Certain foot conditions can cause chronic pain and discomfort, making it difficult to get through the day. If you suffer from a painful foot condition, you may have already looked into orthotics as a way of providing relief. Unfortunately, trying to find orthotics that are compatible with your footwear can be challenging, leaving you feeling frustrated and disappointed.
The best way to avoid compatibility issues between your orthotic inserts and your shoes is by shopping for orthopedic shoes that are designed with comfort in mind. That way, you can be sure that your orthotics fit correctly in your shoes, providing you with the support that you need.
Orthotic inserts only work if they fit correctly. That not only means making sure that they fit your foot but also that they fit in your shoes. The first step is to choose your orthotic inserts. Then, you can begin the process of shopping for shoes.
Step-By-Step Tips For Women To Find The Ideal Orthopedic Shoes
After you select your orthotics, the next step is to find shoes that they are compatible with. While shopping online is an option, it does present some challenges. You need to be cautious when choosing shoes from an online store since it is difficult to tell whether or not they will work with your inserts.
If you decide to shop for orthopedic shoes in person, keep the following tips in mind:
- Shop at stores that sell specialty footwear. Typically, these stores will allow you to bring your orthotics in to try them out with the shoes so you can make sure they fit.
- Plan your shopping trip in the late afternoon or early evening. Over the course of the day, feet have a tendency to swell. By shopping in the afternoon, you stand a better chance of finding shoes that feel good on your feet all day.
- Visit a specialty store that carries orthopedic shoes for women. They are far more likely to have a large variety of specialty sized wide shoes that will work for your situation than standard shoe stores that you can find at any shopping mall.
- Even though orthotics are designed to be lightweight, they do take up some space inside your shoes. Typically, it is best to go with shoes that have a wide footbed and that are relatively deep. You should also opt for shoes that are slightly rounded in the toe area rather than being pointed to provide additional room.
- Bring your orthotics with you to the store. Put them in the shoes before trying them on to make sure that they fit correctly. You should also wear whatever type of socks you plan on wearing with your new shoes. If you are interested in open shoes like these Sole Sandals you don’t need to worry about this.
- Don’t be afraid to get up and walk around the store when trying on shoes. The only way to tell whether or not they fit correctly is to try them out. Also, never purchase shoes without trying them on first.
One of the benefits of visiting a specialty store rather than a traditional shoe store is that they have experts on hand who can help you find a great fit. They will start by taking careful measurements of your feet. They can then make recommendations as to which shoes will work well with your orthotic inserts. This often results in a better fit.
If you don’t already have your orthotic inserts yet, either, you may be able to purchase them at a specialty footwear provider. Stores that specialize in orthopedic shoes for women often have inserts available that can provide you with the comfort and support that you need.
