Finding Fashionable Shoes That Meet Your Orthodic Needs

Advances in podiatry are bringing comfort to feet everywhere. Often, however, to have comfortable feet one must sacrifice fashion. A style sacrifice mostly occurs when a custom, podiatrist-made orthodic or generic, over-the-counter arch support are recommended for feet. 

   
The choice of comfort over style seems most logical but if your profession calls for you to dress in a manner that frowns upon athletic shoes, the choice is not so easy. Or if you want to look nice for a special occasion, it can be awkward in formal wear and sneakers.For men shoe inserts are not often a problem. Their business and dress shoes are wider styles that are higher on the heel and most lace up.


For women the situation is much more difficult. Dress shoes, especially pumps, are not designed for inserts. Knowledgeable shoe sales staff have a few ideas that might help women in their quest for shoes that will work.




*If one is using a generic, over-the-counter insert, check for more narrow inserts or even ones that are marked as ‘for dress’ or ‘dress shoe friendly.’ If the orthodics are custom-made, check with the prescribing doctor about getting dress orthodics made. Keep in mind that custom-made orthodics are often rather expensive and dress orthodics do not work in every dress shoe.


*When making a purchase look for shoes that have a removable insole. Removable insoles are becoming more common on shoes and sandals, as the number of insert users grows. These shoes are also usually made wider and come up higher around the back of the shoe. These qualities help since dress shoes are usually created on a slimmer last (mold for the shoe) than athletic shoes and sometimes even a combination last, which will give the shoe a narrow heel. If the shoe does not have a removable insole, it is often easy to take the insole out without damaging the shoe. This must be done carefully and one must be certain they want the shoes, because often after this is done the shoes will not be able to be returned.