Diabetic Shoes, Socks and Adaptive Clothing: A Buyer's Guide to Fit and Easy Dressing

Footwear and clothing come up often in home care. Some people need shoes and socks with more room, and others need clothes that go on without standing or lifting the arms. This guide covers the shoes, socks, slippers and adaptive clothing we carry and explains the features listed on each product page, with notes on sizing and fit.

We sell footwear and clothing, not medical advice. If you have been told to wear a particular type of shoe, insert or sock, or if insurance coverage depends on a prescription, follow your clinician's or podiatrist's guidance and ask your clinician which style suits you. For any foot concern, start with a professional fitting.

What are diabetic and wide-fit shoes?

Shoes sold as diabetic shoes are listed by brand, style, width and closure. Two brands make up most of our range.

Dr Zen

The Dr Zen Max Women's Diabetic Shoes use a Triple Width System. Each shoe comes with two removable insoles, and taking one out makes that shoe one width wider. Because each shoe adjusts on its own, a fitter, the wearer or a caregiver can set up a pair where one foot is wider than the other. The Max, Storm and Aries styles are listed for men and women, and the Lori for women.

Dr. Comfort

Dr. Comfort styles range from dress and casual shoes to athletic shoes. The men's Dr. Comfort William is a casual shoe for daily wear with a slim profile, and it fastens with Velcro. Other styles include the men's Captain, Brian and Rugged Ranger, and the women's Paradise, Annie, Collette and Refresh.

What to compare

• Width. Check the width options or adjustable insoles.
• Closure. Velcro or hook-and-loop straps are easier for people who have trouble with laces.
• Style. Dress, casual or athletic.
• Inserts. If you use custom inserts, ask whether the shoe has room for them.

What are seamless socks?

Seamless socks avoid the ridge that a standard toe seam leaves. The SeamLess Active Socks have enough stretch for larger feet, ankles and calves, have extra cushioning for activity and wick moisture. Their listing says they are hand-sewn with no ridges and have a cross-stretch knit that does not bind or bunch. An oversized version is also listed. Check the size chart and the fiber content.

Roomy slippers and skid-resistant socks

For indoor wear, roomy slippers and skid-resistant socks are common choices. EdemaBoots are soft, shearling-lined slippers with a footprint that is 40% wider at the toe and heel, a high toe box and an adjustable hook-and-loop strap. Silvert's Women's Wide Closing Slippers have a wide opening, skid-resistant soles and memory foam insoles. Silvert's hospital socks are soft polyester chenille with a skid-resistant finish. Check the sizing on each listing, since slipper sizes often cover a range.

What is adaptive clothing?

Adaptive clothing is designed to go on with less movement, often while seated or with help from a caregiver. Silvert's makes most of the adaptive clothing we list.

Open-back clothing

Open-back garments let a caregiver dress someone who is sitting or lying down. The Silvert's Adaptive Cardigan is fully open down the back. The wearer's arms go into the sleeves without raising them, and then the two back panels overlap and fasten with snaps on each shoulder. The Silvert's Open Back Wheelchair Pants go on from a seated position: the back panels overlap fully and fasten with adjustable snaps, and the waist is elastic. An open-back fleece robe and nightgowns are also listed.

Side-opening and easy-dress pants

Silvert's Easy Dress Pants open at both sides, with Easy Touch strips at the waistband, and the front panel folds down, which lets the wearer dress seated in a chair or wheelchair. Elastic-waist pull-on pants are another simple option.

Outerwear for wheelchair users

Silvert's lined wheelchair poncho has a water-repellent shell, a faux-sheepskin lining and a hood, and its back is cut short so it stays clear of the wheels. It zips down the front as far as the waist, which helps when dressing in the chair.

Aprons and bibs

Smoker's aprons, flame-retardant bibs, modesty aprons and terry cloth bibs are also listed. Check the material and closure on each.

How do these items compare?

Sizes and features vary by brand, so check each product page before you order.

Dressing with a caregiver

When a caregiver helps with dressing, the closure matters as much as the fabric. Snaps and Easy Touch strips are quicker than small buttons, and garments that open at the back or sides mean the wearer does not have to stand or raise their arms. Choosing two or three pieces from the same line can make the routine more predictable, since the closures work the same way on each.

How do you get the size right?

• Measure both feet, late in the day, and fit to the larger foot.
• For adaptive clothing, check the size chart and the garment measurements, not just the label size.
• Note closures: snaps, Easy Touch strips, zippers or buttons.
• Check care instructions; most adaptive pieces listed are machine washable.

Checklist before you order

• Follow any footwear guidance from your clinician or podiatrist.
• Choose the closure the wearer can manage, or that the caregiver prefers.
• Confirm the size and width on the listing.
• Pick open-back, side-opening or pull-on styles based on how the person dresses.
• Check the return terms before ordering several sizes.

Talk to us

Need help with a size or style? Call 1-877-861-8000, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM Pacific, or email contactus@medsupplynow.com. We cover US shipping on any order of $50 and up. Shop our apparel, footwear and personal care ranges.

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Frequently asked questions