There might be hundreds of reasons people enjoy hiking, and the primary reason is that hiking provides some adrenaline and mental tranquility to our mundane lifestyle. Shedding some drops of sweat amongst nature not only is good for your physical health but also for mental health.
Well, hiking can seem like an unattainable project if you have been experiencing certain medical conditions. For instance, if you are diabetic there might be certain risks involved in the journey.
Diabetic people tend to have Neuropathy, which makes your feet lack sensation. So if you develop any wounds or cuts in your feet due to friction or any other reason, you might be oblivious about it. And in the long run, that bruise may lead itself into an ulcer or some serious medical calamities.
But, we are here to assure you that diabetes won’t act as a blockade between you and your hike if you are properly geared up. There are certain things and features your hiking shoes ought to have for you to take you outskirts. You have to purchase shoes that are constructed for people with diabetes.
Table of Content
- What makes a hiking boot a diabetic hiking boot?
- What are the Medicare requirements for diabetic boots?
- Will Medicare pay for diabetic hiking boots?
- 10. Skechers Men’s Energy Afterburn Lace Up Sneaker
- 9. Propet Cliff Walker Hiking Boots
- 8. New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer
- 7. Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot
- 6. KEEN Men’s Targhee II Mid Wide Hiking Shoe
- 5. Propet Men’s Ridge Walker Low Hiking Boot
- 4. Dunham Men’s Cloud Mid-Cut Waterproof Boot
- 3. New Balance Men’s 481V3 Trail Running Shoe
- 2. Timberland PRO Men’s Keele Ridge Steel Toe Waterproof Industrial Boot
- 1. Drew Men’s Rockford
- Best Pick
- The Verdict
What makes a hiking boot a diabetic hiking boot?
We have been aware of the features hiking boots must have which includes comfortable construction, perspirable material, durability, and great traction.
But if you are a patient of diabetes, there are more features to consider when it comes to hiking boots. In addition to all the qualities hiking boots have, diabetic hiking boots must also have extra depth, padded heels and tongue, lightweight construction, protective toe-box, and outsole with traction. In addition to these features, your shoes must have comfortable foot-insert which fits your feet right. In the best case, these foot-inserts must be prescribed or custom made under the prescription of a Podiatrist (foot doctor) or any other qualified doctor.
What are the Medicare requirements for diabetic boots?
According to www.medicare.gov, For Medicare to cover for your therapeutic shoes, your doctor or podiatrist must be enrolled in Medicare and they must confirm your need for therapeutic shoes or foot inserts. And if your doctor confirms your need, you have an option to choose from following two choices.
- One pair of diabetic shoes with depth inlay and three pairs of foot inserts per year.
- One pair of custom made shoes molded as per your feet requirement and two pairs of foot inserts.
Will Medicare pay for diabetic hiking boots?
Well, Medicare does pay for your hiking boot but there are certain criteria you have to meet.
- You must be diabetic.
- You should have at least one of the following condition on one of your feet or both:
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- Foot Ulcers
- Partial or whole feet amputation
- Pre ulcerative calluses
- Foot deformity
- Nerve damage caused by diabetes
- Poor circulation
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- You must be under treatment through a comprehensive care plan and need therapeutic shoes of foot inserts.
In addition to preceding conditions, Medicare will need verification from your doctor confirming your need for special diabetic shoes.
Furthermore, it’s always best for you to purchase items provided by your podiatrist, prosthetist, orthotist, or pedorthist. But if you don’t have access to your doctor and still want to not go wrong with your choice of Shoes, we are here to help you find a suitable pair of shoes considering your blood sugar level.
Following lists 10 of the best option for hiking shoes available:
- Skechers Men’s Energy After burn Lace Up Sneaker
- Propet Cliff Walker Hiking Boots
- New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer
- Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot
- KEEN Men’s Targhee II Mid Wide Hiking Shoe
- Propet Men’s Ridge Walker Low Hiking Boot
- Dunham Men’s Cloud Mid-Cut Waterproof Boot
- New Balance Men’s 481V3 Trail Running Shoe
- Timberland PRO Men’s Keele Ridge Steel Toe Waterproof Industrial Boot
- Drew Shoe Men’s Rockford
10. Skechers Men’s Energy Afterburn Lace Up Sneaker
Buy NowEnergy Afterburn Sneakers for Men by Skechers makes its place on our list mainly for its reasonable price, versatile design, and most importantly the comfort it provides.
Made of smooth leather, the upper of this Shoes from Skechers features a sporty lace-up training sneaker design. The padded collar and tongue of Energy After-burn Sneaker ensure comfort and gentleness on your ankle area. With solid black and black-and-white color options, these shoes are best suited for all activities including hiking on the outskirts, working out on the gym, or running some errands.
