Which shoes are suitable for foot orthotics?

Choosing the optimum foot orthotics is crucial to relieving pain and avoiding further discomfort. It is important to wear suitable shoes to ensure that the foot orthotics fit properly.  

Which shoes are suitable for foot orthotics?

Foot orthotics for different indications and different shoe types

Foot orthotics are used in a wide range of applications and cover many indications, for example: hallux valgus, hallux rigidus, pes transversoplanus, plantar calcaneal spur, plantar fasciitis, arthrosis in the foot or arthrosis in the metatarsophalangeal joint. medi has a suitable foot orthotics models for almost every user and every type of shoe: from hiking shoes, sports shoes, women’s shoes to men’s shoes or business footwear.  

Which foot orthotics and shoes are suitable for plantar calcaneal spurs?

medi offers various foot orthotics for plantar calcaneal spurs, such as the igli Heel. You can wear these in different shoe types. If your shoes have the properties listed in the following section, you can’t go wrong for treating plantar calcaneal spurs.  

Can I wear my foot orthotics in different shoe types?

Yes, you can put your foot orthotics into various types of shoe. Please ask your medical supply store for advice on whether you need to take anything special into account for your indication. The shoes should not only be comfortable, but also allow the foot orthotics to fit correctly.

Shoes and foot orthotics should strike a good balance between comfort, support and customisation:

 

  • Wide shoes: choose shoes that are wide enough to accommodate your feet comfortably and without pressure, and narrow enough to give your feet the support they need. 
  • Soft and flexible shoes: choose shoes made of soft and flexible material to allow physiological movement of the foot. Avoid stiff shoes or shoes with high heels. 
  • Spacious toe box: shoes with a sufficiently spacious toe box (at the front of the shoe) offer more room and help to prevent pain. Note: the shoe must not be too wide, ensuring that the foot is held in place. 
  • Adjustable shoes: shoes with adjustable straps or laces can be customised to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. 
  • Customised orthopaedic shoes: in severe cases, orthopaedic shoes with integrated foot orthotics may be required to correct the deformation of the foot and relieve pain. It is advisable to seek orthopaedic advice to determine whether this option is suitable for you. 

Incidentally, these tips for shoes and foot orthotics can be applied to various indications, including the foot malpositions mentioned above as well as back problems and knee and hip complaints, for example. Ask your medical supply store for advice. 

Which summer shoes are suitable for foot orthotics?

If you wear foot orthotics, it is important to choose summer shoes that offer sufficient space and support, for example:  

  • Closed summer shoes – lightweight summer shoes with closed toes and heels provide a stable base for foot orthotics and at the same time allow a certain amount of ventilation.  
  • Sandals and sports sandals – in order for foot orthotics to be worn in sandals, they need to be closed and have a removable insole. This is rarely the case. 
  • Adjustable summer shoes – adjustable straps or lacing make it possible to customise the fit of the shoe and create enough space for foot orthotics.  
  • Orthopaedic sandals – there are special orthopaedic sandals that are already designed for foot orthotics. These could be a good choice if you are looking for maximum support.