Diabetic footwear market seen reaching $14.74 billion by 2030

The Business Research Company says the global diabetic footwear market will rise from $9.2 billion in 2025 to $10.15 billion in 2026, then reach $14.74 billion by 2030. The forecast points to growing diabetes rates, more focus on foot care and wider use of therapeutic, pressure-relief and customized shoe designs.

Why it matters: - Diabetic footwear is gaining demand as more people live with diabetes and need shoes that help reduce foot complications. - The market forecast points to a larger opportunity for therapeutic footwear makers, specialty retailers and online sellers. - Preventing ulcers, blisters and pressure injuries remains a practical concern for diabetic patients and care providers.

What happened: - The Business Research Company released a diabetic footwear market report covering market size, trends and forecasts for 2026 through 2035. - The report estimates the market will grow from $9.2 billion in 2025 to $10.15 billion in 2026. - The report projects the market will reach $14.74 billion by 2030. - The forecast was published in London on Aug. 4, 2026. - A free sample of the report is available. - The full market report is also available.

The details: - The market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 10.3% from 2025 to 2026. - The longer-term forecast calls for a 9.8% CAGR through 2030. - Growth is being driven by rising diabetes prevalence, greater awareness of diabetic foot care and more recommendations for therapeutic shoes. - Specialty footwear retail outlets are becoming more common. - Improved supportive materials designed for diabetic patients are helping support demand. - Future growth is expected to come from customized orthopedic shoes, smart insole technologies and online sales channels. - The report highlights rising interest in preventive care for diabetic foot complications. - Other expected trends include pressure-relief insoles, tailored diabetic footwear, lightweight and breathable materials and more focus on preventing foot ulcers. - Diabetic footwear is designed with more space and cushioning than regular footwear. - The shoes often include a wider toe box to reduce toe compression and lower the risk of blisters or ulcers. - The footwear aims to relieve pressure and calluses on the soles of the feet. - Therapeutic footwear can improve circulation, provide more room for the toes and cushion painful pressure points. - The report cites a June 2023 projection from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation that the number of people with diabetes will exceed 1.3 billion within three decades. - The same projection says the global diabetic population could reach 529 million by 2050. - North America held the largest share of the diabetic footwear market in 2025. - The report also covers Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, South America, the Middle East and Africa.

Between the lines: - The forecast suggests diabetic footwear is shifting from a niche medical product to a broader preventive-care category. - Smart insoles and customized shoes point to a market that is moving toward more personalization and technology. - The large projected increase in the diabetic population helps explain why footwear makers are emphasizing comfort and complication prevention.

What's next: - The market is expected to keep expanding as providers and consumers look for products that reduce foot risk and improve mobility. - Growth in e-commerce and specialty retail could widen access to therapeutic footwear. - Product development is likely to focus on lighter materials, pressure relief and custom fit.

The bottom line: - Diabetic footwear is on track for steady, double-digit growth as diabetes rates rise and prevention-focused foot care becomes more important.