Why are Orthopedic Shoes the Best Type of Footwear?

To answer this question, we should first consider why we need to wear shoes at all. The answer of course is that shoes protect our feet from objects which may hurt us; they are an important barrier to foot injuries such as punctures, cuts, scrapes, burns, and even frost bite. 

However, it’s not enough just to wear any pair of shoes. In fact, wearing shoes that are poorly made or shoes with insufficient cushion or support can do more harm than good. And this leads us to the question: Why are orthopedic shoes the best type of footwear for your feet?

Arch Support - Orthopedic shoes feature orthotic insoles that provide good arch support. The main purpose of the arch support is to eliminate excessive pronation, which affects foot function and is the main cause of foot and heel pain.

Orthotic insoles help reduce pressure on the heel and the ball of the foot by transferring a substantial portion of body weight to the arch. In shoes without good arch support, the arch area doesn’t participate in distributing the pressure under the foot.

Excessive pronation causes the leg to internally rotate, putting stress on the knee, hip and lower back. Orthotic insoles with good arch support play an important role in alleviating stress on the knees, hips and lower back as well in improving foot and leg alignment.

Variety of Widths - Orthopedic shoes are made in a variety of widths to offer a precise fit. Most of these shoes are available in medium, wide and extra wide, but you can also find shoes in narrow and extra-extra wide sizes as well.

Extra Depth - Orthopedic shoes are constructed on a special shoe last with extra depth to accommodate thick insoles, and orthotics and offer a loose, comfortable fit, which eliminates pressure points on the foot.

Wide Toe Box - A wide toe box offers pressure relief for bunions and hammer-toe deformities and allows extra room for toe movement.

Protective Interior - Orthopedic shoes are normally made with a soft, smooth interior, designed to provide gentle contact with the foot and eliminate pressure points.

Stretchable Uppers - A stretchable upper design allows the upper area of the shoe to stretch and shape to the contours of the foot, easing pressure on bunions and hammertoes and eliminating pressure points on the foot.

Special Soles - Orthopedic shoes are made with lightweight soles and a mild rocker-bottom design that soften impacts and helps facilitate foot motion. The wide sole design enhances stability while walking.

To summarize, Orthopedic shoes offer many advantages compared to ordinary shoes:

1. Help alleviate pain at the heels, feet, knees, hips and lower back.
2. Improve mobility and stability.
3. Provide a better fit.
4. Provide essential protection for those with diabetes and neuropathy.

Fun fact: The word “orthopedic” is formed from two Greek roots; “ortho”, which means “correct” and “pedic”, which means foot. The two roots together, therefore, mean “correct foot”, so by definition, orthopedic shoes are good for your feet!

Source: orthofeet

RIVERA FOOT & ANKLE: At Orlando H.Rivera DPM, our priority is to deliver quality care to informed patients in a comfortable and convenient setting. When you have problems with your feet, you need to turn to a podiatrist who listens and responds… an experienced doctor who knows the field and can effectively diagnose and treat your needs… a friendly physician who counsels you on the best ways to maintain and improve your health. Our physician(s) meet all these criteria. Plus, you benefit from a dedicated team of trained professionals who give you the individualized attention you deserve.

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