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DIABETIC SHOE TALK- OLD, NEW AND COMING SOON...

The new Brooks Ghost Max 2 models are now available on www.diafoot.com. Fabricated for max cushion, max comfort and max protection, this soft, lightweight rocker shape model is a must-have for the active diabetic! Choose from men’s Black/Black/Ebony or Black/Ebony Blue or women’s Black/Black/Ebony or Coconut Milk/Gray/Zephyr.

New Balance’s MADE IN THE USA 990 v6 is now available on www.dia-foot.com! Designers of the original 990s were tasked with creating the single best running shoe on the market, and the v6 embraces the original mandate with performance updates including the addition of FuelCell midsole cushioning. Available in Gray, Navy and Black.

Drew’s New Buttercup Mary Jane is gaining in popularity this year. It’s stylish, comfortable and offers adjustable straps in both the heel and the top closure to ensure a proper snug fit. Available in Black, Grey, Navy and Sand.

Dr. Comfort new colors are here! Stylish new colors have been added to Dr. Comfort’s preferred athletic models- the men’s Performance and women’s Refresh. The men’s Performance is now available in Cobalt and Copper, and the women’s Refresh in Sapphire and Lilac. These athletic shoes feature No-Tie elastic lace closures, breathable mesh uppers, enhanced outsoles and protective toe boxes.

Propet’s Olivia is back! It’s flexible and stretchy top nicely accommodates feet with bunions and hammertoes, minimizing discomfort. The wide hook and loop strap provides an easy adjustable fit and the spacious base and firm heel stabilizer ensures a steady walk. Available in Bone, Taupe, Black and Brown.

As fall approaches, consider Orthofeet boots, designed to provide comfort, arch support and wide toe boxes to accommodate the diabetic foot.

Orthofeet models men’s Verno and women’s Rosel are hands free boots! Just step in and go; no bending or tying required. Perfect for those with back or mobility issues. The women’s Sienna and Florence boot models are comfy, cushiony boot choices offering plenty of space for bunions, hammertoes and swollen feet. These water-resistant boots feature slip resistant soles and soft, seam free interiors.

Coming soon from Dia-Foot -  New PDAC-approved Gravity Defyer models, and the new Beast GTS 24 and Ariels CTS models from Brook Running. Stay tuned!

Protecting the Diabetic Feet with Diabetic Shoes

In 2020 it was estimated that over 34 million people in the United States have diabetes, roughly 10% of the US population and that 88 million people over the age of 18 have prediabetes. Very concerning as Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, and lower limb amputation. 

According to a NCBI Lower Extremity Amputation Study in 2020, “…patients with Diabetes Mellitus have an astounding 30 times greater lifetime risk of undergoing an amputation when compared to patients without diabetes mellitus, which translates to an economic strain in healthcare systems of over $4.3 billion in annual costs in the USA alone.” The risks are high for diabetic patients, and it is crucial that the medical community continues to raise awareness to diagnose and treat diabetics with medication, lifestyle changes and proper footcare.

Diabetic Shoes offer protection for the diabetic foot and can help reduce the risk of lower extremity complications. They help prevent ulcers and calluses from forming, distribute weight away from pressure points and accommodate foot deformities.  In addition to the precise measuring and fitting exams each patient receives, diabetic shoes have the following special features:

·        Extra depth to accommodate diabetic inserts

·        Protective interiors with seamless stitching to prevent skin irritations

·        Roomy toe boxes to protect toes and prevent injury

·        Non-skid soles and rocker bottoms for stability and to prevent falls

·        Thick, padded tongues and heel collars for extra comfort and to prevent heel slippage

·        Constructed with qualify materials such as soft leather, mesh, and lycra for breathability and to accommodate patients with swelling or deformities.

·        Multiple shoe widths to accommodate each patient 

In 2017 for the very first time, the American Diabetes Association Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes began recommending the use of diabetic shoes in its footcare recommendation. This year’s Journal states, “The use of specialized therapeutic footwear is recommended for high-risk patient with diabetes including those with sever neuropathy, foot deformities, ulcers, callous formation, poor peripheral circulation or history of amputation.”

Podiatry is the only profession that Medicare has permitted to perform the clinical foot exam, order the diabetic shoes, and dispense them to their patients. On average, over 80% of diabetics in any given podiatry practice qualify for diabetic shoes and inserts.  

The value of providing them every year to help reduce their risk of lower extremity complications should not be underestimated.

