Footwear is not just fashion—it’s protection, especially for people with diabetes.

One of the most overlooked aspects of diabetic care is the type of footwear we wear daily. With foot ulcers, neuropathy, and high pain becoming common in diabetic patients, the sole material of your footwear can make a life-changing difference.

Today, let’s break down three popular materials used in orthopaedic footwear—Billione, EVA, and PU—and understand which one truly helps diabetic feet.

Why Diabetic Foot Needs Special Footwear?

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), India has over 77 million people living with diabetes, and complications affect 1 in 4 patients. Problems such as loss of sensation (neuropathy), poor blood circulation, and delayed healing make the feet highly vulnerable.

A small cut or blister can turn into a serious wound if ignored. That’s why doctors recommend custom orthopaedic slippers or sandals with arch support and soft cushioning to reduce pressure points.

Breaking Down the Materials

1. Billione Sole

Pros:

• Very soft and flexible
• Provides excellent shock absorption
• Reduces high-pressure areas (ideal for ulcer-prone feet)
• Can be customised in insoles and heel cups

Cons:

• Not very durable for daily outdoor use
• Can feel mushy compared to EVA
• Expensive compared to regular soles

Best for: People with severe heel pain, calluses, or existing ulcers. Mostly recommended by podiatrists for therapeutic footwear.

2. EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) Sole

Pros:

• Lightweight and highly cushioned
• Affordable and widely available
• Good flexibility and comfort for daily use
• Easy to mould for custom arch support

Cons:

• Compresses over time—loses shape faster
• Less durable under heavy weight
• Wears out faster if used in rough outdoor terrain

Best for: Preventive Footwear (PFW) for diabetic patients who don’t yet have major foot problems but want to avoid complications. Great for home wear and daily walking.

3. PU (Polyurethane) Sole

Pros:

• Very strong and durable
• Good shock absorption and stability
• Long-lasting even in outdoor use
• Resistant to wear and tear

Cons:

• Heavier compared to EVA
• Less soft than silicone
• Can feel rigid if not designed properly

Best for: Active diabetic patients who need long-lasting footwear for outdoor activities. Also suitable for Fitness Freaks (FFs) who want both comfort and durability.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Billione	EVA	PU
Comfort
Durability
Weight	Medium	Very Light	Heavy
Affordability	High	Affordable	Medium
Best for	Ulcer/heal pain	Prevention & daily use	Outdoor & long-term use

What Do Doctors Recommend?

• For Severe Foot Problems — Billione insoles/slippers
• For Prevention — EVA-based custom orthopaedic sandals
• For Outdoor & Long-Term Wear — PU soles with added cushioning

According to a 2023 study published in the Journal of Diabetic Foot Care, patients wearing custom EVA footwear with arch support reduced foot ulcer recurrence by 45% compared to those wearing regular slippers.

Current Trends in India

• In metro cities, premium silicone and PU-based diabetic footwear is trending among the elderly.
• In tier-2 and tier-3 cities, EVA-based budget-friendly options are in demand due to affordability.
• With the rise of preventive healthcare awareness, younger diabetic patients (aged 30–45) are also switching to orthopaedic slippers for daily wear.

Upstrol Technologies Approach

At Upstrol Technologies, Madurai, we believe one size doesn’t fit all. That’s why we design:

• Therapeutic Foot Wear (TFW) – Silicone-based for severe conditions
• Preventive Foot Wear (PFW) – EVA-based, lightweight, daily use
• Fitness Freaks (FFs) – PU + EVA combo soles for active lifestyle
• Retailers Range – Durable, customizable, and affordable

Final Verdict

• If you are already facing heel pain, ulcers, or neuropathy → Billione is your safest bet.
• If you want budget-friendly preventive care → Go for EVA.
• If you need durability and outdoor strength → Choose PU.

But remember: It’s not about choosing the most expensive—it’s about choosing what fits your foot condition best.

Call Us at +91 8608664785 / 8608661965