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Orthopedic and Orthotic Shoes for Women and Men

Orthopedic shoes are specifically designed to support the feet, ankles, and legs. They can help reduce pain, prevent injury, and encourage circulation. Many orthopedic shoes are meant to help those with specific problems such as plantar fasciitis, diabetic neuropathy, arthritis, injuries, and more. Personal shoe modification and orthotics devices can assist with these issues in a non-surgical way, reducing pain and increasing mobility1. In addition to being supportive and comfortable, ortho shoes are also stylish. Find the perfect pair of orthopedic shoes at Vitality Medical.

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What Makes an Orthopedic or Orthotic Shoe?

  • A. Extra-deep toe box
  • B. Padded tongue
  • C. Cushioned collar
  • D. Heel stabilizer
  • E. Removable insole
  • F. Steel shank
  • G. Lightweight outsole
Orthopedic Footwear Diagram

 

 

Types of Orthopedic Shoes

Selecting the Best Orthopedic Shoe or Boot

 

 

Specialty Shoes for Problem Feet

Choosing the correct shoe is extremely important. Therapeutic shoes should protect and support the foot, as well as offering stability and reducing excess pressure. Picking the wrong type of shoe will not provide the desired relief and may potentially worsen problems in some cases.

 

Diabetic Shoe

Diabetic Shoes

Diabetes is a health problem around the world that is growing every year. One of the most common side effects is foot ulcers. If the ulcers are left untreated, they can become infected and may lead to a full or partial amputation of the foot2. When it comes to diabetes, preventing foot injuries is just as important as treating them. Diabetic Orthopedic Shoes are specifically designed to protect the foot to prevent ulcers. Putting pressure on the soles of the feet of those with diabetes can cause plantar ulcerations, and reducing this pressure will reduce the chance of such ulcers3. As such, diabetic walking shoes are typically wider and deeper than regular shoes, meant to minimize friction and pressure points on the foot. Vitality Medical offers a wide variety of diabetic shoes for men and diabetic shoes for women in multiple sizes and styles.

 

 

Plantar Fasciitis Shoes

Plantar Fasciitis has many names including the painful heel syndrome, subcalcaneal bursitis, subcalcaneal pain, medial arch sprain, stone bruise, calcaneal periostitis, neuritis, subcalcaneal spurs, and calcaneodynia4. It is the result of the plantar fascia ligament becoming agitated due to time or repeated long periods of standing on hard surfaces. Standing, walking, or moving all day typically causes irritation. Work shoes for plantar fasciitis and shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis should have arch support and supportive heel cups. The weight of the body should be distributed across the whole of the foot and there should be lots of cushioning to add comfort during long hours standing or moving.

Plantar Fasciitis Shoe

 

 

Arch Support Shoe

Arch Support Shoes

Too many shoes are flat and do not offer arch support. Wearing shoes that don't have proper support or cushioning can lead to pain, injuries, and other foot conditions. A good pair of shoes with arch support will be more comfortable, especially in the long term. For flat shoes, arch support insoles can help offer the necessary support. High arch support shoes, for those with higher arches, will have more cushion to accommodate the extra curvature of the foot.

 

 

Shoes for Flat Feet

Flat feet are also known as fallen arches. As the name suggests, more of the foot touches the ground than those with higher arches. It can be a hereditary condition or it can develop over time as a result of foot abuse, and it can cause the foot to roll inward. Orthopedic shoes for flat feet typically provide anatomical arch support that helps to stabilize the foot and prevent rolling. Good shoes for flat feet will also include extra depth so custom orthotics can be added if desired.

Flat Feet Shoe

 

 

Pronation Shoe

Pronation Shoes

Overpronation is when the foot tends to roll or collapse inward. This can lead to leg, foot, and ankle problems, especially among runners. While it's true that there is no correct way to run, many with overpronation find it uncomfortable or find that their shoes wear more quickly on the insides. Sneakers for overpronation have been found to reduce the amount of pronation that occurs while running or walking5. Walking shoes for overpronation provide additional support and stability, along with a wider sole for better motion control. Running shoes for overpronation are similar but usually made of more breathable material for a more comfortable ambulatory experience.

 

 

Supination Shoes

Supination is when the foot rolls toward the outside of the foot. It is sometimes known as underpronation and usually stems from an old injury or high arches. Unlike overpronation shoes, they should minimize corrections to the gait itself. Shoes for supination are typically similar to those for neutral feet, or those that don't supinate since those shoes don't overcorrect positioning. Walking shoes for supination should have good support and enough cushion for comfort without being bouncy. Materials should be lightweight and flexible to allow more foot motion.

Supination Shoe

 

 

Orthotic Boots

Orthopedic Boots

Whether hiking, working, or simply walking, orthopedic boots provide the same support and stability as orthopedic shoes. They are generally made out of more durable materials so they can better stand up to strenuous activity. Orthopedic work boots especially need to be comfortable as they are usually worn for long periods of time while standing or walking. They should provide arch support and assist in creating a natural-feeling step. Many have a deeper construction so that custom Orthotic Insoles can be added if needed, such as those that provide arch support boots are sometimes lacking.

 

 

Vitality Medical also offers a variety of therapy boots and ortho boots. Check out the wide range of Orthopedic Sandals for summer wear.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is it important to wear orthopedic shoes?
They provide extra support, cushioning, and stabilization where needed. Many foot conditions cause pain and discomfort while walking, standing, or running. Orthopedic shoes reduce pain and provide more comfort to the foot. Wearing proper shoes can help prevent foot issues from getting worse or from developing at all.

How do diabetic shoes help?
They decrease the risk of foot ulcers that may worsen and require amputation. Diabetic walking shoes minimize pressure points on the feet and usually have extra depth to accommodate inserts.

What should you do for diabetic feet?
Diabetes can increase the risk of problems with the foot, particularly sores and ulcers. Wearing specialized footwear and having regular exams can help keep the feet in good condition. Check the feet every day for any cuts, redness, swelling, blisters, or other sores or blemishes. Wash the feet every day but do not soak them. Use warm water. After washing, dry them completely and use lotion on the tops and bottoms. Going barefoot could lead to sores or injuries, so it is best not to do so, even when indoors.

 

 

Product Videos

 

Orthofeet Diabetic Shoes (4:38 minutes)


Diabetic Shoe Fitting Tips (18:18 minutes)


 

 

Footnotes

  • 1 Janisse, Dennis J., and Erick Janisse. "Shoe modification and the use of orthoses in the treatment of foot and ankle pathology." JAAOS-Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 16.3 (2008): 152-158. (Last Accessed September-1-2021)
  • 2 Anggoro, P. WISNU, et al. "Optimal Design and Fabrication of Shoe Lasts for Ankle Foot Orthotics for Patients With Diabetes." International Journal of Manufacturing, Materials, and Mechanical Engineering (IJMMME) 9.2 (2019): 62-80. (Last Accessed September-1-2021)
  • 3 Kato, H., et al. "The reduction and redistribution of plantar pressures using foot orthoses in diabetic patients." Diabetes research and clinical practice 31.1-3 (1996): 115-118. (Last Accessed September-1-2021)
  • 4 DeMaio, Marlene, et al. "Plantar fasciitis." Orthopedics 16.10 (1993): 1153-1163. (Last Accessed September-1-2021)
  • 5 Bates, B. T., et al. "Foot orthotic devices to modify selected aspects of lower extremity mechanics." The American journal of sports medicine 7.6 (1979): 338-342. (Last Accessed September-1-2021)
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