3 Best Winter Boots for Diabetics ( Part 1)

Autumn is upon us and that means winter will soon be knocking at the door – it’s going to get cold and wet – and that is definitely something to consider when trekking out of the warm house for even the smallest task! In order to keep warm, we layer up and wear thick winter clothes, but what about our feet? Feet need attention too during the winter time and this is especially the case for diabetic feet.

People with diabetic foot problems already have a variety of issues that they need to be aware of – poor circulation, slow healing, swelling, ulcers, and infections – with the cold winter weather adding to the list. The wet weather can easily lead to foot fungus while the cold temperature can further affect circulation as well as causing frost bite – another possibility for amputation!

To help maintain foot health during the cold and wet winter months, I’ve gone ahead and compiled a list of the best diabetic winter boots. This will be a two part post with the first part for men’s winter boots and the second for women’s winter boots. The boots reviewed are based on my own personal opinion and research information found from customer reviews, product description, features, and price point.

Best Winter Boots for Men with Diabetes – Drew Rockford – $276

The Drew Rockford is by far the best diabetic boots for men during the winter months – the reason I say this is because of the range of size and width combinations available! These boots start at a Men’s Size 8 with a Medium width and go all the way up to a Men’s Size 16 in the XX-Wide width or 6E. It’s a great choice for men with larger and wider feet; also available in three different color combinations: black, brown, and wheat nubuck. Other features that make these diabetic boots stand out are the following:

• Plus Fitting System for added and double depth, the Rockford comes with  a moldable insole and a removable spacer underneath the insole
• Tempered steel shank to help offload weight when walking
• Waterproof leather upper
• Dupont ThermoLite waterproof membrane lining keeps feet warm and dry
• Slip resistant outsole (non-industry)
• Medicare Coded HCPCS A5500 for reimbursement purposes

Runner Up – Propet Camp Walker Hi – $100

The Propet Camp Walker Hi is available in two colors: black and brown. What I really like about it is the suede and mesh upper because it just looks very fashionable and something not typically seen. It’s also available in multiple size and width combinations starting from a Men’s 7, MEDIUM to a Men’s 16, XX-WIDE 5E/3W; one caveat however is that the shoes are not available in a WIDE width so there are only 3 width options to choose from. The best selling point about this boot is the price point of $100 because you’re getting a full featured boot at a great deal.

• Weather resistant suede and mesh upper
• Sealtex waterproof bootie
• Removable footbed
• Medicare Coded HCPCS A5500 for reimbursement purposes

Honorable Mention – Propet Blizzard – $100

The Propet Blizzard takes honorable mention in our ranking of diabetic winter boots. It has all the essential features needed in a winter boot such as heat retention, waterproof protection, and a durable upper that is water and stain resistant – a real steal at $100! The only reason that it didn’t rank high is that the Propet Blizzard is not coded for diabetic use and cannot be reimbursed by Medicare.

• Scotchgard treated leather upper with rubber toe
• Sealtex waterproof bootie construction
• Thinsulate lining for added warmth
• Vaproex heat retaining insoles can be replaced with personal
• orthotics

There you have it – top three winter boots for people with diabetes and other foot conditions that require a removable insole and wider fit! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or simply leave a comment. Stay tuned for next weeks post for the Best Winter Boots for Women!