Tips on Finding Shoes For Orthotics

So you love your running shoes and your orthotics, but you can’t wear them to work! Bummer! But seriously, lots of patients come into my office asking about specific shoes that work with their orthotics. Unfortunately, shoes are much like jeans. There are lots of styles that fit different people well, but you probably don’t want to wear my jeans (unless you are 5’2” and 100 pounds, ha ha). You need to find the non-athletic shoe that work for you!

So here are some simple rules to follow when trying to buy non-athletic shoes to work well with your orthotics.

1. You should not be able to play twister with the shoe! If you can make the shoe into a pretzel, your foot can deform it as well. A shoe should bend in the toe box and not bend in the arch or the middle.

2. The bottom of the shoe should be sturdy, not flimsy. A good ½ inch to inch width in the sole is helpful. Leather soles should be avoided if you can.

3. Try on shoes in the afternoon or evening since your foot swells during the day.

4. Bring your orthotics with you when trying on shoes. They should fit in the bottom of the shoe flat. If the shoe is too narrow or curved, it can lift the orthotic and make it uncomfortable.

5. Lastly, if your orthotic squeaks in the shoe then you can fix this with a dryer sheet under the orthotic.


The staff at Healthy Steps is well versed in fitting shoes with orthotics, so stop on by and they can help!

Are Orthotics Just An Arch Support?

Lots of patients in our Grapevine, TX office ask, "What is the difference between an orthotic and a simple arch suppoprt? Why should I spend that much more money when I can go to Wal-mart?" This is a great question with a simple, but yet complex answer.

As opposed to an arch support that can be purchased at many stores, an orthotic has some distinct advantages:

1. Orthotics are designed to last for years, instead of months from an arch support.

2. An arch support (and most shoes) are designed for the average foot, but an orthotic is custom made for your foot.

3. Although an arch support will provide support to the arch, the orthotic supports the entire foot and cradles the heel.

4. An arch support may flatten with running or increased pressure, where an orthotic will be firm and maintain the position of the foot.

5. An orthotic actually improves or optimizes walking or running patterns by rotating the foot into "neutral position". In this position, the foot functions at the highest level.

Bottom line: If your doctor says you need a custom foot orthotic, there is a distinct performance difference between an orthotic and a simple arch support. Believe me, your feet will thank you!