Diabetic Shoes Guide: Medicare Coverage, Top Picks, and What to Look For

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.

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.

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

If home care isn’t resolving your diabetic foot concern, a visit with a board-certified podiatrist is the fastest path to accurate diagnosis and a personalized plan. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. Tom Biernacki, Dr. Carl Jay, and Dr. Daria Gutkin offer same-day and next-day appointments at both our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices. We perform on-site diagnostic ultrasound, digital X-ray, conservative care, advanced regenerative treatments, and minimally invasive surgery when indicated.

Call (810) 206-1402 or request an appointment online. Most insurance plans accepted, including Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I see a podiatrist?

If symptoms persist past 2 weeks, affect your normal activity, or are accompanied by red-flag symptoms (warmth, redness, swelling, inability to bear weight).

What does treatment cost?

Most diagnostic visits and conservative treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurers. Out-of-pocket costs vary by your specific plan.

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Most non-urgent cases see us within 5 business days. Urgent cases (sudden pain, possible fracture) typically same or next business day.

What is Diabetic foot?

Diabetic foot is a common foot/ankle condition that affects mobility and quality of life. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step in successful treatment. Our podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle perform a hands-on biomechanical exam, review your activity history, and use diagnostic imaging when appropriate to identify the root cause—not just treat the symptom. Many patients have been told to “rest and ice” without a deeper diagnostic workup; our approach is different.

Symptoms and warning signs

Common signs of diabetic foot include pain that worsens with activity, morning stiffness, swelling, tenderness when palpated, and difficulty bearing weight. If you experience sudden severe pain, inability to walk, visible deformity, numbness or color change, contact our office the same day or visit urgent care—these can signal a more serious injury such as a fracture, tendon rupture, or vascular compromise. Diabetics with any foot wound should seek same-day care.

Conservative treatment options

Most cases of diabetic foot respond to non-surgical care: structured rest, supportive footwear changes, custom orthotics, targeted stretching and strengthening protocols, anti-inflammatory medications when medically appropriate, and in-office procedures such as ultrasound-guided injections. We also offer advanced therapies including MLS laser therapy, EPAT/shockwave, regenerative injections, and image-guided procedures. Treatment is sequenced from least invasive to most invasive, and we explain the rationale at every step.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is reserved for cases that fail 3-6 months of well-structured conservative care, when there is structural pathology (severe deformity, complete tear, advanced arthritis), or when imaging shows damage that will not heal without intervention. Our surgeons have performed 3,000+ foot and ankle procedures and prioritize minimally-invasive techniques whenever appropriate. We discuss recovery timelines, return-to-activity milestones, and realistic outcome expectations before any procedure is scheduled.

Recovery timeline and prevention

Recovery from diabetic foot varies based on severity and chosen treatment path. Conservative cases often improve within 4-8 weeks with consistent adherence to the protocol. Post-procedural recovery may range from a few days (in-office procedures) to several months (reconstructive surgery). Long-term prevention involves footwear assessment, activity modification, structured strengthening, and regular check-ins with your podiatrist if you have a history of recurrence. We provide written home-exercise plans and digital follow-up support.

Related Care at Balance Foot & Ankle

Clinical diabetic services at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices.

Diabetic Foot CarePeripheral NeuropathyDiabetic Wound Care