If you've ever worn orthotics, you know that they are a total game-changer when it comes to getting rid of your heel pain. Not only do they relieve the pain, but they also help you avoid the need for surgery. That being said, putting your inserts into any old shoe might slow down the healing process. If you're investing in your foot health, you should have all the facts and all the knowledge to get rid of heel pain faster.

Guy measures blue orthotics against his foot. He's wearing jeans and white socks. There's a tan sneaker sitting in the frame.Why Orthotic-Friendly Shoes Really Do Matter

When you look inside your shoes, you'll notice that there is usually an insert already provided by the manufacturer. Some running shoes come with more advanced prefabricated orthotics, but the quality is simply not the same as a custom or more elevated OTC shoe inserts. Make sure that your shoes' originial inserts are removable, or come to terms with the fact that you'll probably need to rip them out if they are glued in. Doing this will allow more room for the orthotics to fit properly and avoid that cramped feeling in your feet. 

Can You Put Orthotics in Any Shoe?

Most of the questions we get from patients after recieving their new pair of custom orthotics have to do with the shoes they'll be wearing them with. In fact, some people even bring two or three pairs along with them to make sure the inserts will work with a variety of footwear options.

The truth is, you physically cannot put orthotics into any shoe. It would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to wear your inserts with flip flops. We know how much you love your Crocs, but the shallow heel counter makes them a bad fit for orthotics. Even so, a little pre-planning can ensure that you'll be able to wear your custom orthotics with most of the shoes you own.

Running Shoes For Orthoticsbare foot placing their foot on a red, yellow, and blue orthotic

Runners can benefit from the extra support orthotics offer. Ditch the prefabricated insoles that came with the shoes when you bought them, and you'll be able to enjoy the relief mile after mile. While we don't recommend wearing your orthoitcs on a run the first few weeks of the break-in process, making sure that you're already wearing stable running shoes can make the transition seamless.

Generally, sneakers with a wide enough toe box, a high heel counter, and stable arch should work with both custom and prefabricated orthotics.

Dress Shoes For Orthotics

This is where things get a little trickier. For men's dress shoes, making sure that they are not too tight is the main issue. Slipping orthotics into a shoe that is already tight can make your feet feel cramped and crowded. When it comes to women's dress shoes, the narrower design can make it difficult for the orthotics to fit width-wise. Luckily, streamlined orthotics, often called  3/4 length orthotics, are available. These are, you guessed it, a streamlined insert designed to fit perfectly into narrow flats and even heels. That's right: you can even wear orthotics with heels. 

A pair of beat-up brown leather lace-up work bootsCan You Wear Orthotics In Your Work Boots?

What do lady's dress shoes and steel-toed work boots have in common? A streamlined design works best in both! Tall work boots might reach halfway up the calf, making it difficult to slide a full-length insole down to sit where it should. This is especially true for rigid orthotics. 3/4 length orthotics are best suited for tall boots including steel-toes, rubber work boots, and even cowboy boots! 

Stylish Shoes to Put Your Orthotics InA woman sits on a chair and puts on a pair of black stilletos

It's 2022. We're no longer settling for ugly, frumpy-looking orthopedic shoes. We're not compromising on style for the sake of our foot health. Any foot and ankle specialist can tell you that when given the choice between unsupportive shoes that look great and less fashionable shoes that are more stable, any normal person is going to pick the cute shoes. Because who doesn't love cute shoes?

Luckily, modern technology has made it easier than ever to take care of your feet, get rid of or even prevent heel painand look cute while doing it. We've given lots of recommendations for stylish podiatrist-recommended shoes, and almost all of those suggestions can work with a pair of orthotics. 

Custom Orthotics Made For Any Pair of Shoes

If your fear of giving up the shoes you love was holding you back from considering custom orthotics, let this be a sign that you don't have to settle. Foot pain isn't normal, and custom orthotics are a great non-surgical treatment for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, Sever's disease, and more. See if you're a candidate! Call us today at 989-695-6788 and get an appointment in less than 3 weeks. Do you have questions about orthotics? Want to know if your insurance covers custom insoles? Fill out the contact form and our friendly staff at our clinic in Freeland, MI, will reach out to you and get you the help you need.

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