The Best Shoes to Wear With Orthotics According to A Podiatrist (2024)

If you've ever worn orthotics, you know that they are a total game-changer when it comes to getting rid of your heel pain. Not only do they relieve the pain, but they also help you avoid the need for surgery. That being said, putting your inserts into any old shoe might slow down the healing process. If you're investing in your foot health, you should have all the facts and all the knowledge to get rid of heel pain faster.

The Best Shoes to Wear With Orthotics According to A Podiatrist (1)Why Orthotic-Friendly Shoes Really Do Matter

When you look inside your shoes, you'll notice that there is usually an insert already provided by the manufacturer. Some running shoes come with more advanced prefabricated orthotics, but the quality is simply not the same as a custom or more elevated OTC shoe inserts. Make sure that your shoes' originial inserts are removable, or come to terms with the fact that you'll probably need to rip them out if they are glued in. Doing this will allow more room for the orthotics to fit properly and avoid that cramped feeling in your feet.

Can You Put Orthotics in Any Shoe?

Most of the questions we get from patients after recieving their new pair of custom orthotics have to do with the shoes they'll be wearing them with. In fact, some people even bring two or three pairs along with them to make sure the inserts willworkwith a variety of footwear options.

The truth is, you physically cannot put orthotics into any shoe. It would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to wear your inserts with flip flops. We know how much you love your Crocs, but the shallow heel counter makes them a bad fit for orthotics. Even so, a little pre-planning can ensure that you'll be able to wear your custom orthotics with most of the shoes you own.

Running Shoes For OrthoticsThe Best Shoes to Wear With Orthotics According to A Podiatrist (2)

Runners can benefit from the extra support orthotics offer. Ditch the prefabricated insoles that came with the shoes when you bought them, and you'll be able to enjoy the relief mile after mile. While we don't recommend wearing your orthoitcs on a run the first few weeks of the break-in process, making sure that you're already wearing stable running shoes can make the transition seamless.

Generally, sneakers with a wide enough toe box, a high heel counter, and stable arch should work with both custom and prefabricated orthotics.

Dress Shoes For Orthotics

This is where things get a little trickier. For men's dress shoes, making sure that they are not too tight is the main issue. Slipping orthotics into a shoe that is already tight can make your feet feel cramped and crowded. When it comes to women's dress shoes, the narrower design can make it difficult for the orthotics to fit width-wise. Luckily, streamlined orthotics, often called3/4 length orthotics,are available. These are, you guessed it, astreamlinedinsert designed to fit perfectly into narrow flats and even heels. That's right: you can even wear orthotics with heels.

The Best Shoes to Wear With Orthotics According to A Podiatrist (3)Can You Wear Orthotics In Your Work Boots?

What do lady's dress shoes and steel-toed work boots have in common? A streamlined design works best in both! Tall work boots might reach halfway up the calf, making it difficult to slide a full-length insole down to sit where it should. This is especially true for rigid orthotics. 3/4 length orthotics are best suited for tall boots including steel-toes, rubber work boots, and even cowboy boots!

Stylish Shoes to Put Your Orthotics InThe Best Shoes to Wear With Orthotics According to A Podiatrist (4)

It's 2022. We're no longer settling for ugly, frumpy-looking orthopedic shoes. We're not compromising on style for the sake of our foot health. Any foot and ankle specialist can tell you that when given the choice between unsupportive shoes that look great and less fashionable shoes that are more stable, any normal person is going to pick the cute shoes. Because who doesn't love cute shoes?

Luckily, modern technology has made it easier than ever to take care of your feet, get rid of or even prevent heel pain,andlook cute while doing it. We've given lots of recommendations for stylish podiatrist-recommended shoes, and almost all of those suggestions can work with a pair of orthotics.

Custom Orthotics Made For Any Pair of Shoes

If your fear of giving up the shoes you love was holding you back from considering custom orthotics, let this be a sign that you don't have to settle. Foot pain isn't normal, and custom orthotics are a great non-surgical treatment for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, Sever's disease, and more. See if you're a candidate! Call us today at 989-695-6788 and get an appointment in less than 3 weeks. Do you have questions about orthotics? Want to know if your insurance covers custom insoles? Fill out the contact form and our friendly staff at our clinic in Freeland, MI, will reach out to you and get you the help you need.

The Best Shoes to Wear With Orthotics According to A Podiatrist (2024)

FAQs

The Best Shoes to Wear With Orthotics According to A Podiatrist? ›

Though there are many other great brands of shoes, some examples of tennis shoe brands that provide good support are Brooks, Asics, New Balance, and Hoka,” Dr. Jensen said. “Typically, these brands are going to have different models for different foot types.”

What brand of shoes are best with orthotics? ›

The 7 best shoes for maximum support with orthotics.
  1. Asics Gel Cumulus 24. ...
  2. Asics Gel Kayano 29. ...
  3. HOKA Arahi 6. ...
  4. HOKA Clifton 9. ...
  5. Xsensible Golden Gate. ...
  6. Xsensible Abo/Stockholm. ...
  7. Ecco Exohike.
Feb 6, 2023

What shoes do podiatrists recommend most? ›

Though there are many other great brands of shoes, some examples of tennis shoe brands that provide good support are Brooks, Asics, New Balance, and Hoka,” Dr. Jensen said. “Typically, these brands are going to have different models for different foot types.”

