Podiatry Experts Advise on Footwear for People with Diabetes

The College of Podiatry has worked alongside Cosyfeet in advising which of the company’s extra roomy footwear styles are suitable for people with diabetes.

Representatives from the College were invited to Cosyfeet Head Office in Somerset earlier this year to advise on the suitability of each style for people with a diagnosis of diabetes who are vulnerable to foot complications.

The College’s Clinical Director, Professor Paul Chadwick, headed up the eminent visiting panel, accompanied by Advanced Diabetic Podiatrist Krishna Gohill and Advanced Biomechanics Podiatrist Martin Nunn.

They were responding to Cosyfeet’s request for advice on giving clear and accurate information to customers requiring specialised footwear due to diabetes.

“Many of our customers have vulnerable feet and as shoemakers we have a responsibility to offer them optimum footwear for their needs,” says Cosyfeet Managing Director, Andrew Peirce.

“Advice from the College has been invaluable in helping us to identify styles suitable for those at risk of foot complications due to diabetes, so we can assist customers in making the best possible purchasing decisions for their health.”

Recommendations from the College are being used by Cosyfeet to identify not only footwear styles but also sock and hosiery products which would be suitable for people with diabetes. They are also being used to educate staff in giving the best possible advice to customers, and to assist Cosyfeet’s designers in specifying optimal products for those at risk of foot complications.

The College of Podiatry is the Professional Body and Trade Union for registered podiatrists, representing around 10,000 private practitioners, NHS podiatrists, students and retired members. The visiting panel used published research and guidelines to formulate a standardised approach to assess which Cosyfeet styles could be considered appropriate for people with diabetes. 

It is worth noting that about 70% of people with diabetes are considered ‘low risk’ and providing they follow their GP’s advice, can wear most footwear without risk. The panel’s advice was geared towards those at higher risk who need to take greater care over the footwear choices they make.

“The comfort and foot health of our customers is at the forefront of everything we do,” says Andrew Pierce. “We have a duty of care which we take extremely seriously and are deeply grateful to the College for their guidance.”

Cosyfeet advise all those at potential risk of foot complications due to diabetes to choose well-fitting shoes, maintain good control of blood glucose and check feet regularly. It’s important to seek the advice of a podiatrist or health professional regarding any concerns about footwear suitability. Cosyfeet stress the importance of running fingers inside any item before wearing to check for anything that may harm.

New footwear should be worn for 30 minutes to 1 hour and feet then inspected for pressure marks or irritation. A hand mirror can be useful to help with examination of the entire foot. Wear time can then be gradually increased, with feet inspected regularly. 

For further information see www.cosyfeet.com/diabeticfriendly or call 01458 449071.

There’s Wide Fitting and then there’s Cosyfeet Specially designed to fit and flatter extra wide and swollen feet, Cosyfeet footwear is wider, deeper and roomier than the wide fitting footwear you’ll find on the high street. We are a small, caring company with 36 years’ experience of fitting swollen feet and legs. Our diabetic-friendly footwear has been reviewed for suitability by the College of Podiatry and over 11,000 healthcare professionals recommend Cosyfeet footwear to their patients. Cosyfeet is a member of the Healthy Footwear Guide and offers a No Quibble Money Back Guarantee and free UK returns, so that customers can order with confidence.