Where can I find good sandals or slippers for my diabetic mother in law?

Thanks again. I totally understand about getting foot issues and being diabetic. My FIL is 101 and has had ulcers on the bottom of his feet which have healed and he isn't diabetic just old. I don't understand why my MIL is being so naive regarding her own needs but she is. I know she has a podiatrist but I don't know his name; will get it and go from there. She's used to being in control and has a very strong personality so I have that to deal with. As I said before, I think I'll just mention my concerns to her daughter(s) and let them do the persuading.

The lycra Mary Janes that I have on right now are, of course, very stretchy. (Lycra is often used for bathing suits and dance clothes.) The straps typically come so long that they have to be shortened for me. (That is one advantage of the prosthetic shop -- they have the equipment right there to do that.) The straps look like they have a buckle but they really fasten with velcro.

When I first started wearing little ol' lady shoes at age 39 there were very few styles to choose from. That has greatly improved. Now there are many styles and colors and varying degrees of support to select from.

I thought I would need a new pair of athletic shoes this time and then I remembered that I had another insert for them. That made them feel like new! So instead I got a dress pair. Not as much support and not what I'd want for wearing all day, but at least I have something decent to wear a few hours to a wedding or funeral, etc. now. That one pair will probably last me ten years as seldom as I'll wear them.

Foot problems are nothing for a diabetic to take lightly. Even though I don't have neuropathy, each time I've had a minor foot sore it has taken very long to heal. I don't want to mess with foot risks!

Hi Jeannegibbs, Thanks for getting back so quickly. I suggested that she go to one of the prosthetic type stores but that was met with some hesitance. She is very aware of what Medicare pays for so that isn't an issue - it's getting her to agree/understand that there is a need for better footwear. I know she has tried all sorts of shoes but has had problems with them all. Don't know if she has thought or checked out specialty shoes/slippers. I'm the daughter-in-law so have to be very careful how I approach things with her. Will mention my concerns and your suggestions to her daughter as she tends to listen to her.

I did go on a site and saw some Mary Janes that not only looked cute but might fit her well enough. Are the ones that you use flexible enough to not constrict her feet too much? And how loose can the strap be to accommodate severely swollen insteps/ankles? I was thinking about measuring the circumference of her insteps in several places and checking in with some resources. Thanks.

Medicare will cover a pair of orthopedic shoes if her doctor fills out a form describing her foot problems -- one pair per year. I get mine at a prosthesis place. I've also gotten them from my podiatrist's office, but the prosthesis place had more choices and, I thought, a more experienced fitter. There were many catalogs to choose from. My favorites have been Mary Janes made out of lycra (VERY comfortable) and the workhorse athletic shoes.

flip-flops and open-toed sandals are not really adequate support and protection for an 85 year old diabetic. I agree with you than better shoes are needed. Why not take advantage of the Medicare benefit and get custom-fit shoes in a style she'd enjoy?