Footnotes
Summertime Foot Care Tips for Diabetics
Summer in Alaska is finally here! With long, sunny days and plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors, it’s the perfect season to get moving and make the most of it. If you’re living with diabetes, especially if you experience neuropathy, this is also a critical time to pay extra attention to your feet.
We're truly grateful for the trust our diabetic patients place in us to care for their foot health here at Anchorage Foot & Ankle Clinic, and summer always brings a few common questions. Here are some helpful tips to keep your feet safe, supported, and summer-ready.
Shoes Matter—A Lot
Let’s start with the basics: diabetic feet need good shoes. Shoes that are too tight, too loose, that rub, or are worn out can cause serious problems—blisters, calluses, toenail injuries, even ulcers.
A few quick shoe-shopping tips:
- Shop at the end of the day when your feet are naturally more swollen.
- Have both feet measured—most people have one foot slightly bigger.
- Make sure there’s about a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
- Walk around the store to check for rubbing or hot spots.
Stores like Skinny Raven Sports and REI have knowledgeable staff to help with finding that perfect fit!
If you have foot or toe deformities, or if you've lost a toe, diabetic shoes can make a big difference. We’re proud to be the only Anchorage shoe retailer that carries Anodyne® shoes, which are carefully designed to protect your feet and prevent potential injuries to help you maintain an active, healthy and productive lifestyle. They’re supportive, comfortable, and they actually look like normal shoes (no more “orthopedic” style from the 80s).
Don’t Skip the Socks
Seriously, no barefoot-in-shoes! Socks help prevent friction, wick away moisture, and reduce the risk of infection. While I recommend everyone wears socks with their shoes (except sandals and dress shoes), it is especially important that diabetic patients wear socks. Wearing shoes without socks might seem harmless, but it actually puts your feet at risk as there’s nothing to protect your skin from rubbing, and sweaty feet can lead to bacteria, odor, and even fungus. So if you have diabetes, trust us, socks are a must!
Our in-office retail store, Sole Soothers, is open to the public during clinic office hours and provides a wide variety of items to help keep your feet healthy and happy. We carry great options like:
- Wrightsock® (double-layered to reduce blisters)
- Injini® Toe Socks (individual toe sleeves help avoid rubbing and wounds)
- Compression socks (great for swelling, especially when flying)
- Anodyne® brand diabetic shoes
- Insoles and House Slippers
Pro tip: always wear compression socks during air travel. They help reduce swelling and lower the risk of skin breakdown.
Insoles and Orthotics
Diabetic feet are more prone to developing wounds and deformities. A good insole can help protect high-pressure areas and prevent serious complications.
At our clinic, we offer both over-the-counter and diabetic-specific insoles,no appointment needed! These are great if you're visiting Anchorage or need support fast. We also have adhesive pads and soft inserts available in our retail section.
Choose the Right Shoes for the Right Activity
Exercise is so important for patients with diabetes. Not only does it help to keep blood glucose levels in check, but it also helps maintain a healthy weight, keep bones strong and helps the body to develop new blood vessels to get around a potential blockage in an artery (called collateral circulation). This brings us back to the importance of proper footwear!
We are so fortunate that in Alaska there are an unlimited number of outdoor summer activities available to us, especially when the weather is cooperative. But not all shoes are appropriate for all activities. Here’s a rule to remember: wear activity-appropriate shoes. Seems obvious, but we see way too many injuries from people hiking in XtraTufs or biking in flip-flops.
If you’re hiking Flattop? Wear hiking boots or trail shoes. Biking, playing pickleball, or kayaking? Use sport-specific shoes. Strolling downtown? Be comfortable and ensure you have enough support and accommodation for your foot. Swimming in lakes or rivers? Protect your feet with water shoes—no barefoot wading!
Traveling? Plan Ahead
If you're flying, choose shoes that are easy to slip on/off for security but still support your feet. Wear compression socks if you can, either with sandals (yes, own the look!) or with closed-toe shoes.
And don’t forget to pack your glucose monitor and supplies. Travel, long days, and irregular meals can throw off your routine, so keep an eye on your blood sugar. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are great, but a glucometer and test strips will do the job just fine.
Traveling? Plan Ahead
If you have diabetes—whether your blood sugar is well-controlled or not—don’t wait to see a podiatrist. You do not need to have some major problem or injury for us to see you! I have had numerous patients throughout the years who have come in simply to make sure that their feet are in good shape and healthy. Many patients delay appointments because they’re embarrassed by how their feet look. The last place in the world to feel embarrassed about your feet is in my clinic! In my clinic, we do everything we can to ensure our patients feel welcome and relaxed. We’ve seen it all, and we’re here to help.
At Anchorage Foot & Ankle Clinic, we’re currently accepting most insurances (except Medicare in Anchorage, Worker’s Comp, and adult Medicaid). We also have a cash pay option!
Have questions? Need new shoes, socks, or insoles? Come visit our in-office retail shop during clinic hours. And whatever your plans this summer, take care of your feet. You only get one pair!
Happy summer from all of us at Anchorage Foot & Ankle Clinic!
More Footnotes
Important Questions (and their answers) for new patients
Fall Foot Tips
Summer Foot Tips
Plantar Fasciitis
