feet.
Diabetic shoes are designed to protect feet from injury and provide support and comfort, but not all shoes are created equal.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the best hiking boots for diabetics, including what materials are best, why diabetics need special footwear, and whether boots are a good choice.
5 Best Hiking Boots for Diabetics
- Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Hiking Boots
- Brooks Men’s Catamount Hiking Boot
- ALTRA Men’s AL0A4VQA Escalante Boot
- New Balance Men’s 577 V1 Boot
- New Balance Men’s Hiking Boot
Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Hiking Boots
As a woman who enjoys hiking, I am always on the lookout for comfortable and supportive footwear that will keep me going on the trails. The Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Hiking Boots are an excellent choice for anyone who wants to experience the great outdoors without compromising on comfort.
The knit textile upper of the boots is both lightweight and breathable, which means my feet stay cool and dry even on the hottest days. The women’s-specific fit ensures that the boots conform to the unique shape of my feet, providing me with the support I need to tackle any terrain.
The rubber sole offers excellent grip and stability, even on slippery surfaces, and the platform measures approximately 0-3 inches, providing just the right amount of lift.
The boot opening measures approximately 0-3 inches around, so I never have to worry about my feet feeling cramped or uncomfortable. The boots are also easy to slip on and off, which is great for when I want to take a quick break on the trail.
Overall, the Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Hiking Boots are a great choice for anyone who wants a comfortable and supportive pair of hiking boots.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Breathable,
- Supportive
- Excellent grip
Cons:
- Limited color options
Brooks Men’s Catamount Hiking Boot
If you’re a trail runner, you know how important it is to have a pair of shoes that can handle any terrain. The Brooks Men’s Catamount is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a shoe that is both lightweight and responsive, with excellent traction on any surface.
The shoe features a super light and responsive DNA FLASH midsole compound that is nitrogen-infused, providing ultralight cushioning and adaptive energy return.
The TrailTack sticky rubber outsole provides excellent traction on any terrain, and the updated Ballistic Rock Shield protects your feet from roots and rocks without feeling stiff underfoot.
The TPU Mud Guard provides additional protection from trail debris, while the drainage slits release water so your feet can dry more quickly. The suede internal reinforcement keeps your foot locked down while keeping debris out, ensuring that you can tackle any trail with confidence.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Responsive cushioning
- Excellent traction
- Protective features
Cons:
- Limited color options
ALTRA Men’s AL0A4VQA Escalante Boot
As someone who loves to push myself to go further and faster, I am always looking for a shoe that can keep up with me. The ALTRA Men’s AL0A4VQA Escalante Boot is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a shoe that offers added energy return, responsive cushioning, and a comfortable, locked-in fit.
The Altra EGO foam is designed to provide added energy return and a responsive, yet soft, comfortable feel. The signature Altra Balanced Cushioning and FootShape toe boxes allow your toes to spread and encourage proper, low-impact form throughout your run, while the InnerFlex midsole technology ensures increased flexibility and performance.
The sock-like engineered knit upper keeps your foot comfortable and locked in, providing excellent support and stability on any terrain. Overall, the ALTRA Men’s AL0A4VQA Escalante Boot is a great choice for anyone who wants a shoe that can keep up with them, no matter where their adventures take them.
Pros:
- Responsive cushioning
- Supportive fit
- Flexible
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Limited color options
New Balance Men’s 577 V1 Boot
Looking for a reliable boot that’s both comfortable and stylish? The New Balance Men’s 577 V1 Boot has got you covered! Made from 100% leather, this imported boot features a rubber sole for added traction and stability. It also has Abzorb cushioning in the heel, providing exceptional shock absorption with every step.
The reflective accents on the shoe are designed to catch the light, making them perfect for early-morning or late-night walks. And with a Medicare/HCPCS code of A5500, these boots may be eligible for Medicare reimbursement.
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Good shock absorption
Cons:
- Limited color options
New Balance Men’s Hiking Boot
Looking for a reliable and comfortable hiking shoe? Look no further than the New Balance Men’s Hiking Boot! With a 50% synthetic and 50% mesh construction, this shoe is designed to offer a perfect balance of durability and breathability.
The rubber sole provides excellent traction on any terrain, so you can hike with confidence no matter where your adventure takes you.
The New Balance Men’s Hiking Boot is not just functional, it is also stylish. The classic running silhouette, pigskin, and mesh upper combine to create a heritage-style sneaker that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re running errands or hitting the trails, these shoes will look amazing.
These shoes are designed for all-day comfort, with an ENCAP midsole that combines lightweight foam with a durable polyurethane rim to deliver all-day support. The dual-density collar foam provides additional ankle support and cushioning.
The blown rubber outsole is designed to withstand daily wear and tear, so you can rely on these shoes for years to come.
One of the standout features of the New Balance Men’s Hiking Boot is that it is made in the USA. With over 75 years of manufacturing experience, New Balance has established itself as a trusted brand for high-quality shoes.
The MADE collection represents a domestic value of 70% or greater, so you can feel good about supporting American-made products.
Pros:
- Stylish heritage design
- Excellent traction
- All-day comfort and support
- Durable construction
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Limited color options
What Material Is Best for Diabetic Shoes?
The material of diabetic shoes plays a significant role in ensuring comfort and preventing foot injuries. Diabetics are at a higher risk of developing foot problems such as neuropathy, which can lead to a loss of sensation in the feet. As a result, it’s crucial to choose shoes that provide adequate cushioning and support.
When it comes to the best materials for diabetic shoes, breathable fabrics like leather and mesh are good options. Leather provides durability and protection against the elements, while the mesh allows for proper airflow and ventilation. Additionally, shoes with a flexible soles can help prevent foot injuries by allowing for natural foot movement.
Why Do Diabetics Need Special Footwear?
Diabetics are at a higher risk of developing foot problems due to the disease’s impact on the circulatory and nervous systems. High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow and loss of sensation in the feet.
Wearing the right footwear is essential for diabetics to prevent foot injuries, as they may not be able to feel cuts or blisters due to neuropathy. Diabetic shoes are designed with extra cushioning and support to reduce the risk of foot injuries. They also have a wider toe box to prevent rubbing and allow for proper circulation.
Are Boots Good for Diabetics?
Boots can be a good option for diabetics, depending on the style and fit. Hiking boots are a popular choice for outdoor activities as they provide support and protection for the feet and ankles. However, not all hiking boots are suitable for diabetics.
When choosing hiking boots for diabetics, it’s essential to look for ones with a flexible sole and adequate cushioning. The boots should also have a wide toe box and be breathable to prevent moisture build-up. Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure a proper fit to prevent rubbing and blisters.
Read more about our article: Best hiking boots for Diabetics
Conclusion
Choosing the right hiking boots is crucial for a comfortable and safe hiking experience, especially for diabetics. When selecting boots, it’s essential to consider the materials used, the need for special footwear for diabetics, and whether boots are a suitable option.
By keeping these factors in mind, diabetics can find the best hiking boots to suit their needs and prevent foot injuries.
Tyler Looney is an avid hiking enthusiast and the author of HikingBootsPros.com, a website dedicated to providing helpful insights and advice on choosing the best hiking boots. His expertise and passion for hiking have made him a valuable resource for both beginner and experienced hikers alike.