Neuropathy changes your life. Suddenly—in ways both expected and unexpected—life may become a little harder than it was. 

Dealing with neuropathy on a daily basis comes down to proper information and proper preparation. 

When it comes to footwear, neuropathy can have a wide degree of implications. It can make putting your shoes on more difficult, and pain can make the act of wearing them more challenging. But here’s the good news: The right pair of shoes can turn things around. 

Interested in discovering more? Your friends here at Kizik have you covered. Keep reading to find out which neuropathy shoes check all the boxes for comfort, ease, and serious foot health.

How many types of neuropathy are there?

There are over 100 discreet types of neuropathy. Briefly, they can largely be grouped into a few major types:

Motor neuropathy

Motor neuropathy impacts various motor functions. It can make getting your feet into your shoes irritating and tying your shoes more difficult. It can make walking once your shoes are on frustrating.

Motor neuropathy, at its core, impacts the functional use of muscles. It can sometimes be associated with long-term muscle atrophy. In addition to movement, it may also result in issues with speech and speaking.

Peripheral/sensory neuropathy

The next type of neuropathy is sensory neuropathy, also called peripheral neuropathy. These cause changes in bodily sensations. This can include a change in how one feels temperature or responds to touch. It can also cause recurrent feelings or sensations of pain. 

Autonomic nerve neuropathy

The third major type of neuropathy is autonomic nerve neuropathy. This can affect unconscious bodily functions, possibly including breathing, which can be comparatively serious compared to other types of neuropathy.

No single type of neuropathy always appears on its own. It’s entirely possible, and often likely, for multiple types of neuropathy to coexist. 

How can shoes help with neuropathy?

We’ve covered what neuropathy is, but let’s talk about how shoes come into play. When nerve damage makes every step feel like a challenge, the right footwear can step in to make things easier. Whether it’s relief, accessibility, or overall foot health, here’s how the right pair can help.

Easing sensory neuropathy pain

When your feet are screaming over a short walk, the right shoes can feel like a lifesaver. Neuropathy shoes with cushioned footbeds, stretchable uppers, and extra depth can ease the pressure on sensitive feet. 

Add slip-resistant soles to the mix, and you’ve got a shoe that helps you feel steady, even when nerve damage makes things tricky. Diabetic neuropathy? Shoes with breathable fabrics and removable orthotic insoles can help protect your feet while keeping irritation, blisters, and hotspots at bay.

Making Life easier with motor neuropathy

Slip-on designs are here to save the day. No awkward pulling, no crushed heels. Just step in and move on. Wide openings, lightweight materials, and supportive heel counters make it easier to get your shoes on without a second thought.

Breaking the cycle of foot pain

Neuropathy pain can feel like it’s never-ending—pain leads to strain, which leads to more pain. A good pair of shoes won’t solve everything, but they can break up that cycle. 

And the best part? Once you slip into shoes with durable soles, breathable uppers, and space for custom orthotics or braces, you’ll find they’re built to handle the tough stuff, from bunions and hammertoes to plantar fasciitis and everything in between.

Which shoes are best for neuropathy?

Wondering which shoes actually get it? We’ve rounded up a few options that make life with neuropathy a whole lot easier. From slip-on styles to features built for comfort and support, these picks are here to help your feet feel like themselves again.

Lima

When you look at the Lima, you’ll likely notice two things right off the bat. The first is the uniform color, with a contrasting uni-colored upper and subtle outsole. The second is how easy they are to wear. Kizik has an extensive line of slip-on shoes. You can just step in and go. 

100% slip on

Kiziks are totally slip-on. The Enclosed Cage™ bends as you slip your foot in, then bounces upright as your foot fully enters the shoe. This is ideal for motor neuropathy, as suddenly, the dexterity requirement becomes way more accessible. 

Removable insoles

Our Lima has removable insoles, making them a breeze to clean. Perhaps more importantly, it makes them easily swapped, so you can trade them out for a specific footwear support.

Breathable knit fabric

The Lima is made from a highly-breathable knit upper which helps with air circulation, helping your feet stay cool and never feel sweaty.

Already, we’ve got a strong contender for helping with neuropathy. The Lima has numerous deliberate design choices and comes in 12 different styles. Despite all these benefits, it's only the first shoe on our list. Take a peek at the Vegas next!