Let’s Talk About Shoes!

Clinical studies have shown that wearing diabetic shoes and inserts can help prevent ulcers for at-risk diabetic patients.

Dia-Foot offers shoes from 14 different manufacturers in this year’s catalog so patients can find shoes for their own specific lifestyle needs. 

Here’s a quick rundown!

Our New Balance athletic collection offers walking, running and training shoes with specific needs such as cushioning, stability, core training and industrial wear. The popular diabetic shoe go-to 813 model provides great width with a roomy toe box. Our New Balance Fresh Foam collection provides plenty of cushioning and breathable mesh uppers.

Dr. Comfort offers a large variety of athletic, casual, dress, specialty and double depth shoes. Their combination of technology, materials and craftsmanship has made Dr. Comfort a preferred brand of both podiatrist and their patients. 

Propet shoes are made for walking and are comfortable, stylish, lightweight and affordable. Check out the popular men’s Cliff Walker boots for hiking and work, or the ladies Olivia for the ultimate in stretch comfort.

Dia-Foot is a proud supplier of SAS brand shoes which are handmade and manufactured in the USA. Expect superior comfort, durability and style when choosing SAS diabetic footwear.

Gravity Defyer athletic shoes are bestsellers and manufactured with VersoShock technology to help absorb impact to joints and to help relieve pain in the foot, ankle, knees and back. 

Our Wolverine, Rockport and Dunham brand shoe collection offers high-quality boots and boat shoes including the popular Wolverine Steel-Toe Harrison Boot and the Dunham Captain. 

Othofeet offers a vast variety of diabetic shoes styles with superior comfort and function. This includes a number of choices with stretchable uppers to accommodate swelling, bunions and hammertoes.

Nature Strides shoes were designed by podiatrists and have wide toe boxes and soft conforming leather. The very popular woman’s Nantucket and men’s Cape clogs allow feet to easily slide in and have a padded adjustable back-strap. 

Hush Puppy shoes for men and women offer some of the best lightweight shoes for diabetics and include the ladies Power Walkers and the men’s Gil.

I-Runners athletic shoes provide comfort and protection for diabetic who need wider toe boxes and a durable shoe. The Pro Series offers non-slip models for safety in the workplace and at home. 

APIS brand shoes are perfect for patients with hard to fit foot conditions. These extra, extra depth shoe models help accommodate larger feet and AFOs. 

Drew shoes are well known for their all-day comfort and soft, full-grain leathers. Check out the comfy Rose mary jane collection or the men’s Voyager model.

Contact us at Dia-Foot for all of your shoe-related questions!

Tips for Dispensing Diabetic Shoes the Easy Way!

Every diabetic patient who has at least one of the six qualifying foot conditions per the LCD, is eligible for Diabetic Shoes and Inserts. Up to 80% of a podiatry practice’s patients may qualify! Read on for some helpful tips to keep your Diabetic Shoe Program running smoothly.

Keep diabetic shoe catalogs updated! We update our catalogs in our newsletters and provide QR codes so you can view the latest online version which includes any new styles added. You can call also call Dia-Foot at (877)405-3668 prompt 2 for a list of current updates. Crossing off discontinued shoes in your office catalogs can help speed up your orders.

During your patient’s foot exam, measure accurately with a Brannock device and document the required elements - the qualifying foot condition, what you are ordering, the foot measurements and if ordering custom inserts, add casting details and justification.

Patient communication is important! Make sure patients provide you with the CORRECT Certifying Physician name, which can be a PCP or an Endocrinologist. Have your patients choose at least two or more shoes to prevent backorders due to Covid-19. Tell your patients you will call them when their shoes arrive and instruct them to wait at least six weeks before calling you for status.

Use short simple wording in your fax covers when requesting signatures and notes from Certifying Physicians. Get all THREE signed documents you are required to get. This has become easier due to recent LDC changes that allow NP and PA’s to perform those face-to-face diabetic exams.

Check your shoe and insert orders for accuracy as soon as you receive them and schedule your patient before the dispense-by date.

The day you dispense is your Date of Service. Have your patient sign the Proof of Delivery and complete your in-office dispensing exam with required elements - what you dispensed, your objective opinion on the fit while the patient was wearing their shoes, how the patient found the fit and, if dispensing pre-fabs inserts, the heat method used.

Utilizing the above tips can help your practice dispense diabetic shoes more efficiently!