What to Look For in an Orthopedic Shoe

Investing in a pair of orthopedic shoes is well worth the money, especially if you suffer from a foot condition or deformity, or are recovering from a foot injury.  But before you spend major bucks on that pricey pair of shoes that is supposed to miraculously conquer all foot-pain, make sure it has these basic characteristics:

A quality orthopedic shoe will have a firm heel counter.  This piece of hardware is hidden inside the material of the shoe.  It is usually made out of a sturdy plastic, and it cups the back of your heel.  You can tell if a pair of shoes has a sturdy heel counter by taking your thumb and pressing down on the back of the heel.  If the heel easily bends inward (so that it is inside the shoe’s cavity), then the shoe lacks the necessary support.  A heel that resists bending indicates that a firm heel counter is present.  

Also be sure your orthopedic shoes come with removable insoles.  This is important for several reasons.  First, a removable insole means you will be able to adjust the size of the shoe to accommodate changes in your foot size do to swelling, etc.  It also means that your shoe can accommodate custom orthotics, if necessary.  You will be able to remove the shoe’s insole and replace it with an insole custom designed to treat bunions, heel pain, arch pain or whatever your foot ailment may be.  Finally, removable insoles make it easier to dry your shoes thoroughly.  Moist or dank shoes are breeding grounds for bacteria and fungus that can lead to unsightly infections such as Athlete’s foot, fungal toenail infections and infections in foot wounds leading to foot ulcers.  By removing your insoles, you can be sure that the shoe has dried inside and out before putting it on your feet again.  

A wide and deep toe box is a must-have for any orthopedic shoe.  Many foot deformities (including hammertoe, claw toe, bunions, corns and calluses) are caused by shoes with narrow toe boxes that pinch the feet.  Spacious toe boxes are especially important for people with diabetes or lymphedema who need to avoid foot injury at all costs.   

Finally, quality orthopedic shoes should have a heel somewhere between ¾ of an inch and 1 ½ inches.  You need a little bit of a lift to properly support your feet.  Shoes that are too flat tend to stretch out the Achilles tendon and can lead to arch pain, Achilles tendon pain and foot injuries.  But, of course, heels that are too high cause a host of other problems.  Hammertoes, claw toes, tight Achilles tendons, heel pain and arch pain are all associated with excessively tall high-heels.