Skechers Men’s Energy Afterburn Lace-up Sneaker is lined with soft fabric and has a cushioned insole. Furthermore, these shoes are constructed from shock-absorbing midsoles along with flexible traction outsoles. The one-and-half inch-high heel and molded grooves on the outsole of these shoes add on to the stability making it a promising option.
Features I like:
- Reasonably Priced
- Durable
- Versatile Design
- Comfortable
9. Propet Cliff Walker Hiking Boots
Buy NowPropet is a brand known for a long time especially for its specialization in therapeutic shoes suitable for diabetic patients. And like the name suggests “Cliff Walker’ from Propet are designed to walk fearlessly on the cliffs and rugs.
Made from weather-resistant full-grain leather upper and speed lace-closure system, Propet Cliff Walker Hiking Boots allows your feet to perspire even on those painstaking walks uphill. In addition to it, the Sealtex waterproof construction makes this pair of shoes resistant to water keeping the moisture out.
Furthermore, this Cliff Walker from Propet comes with a rigid heel counter and removable footbed. Likewise, these shoes are cushioned with EVA midsole and tongue that ensures soft comfort on the wearer’s feet.
This lightweight design of hiking boots has a high traction rubber sole that accounts for stability and great grip on the go. To top it all, this product is Medicare-approved!
Features I like:
- Medicare Approved
- Great value for money
- Great Fit
- Very Comfortable
- Suitable for wide feet as well
8. New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer
Buy NowMen’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer from New Balance is a perfect blend between comfortable and well-cushioned hiking boots and day-to-day walking shoes. It can be worn both on the trails and on your way to work or casual activities.
This pair of shoes has a leather upper in an appealing design. The ABZORB cushioning incorporated in the mid foot area of this shoe provides exceptional shock absorption, whereas the polyurethane insert accounts for the excellent cushion it provides all-day long.
Furthermore, New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer has an injection-molded EVA midsole that provides firm but flexible cushion support. In addition to this, the outsole of shoes features slip-resistant superior traction that outperforms itself in varying landscapes.
Features I Like:
- Versatile and appealing outlook
- Comfortable
- Good Traction
7. Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot
Buy NowMen’s Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot by Columbia is another great and comfortable hiking boot ready to be your companion on the trails. This lightweight and durable hiking boot is built for protection, comfort, and style.
The upper half of this hiking boot by Columbia constructs from PU coated leather, suede, and mesh. The seams of these shoes are sealed to make it water-proof and prevent moisture and mud from getting in your way. Furthermore, this pair of hiking boots features a classic lace closure for secure and easy fastening.
Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot has Techlite lightweight midsole which is said to ensure you long-lasting comfort, exceptional cushioning, and superior energy return.
Furthermore, this pair of hiking boots feature Omni-Grip non-marking rubber outsoles with specially designed groves for traction control.
Features I Like:
- Lightweight
- Well-made and durable
- Comfortable right out of the box
6. KEEN Men’s Targhee II Mid Wide Hiking Shoe
Buy NowKEEN Men’s Targhee II Mid Wide Hiking Shoe is a very comfortable hiking shoe best suited for men with wide feet.
This pair of hiking boots from KEEN has a waterproof nubuck upper half that is water repellent as well as breathable.
This feature keeps your feet dry even if you jump on the puddle with water.
Men’s Targhee II Mid Wide Hiking Shoe from KEEN has a dual-density compression-molded removable EVA midsole. Furthermore, this pair of shoes features a Metatomical Footbed that is anatomically engineered to cradle the natural contours of the foot and provide excellent arch support. This pair of shoes is treated with Anti-odor technology.
In addition to this, these shoes have a hydrophobic mesh lining along with the comfortable lace closure system.
KEEN Men’s Targhee II Mid Wide Hiking Shoes has a non-marking rubber outsole which keeps you sturdy and stable on the trails.
Features I Like:
- Very Comfortable
- Good value for money
- Great for wide feet
5. Propet Men’s Ridge Walker Low Hiking Boot
Buy NowPropet Men’s Ridge Walker Hiking Boot and Propet Men’s Ridge Walker Low Boot might be the ideal pair of shoes for all of you diabetic adventurers as it checks all the essential qualities required for a hiking shoe to be therapeutic. Both of these shoes have similar features except the Propet Men’s Ridge Walker Low Boot inches below the ankle whereas the other extends above the wearer’s ankle.
Constructed of Suede and Mesh, the upper half of this hiking boot is waterproof. In addition to it, the collar and tongue of both Propet Men’s Ridge Walker Hiking Boot and Propet Men’s Ridge Walker Low Boot is well-cushioned ensuring wearers optimum comfort. These hiking boots also have an abrasion-resistant rubber toe cap that protects the wearer from toe injury due to collision or any accident.
Furthermore, these hiking boots from Propet have a removable and breathable footbed that removes moisture from the foot and ensures dry and cool feet.
Ridge Walker Hiking Boots from Propet feature EVA midsole along with a high traction rubber outsole. This rubber outsole helps create a good grip and keeps hikers stable on the trails.
