The right shoe can make a world of difference for your feet. Whether you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis, arthritis, flat feet, diabetes, or spend long hours on your feet, choosing supportive footwear is key to helping your feet and lower extremities feel and function their best. Pairing your orthotics with the supportive shoe can provide even better results, but how do you know which shoe is going to work the best? The answer, however, is not that simple, because there is no single style or brand that is “best”, but because finding the right shoe for you depends on fit and function.
Why Do Orthotics Need the Right Shoe?
Custom orthotics have been proven to support your feet by properly aligning and redistributing pressures across the foot. But even the best orthotics won’t function as well if placed in the wrong type of shoe. Many fashion shoes have built-in insoles that cannot be removed. When an orthotic is placed inside the shoe, there is little room left for the foot, and the shoe becomes tight. As a result, the heel may lift during walking, causing rubbing and blisters. This is why shoes with removable insoles are ideal for custom orthotic use. The benefits of a removable footbed are:
- Better fit of orthotic inside the shoe.
- Improved stability because of better heel positioning.
- Reduced heel slippage and blisters.
- Increased comfort throughout the day because the shoe is not too tight.
What Makes a Supportive Shoe?
Supportive shoes are much more than cushioning. While soft shoes may feel comfortable at first, they compress over time and don’t provide the structure needed to support your feet. These are key features to look for when selecting proper footwear:
- Removable Footbed: Allows for the accommodation of orthotics.
- Arch Support: Even when wearing orthotics, a supportive shoe will enhance your orthotic to provide better stability.
- Firm Heel Counter: The back of the shoe should not collapse when you push down on it. The heel counter keeps your heel stable and improves the alignment of the foot.
- Stable Midsole: You should not be able to twist or bend the shoe in half; a firmer sole helps control motion and improves stability.
- Proper Width: Many foot issues are due to too tight a shoe. You should be able to wiggle your toes freely, reducing pressure points.
- Secure Closures: Shoes that have laces or velcro closures help keep your foot securely positioned in the shoe.
Best Shoes for Flat Feet
Flat feet are extremely common and don’t always mean trouble. However, some clients may experience discomfort in the heel, arch, ankles, and knees. Many people who have flat feet benefit greatly from the use of custom orthotics but pairing them with supportive footwear is equally as important. If you have flat feet, the shoe features mentioned above would be especially helpful but being assessed and fitted by a certified professional is key to success.
Supportive Shoe Brands and Styles
At BioPed, we carry a wide variety of supportive footwear with orthopaedic features. While the best shoe depends on the individual, these brands have consistently provided excellent support and the styles we choose to carry, accommodate custom orthotics. The following shoes are great for people who have flat feet, plantar fasciitis, stand for long periods, or simply enjoy staying active with walking and running.
- New Balance 860: A stability shoe designed to support the foot with stability plane technology, which replaced the traditional rigid arch support. It helps to gently guide the foot by centring the heel and, preventing over-pronation. A wide toe box allows for space for the toes and comes in different widths.
- Brooks Adrenaline GTS: A stability shoe that features the Guiderail technology, which helps to align your foot and reduce over-pronation. It comes in different widths and provides a breathable material that hugs the foot gently and provides excellent support.
- Saucony Echelon: Orthotic-friendly design provides a more spacious toe box, allowing natural toe splay, and a smooth heel-to-toe transition with a natural forward roll.
Helpful Tips Before Buying New Shoes
Here are some simple but important tips to remember when buying a new shoe:
- Bring your current orthotics with you when trying on the new shoes.
- Go later in the day when your feet are naturally a little bigger.
- Wear the same socks you would normally wear.
- Don’t rely on shoe size alone; different brands fit differently; always try them on before buying.
- Replace worn-out shoes regularly; 6-9 months is a typical lifespan of a shoe worn every day.
Finding the right shoes is not just about picking what is popular; it’s about your foot shape, activities, and conditions that will determine the best shoe for you. A BioPed clinician can assess your feet and your gait and recommend the best footwear for you. If you have orthotics, they can ensure they fit properly in the shoe to give you optimal comfort and support.