What kind of shoes do orthopedic doctors recommend? ›

The best orthopedic shoes of 2024, according to experts
  • Klaw 528. Best orthopedic shoe overall. ...
  • Dansko Fawna Mary Jane for Women. Best orthopedic dress shoe for women. ...
  • More options. Cole Haan Men's Original Grand Shortwing Oxford. ...
  • Hoka Bondi 8. ...
  • More options. ...
  • More options. ...
  • Vionic Karmelle Oxford Casual Sneaker. ...
  • Kuru Atom.
Mar 21, 2024

What orthotics do podiatrists recommend? ›

Clinically proven and professionally recommended, here are the best insoles podiatrists recommend for common foot ailments:
  • PowerStep Pinnacle® Orthotic Insoles. ...
  • PowerStep Pinnacle Plus Met. ...
  • PowerStep Pinnacle Wide Fit. ...
  • PowerStep Pinnacle Low. ...
  • PowerStep Pinnacle MAXX. ...
  • PowerStep Pinnacle High. ...
  • PowerStep PULSE Running Insoles.

Does it matter what shoes you wear if you have orthotics? ›

In most cases, it is possible to wear orthotics in shoes that already have support features. However, there are a few factors to consider to ensure compatibility and optimal results. Firstly, the shoe should have a removable insole or sufficient space to accommodate the additional bulk of the orthotic.

What is an orthotic-friendly shoe? ›

Orthotic-friendly shoes tend to possess firm midsoles to ensure that inserts are locked in place and resilient to force. Wider foot support - The wider the bed of the foot is, the stronger the support of your shoe will be. Orthotic-friendly shoes come with wide foot support.

What shoe brand is designed by a podiatrist? ›

While most manufacturers use a standard universal mould, Ziera has been designing their own unique lasts for over 70 years, drawing on podiatric research to achieve a more personalised, supportive fit and target specific podiatry complaints.

Why do podiatrists not recommend Skechers? ›

Sketchers DO NOT have appropriate stability in the upper fabric and the heel counter to complement an orthotic. As such, you will probably find the orthotic redundant, or in worse case contributing to the cause of injury. Remember, an orthotic does 50% of the work. The shoe does the other 50%.

Do podiatrists recommend Hokas? ›

Dr. Miguel Cunha, podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare, said that Hoka One One is one of his favorite sneaker brands and added that he also frequently recommends the shoes to patients — especially those with wide feet.

Why do podiatrists recommend new balance? ›

“New Balance shoes are designed for comfort and walking while offering adequate arch support for many people. They are lightweight and provide comfort while keeping your foot in a neutral position.” Plus, many New Balance shoes offer a durable outsole with trail inspired lugs for better traction, Dr. Daughtry adds.

What brand of shoes is the healthiest? ›

Shoe Brands That Are Good for Your Feet
  • Allbirds. Allbirds provide enough support for day-to-day activities. ...
  • Vionic. If you are looking for a variety of styles fit for most occasions, the Vionic brand has you covered. ...
  • Brooks. Brooks produces supportive athletic shoes. ...
  • New Balance. ...
  • Chaco. ...
  • ABEO. ...
  • Ecco. ...
  • Hoka One One.
Nov 16, 2022

What are the side effects of wearing orthotics? ›

What are the side effects of wearing orthotics?
  • Increased Soreness and Discomfort.
  • Blisters and Skin Irritation.
  • Loss of Sensation or Numbness.
  • Altered Gait and Posture.
  • Difficulty Wearing Certain Shoes.
  • Minimising the Side Effects of Orthotics.
Dec 10, 2023

What's the average price for foot orthotics? ›

Custom orthotics are specially molded to match the exact shape of your feet to treat specific foot problems. They provide firm, long-lasting support and are more effective for issues like plantar fasciitis or arthritis. However, they can be expensive, typically ranging from $200 to $800.

Are podiatrist orthotics worth it? ›

Orthotics are invaluable to overweight people because they can help reduce the impact on the ligaments of their lower bodies. It can help to reduce pain. Custom orthotics can help those with arthritis, diabetes, and chronic pain by improving gait and reducing muscle and ligament strain.

Can I wear orthotics with Skechers? ›

You can put orthotics in Skechers, if they are the right orthotic and the right type of Skechers shoe. The Skechers Go Run shoe for example is much better at accommodating a foot and an orthotic than the Skechers Go Walk.

Why do my feet hurt so bad with orthotics? ›

An improper fit is The most common reason these devices cause any discomfort. This problem is likely with off-the-shelf devices that incorrectly conform to your foot shape. Occasionally, custom orthotics may also fit incorrectly, leading to rubbing or aching.

Should I get bigger shoes for orthotics? ›

When fitting a full-length orthotic device in an athletic shoe, the shoe size should be the same as normally used by that individual. Many patients assume that the shoe needs to be bigger than normal but are unaware that the insole of the shoe comes out and is replaced by the custom orthotic.

How to buy shoes for orthotics? ›

What Kind Of Shoes Work Best for Orthotics And AFOs? We recommend lace-up style shoes and athletic sneakers since they can offer more support for leg braces and AFOs. Look for shoes that have a larger width and a roomier toe box. If you don't mind the look, Velcro enclosures also make putting on your footwear a breeze.

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