Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Orthopedic Shoes (2024)

How to Choose the Best Orthopaedic Shoes

So you’re thinking about investing in orthopaedic shoes? Before you choose the right orthopaedic shoes for women or men, there are a few things you need to consider. We will show you all of the best orthopaedic shoes for women and a few options of orthopaedic shoes for men too. The key features to consider are arch support, cushioning, a wide toe box, and adjustable straps while opting for breathable fabrics like leather to keep your feet cool and comfortable. We hope that you will find this guide to orthopaedic shoes useful and be sure to contact your doctor or podiatrist to ensure that you pick the right style for your foot structure and its condition.

What are Orthopaedic Shoes?

Orthopaedic shoes are footwear specially designed to support the structure and mechanics of your feet, ankles, and legs. They are highly recommended for people living with foot conditions that cause discomfort or pain, as well as for those recovering from foot surgery.

The key purpose of orthopaedic shoes is to provide enhanced support, helping to stabilize the foot and reduce strain on the lower limb structures through their strong midsole and outsole. They also provide superior comfort by having enhanced cushioning, which helps to absorb impact and reduce the stress on your feet and joints.

Orthopaedics vs. Orthotics: Understanding the Difference

Do you get confused between orthopaedics and orthotics? We don’t blame you! Both derive from “ortho” in Greek, meaning “correct,” and are designed to address foot problems. However, orthopaedic shoes are comprehensive solutions that include the entire shoe, whereas orthotics are a medical specialty involving the creation and use of devices known as orthoses.

Orthopaedic treatments can also be surgical or non-surgical and address whole-body bone and muscle problems, whereas orthotic treatments involve designing and fitting custom devices to support specific parts of the body.

Orthotics must be supplied and fitted by suitably trained medical professionals, including a full musculoskeletal assessment by your podiatrist. Once you have purchased your Sole Bliss shoes, you can further enhance support by inserting your new orthotics into your shoes to aid with movement and pain relief.

Types of Orthopaedic Shoes

Athletic Orthopaedic Shoes

Specially designed to combat the high impact from running and other cardio activities, orthopaedic athletic shoes need to offer enhanced cushioning and a sturdy outsole.

Orthopaedic Dress Shoes

Orthopaedic dress shoes need to be crafted so they can be both stylish and supportive – particularly if you are transitioning from the office to the evening. They should offer fantastic arch support, a comfortable insole and a wider toe box.

Orthopaedic Sandals

Just because sandals areopen-toe, itdoesn’t mean you shouldn’t have extra support. Orthopaedic sandals are typically designed with supportive footbeds, adjustable straps and more often than not, a contoured design to support the arches and align the feet properly.

OrthopaedicBoots

Orthopaedic boots designed for women have supportive insoles, a wide toe box and added ankle support which is essential for stability and can prevent ankle strains and sprains.

Athletic Walking Shoes

Typically designed for everyday use, orthopaedic walking shoes feature good arch support, cushioning and a sturdy outsole.

Hero Black Leather - Orthopaedic Walking Shoes

Our Top Recommendations:

Bunions don’t need to get in the way of staying active! Introducing Feather – our chic new trainer for bunions which is crafted on a low platform sole and feature our ultra-cushioned and contoured footbed.

Perfect for events season, Kitty exudes luxury, comfort and style. Crafted from soft and breathable metallic taupe, thesekitten heels are fully leather lined and feature our Bunion Bed stretch panel and three layers of soft underfoot cushioning.

Kitty Metallic Taupe - Heeled Orthopaedic Shoes

These fashionably chunky sandals for bunions are made in soft-white, Italian crafted leather and come with a practical backstrap, our ultra-cushioned footbed and Bunion Bed stretch panel to protect and comfort your feet. Molto chic!

What are the main features of Orthopaedic Shoes

Here are some of the main features to look out for when buying orthopaedic shoes:

Arch Support

The best orthopaedic shoes offer improved arch support which helps to distribute pressure evenly across your feet. This is important as it helps to maintain proper foot alignment and can reduce pain and discomfort.

Cushioning

Cushioning is a must when buying orthopaedic shoes as it helps to absorb shock and minimizes the impact on your feet when walking or standing. That’s why Sole Bliss shoes have three layers of underfoot cushioning to protect and comfort the soles of your feet and provide shock absorption. When it comes to soft, cushioned orthopaedic shoes for women, we are number one!

Wide Toe Box

A wide toe box helps give your toes some extra wiggle room, reducing pressure on them and accommodating foot conditions such as bunions and hammer toes.

Removable Insoles

You may find that your orthopaedic shoes also have removable insoles, allowing for the use of custom orthotics.

Adjustable Straps

Orthopaedic shoes for women and orthopaedic shoes for men may also have adjustable straps, Mary Jane designs or laces which allows for a customized and secure fit that can accommodate changes in foot size or shape due to swelling.

Benefits of Wearing Orthopaedic Shoes

By ensuring your orthopaedic shoes tick all the right boxes, you can enjoy a number of benefits including improved support, pain relief, improved mobility and better comfort. You may also find that the added support can help prevent foot injuries by reducing the strain on the feet, ankles and lower limbs.

Tips for Buying Orthopaedic Shoes

What to Look for in Orthopaedic Shoes

We recommend that you find orthopaedic shoes with breathable materials, such as leather, to help keep your feet cool and comfortable. As well as this, you may want to consider choosing a shoe style with adjustable features – think Mary Jane styles and laces – that can help to accommodate any changes to your feet while you’re walking due to swelling.

It is also important to consider how your orthopaedic shoes fit too, so make sure the ones you choose are long and wide enough so they don’t rub. Your toes also need to have that extra wiggle room, while good arch support is crucial to distribute pressure evenly across your feet.

FAQ:

Can Orthopaedic Shoes Be Stylish?

Yes! Long gone are the days where orthopaedic shoes had bulky, plain designs. Just check out our extensive range, you’ll be spoilt for choice! We even have orthopaedic shoes for men, which has been created to alleviate the discomfort for men with foot pain, plantar fasciitis, bunions and other foot problems.

Are Orthopaedic Shoes Covered by Insurance?

Your health insurermay provide orthopaedic shoes for patients with certain medical conditions that affect their feet or mobility. These are typically provided through a specific Orthotic Service, which assesses and treats patients with abnormal function of the musculoskeletal system with devices like orthopaedic footwear to support or correct the function. However, please consult your Doctor for the latest advice.

Can Orthopaedic Shoes Help with Back Pain?

Yes! Orthopaedic shoes are designed to provide proper support and alignment, so not only can they help to support back pain but can also improve posture.

Conclusion

At Sole Bliss, we believe that everybody deserves beautiful shoes. Even if you suffer with your feet. That’s why we design on-trend, luxuriously comfortable orthopaedic shoes for people with bunions, wide feet and sensitive soles.