What shoes should you choose with a foot orthotic?

Investing in custom foot orthotics is only part of the equation. Choosing the right shoe for your foot orthotic is just as decisive in achieving the results you want. An ill-suited shoe can compromise the effectiveness of your orthotics, while a well-chosen shoe amplifies their benefits. Here are the essential criteria for making the right choice.

Interior volume: the number one criterion

The first criterion when choosing a shoe for your foot orthotic is interior volume. Your shoe must offer enough space to accommodate the orthotic without compressing the foot. Most orthotics add about five to eight millimetres of thickness under the foot. A shoe with too little volume will put excessive pressure on the top of the foot and the toes, causing discomfort and pain. Favour shoes with a removable insole: you can take it out and replace it with your orthotic, preserving the optimal volume.

Heel counter stiffness

The heel counter is the back part of the shoe that wraps around the heel. For good compatibility between your shoe and your foot orthotic, the counter must be rigid enough to hold the foot in place and prevent lateral slipping. A soft counter lets the foot move inside the shoe, which reduces the effectiveness of the orthotic correction. Test the counter by pressing on the back of the shoe with your thumb: it should not collapse easily.

The outsole

The outsole of a shoe worn with a foot orthotic must offer a good balance between flexibility and rigidity. It should bend naturally at the toes, where the foot flexes when walking, but stay firm under the arch and the heel. A sole that is too flexible does not provide the necessary support, while one that is too rigid interferes with the natural mechanics of walking. Dense rubber soles generally offer the best compromise between grip, cushioning and durability.

Shoe types to favour

Quality walking and athletic shoes are generally the most compatible with foot orthotics. They offer generous interior volume, a rigid heel counter and a well-structured sole. Safety-toe work shoes are also a good fit, provided you choose a model with a removable insole. Some dress shoe brands offer models specifically designed to accommodate orthotics, with elegant silhouettes that do not compromise on style.

Common mistakes to avoid

Several mistakes undermine the effectiveness of the shoe and orthotic combination. Wearing shoes that are too big to make room for the orthotic is counterproductive, because the foot slips and the correction is lost. Flat shoes with no drop, such as certain ballet flats or sandals, do not provide the environment the orthotic needs to work properly. High-heeled shoes radically alter foot biomechanics and are incompatible with most orthotics. Finally, worn-out shoes with a deformed sole cancel out the corrections provided by the orthotic.