Orthotic insoles are designed to redistribute the pressure and help with problematic foot mechanics. The designs and styles available in orthotics are therefore endless. Some might fit into your regular shoe, while some styles can make your feet feel cramped. To make the most out of the orthotic mechanism, it is crucial to find the best orthotic friendly shoes.

In today’s post, we will discuss what features make footwear compatible with orthotics; and which are the most popular Diabetic Foot Care that fit the compatibility standards and are a safe choice for your foot condition.

What is the difference between regular shoes and orthotic friendly shoes?

Orthotic shoes are designed thoughtfully to support foot mechanics and accommodate orthotic insoles. On the other hand, ergonomics is often ignored just for the sake of aesthetics in your regular shoes.

The shape and style of your regular shoe can distort your feet. Some sleek looking shoes with a pointed toe box squeeze the feet and traumatise the feet, which is never the case in orthotic friendly shoes. They are designed to embrace as well as restore the natural shape of your feet.

What features make a shoe orthotic friendly?

Orthotic friendly shoes are recommended for conditions like bunions, hammertoes, claw toes, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, swelling and similar foot conditions. If you suffer from any of these conditions, you must go with shoes with the following design features:

1. Wider and deeper design: A narrow and shallow footbed means total discomfort. You definitely cannot run or walk with orthotics on if the shoe doesn’t provide enough room for it. Go with shoes that are deeper and wider. This will help you easily accommodate orthotic support whenever needed.
2. Ankle stabilising heel counters: Certain kinds of foot deformity result in slipping or rolling the ball of heels during walking. The issue is carefully addressed by shoe manufacturers that specialise in orthotic friendly footwear. They keep the heel counter firm to support the heel movements all the time.
3. Firm and shock absorbing midsoles: Foot conditions like plantar fasciitis or abnormal arches require adequate support from the midsoles. Pay attention to the midsole quality, it should not compress easily and be firm enough to offer strength and support to the foot.
4. Removable footbeds: Your foot doctor may suggest custom orthotics to address the unique problems. Ideally, you should pick a style of footwear with easily removable footbeds.
5. Lightweight construction: Foot conditions must not affect your mobility. If you are dealing with some, pick a footwear style with a lightweight yet supportive outsole. It will support your active lifestyle.
6. Adjustable closure:Ever wondered why your feet feel cramped after a long day? Swollen feet need more room and you should be able to provide that with your orthotic friendly shoes. Diabetes and neuropathy are some of the common conditions considered when podiatrists recommend wearing shoes with easily adjustable hook and loop closures. This unique feature allows you to make the desired amount of room when the feet are swollen.

These are primary characteristics of orthotic friendly shoes. Footwear featuring the above attributes can address any orthotic concern.  

A range of products is available to meet the specific needs of athletes as well as buyers in physically strenuous jobs. It is best to consult a foot doctor, who will assess your feet and, depending on your lifestyle or fitness activities, suggest to you the best fit and style of shoe

Do orthotic shoes look ugly?

There are occasions when you want to look your best. Every accessory you have should be nothing but classy or trendy. While decked up in fashion forward choices from head to toe, will orthotic shoes do justice to the ensemble? Indeed, it is difficult to look elegant in a dress while wearing deep and wide orthotic shoes.

Needless to say, life becomes more challenging for women who have to team up a black bodycon with full-scale orthotic shoes.  The best part is, your orthotic friendly shoes need not be ugly or dull looking.

There are some amazingly designed orthotic sandals that seem to suit perfectly with all kinds of dresses. The very popular, extremely lightweight and fashionable looking suede sandals are made available by Suncoast Podiatry.  

In addition to this, if you have been searching for the best of all orthotic friendly shoes, then you should consider the Casual Double Depth shoe made available by Suncoast Podiatry. These shoes feature more depth than standard options, which makes them an ideal choice for work, walking and an active lifestyle.

Conclusion

Thanks to technological advancements, brands are able to manufacture orthotic friendly shoes that may look like your trendy regular shoe, but the level of support offered is totally different.

If your regular footwear lacks the support and space you need to accommodate orthotics, connect with a Lunula laser in Sunshine Coast. The orthotic friendly footwear styles listed above are made available by Suncoast Podiatry, which is the top-rated foot and nail clinic offering best-in-class services for all kinds of foot conditions. Schedule an appointment at Suncoast Podiatry to discuss  your foot concerns and the best-suited orthotics.