Vegas

Who says high-quality leather shoes can’t also be highly supportive and great for neuropathy? The Vegas, with its full-grain leather upper, begs to differ. Everything above the foot is made for style, while everything below it is made for pure, unadulterated ease. The end result is a classic style of shoe that seamlessly blends function with fashion. 

The Vegas’s flexible cage blends in seamlessly with the rest of the shoe. It’s only when you actually slide your feet in that you realize how easy it is to work with. 

No break-in period

The best part is that with the Vegas, you’ve got a leather shoe with no break-in period. Not only do these shoes fit right out of the box — they fit seamlessly. Dress them up or down to fit any occasion at home, at work, or for a wonderful night out. 

Madrid Eco-Knit

Our last highlight of the day isn’t just a top-notch shoe for supporting symptoms of neuropathy. It’s also a fantastic shoe for supporting the environment. The Madrid Eco-Knit, it should come as no surprise, gets its name from sustainable measures in creating the shoe. 

Recycled materials with unparalleled stretch

The upper of the shoe is made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. At the same time, the shoes have a four-way stretch design, making them way more breathable than any bottle you’ve encountered. A smooth-looking, complementary-colored outsole well contrasts a unique, textured pinprick design. 

Once again, this shoe, available in women’s and men’s sizes, embraces function and fashion. Simply slide in, and glide away on a pillowy-soft shoe.

Responsive cushioning

The cushioning doesn’t just feel exquisite: It’s also great for your body. Responsive cushioning is an excellent provider of support. Suddenly, the pinch points when it comes to wearing footwear might just become regular points. The soles are also removable in case you want or need more customized support.

This shoe is available in ten different styles. In the clay and sage colorways, the outsole even matches in clay or sage. Few things are more environmentally appropriate here than a shoe that is, figuratively and literally, green.

Many times, we can’t even get accessibility from our footwear. Matching accessibility and sustainability and comfort, and even style? Now you’re speaking our language. 

How can you support your feet with neuropathy?

Picking the right walking shoes is just one piece of the puzzle. To get the most out of your new kicks and give your feet the comfort they need, a few extra steps can go a long way. 

Here are some simple tips to help manage neuropathy and keep your feet happy.

Try inserts or insoles

Adding inserts or insoles to your shoes can make a world of difference, especially if you’re dealing with flat feet or neuropathy. They provide extra cushioning, support, and shock absorption right where you need it. 

Need a little more structure? Try Arch Form Insole, designed to follow your foot’s natural contour and deliver firm support with serious rebound. Prefer a softer feel? The Super Squish Insole molds to your foot for all-day comfort—like walking on clouds, but better.

Don’t overlook the right socks

The right socks can make your comfortable shoes even better. Look for options with cushioning and arch support to reduce friction and give your feet an extra layer of comfort. Our Ankle Socks are a perfect match for neuropathy-friendly shoes. 

They’ve got a heel tab for added cushioning, extra padding on the footbed, and arch compression that hugs your foot in all the right places. Plus, their low-profile design means they’re as stylish as they are supportive. It’s the little things that make a big difference!

Keep up with healthcare check-ins

Your podiatrist isn’t just there for emergencies—they’re your partner through neuropathy, ready to provide medical advice you can trust. Regular check-ins can help spot issues early, adjust your care plan, and make sure your walking shoes, inserts, or other footwear are doing their job. Think of it as a tune-up for your feet—simple, quick, and totally worth it.

Choosing the right shoes for dealing with neuropathy

Top-quality shoes for neuropathy don’t just do one thing. They target a variety of potential hazards so that everyone can have their needs met. It’s the reason why the best qualities of Kizik shoes — easy-to-wear, removable insoles, and plush cushioning — are represented throughout the line.

The need for five-star footwear belongs to everyone. Not every shoe achieves this, and certainly not every shoe has the health considerations of its wearer in mind. For better footwear for all sizes, ages, and abilities, choose something new and take a look at Kizik. 

Sources:

Multifocal Motor Neuropathy - Symptoms, Causes, Treatment | NORD

Multifocal Motor Neuropathy - Symptoms, Causes, Treatment | NORD

Autonomic neuropathy - Symptoms and causes | Mayo Clinic

Peripheral neuropathy - Symptoms and causes | Mayo Clinic