Orthotics are an excellent tool for improving foot alignment, relieving pain, and optimizing foot function. However, orthotics are only as effective as the shoes they are paired with. Often, shoe styles such as dress shoes are too tight to allow an orthotic to fit comfortably. Luckily, streamlined orthotics are designed to fit into narrow flats and even heels.
Look for Adjustable Straps or Buckles
It is important to remember that orthotics are only as effective as the shoes that they are paired with. If the shoe is too loose, the orthotic will move around and shift its support in unfavorable ways, and if the shoe is too tight, it will constrict your foot and limit the amount of support the insert can provide. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for shoes compatible with custom orthotics.
For dress shoes, look for a style that has a lace-up front or a thin strap across the instep of the foot that can provide a snug fit while preventing the heel from slipping. If you are concerned about finding comfortable shoes, contact expert orthotics solutions – enhance your mobility and relieve pain. They can assess your footwear and recommend the best options for you. To optimize the benefits of your orthotics, they can also custom-make a pair of shoes.
Look for a Deeper Toe Box
Orthotic insoles take up a fair amount of space, so it’s essential to wear them in shoes that give your feet enough room. Too little space for the toes can lead to rubbing, numbness & even other foot-health conditions like bunions forming. Luckily, it’s not uncommon for shoe brands to offer extra wide shoes that are perfect for use with orthotics. You have to be on the lookout for them. These breathable, cushioning shoe inserts take pressure off the heels and ball of the foot while helping to align your feet. Plus, they’re pretty affordable & easy to slip into your favorite shoes.
Look for a Firm Sole
Orthotics are great for providing extra support and cushioning in your shoes, but they can only be effective if they fit correctly. The arch of the insole should line up with the arch of your foot, and they need to be firm enough that you feel comfortable wearing them. There are different types of insoles, depending on your specific needs. Some are for people with foot conditions like plantar fasciitis or pronators, while others are geared toward athletes to help them perform better.
Some people prefer soft insoles for a more comfortable experience, while some like more rigid soles because they are more durable and last longer.
Look for a Firm Heel Counter
This shoe component, which cups the heel, is called the heel counter. It helps to keep the foot in place and provides extra stability during gait. Heel counters can be either internal or external. Internal heel counters are typically crafted from cardboard or Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), while external ones are more likely to be made of a stiffer material.
While most participants viewed sole and heel counter flexibility as necessary, some emphasized that moderate or limited flexibility at specific footwear structure points might be advantageous for some situations. For example, one physiotherapist related that flexible soles and heel counters are essential for keeping the foot straight when running. Supporting the rear foot with a firmer heel counter is necessary to control muscle and bone alignment.
When wearing orthotics in shoes, the heel cup must be large enough to accommodate the orthotics comfortably. A gap between the back of the shoe and the heel cup can cause the foot to slip forward in the shoe, which leads to instability.
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