Although orthotics can be worn in almost any shoe, some styles are more orthotic-friendly than others. Some brands make shoes that are expressly designed to accommodate orthotic inserts, while others include technology and features that promote healthy foot arches and motion. This article will look at the parameters that determine whether a shoe is orthotic-friendly, as well as examples of shoes that meet those requirements.

 

Specialized Construction Features in Orthotic-Friendly Shoes

Orthotic-friendly shoes are simply made differently than non-orthotic-friendly shoes, despite the fact that they may appear to be identical. Traditional shoes that do not support orthotic solutions frequently sacrifice ergonomic design in the name of aesthetic appeal. We are born with feet that are perfectly proportioned, with a broad foundation and spread toes.

 

However, due to features such as narrow toe boxes and high/loose heel counters, the shoes we generally wear compress our feet and distort our natural foot form. Orthotic-friendly shoes are designed with elements that aid in the restoration of the natural foot form, improving foot health and stabilizing our gait.

 

Orthotic-Friendly Shoes’ Structural Characteristics

Firm heel counter – As we walk and run, many of us develop a habit of allowing the ball of our heels to roll or slip away from the shoes. Orthotic-friendly shoes have strong heel counters that help to keep the ankles stable, which helps to stabilize your stride and reduce the chance of injury.

Solid midsole density – Orthotic implants must retain some strength to be effective, which means the shoe’s midsole must remain firm (not easily compressible). Firm midsoles are common in orthotic-friendly shoes, ensuring that inserts stay in place and are resistant to force.

Wider foot support – The wider your foot’s bed is, the more support your shoe will provide. Wide foot support is available in orthotic-friendly shoes. A wide foot foundation also promotes better gait patterns, allowing you to walk more comfortably.

Footbeds that are easily removable – Orthotic-friendly shoes have footbeds that are easily removable, making it easier to insert bespoke orthotics.

Broad toe box – One of the most distinguishing and vital aspects of orthotic-friendly shoes is a wide toe box. They provide your toes enough room to prevent bunions and swelling. Wide toe boxes, on the other hand, make custom orthotic inserts simple to install.

Shoe depth that is enough for orthotic support – the deeper the shoe, the better. Shoes with more depth are easier to insert orthotic devices into, and they better latch onto your foot so they don’t slip off while walking or jogging.

Some shoe manufacturers create shoes with innovative orthotic treatments. These extra features, however, aren’t required for a pair of shoes to be labeled orthotic friendly.

 

Many orthotic-friendly shoes make use of cutting-edge technology.

The previous section’s elements are what we’d call “primary characteristics” of orthotic-friendly shoes. You’ll see structural similarities in almost all of them. Many footwear firms, of course, seek to take their orthotic-friendly shoes to the next level.

 

They include innovative technologies into their shoes to provide additional support to the user. These shoes provide orthotic support not only for those with foot difficulties, but also for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and people who work in physically demanding occupations. To provide this support, several of these shoes include patented technologies.

 

Advanced Technology in Orthotic-Friendly Shoes Examples

Saucony – Pronounced “Sock-a-Knee,” this runner-focused footwear brand uses a variety of technologies to make their shoes orthotic friendly. This comprises material that absorbs and redistributes shock, as well as dynamic cushioning that adapts to the way one’s foot rests. These characteristics also aid runners and the general public in avoiding common problems like overpronation.

NB – New Balance New Balance is a formidable name in the orthotic arena, recognized not just for its “dad sneakers,” but also for developing cutting-edge technology to increase orthotic support for customers. Fresh Foam technology, for example, is one of its most famous features. This technique, aimed particularly at runners, provides greater cushioning while being lightweight, allowing for ideal strides and minimal impact force.

Aetrex – Aetrex uses state-of-the-art foot scanning technology to provide clients with foot/gait analysis, despite the fact that many of their shoes have basic orthotic characteristics. This enables consumers to select orthotic-friendly shoes that are tailored to their specific foot structure.

There are a slew of other brands that make orthotic-friendly shoes with cutting-edge technology or that assist clients in selecting the proper product. We’re delighted to provide a diverse selection of these orthotic-friendly shoes, with options to address practically any orthotic issue you can think of.

 

Cut from a Different Lot of Orthotic-Friendly Shoes

Make no mistake: orthotic compatible shoes may resemble those sold in contemporary footwear and apparel stores, but they are not the same. Traditional shoes have conditioned our feet to lose their natural shape, but orthotic friendly shoes let us reclaim what nature has given us: functional, performance-oriented feet.

 

Consider buying orthotic compatible shoes if you have nagging foot problems, are an athlete, or simply want to avoid pain later in life. After all, you have earned the right to walk the world with a perfect (or almost perfect) stride.

 

Are you looking for a pair of orthotic-friendly shoes but don’t know where to begin? Get in touch with us so we can assist you in finding the ideal match!