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From spending all day on your feet at work, trying to get through the recommended 10 thousand steps a day and chasing after your children, your feet are constantly put to the test. Walking with over and under pronation, hard landings, poorly fitted shoes and existing foot problems can make it hard to walk, run and engage in your regular activities. 

Some people may need extra help in the footwear department with orthotic-friendly shoes to get secure, supportive and comfortable wear. This blog will explain why they’re a foot and comfort-saving must-have and how you can choose the perfect orthotic-friendly shoes online. Read on to save your feet.

What are orthotics?

Orthotics are more than an extra footbed — they are shoe inserts expertly designed to modify the fit of your shoes and the stature of a person’s body to reduce pain, improve mobility and provide better support. While you can buy generic insoles in-store, orthotics are designed to offer additional cushioning and basic arch and heel support — acting as a barrier to prevent friction between your foot and the shoe.

For targeted relief, orthotic insoles are generally custom-made from leather, plastic foam and metal, moulded to fit the contours of your foot and correct any underlying musculoskeletal problems. 

If you’re experiencing pain and reduced mobility and are in need of a highly personalised level of support, orthotic-friendly shoes in Australia are an easy way to manage a variety of conditions — including foot deformities, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, bunions and heel pain. They may also help reduce the amount of stress put on feet, ankles and legs while walking or running on different terrains. 

To get fitted for orthotics, you’ll need your general practitioner to provide you with a referral to a podiatrist. As everybody is unique and different, your podiatrist will evaluate your foot, ankle and movement and design an orthotic tailored to correct the structure and pathology of your foot. 

Prescription orthotics generally come in two categories:

• Functional orthotics

Constructed from more rigid materials, functional orthotics are designed to manage and improve foot pain caused by abnormal motions like pronation and supination.

• Accommodative orthotics

These are generally constructed from softer materials to provide additional cushioning and support for diabetic foot ulcers, calluses and other conditions causing discomfort. They can also have integrated splints, gait plates and night bars.

Orthotic-friendly shoes are styles that allow the wearer to easily insert their orthotics and have a considered design that supports their foot, ankle and bodies for secure and safe wear without sacrificing comfort.

Choosing orthotic-friendly shoes

Even shoes fitted with multiple support and cushioning layers are sometimes not enough. However, that doesn’t mean you’re left with few choices, nor will you be restricted to daggy styles. While closed shoes like dress shoes and sneakers are some of the most accommodating orthotic-friendly shoes, they can also be worn in three-quarter lengths with open-backed shoes like a mule or sandal.

Not all shoes can be fitted with orthotics — some may feature a low build and collar that doesn’t have room for your foot once an insole is inserted. Others may prioritise a contemporary design with a small and narrow fit that could be uncomfortable to wear and unable to fit an insole. Shoes like things feature an entirely open design that can’t hold your foot and orthotic in place.

To make shopping for orthotic-friendly shoes in Australia easier, it’s important to look for a shoe that can fit your orthotic, not an orthotic to fit the shoe. To find orthotic-friendly shoes online and in-store, there are some features you should look out for: 

• Strong, firm heel — A robust heel that doesn’t allow your heel and ankle to move around when resting will help keep them aligned with your body and prevent missteps that could cause falls and injury.

• Robust construction — An orthotic-friendly shoe will have integrated support that will stiffen your shoe's shape, making it less malleable.

• True-to-size build — Your foot should be able to slip into it comfortably without a tight, constricting feel that could cause blisters from friction, nor should it be overly large where your foot can roll inside it.

• Removable footbeds — Depending on the size of your arch, your orthotic may be overly tall for your shoe. For all-day comfort, look for a footbed that can be removed to accommodate your foot and orthotics better. 

• Properly sized toebox — The toebox or the top where your toes rest should allow your orthotic to sit without the edges curling. Your toes should naturally move without skidding forward or causing discomfort from an overly tight and streamlined form factor.

Buying orthotic-friendly shoes online and in-store

Finding any type of shoe that is comfortable and stylish can be difficult, let alone shopping for one to fit an orthotic insole. With a few considerations, you can get the perfect fit and wear it from the moment they’re delivered to your doorstep; these include:

• Review the size guide — Your shoe size is unlikely to be the same for each brand; some may run large or narrow and tight. Comparing your foot’s measurement against the size guide and allowing for extra room for your orthotics will ensure you can order your favourite shoes without having to make a return. 

• Read the product description — Many shoes will list whether they’re orthotic-friendly shoes. 

• Breaking in new orthotics — When you’ve just received a pair of orthotics for the first time, it can take a little time to get used to. You may need some time to get accustomed to how they feel in your shoes.

• Test out your orthotic-friendly shoes — Just as wearing new orthotics for the first time can be tricky, getting used to the different fits from various brands needs to be tested. Once you’ve unboxed them, walk around the house in them and observe how they feel over time.

Find your go-to orthotic-friendly shoes at Green’s Footwear today

For over half a century, Green’s Footwear has been outfitting Australians in shoes dedicated to their comfort, support and foot health. From styles that elevate your ensembles to men’s and women's podiatry and arch support footwear like Frankie4, Naot and Taos shoes, we have orthotic-friendly shoes to give you lasting support and comfort with style.

Discover our collection of orthotic-friendly shoes online and find a pair perfectly suited to your needs — so you can step off without a second thought. If you require more information about getting the ideal fit, we invite you to explore our blog and don’t hesitate to contact us for helpful recommendations tailored to your needs.