Orthotic House clinical team
Choosing shoes shouldn’t feel like guesswork. The right pair can turn long days into comfortable ones, help old aches settle, and make moving feel easy again.
This guide simplifies what we teach in the clinic – clear, practical steps you can use the next time you’re choosing footwear, whether you’re on your feet at work, walking the dog, or training for a goal. From supportive orthotic shoes to specialist orthopedic footwear, the right choice can transform how your body feels every day.
Why Orthotic Footwear Matters More Than Most People Think
Each step can load your feet with forces well above your bodyweight. Good footwear spreads that load more evenly, guides your foot and ankle into healthier motion, and reduces strain on knees, hips, and lower back. If you wear orthotics, a well-chosen shoe becomes part of the solution rather than a barrier; the two should work together as a system. That’s why orthotic shoes and orthopedic shoes are so often recommended for people dealing with pain, mobility challenges, or long hours on their feet.
How To Fit a Shoe
Follow these quick checks the next time you try on footwear:
1. Check the length
Leave about a thumb’s width of space at the front—usually in front of the second toe.
2.Check the width and depth
Make sure your toes can wiggle freely without pressure on bunions or toenails.
3. Test the heel
4. Test the twist
Hold the shoe with both hands and gently twist it. You want some resistance, not a floppy shoe.
5. Check the flex point
Bend the shoe. It should flex at the ball of the foot, not fold in half through the middle.
Matching Shoes to Your Lifestyle
Match the Shoe to Your Day
When choosing footwear, think about where and how you’ll use it:
1. On your feet for long hours
- Look for a stable base.
- Choose laces or straps that hold the shoe snugly.
- A slightly rockered sole helps you roll forward without overloading the forefoot.
2. For walking
- A firmer midsole works better than a soft, spongy one.
- Make sure the heel is well held.
- A gentle rocker sole makes roll-through more natural and less tiring.
3. Daily comfort
- Orthotic shoes are built to integrate with custom devices.
- Orthopedic shoes provide longer-term support for conditions such as arthritis, heel pain, or bunions.
4. Court or field sports
- Prioritise side-to-side stability.
- Look for uppers that hug the midfoot more than plush cushioning.
5. Dress shoes
- Lower, broader heels are kinder to your joints.
- A generous toe box prevents pressure.
- Quality uppers should soften with wear but still keep their structure.
6. School shoes
- Depth matters for growing feet.
- Choose proper fastenings.
- Avoid slip-ons, which often make kids claw their toes to keep the shoe on.
Features That Actually Help
1. Toe-box shape
- A rounded or anatomical front gives your toes room.
- Helps reduce pressure on bunions and toenails.
2. Heel-to-toe drop
- This is the height difference between heel and forefoot.
- A slightly higher drop can ease tight calves or heel pain.
- A lower drop can feel more natural if your calves are flexible.
3. Rocker soles
- Reduce load on the forefoot.
- Particularly helpful for arthritis or big-toe stiffness.
4. Removable insoles
- Create space for custom orthotics or devices.
- Easier to clean and replace.
5. Materials
- Breathable mesh keeps feet comfortable.
- Leather tends to hold its shape and last longer.
6. Fastenings
- Laces or secure straps hold the foot properly.
- Avoid loose slip-ons, which don’t give enough support.
Good orthopedic shoes often combine all these features. For patients with bunions, purpose-made shoes for bunions with wide toe boxes are essential to reduce pressure and protect joints.
If You Wear Orthotics or an AFO
Shopping for shoes is easier when you follow these tips:
1. Bring your device
- Take your orthotics or AFO with you when trying on shoes.
2. Remove the insole
- This creates extra depth so your device fits properly.
3. Check the fit
- Make sure your foot sits securely in the shoe without rubbing.
4. Choose the right last
- Straighter or semi-curved lasts generally “play nicely” with orthotics.
5. Adjust the lacing
- Try simple tweaks like a runner’s loop at the top eyelet.
- This can improve heel hold and stop slipping.
Common Concerns and How Orthotic Shoes Can Help
1. Plantar heel pain
- Look for a firm heel counter, supportive midsole, a slight heel lift, and a mild rocker sole.
2. Bunions
- Choose shoes with extra depth and width.
- Softer uppers over the bunion help reduce rubbing and pressure.
3. Neuromas and forefoot pain
- A rockered sole reduces stress on the forefoot.
- Some cushioning under the ball of the foot is better than a very flexible, flat shoe.
4. Arthritic feet
- A stable base, softer uppers, and a rocker sole reduce bending where it hurts.
Persistent pain deserves a proper assessment. Footwear is powerful, but it shouldn’t have to work alone.
Orthotic shoes and orthopedic shoes are designed with these conditions in mind—supporting recovery, reducing pain, and helping people stay active. For bunion relief, purpose-built shoes for bunions with extra depth and softer uppers can make all the difference.
Knowing When to Retire a Favourite Pair Of Shoes
1. Uneven tread
If the sole is worn down more on one side.
2. “Dead” midsole
When the cushioning no longer feels springy or supportive.
3. Overstretched uppers
If you’re tightening the laces as far as they’ll go just to get a secure fit.
As a guide, walk and run shoes often last around 600–800 kilometres. But the best clue is your body:
- New aches, pains, or niggles can mean your shoes aren’t doing their job anymore.
The same applies to orthotic shoes or orthopedic footwear: once they’ve lost their structure, they’re no longer protecting your feet.
Ready to Feel the Difference?
In a focused 30-minute session our clinicians will assess your gait, review your current shoes, and shortlist features and styles that suit your feet and your goals. If you wear orthotics or braces, we’ll ensure everything works together seamlessly and send you out with a clear, written plan so shopping becomes simple—not trial and error.
Prefer to talk it through first? Give our friendly team a call. You can book in Hamilton or Hastings, and we can advise on our outreach clinics too. Start with us—your feet will thank you.
