When it comes to protecting your feet from injuries, shoes are an essential tool. They act as a barrier against punctures, cuts, scrapes, burns, and even frostbites. However, shoes also serve another purpose - they can change the alignment, gait, and biomechanics of your feet.

According to Dr. Steven Gershman, DPM, shoes are like orthodontia for teeth. They can help correct any issues with your feet and improve their overall function. This is especially important when you consider the dramatic difference in foot appearance between societies that wear shoes and those that do not. Without shoes, toes are separated in a way that resembles a hand.

What is an Orthopedic Shoe?

Orthopedic shoes are specially designed footwear that provide support, cushioning, and pain relief to the feet, ankles, legs, and lower back. Unlike regular shoes, orthopedic shoes are made with specific features that cater to different foot shapes, widths, and conditions. They are designed to offer comfort and alleviate pain caused by various foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, and flat feet.

Orthopedic shoes come in different styles, ranging from sneakers to dress shoes, and are designed for specific activities and types of surfaces. Some of the features that make orthopedic shoes unique include extra cushioning, arch support, wider toe boxes, and removable insoles.

By wearing orthopedic shoes, you can improve your overall foot health and prevent further foot problems. They offer excellent support and comfort, making them an ideal choice for people who spend long hours on their feet or engage in physical activities.

What Are the Benefits of Orthopedic Shoes?

If you are looking for shoes that can provide comfort, support, and protection for your feet, orthopedic shoes might be the answer. These shoes are designed to cater to people with various foot problems, such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and bunions. Orthopedic shoes offer several benefits that can help improve your foot health and overall well-being.

Arch Support

One of the most important features of orthopedic shoes is the arch support. The orthotic insoles in these shoes are designed to provide good arch support, which can help eliminate excessive pronation that affects foot function and causes foot and heel pain. The arch support also helps to reduce pressure on the heel and ball of the foot, by transferring a substantial portion of body weight to the arch. This feature can help alleviate stress on the knees, hips, and lower back, as well as improve foot and leg alignment.

Variety of Widths

Orthopedic shoes come in a variety of widths to offer a precise fit and accommodate more foot sizes, shapes, and problems. Unlike most shoes that are designed for the average foot and are available in medium widths, orthopedic shoes are available in medium, wide, extra wide, narrow, and extra extra wide sizes. This feature can help provide a better fit and cater to people with different foot widths.

Extra Depth

Orthopedic shoes are constructed on a special shoe last with extra depth to accommodate thick insoles and orthotics. This feature also offers a relaxed, comfortable fit that eliminates pressure points on the foot. If you love wearing thick cushioned socks that require more space, this feature can be a bonus for you.

Wide Toe Box

Orthopedic shoes have a wide toe box that offers pressure relief for bunions and hammertoe deformities and allows extra room for toe movement. This feature can help alleviate pain and discomfort caused by these foot conditions, as well as provide more space for your toes to move freely.

Protective Interior

Orthopedic shoes are normally made with a soft, smooth interior that provides gentle contact with the foot and eliminates pressure points. Some shoes even have a seam-free interior that prevents irritation to sensitive feet. This feature can help provide essential protection for people with diabetes, neuropathy, and other foot conditions.

Stretchable Uppers

Orthopedic shoes have a stretchable upper design that allows the upper area of the shoe to stretch and shape to the contours of the foot. This feature eases pressure on bunions and hammertoes, and eliminates pressure points on the foot. If your feet tend to swell throughout the day, the stretch adjusts itself so it feels like you bought two different shoe sizes.

Special Soles

Orthopedic shoes have lightweight soles and a mild rocker bottom design that softens impacts and helps facilitate foot motion. The wide sole design also enhances stability while walking. These features can help improve mobility and stability, as well as alleviate pain at the heels, feet, knees, hips, and lower back.

When Should You Wear Orthopedic Shoes?

Orthopedic shoes are specifically designed to provide support, cushioning, and promote biomechanical motion of your feet. If you have foot problems such as hammertoes, bunions, flat feet, arthritis, overpronation, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, or any other foot condition, then wearing orthopedic shoes is highly recommended. They can alleviate or eliminate pain, and prevent future foot conditions from developing.

However, even if you have healthy feet, wearing orthopedic shoes can still benefit you. These shoes are designed to correct foot posture, provide support, and cushioning, which can help prevent foot problems from developing in the future. Therefore, it is recommended to wear orthopedic shoes as a preventive measure to keep your feet healthy and pain-free.

In summary, orthopedic shoes offer many advantages compared to ordinary shoes. They can help alleviate pain, improve mobility and stability, provide a better fit, and provide essential protection for people with various foot conditions. If you are looking for shoes that can provide comfort, support, and protection for your feet, orthopedic shoes might be the right choice for you.