Have you ever been irritated while looking for orthotic-friendly shoes? It’s difficult to get a proper fit, especially if you’re buying online – as most of us do these days – and don’t have the opportunity to try on shoes in person.

 

Getting your orthotics to fit inside your shoes can be difficult, but it’s an unfortunate requirement of orthotic use.

 

If your orthotics aren’t properly installed in your shoes, they can nullify their many benefits and cause further issues by rubbing or applying pressure to your sensitive feet.

 

Many shoes sold in malls or big-box stores have insoles that are tough to remove, making it impossible to properly fit your custom orthotic. Even if you can get them inside, putting two insoles on top of each other will make the interior of the shoe too small.

 

While there are some options for incorporating your custom orthotic into an existing pair of shoes, the ideal option is to purchase a new pair of orthotic-friendly footwear. You can make sure that the money you spent on custom orthotics doesn’t go to waste by purchasing orthotic-friendly shoes.

 

Shoes that are Orthotic-Friendly

We take the uncertainty out of selecting orthotic-friendly shoes at IDEASTEP Orthotics by selling only the top brands known for their comfort and support. After that, we provide all of our customers with the option of purchasing their orthotics and shoes as a bundle. This ensures that the shoe you choose will correctly fit your new orthotic.

 

We meticulously trim your orthotic to match the interior of your new pair of shoes when we build it to your specifications. Then we pair them up so we can assess how well they fit before they leave our facility. Your new orthotics will come pre-installed in your shoes, allowing you to quickly put them on and get moving.

 

Choosing the Correct Shoes for Custom Orthotics

You might be wondering how IDEASTEP Orthotics selects the shoes it sells. Each one is assessed based on the characteristics listed below.

 

Heel counter that is rigid

It’s far more difficult to maintain adequate pronation and gait if your heel is slipping all over your shoe. A firm heel counter — a plastic component that maintains the ankle and heel straight, reducing overpronation – is found in supportive shoes. If you press on the fabric above the heel area, you can detect if the shoe has a hard heel counter. The heel counter is not rigid enough if it collapses.

 

Torsion or twist is kept to a minimum.

Soft shoes that collapse or twist easily should be avoided if you have foot or gait concerns. Any shoe you buy should provide a lot of support. It shouldn’t be able to rotate or be pulled out of form in any way.

 

Midsole with a high density

The midsole is an important component of every shoe, yet it’s something that most people overlook when shopping for shoes on their own. Our orthotic-friendly women’s shoes – and men’s shoes, too! – have all been tested to ensure that the midsole is solid enough to support your arch.

 

The materials are just as important as the form in this region of the shoe. The midsole foam or other substance should be stiff enough to bear constant pressure but not so rigid that it is uncomfortable to wear.

 

Foot support that is broader

Shoes that are too thin and pinch your toes are not only inconvenient to wear. They also make wearing orthotic devices impractical due to a lack of inside space.

 

Men, who have wider feet than the average woman, have the most trouble with narrow shoes. When we refill our orthotic-friendly men’s shoes, we make sure to include a variety with wider foot support so that they may easily accommodate an orthotic device.

 

Because it cradles the foot, this wide base also makes walking easier. Finding a shoe with wider foot support is crucial for your foot health if your feet are swollen due to a condition like diabetic neuropathy.

 

The footbed is simple to remove.

Even respected brands don’t always have a detachable insole or footbed in their shoes. If a shoe is created more for appearance than function, the manufacturer may scrimp on the footbed and use glue or another adhesive to secure it. Make sure your footbed can be removed to accommodate your orthotic device.

 

Toe box is wide.

Hammer toe, bunions, and Morton’s toe can all be accommodated with a broad toe box. Your toes will be compressed if the toe box of your shoes isn’t broad enough, putting your feet into an unpleasant posture that can further exacerbate your current foot problems.

 

Heels with a low profile

You know how much pressure high heels exert on the ball of your foot if you’ve ever worn them. Look for shoes with a low heel to avoid this.

 

We have many flats as well as low heels from brands like Clarks and Cobb Hill if you’re seeking for orthotic-friendly women’s shoes that are suitable for evening wear.

 

Shoe depth is sufficient

It will be difficult to insert an orthotic and keep it in place if your shoes are too shallow. A deeper shoe depth will help you avoid problems like this by preventing your foot from falling out while walking or running.

 

On IDEASTEP Orthotics, you may find orthotic-friendly shoe packages.

There are a lot of aspects to consider when selecting the perfect shoe to go with your custom orthotics. Allow us to assist you instead of trying to make a decision on your own.

 

Simply put them on and go about your business!