Diabetic Shoes: Fit Facts and the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Benefit
Medicare Part B covers one pair of extra-depth shoes and 3 pairs of inserts, or one pair of custom-molded shoes and 2 more pairs of inserts, each calendar year for people with diabetes and severe diabetes-related foot disease. You pay the Part B deductible and then 20 percent if the supplier accepts assignment. We do not rank shoe brands.
Medicare therapeutic shoe benefit
| Who qualifies | Diabetes plus severe diabetes-related foot disease, certified by the doctor who treats your diabetes |
|---|---|
| Option 1 (each calendar year) | One pair of custom-molded shoes with inserts, if a foot deformity means you cannot wear depth-inlay shoes, plus 2 more pairs of inserts |
| Option 2 (each calendar year) | One pair of extra-depth shoes plus 3 pairs of inserts |
| Your cost | Part B deductible, then 20% of the Medicare-approved amount if the supplier accepts assignment. If it does not, it can charge any amount |
| Who supplies | A podiatrist, orthotist, prosthetist, pedorthist or other qualified person; doctors and suppliers must be enrolled in Medicare |
Source: Medicare.gov, checked 2026-10-22. Medicare Advantage plans and other insurers have their own rules. Ask the supplier before you order whether it takes assignment.
Choosing and fitting shoes (NIDDK)
- Buy shoes late in the day, when feet are largest, with room for your toes.
- Choose walking or athletic shoes for daily wear. Avoid vinyl or plastic, pointed toes and high heels.
- Break in new shoes gradually, a few hours at first, and check your feet for soreness after.
- Check inside shoes for pebbles or rough spots every time.
Pair them with the right socks: see diabetic socks. Call your provider if a cut or blister has not started healing after a few days.
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare cover diabetic shoes?
Medicare Part B covers therapeutic shoes and inserts for people with diabetes and severe diabetes-related foot disease. After the Part B deductible you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount if the supplier accepts assignment.
How many pairs does Medicare cover?
Each calendar year you can choose one of two options: one pair of custom-molded shoes with inserts, plus 2 more pairs of inserts; or one pair of extra-depth shoes, plus 3 pairs of inserts. In some cases, separate inserts or shoe modifications are covered instead.
Who has to sign for it?
The doctor who treats your diabetes must certify that you need therapeutic shoes or inserts, and a podiatrist or other qualified doctor must order them. Your doctor and the supplier must be enrolled in Medicare.
How should diabetic shoes fit?
The NIDDK suggests buying shoes late in the day, leaving room for your toes, avoiding pointed toes and high heels, breaking new shoes in gradually and checking for soreness. A podiatrist can help with fit.
Are walking or athletic shoes fine?
The NIDDK suggests walking or athletic shoes for daily wear and advises against vinyl or plastic shoes. If you have foot disease, ask your care team what type you need.
Information only, not medical advice. Your care team may set different targets for you, and only a lab test ordered by a clinician can diagnose diabetes or prediabetes. See our medical disclaimer.
Sources
- Medicare.gov: Therapeutic shoes and inserts (checked 2026-10-22)
- NIDDK: Diabetes and Foot Problems (reviewed January 2017)
Last reviewed: by the Diabetes Blogs editorial team. Information only, not medical advice.
