Need an Appointment Immediately? Call (801) 505-5277 or Click Here
When your podiatrist prescribes orthotics, relief is on the way. Custom-designed orthotics support your feet to minimize pain. But they also realign misalignments so that your feet actually grow stronger and perform better.
Advantages to orthotics include that they:
A clear disadvantage to orthotics is that they only work when you use them. That means they have to be worn with any shoe, sneaker, or boot you own. But do all shoes work with orthotics? Or must you resign yourself to unflattering footwear from now on?
At Advanced Foot & Ankle Center, our board-certified podiatrists fit you for custom orthotics at our offices throughout Utah. While we want you to have healthy, functional, pain-free feet, we also want you to feel emotionally comfortable in your shoes.
So how do you find shoes that complement orthotics? This task may be easier than you think.
The first step in finding shoes that complement your orthotics is to be sure you’re reaching for a style that won’t undo all the good an orthotic is designed to bestow. Whether you have orthotics or not, if you want to keep your feet healthy and free from blisters, corns, calluses, and other issue, choose:
Yes, that does mean you can’t wear your 5-inch heels anymore. In fact, those heels may be part of the reason you have foot pain today. However, you can still find stylish, beautiful shoes that complement your legs while also complementing your orthotics. You may just need to look a little harder and longer.
An orthotic is a custom-designed shoe insert. There’s not usually enough room in a shoe to put one insert on top of another. Therefore, look for a shoe that allows you to remove the insert without damaging the shoe.
Insert your orthotic in place of the original insert. A good orthotic not only holds your feet in more perfect alignment, it protects it from the shock of your foot falling against pavement or other hard surfaces as you walk or run.
Shoes that have laces or buckles on the face can be extremely helpful when you’re using orthotics. Ideally, your foot shouldn’t slide around when you’re wearing an orthotic, as it’s designed to be molded to the exact shape of your foot and therefore, a hill must meet a valley and a valley meet a hill.
Laces or buckles help keep your foot stable. That way, your orthotic cradles precisely the areas for which it’s designed.
The sole and heel of your shoes should both be stiff enough to support your feet as you walk or run. Make sure the toe portion is bendable, though. Either on your own or using a chair or wall for support, create a “tippy toe” on each foot to ensure the toe is bendable.
Although you may have a habit of buying soft shoes because they cushion the stress of a footfall, if the shoe is too soft, it may not work with your orthotic. The orthotic should provide all the shock absorption you need.
If you have favorite shoes, athletic shoes, or boots that you don’t want to part with, bring them to your orthotics fitting. We can assess whether or not your current shoes are compatible with your upcoming orthotics. In some cases, we may recommend individual orthotics for each type of shoe, based on its shape.
If your current shoes won’t complement orthotics, we let you know that, too. We can then make recommendations about shoe brands and styles that let you feel fashionable and confident while your feet get the support and alignment they need.
Do you have foot pain or other issues that could benefit from a custom-designed orthotic? Call our team at the office nearest you for orthotics and shoe evaluations today or book your appointment online.
