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Brooks Shoes for Active Diabetics with Low, Neutral & High Arches

When it comes to choosing the right diabetic shoes for your active diabetic patients, one size does not fit all. Your patients’ qualifying foot condition(s) such as neuropathy, callus, any previous ulcers, or foot deformities (bunions, hammertoes, bony prominences, etc) are first and foremost the reason specific diabetic shoes are chosen and help to alleviate any existing foot conditions. 

For active diabetic patients with only mild foot conditions, consider their arch shape. Low, neutral and high arches can play a big role in how their body moves, absorbs shock, and stays aligned during activity.  Brooks Running offers diabetic shoes with built-in technology that may help avoid common issues of the active diabetic including knee pain, shin splints, or plantar fasciitis. In this guide we break down the best shoes for flat feet, neutral feet and high arches including key features to look for and a few Brooks recommendations.

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1. Flat Feet (Low Arches / Overpronation)

Foot Characteristics:

Minimal to no visible arch when standing

Feet often roll inward during movement (overpronation)

Common issues: plantar fasciitis, shin splints, knee pain

Best Shoe Type:

Stability or Motion Control Shoes

Top Shoe Picks:

Brooks Ariel for women

Brooks Beast for men

Brooks Adrenaline GTS – a fan favorite for flat-footed runners

Brooks Addiction

2. Neutral Feet (Normal Arches)

Foot Characteristics:

Noticeable arch when standing

Naturally efficient gait with minimal overpronation or supination

Less prone to foot alignment issues

Best Shoe Type:

Neutral Cushioned Shoes

Top Shoe Picks:

Brooks Ghost – smooth ride and versatile performance

Brooks Ghost Max

 3. High Arched Feet (Underpronation / Supination)

Foot Characteristics:

High, well-defined arch

Foot tends to roll outward (supination)

Limited natural shock absorption

Common issues: stress fractures, ankle instability

Best Shoe Type:

Neutral Cushioned Shoes with Extra Padding

Top Shoe Picks:

Brooks Glycerin – ultra-soft for high-impact relief

Brooks Ghost Max -for extra cushioning

Brooks Ghost

Brooks Adrenaline GTS

Final Tips for Diabetic Shoes for low, neutral and high-arch patients

Whether your patient is a seasoned runner, a regular walker or is just looking for better daily support in their diabetic shoes, keep these tips in mind:

Schedule patient for measuring later in the day – feet naturally swell, so you'll get a better measure.

Remind patients to replace their shoes at least once a year to maintain proper cushioning, support and protection for their diabetic feet.

Order custom diabetic inserts to meet patients’ unique needs or to address recurring pain.

Consider a gait analysis—to help patients choose the right shoe for their foot type and movement style.

Diabetic Feet are the foundation of movement for active diabetics and need good protection. Choosing the right diabetic shoes to protect their feet and alleviate their qualifying foot conditions, while considering their arch type can help prevent injuries and enhance patient comfort.