We are frequently asked if we have shoes that will fit orthotics. And the answer is yes! Here we look at three key brands to look out for at The House of Shoes, and the benefits of orthotics.
If you’re after a shoe that fits custom orthotics and doesn’t look like a traditional orthopaedic shoe, brands such as Think!, Ara and Josef Siebel are fashionable, whilst also being orthotic friendly. Featuring wider fits and removable footbeds.
Here are some things to consider when fitting an orthotic:
- Good anatomical fit
- Good biomechanic function
- Easy to take on and off
- Comfortable to wear
What are orthotics?
Orthotics are shoe inserts that can used to treat various foot conditions. They help to increase function and efficiently after sudden or long-term injury. This could be attributed to soft tissue, bony injury or neurological changes. Materials used and features vary based on the specific problem and can be custom made to the foot.
Generic orthotics can also be purchased from pharmacies or specialist clinics for various uses, for instance arch or heel support.
Common examples of foot conditions that can be treated with orthotics include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Bunions
- Knee pain
- Flat feet
- High Arches
- Bursitis
- Neuroma
- Injuries
- Achilles Tendinopathy
What shoes can I put orthotics in?
Wearing orthotic friendly shoes can help improve your foot issues and avoid further damage or pain. What to look for when fitting orthotics are shoes that provide:
- An enclosed heel with firm heel counter
- A firm sole
- A wide sole
- A removable footbed
- Enough depth and width for your feet
- Minimal heel height
Shoes also come in different widths. Below are the different widths explained:
- B ,C: standard fits
- D, E: wide fit
- EE: extra wide fit
Brand Spotlight: Ara
Ara provide an extensive range of shoes, sandals and sneakers which are orthotic friendly. All their sneakers have removable insoles, and are available in wide and extra wide widths for the perfect fit.
The Ara construction
Ara uses a special method with the construction of their shoes. This is called ‘injection moulded construction’. Firstly, all uppers are stitched which forms a complete sock like closure. This provides strength and flexibility for the foot. Secondly, the soles are bonded together by a direct injection process. The result is perfect bonded adhesion of the uppers to the cushioned rubber soles
Ara’s unique ‘High Soft’ insoles are removable for the placement of orthotics. But also provide lots of support should you decide to leave them in. They’re designed to adapt to the autonomy of your feet from heel to toe with cushioned pads and support under the ball, heel and arch of foot. This relieves stress on muscles, bones, joints and ligaments.
Understanding the Ara widths
Ara use a different classification for the width of their shoes, which is explained below:
- Ara ‘F’ width: standard fit
- Ara ‘G’ width: wide fit
- Ara ‘H’ width: extra wide fit.
Brand Spotlight: Think!
The Austrian company Think! are another orthotic friendly brand. The shoes are produced in Europe and are handcrafted with over 200 steps. Almost all Think! shoes and sneakers have a removable insole, and are shaped accordingly for the placement of a custom orthotic.
Think! believe that a good shoe starts with the right ‘last’. The last is the start of the shoe making process, and it’s what sets the shape of the shoe. Every style of shoe has a different type of last, and Think! use a last that is anatomically shaped to the female foot.
Think! shoes are available in a standard C width.
Brand Spotlight: Josef Siebel
Josef Siebel have been manufacturing shoes for over 100 years, and their sneakers offer a C fits with removable insoles. Perfect for the placement of orthotics. The House of Shoes stocks their most popular sneaker styles, which include: Claire & Caren.
Both Claire and Caren are lightweight and perfect for travel.
Browse all Josef Seibel shoes here.
Other wider brands, some may fit custom orthotics include :
Camper, ECCO, Hogl, Jose Saenz, Pikolinos, Rieker, Remote, & Sioux.
Or, for brands that have built-in arch support, look for:
