Correctly fitting shoes are more important than you think. They provide the combination of support to hold you in correct alignment while also leaving enough room for your feet to be comfortable in any conditions.
How would Nathan Cleary make a laser-accurate kick for the Penrith Panthers if his boots were too big? And where would Cinderella be if her shoes didn’t actually fit? And while Nathan and Cinderella need the perfect fits of shoe for their jobs, it’s equally important for you to find comfy, well-fitting shoes as well.
Well, in this post we’ll explain how to find your fairy-tale fit for comfy, orthotic shoes. These can be a life-changing investment for those of us with foot pain, and ankle, leg and back problems, too.
Take into account your daily use and activities
An “Orthotic shoe” can either be a shoe that comes with an inbuilt arch support or has the features to allow you to insert your own custom made orthotic. The latter type we refer to as “Orthotic Friendly” shoes. For simplicity in this article we will refer to both types as Orthotic shoes.
Choosing your perfect orthotic shoe depends on what you’re using them for. Do you walk to work every day? Do you have a job that requires standing or lots of physical activity? Or are you retired and have less intense requirements?
These factors will greatly influence your choice of orthotic shoe. For example, someone who walks to work every day or spends most of the day on their feet might need more shock absorption or additional support features like a re-enforced heel counter or lace adjustment on their orthotic shoes than someone who is retired.
Choose your preferred material
The material the shoe is made of is another key factor choosing the best shoe for you. Each material has certain benefits, so it’s important to consider your needs and align them with your orthotic shoe’s material. Leather, for example, is natural, breathable and hard wearing. Traditionally leather has been the most popular shoe material. With the growing move towards running / athleisure shoes there are a wide range of mesh type materials which are breathable, ventilated and soft across your feet. Shoes made of these softer materials can still be supportive, particularly from brands with a running heritage.
Toe box room
There’s no point in having orthotic shoes if your toes are all squashed. That’s why toe box room should be a top priority when hunting for orthotic shoes. Ensure your toes have enough wiggle room while feeling supported in your orthotic shoes.
Shoe width
Don’t worry – we know what it’s like going shoe-shopping when you’re looking for a wide fit. That’s why Forbes Footwear stocks a range of wide-fitting orthotic shoes, taking out the stress of finding the right fit.
Arch Support
The move towards arch supported footwear is increasing year on year as the benefits of an arch support become more widely recognised. This can be done by choosing a shoe which already has inbuilt arch support, having custom made orthotics provided by a podiatrist or by trialling ready to wear arch supported innersoles.