Did you know Medicare will pay for diabetic shoes and insoles? The Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Program (MTSP) provides coverage for one pair of therapeutic shoes and three pairs of custom-molded insoles per calendar year for qualifying diabetic patients — yet fewer than 20% of eligible patients take advantage of this benefit. Here’s everything you need to know.

The Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Program: What’s Covered

Under Medicare Part B, the MTSP covers:

• One pair of extra-depth shoes — OR one pair of custom-molded shoes for severely deformed feet
• Three pairs of custom-molded insoles — OR two pairs if custom-molded shoes are prescribed
• Coverage amount: Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount after Part B deductible; your supplemental insurance typically covers the remaining 20%

Who Qualifies for Medicare Diabetic Shoes?

To qualify, you must have Medicare Part B and diabetes, plus at least one of the following conditions:

• Peripheral neuropathy with callus formation
• History of pre-ulcerative callus
• History of foot ulceration
• Foot deformity (hammertoes, bunions, Charcot foot)
• Previous partial or complete foot amputation
• Poor circulation (peripheral vascular disease)

Your primary care physician or endocrinologist must certify that you have diabetes and that therapeutic shoes are necessary. Dr. Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle can provide the prescribing documentation and fit the footwear in a single appointment.

Best Diabetic Shoe Brands in 2025

New Balance (Extra Depth Series)

The gold standard for Medicare-approved diabetic footwear. The 928v3 and 577 models feature extra depth for custom insoles, seamless interiors to prevent friction, and are available in widths up to 6E. Shop New Balance Extra Depth →

Propét

Propét specializes in therapeutic footwear with a deep product line of Medicare-eligible styles for men and women. The LifeWalker and Stability Walker series are popular with diabetic patients for their adjustable width and shock-absorbing construction. Shop Propét Diabetic Shoes →

Apex Foot Health

Apex makes some of the best diabetic dress shoes — important for patients who need professional-looking footwear. Their Bio Symmetry line provides the therapeutic features required by Medicare while looking like standard dress shoes. Shop Apex Diabetic Shoes →

Key Features of Good Diabetic Shoes

• Extra depth — at least 3/8″ additional depth to accommodate custom insoles
• Seamless interior — prevents pressure points and blisters in neuropathic feet
• Wide toe box — accommodates deformities without compression
• Non-binding upper — no laces or straps over bony prominences
• Firm, cushioned sole — absorbs impact while protecting fragile skin
• Adjustable closure — accommodates foot swelling throughout the day

How to Get Your Medicare Diabetic Shoes Through Balance Foot & Ankle

The process is straightforward: (1) Visit your primary care physician to get the Certificate of Medical Necessity signed, (2) Schedule a fitting appointment with Dr. Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle, (3) We bill Medicare directly — you pay nothing beyond your standard copay in most cases. Call (810) 206-1402 to get started.

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.