To top it all, this product is Medicare-approved.
Features I like:
- Medicare Approved
- Supremely Comfortable
- Very Well made
- Great for wide feet
- Removable Footbed
4. Dunham Men’s Cloud Mid-Cut Waterproof Boot
Buy NowDunham has been known to make decent shoes for long. And Men’s Cloud Mid-Cut Waterproof Boot is another good pair of shoes from Dunham which has been approved as a Diabetic Shoes by Medicare.
Featuring a full-grain leather upper with seam-sealed waterproof construction, this pair of shoes can be worn on all environments without hesitating. Dunham Men’s Cloud Mid-cut Waterproof Boot also features a toe guard which acts as a protective exterior.
Men’s Cloud Mid-cut Waterproof boot has a cushioned tongue and collar that accounts for comfort and a secure fit. Furthermore, the shoes are lined with a breathable lining and have a removable EVA and Memory Foam footbed. The fiberglass stability shank embedded in the midsole of these shoes provides support to your foot arch.
Likewise, Dunham Men’s Cloud Mid-cut Waterproof Boot constructs from durable rubber outsole with multi-directional lugs which ensures maximum traction and stability on the go.
Features I Like:
- Medicare approved
- Comfortable
- Good for wide feet
- Well made
3. New Balance Men’s 481V3 Trail Running Shoe
Buy NowMen’s 481V3 Trail Running Shoes from New Balance is also another good option of comfortable shoes suitable for wearing on your hike.
The upper half of this shoe is constructed from leather and mesh which provides breathability to the feet. These shoes can be adjusted with a lace-up closure. Likewise, the inner of Men’s 481V3 Trail Running Shoes are lined with mesh which again allows breathability, wicks moisture away, and ensures gentle feel to the feet.
This pair of shoes by New Balance has an EVA midsole that offers lightweight cushioning. Furthermore, the rugged rubber outsole of New Balance Men’s 481V3 Trail Running Shoes provides superior grip and traction control making these shoes ideal to be worn on the trails.
Features I like:
- Affordable
- Great Fit
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
2. Timberland PRO Men’s Keele Ridge Steel Toe Waterproof Industrial Boot
Buy NowMen’s Keele Ridge Boots from Timberland holds the legacy of Timberland perfectly as this boot from Timberland is a very versatile and comfortable boot ready to walk on the rocky trails as well as deep forest paths.
The upper half of Men’s Keele Ridge Steel Toe Waterproof Industrial Boot is made from full-grain leather and synthetic which ensures durability. Likewise, this pair of shoes has climbing-grade rubber toe protection which saves wearers from the possible injury due to unexpected bumps.
Furthermore, the inner and the footbed cover of this shoe is lined with mesh. This pair of boots from Timberland has an Ortholite footbed that ensures all-day cushioning and support. The Ortholite comfort foam is also responsible for moisture transport and antimicrobial function.
Timberland PRO Men’s Keele Ridge Steel Toe Waterproof Industrial Boot has a durable rubber outsole with great traction control that is constructed from 34% recycled rubber.
Features I like:
- Waterproof
- Very Comfortable and Durable
- Great fit
- Lightweight and well made
- Good value for money
1. Drew Men’s Rockford
Buy NowThe Rockford boot for men from Drew is a very comfortable boot, approved by Medicare, and is suitable for wearing on various occasions and environments.
This pair of shoes has a waterproof leather upper with a cushioned collar and tongue area that ensures optimum comfort. It also features Dupont Thermolite with a waterproof lining membrane.
Drew Men’s Rockford has a plus fitting system, which includes two removable footbeds that account for added and double depth. This added depth is the ideal quality therapeutic diabetic shoes ought to have, as it helps accommodate for even the most extreme feet problem and condition.
Furthermore, these shoes feature a built-in heel cushion along with tempered steel shank. The outsole of Drew Men’s Rockford constructs from Non-marking rubber outsole which makes this product slip-resistant and high on traction.
Features I Like:
- Medicare approved
- Very Comfortable
- Ideal for a Diabetic person
- Great grip
- Supports various feet conditions
Best Pick
Propet Men’s Ridge Walker Hiking Boot and Propet Men’s Ridge Walker Low Hiking Boot tops the list here because of its perfect construction that is solely constructed considering the risks diabetic patients are exposed to. To top it all, this product is approved by Medicare, which means the cost for these shoes might be covered by your Medicare insurance if you qualify.
Other than that, Drew Men’s Rockford is also another product that deserves being our best pick along with the shoes from Propet.
The Verdict
To sum it all, one must never hesitate to pay a visit to reliable medical personnel when it comes to your health. It’s always a wise choice to get shoes recommended by specialists considering your foot condition. Even if you don’t have access to a health professional, buy shoes which are acknowledged by Medicare and for which our list might be of good help to you.
Happy health and happy hikes!