A good pair of orthopedic or diabetic shoes is more than footwear — it’s an investment in your health and comfort. These shoes support your posture, protect sensitive feet, and improve daily mobility. But even the best shoes can lose their shape, function, or hygiene if they aren’t stored properly.
Many people don’t realise that how and where you store your shoes directly affects their lifespan. Proper storage preserves their structure, cushioning, and breathability, keeping them ready to wear — and ensuring your feet always feel their best.
At TDO Therapy, we craft orthopedic and diabetic shoes to medical standards for lasting comfort and protection. In this guide, we’ll explain how to store your footwear correctly, protect it from moisture and damage, and keep it fresh between wears.
Why Storage Matters for Orthopedic and Diabetic Footwear
Maintaining Structure and Support
Unlike standard shoes, orthopedic and diabetic shoes are carefully engineered for balance, pressure relief, and posture correction. Their specialized features — such as rocker soles, memory foam layers, and reinforced heel counters — need a stable environment to retain their shape.
If stored improperly (for example, in damp or compressed spaces), these materials can warp or weaken, reducing both comfort and medical benefit.
Preserving Hygiene and Breathability
Diabetic shoes in particular are designed to keep feet dry and irritation-free. Storing them in airtight or humid environments encourages bacterial and fungal growth, which can lead to odours or infections.
Proper airflow keeps your shoes fresh, hygienic, and safe for sensitive skin.
How to Store Orthopedic and Diabetic Shoes the Right Way
1. Clean Before You Store
Always clean your shoes before putting them away, especially after outdoor use. Dirt and moisture left on the surface can cause discolouration, odour, and material degradation over time.
For Leather Shoes:
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Wipe gently with a soft damp cloth.
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Use a leather cleaner if needed, then apply a conditioner to maintain suppleness.
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Allow them to air dry fully before storage.
For Fabric or Mesh Uppers:
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Brush away dust and debris with a soft brush.
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Spot-clean with mild soap and water.
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Never submerge the shoe or use direct heat to dry.
Clean shoes last longer — and make your next wear as comfortable as the first.
2. Allow Proper Drying Time
Never store orthopedic or diabetic shoes while they’re still damp from cleaning or wear. Moisture trapped inside the lining can cause bacteria buildup and deform materials.
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Leave them to air dry in a well-ventilated room.
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Avoid heaters, radiators, or direct sunlight — high heat can dry out leather and damage adhesives.
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If you need faster drying, stuff shoes with paper towels (change them after an hour) to absorb moisture naturally.
3. Use Shoe Trees or Inserts
To maintain the shape of your shoes, especially the toe box and heel, insert shoe trees when not in use.
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Cedar shoe trees are ideal — they help absorb moisture while keeping shoes fresh.
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For diabetic shoes with extra depth or wider fittings, use adjustable wooden or foam inserts to avoid overstretching.
This prevents collapsing or creasing in the upper and keeps the insole’s alignment intact.
4. Store in a Cool, Dry, and Dark Place
Environmental conditions play a big role in shoe longevity.
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Temperature: Keep shoes in a cool environment — extreme heat can harden soles or dry out leather.
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Humidity: Choose a space with good airflow; avoid basements or damp areas that encourage mould.
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Light: Prolonged exposure to sunlight fades colour and weakens materials.
Ideal locations include a wardrobe shelf, dedicated shoe cabinet, or closet with ventilation.
5. Avoid Stacking or Crushing
One of the biggest mistakes people make is piling shoes on top of one another. This can flatten soles and distort orthopedic structures like rocker designs or firm heel counters.
Instead:
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Store shoes side by side.
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Use shoe racks or transparent boxes that allow each pair its own space.
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For travel, use breathable shoe bags instead of tight plastic covers.
Remember — orthopedic and diabetic shoes need room to “breathe,” just like your feet.
6. Keep Insoles and Linings Fresh
Moisture from daily wear can accumulate in insoles and linings. Keeping them fresh maintains hygiene and extends comfort.
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Remove insoles after wearing to let them air out overnight.
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Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside occasionally to absorb odour.
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For leather-lined shoes, wipe the interior gently with a slightly damp cloth once a week.
At TDO Therapy, our shoes use seamless, breathable linings designed to regulate temperature and prevent irritation — but even the best materials benefit from occasional airing.
7. Use Dust Covers or Cloth Bags
If you store your shoes for longer periods (for example, between seasons), protect them from dust and light.
Use cotton or microfiber bags instead of plastic ones. These breathable fabrics prevent moisture buildup and let air circulate naturally, keeping leather supple.
Pro Tip: Add cedar chips or lavender sachets inside your storage area — they keep shoes fresh while repelling moths and bacteria.
8. Rotate Regularly
Wearing the same pair every day shortens its life. Orthopedic soles and insoles need recovery time to regain shape.
Try to rotate between at least two pairs if you wear them daily. This also reduces moisture buildup and prolongs both pairs’ structural integrity.
Special Considerations for Diabetic Shoes
1. Prioritise Hygiene
Diabetic feet are more prone to infections, so cleanliness is essential. Always ensure shoes are fully dry and disinfected before storage.
2. Avoid Chemical Cleaners
Use mild, non-toxic cleaning solutions only — harsh chemicals can irritate sensitive skin if residue remains.
3. Inspect Before Storage
Check for any internal damage, rough seams, or worn linings that could cause friction during your next wear. Even small imperfections can harm sensitive diabetic skin.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using sealed plastic bags: These trap humidity and encourage mould.
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Leaving shoes near heat sources: Excess heat breaks down adhesives and stiffens materials.
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Storing without cleaning: Dirt particles can dry out or scratch the surface.
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Ignoring shoe shape: Crushed toe boxes reduce comfort and alignment.
Good habits make a noticeable difference in how long your orthopedic and diabetic shoes last.
The TDO Therapy Difference
At TDO Therapy, our orthopedic and diabetic footwear is handcrafted to medical-grade standards — designed for long-lasting comfort and daily resilience.
Each pair features:
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Natural calf leather for breathability and durability
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Triple-layer protection system with memory foam cushioning
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Seamless, hypoallergenic linings to prevent irritation
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Rocker bottom soles for balance and joint support
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Wide and deep fittings for swollen or bandaged feet
Proper care and storage help these features perform at their best — protecting your investment and your foot health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store orthopedic shoes in the original box?
Yes, but remove plastic wrapping and allow ventilation. Consider adding silica gel or cedar blocks to prevent moisture.
Should I remove insoles before storage?
Yes, especially after wearing. This allows both the shoes and insoles to dry completely.
How long can orthopedic shoes be stored?
When kept in proper conditions — cool, dry, and breathable — orthopedic shoes can maintain their integrity for several years.
Can I hang my shoes using hooks or racks?
Avoid hanging shoes by the heel loop or straps; it can distort their shape. Store them flat or upright instead.
Final Thoughts
Your orthopedic or diabetic shoes are more than just a comfort choice — they’re a vital part of your foot health. Treating them with care ensures they stay supportive, hygienic, and ready for daily wear.
Proper storage not only preserves their structure and appearance but also protects the advanced materials that make them medically effective.
At TDO Therapy, we design shoes to support you for years — and with the right care and storage habits, they’ll continue delivering the comfort and confidence your feet deserve.
