Need to buy some shoes to fit orthotics ....

[Bettina1865]

I'm getting some orthotics fitted in the next few weeks but need to buy some suitable shoes first to take the appointment as unfortunately my feet have changed shape and widened. Does anybody know roughly how much extra width i should allow for them when choosing the size of my shoes? I am trying to get through to my podiatrist but I have yet to get an answer!

[Neonkittie17]

Could the podiatrist refer you to an orthotist to make you some shoes to fit the orthotics? That’s what’s always happened for me.

[FernoCourts in reply to Neonkittie17]

I think most of us have this problem. In the first time, I had some struggles too. I had to buy a new pair of shoes to fit the orthotics.But nowadays there are some methods to avoid this. Like, you can bring your shoes(maybe a couple of them) to the orthodontist for a perfect fit. Thus your orthotics will be the perfect fit.

I came across a blog and found out this one.

physioactive.ca/our-service...

Also, the blog details another method that involves the use of moulds to create a perfect fit.

[KittyJ]

I think that everyone would give a different answer as each pair of orthotics are individually designed. Mine were made thinner to fit in the shoes I already had ( which were difficult to get in the first place) they still made my shoes too tight so I took them round the shops with me trying on shoes with them in. I tore out the insole to make extra room in the end but you can get shoes with removable insoles too. I needed a wide deep toe box but you may not need that. Sorry I’m probably not much help but I’m sure they’ll let you bring them home even if you don’t have shoes yet. Good luck.

[helixhelix]

I always remove the insole supplied with the shoe and replace it with my custom made ones. When I first needed insoles I was able to use them in my existing shoes, but I now take shoes one size larger than previously, and can’t wear anything with too pointy toes, as my feet have got wider. When I goto get new insoles I take the shoe I want to wear them the most with - normally my walking shoes.

Not sure how much this helps....

[Hidden]

I’m in the same position as you . My nhs orthotics were so thick I never found a pair of shoes to fit my new wide feet and orthotics. I have some new private orthotics ( slim) coming tomorrow.

Hotter do removable insoles so you can fit your own orthotics but I never found a pair that I liked or were comfortable.

My latest is a pair of geox trainers which i love. They come up wider as standard. I’ve ordered a couple of pairs that I will try around the house and if not comfortable I will return. Most companies do free returns.

It’s so difficult x

[Hidden]

My daughter and I both have orthotics. Hers are proper ‘custom’ insoles moulded from an imprint of her feet and include a centimetre lift on one. How I allow for the orthotics depends on the type of shoe, but the issue is usually the added height an insole adds, not the width. Casual shoes/trainers with a removable factory insole are often a safe bet, and many casual shoes do have insoles that come out easily. My advice would be to take a pair of shoes that fits you comfortably now, that you’ll wear often, and that aren’t already sitting right on the top of your foot. Aiming for a shoe with a deep/deeper ankle is always a good idea: for example, even taking the insole out, canvas daps aren’t deep enough at the back of the ankle to wear with an orthotic, so ankle depth is always something to keep in the back of your mind when choosing shoes. We both wear walking boots 90% of the time due to the instability/issues we have, and I’ve found that even with my feet widened and sometimes swollen, good boots often don’t need the original insole taking out.

[Lolabridge]

Like hh, I usually find I need to remove the insoles supplied with the shoe so I can insert my custom-made orthotics. I tend to live in lace up trainer type shoes, even around the house, as they are infinitely adjustable for when my feet swell up.In general, since I developed RA and started to wear orthotics I have gone up a full shoe size in a normal width shoe or half a shoe size if I can get a wider fit shoe. Do take a look at the Simply Feet website (sale on at the moment!). They do an excellent range of footwear from many different brands.

If you need sandals or slippers, which don't usually accommodate orthotics, look at the Vionic range which have in-built arch support. I bought myself a pair of Leopard spot plush slippers two years ago and they are still going strong (just as well as they cost me £50 I think but well worth it!). I have several pairs of Vionic sandals, including flip flops, for when it's hot.

(Other brands are available of course!)

[TaffyBando50]

I always buy two sizes bigger, Timberland boots and remove their insoles. Other brands available. Not much help to the ladies though.

Some trainers also have removable insoles.

I always found the orthotic shoes 👞 to be like pit boots 👢🙃

[bpeal1]

To start with I’d go for a walking shoe as they are usually higher around the ankle. It’s the depth which is usually the issue not the width. I usually take out the factory insole too. Once you’ve got your insoles you can take them shopping with you to find other shoes. We have a good independent shoe shop near us. They were very helpful when I first got mine. My grandfather died a few weeks after I got my first pair of insoles. I went to the shoe shop and explained I needed a pair of smart(ish) shoes for a funeral which would accommodate my insoles and the staff new their shoes so well they easily found me a couple of pairs to try on.

[risned]

HiI have been using orthotics for many years and had the same problem at first, I use Cosyfeet online, all have removable insoles even slippers, they come in different widths and toe depths.

Not the most fashionable, but the most comfortable I have found.

You can also have them VAT free with RA

[Gigi71]

I have to wear men’s trainer to accommodate them, plus a size larger, my feet are deformed due to triple fusions in both feet for RD. I get them from Sports World, so not too expensive. I also take the inner sole out. Good luck, lots of helpful answers on here. X

[recorderplayer]

I always buy my shoes from Cosyfeet. They have lots of information about their shoes and boots online or in their catalogues so they tell you which ones are particularly suitable for orthotics. I've always been very impressed by the service and quality of the shoes, many of which have lasted for years. Their walking boots changed my life !

[rounder]

Both Simply Feet and DB Wider Fit shoes do some nice shoes specifically for orthotics. They are pricey but wear well. I tend to treat myself to one good pair a year and wear them all day every day until they need replacing. I used to love shoes but have finally come to terms with not being able to wear ordinary shoes now because of orthotics and of lumps and bumps from the arthritis. The rheumy physio was impressed with the Dr Comfort trainers from Simply Feet in terms of the support they provide and good space to accommodate the orthotics.

[Retirednhs]

Look up wider fit shoes who have a foot measure in their catalogue as well as a large variety of shoes for all occasions and many have removable insoles. My NHS podiatrist recommended these tel no is 01933311077 if you want to ring them

[Bettina1865]

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for your advice. It has really helped and given me some perspective. I was really struggling and loosing hope!