A Guide to Footwear

Pedorthist approved footwear suggestions

ORTHOTIC FRIENDLY SHOES

Since your shoes are the foundation to ensure your orthotics work the way they were designed to, your orthotics should be worn in supportive footwear.

Wearing proper footwear ensures your orthotics are addressing your foot care needs, protects your feet, and helps prevent injury

Our Certified Canadian Pedorthists offer footwear recommendations, by appointment, or visit one of our trusted shoe retailers for footwear options.

Find a footwear store

FOOTWEAR

HOW DO I FIND A GOOD PAIR OF SHOES?

BEND IT.

TWIST IT.

TEST IT.

TOE

If you hold your shoe in your hands and try to fold it in half there should only be a slight bend in the toe area where the ball of your foot would be. or not bend at all if it is a rigid rocker sole.

HEEL COUNTER

The area at the rear of the shoe should be firm to hold your heel in place while you move so your foot stays in the right position on the orthotic.

MIDSOLE TWIST

If you hold your shoe with the toe area in one hand and the heel in the other and try to wring it out like a wet dishcloth it should not twist easily.

Pedorthist approved shoes

Use the 3 tests (above) to find a supportive pair of shoes – use these test on all shoe categories casual, sports, everyday, in-house, summer, work and dress.

Fit is critical for comfort and function. Ensure that the fit is great – follow up with out Canadian Certified Pedorthists or visit one of our trusted shoe retailers.

If you are wearing custom foot orthotics, look for shoes with an adjustable closure (laces or Velcro) and a remove-able insole which will make it easier to accommodate your custom orthotic.

A pair of grey New Balance running shoes

Special Features, Shoe Modifications
+ Custom Made FootwearShoe Modifications

A pair of custom made boots from Paris everyBODY

In some instances, your needs may require more accommodative orthopaedic footwear or a shoe modification. Some common accommodative features prescribed by a Health Care Professional include:

• Extra depth or width

• Rigid Rocker Soles

• Lifts

Some common shoe modifications: Stretching, External rocker sole, External lift, medial or lateral buttress/flare.

Custom Made Footwear requires an assessment from one of our Canadian Certified Pedorthists. Custom shoes are made for significant deformities that would not allow someone to purchase ready made shoes.